Ashes(63)

"I'm not worried about our lair's reaction," said Knox, "but I still want to be in control of when others find out."



Tanner inclined his head. "Then we keep it quiet for now."



"You know," began Harper, "I have the distinct feeling that finding out I'm pregnant may draw out the remaining Horsemen." She looked at Knox. "What better way to make you lose all control than to take your pregnant mate from you?"



A muscle in Knox's cheek ticked. "I know that, and I hate it."



Yeah, so did she.





CHAPTER ELEVEN 





As Harper took her jacket from the coat rack, the girls gathered close – their expressions sad, eyes shiny with unshed tears. She rolled her eyes. "For God's sake, I'm not going off to war or anything."



"It just won't be the same without you around," said Devon, shoulders drooping. "I'll bet Knox is delighted that this was your last day at work for a while."



"Oh, he's ecstatic," said Harper. "He doesn't even have the courtesy to pretend differently." Earlier that morning, he'd given her a self-satisfied, lopsided smile as they parted ways. She'd bet he'd been doing a mental countdown, ticking off each day with utter pleasure.



"You decorated the nursery yet?" asked Khloë.



Slipping on her jacket, Harper flicked her hair out of her collar. "No, I decided to leave everything until I started maternity leave or I'd have nothing at all to do."



"If you need any help with anything, just let us know," said Raini.



Harper smiled. "Thanks." The days since she'd found out she was pregnant had passed so fast. It had also passed without incident. Nonetheless, her demon had become edgier and edgier as time went on. It looked upon each stranger as a threat, and craved Knox's company more than usual – he was the one thing that made her demon feel safe and secure. The entity needed that sense of safety right now.



Tanner raised a brow at Harper as he and Keenan rose from the sofa. "Ready to go?"



She grabbed her purse. "Yep." Each of the girls pulled her into a hug one at a time.



Raini bit her lip. "It's going to be so weird not seeing you every day."



"Same here. And it's also going to be weird not coming here every day. I'll pop in occasionally." At Tanner's disgruntled growl, Harper shot him a hostile look. "I will not confine myself to my home, no matter how totally cool that home is."



"I'll miss you." Devon patted her arm. "But one good thing will come from you not being here so much. It means the pooch won't be here so much either."



Tanner grinned. "Ah, kitty, we both know you'll miss me. Want a tissue?"



"For my tears of joy? No."



"We went shopping for baby clothes." Raini held up her hand. "Don't worry, we took Aunt Kayla, so it didn't look suspicious. Next time we come see you, we'll bring the little outfits with us. Wait till you see how cute they are!"



Khloë tilted her head, frowning at Harper. "You don't look good."



"I don't feel good," she admitted. She felt a little flushed and just …  off.



"And you didn't say anything earlier?" Raini shook her head in frustration. "I know you're used to soldiering on, no matter what happens, but you don't have just you to think about now. Your body's telling you it needs to rest, so listen to it."



"I didn't say I was tired, I said I didn't feel good. But I haven't exactly felt ‘right' since the moment I conceived." As Dr. Rodgers had predicted, the fatigue was gone, her appetite was back, and she no longer had a problem sleeping. She'd also regained the weight that she'd lost and had a noticeable pouch going on. She'd so far been able to conceal it with baggy clothes, but she wouldn't manage that much longer, so it really was best that she started her maternity leave now.


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"Fine," said Raini. "Just take care of yourself, okay?"



Harper saluted her. "Sure thing, Mom." Slinging her purse on her shoulder, she gripped the strap as she gave the studio one last look. She was going to miss her job big time.



Tanner opened the door for her, but he didn't usher her out. He just stood there, patiently giving her a few moments.



Harper shot the girls one last smile. "Don't be strangers." With their goodbyes ringing in her ears, Harper followed Keenan out of the studio. The two sentinels flanked her as they stalked down the strip. The Underground was busier than usual, making both her and her demon feel crowded, and she found herself repeatedly blowing out a long breath to stay cool and calm.