“You need me with you. I can handle Rennata. Velimai can take care of the house and Amylia can take care of herself.” He shook his head. “I’m serious, Chrys. I need to be there with you.”

Chrysabelle wanted to argue, but she smiled instead. If this was how the big brother thing worked, she was okay with that. It was sweet, really. She left her packing to take hold of his crossed arms. “It’s nice that somebody else wants to watch over me.”

“That’s what family does. Except you won’t let me do it.”

“Just in this instance. You can watch over me all you want when I get back. But you have to stay here. Trust me on this, I know best.”

His frown deepened. “I don’t like your going alone.”

“I’m not going alone. I’m going with Mal.”

He grunted. “You’re going to the Primorus Domus alone.”

“Yes, but I know what to expect now.” She returned to her bag, zipping it shut. “I won’t be spending a lot of time there. Just a few words with Rennata, and then I’m going to hide in the lower levels of Tatiana’s estate until Mal is ready to strike. We’ve got it all worked out, I promise.”

Jerem stuck his head in. “Plane’s ready.” He nodded at her bag. “Want me to load that?”

“Sure, thanks. Is Mal coming back from the freighter or are we picking him up on the way?”

Jerem grabbed the bag. “Picking him up.”

“Let’s go then.” She kissed Damian’s cheek as she passed. “We’ll be fine.” She gave his arm a squeeze. “But feel free to pray.”

Within an hour, she and Mal were on board the plane and the pilot and copilot she’d hired were completing their preflight check. Mal took her hand as they sat side by side. “Nervous about going back to the Primorus Domus?”

“Yes. Obviously, my history with Rennata isn’t good, but as I’m no longer under her control, there’s not much she can do. Except not let me in.”

His eyes narrowed. “I like the new look.”

She plucked at the gray leather jacket and black jeans she’d chosen. “Fi’s influence mostly.” The top was one of her comarré tunics, picked especially for its ability to hide her belly. She rested her arm on top of his, twining her fingers between his. “I know you’re going to fight me on this, but you need to feed. You need your strength for this trip.”

His jaw tensed and she could feel a protest coming on. She spoke before he could argue. “Listen to me. I know you’re worried that you’re going to be taking blood from the baby, but I’m not tired and my body is producing plenty. I’d know if it weren’t.” She smiled sweetly. “Besides, we both know there’s no point in arguing, because I will nag you until you break.”

He snorted. “That’s a given.” He twisted to splay his hand across her rounding stomach. “Protecting you and this child are my main priority, so even if you think I’m going to protest, I’m not. I’ve already lost the ability to go to smoke since I haven’t fed from you. Going against Tatiana and Lilith means I have to be at a hundred percent. If you think I can feed without harming the baby, then I trust you.”

She raised her brows. “Are you feeling okay? That really doesn’t sound like you.”

He mocked an injured look. “Hey, I can change.”

“Yes, but change with you isn’t usually this good.” A sly smile crept over her face and she bit her bottom lip. “Remember the last time you drank from me?”

His eyes shimmered silver. “Yes. You ended up pregnant.”

“No chance of that happening again.” She stood, grabbed his hand, and pulled him to his feet.

“Where are we going?”

“The bedroom. We’ve got time to kill anyway.” She laughed, walking backward down the aisle.

“Is that what I am to you? Just a way to pass time?” His voice was low and teasing and sent a shiver down her spine. He pulled her up against him, cupping her body close. Leaning down, he nipped her ear. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She cradled his face in her hands. “Don’t leave me again. Swear it.”

“I won’t. I promise.” He kissed her. “This time when we come home, we’re not leaving. This is our last trip to Corvinestri. We’re a family now and no one is going to interfere with this chance at happiness.”

He looked her square in the eyes. “No one.”

Fi found Doc sitting on the floor of the shower, flames dancing over his body, his head in his hands and his back against the wall. “Baby? You okay?” She’d thought the fire thing was under control. Apparently not.

“I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t want to believe Barasa or Omur is to blame for this. They’ve supported me throughout this whole mess, supported you and supported us being together, but I guess that support went too far.”

He raised his head, then held his hand out and stared at the blue fire shimmering over his skin. “And now you know the witch’s curse never left me.” He stood and punched his fist into the shower wall, cracking the marble. “Damn it. What kind of man am I to drag you into all this?”

“Stop it,” she yelled. “You didn’t drag me anywhere. I came willingly. Because I love you. I’ve always come willingly when you’re concerned. Where we’re concerned. This isn’t about you; it’s about us. Don’t you dare fall apart on me.” She blew out a hard breath. “And don’t you dare punch that shower again. I love that shower.”