She scooped a dollop of buttercream onto the end of her offset spatula and dropped it on top of the cake.
“I’m back.” Pandora slipped into the station.
Hugh tensed at Delaney’s side. “What did you find out?”
The witch put the coffee cup back on the worktable. “There’s nothing in there but coffee, sugar and creamer.”
Hugh scowled. “Check it again.”
Delaney elbowed her husband. “If there’s nothing in it, there’s nothing it in.”
Cole and Kaley walked up. He nodded at Delaney before looking at Pandora. “How’s it going?”
The witch answered, “Really good or not good at all, depending on your point of view.”
“The coffee?” he asked.
Pandora shrugged. “Just coffee.”
A new wave of lethargy hit Delaney. “I need to sit.”
Hugh got her into the chair, holding onto her like she might break. “You want some water?” He glanced up. “Pandora, will you get her water? And we should call a doctor.”
“You got it,” Pandora said. “You want anything else, Delaney?”
“Maybe…” She held up her hand for Pandora to wait as another wave of dizziness swept through her.
Cole pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll get a doctor.”
“What’s wrong?” Kaley asked.
Cole dialed as he answered. “Mrs. Ellingham isn’t feeling well, kiddo.”
Kaley nodded, eyes wide as she took it all in. She walked up to Delaney. “Is it because of the baby?”
Delaney laced her fingers with Hugh’s. “What baby, honey?”
“Pandora, water, please,” Hugh said.
“Your baby,” Kaley answered. “The one you’re going to have.”
Delaney stared at the teen. “What are you talking about?”
Kaley lifted one shoulder. “You’re pregnant.” She waved her hands through the air near Delaney. “I can see it in your aura.”
Pandora stopped on her way out of the baking station and pivoted. “I’m totally going for that water, but wow.” She grinned. “You’re preggo!”
“I can’t be.” Delaney shook her head.
Hugh stood. Then knelt again. Then stood. “Is this…can she…how accurate…” He clapped a hand over his mouth and looked at Delaney.
Pandora grinned. “If Kaley sees it in your aura, it’s real. The kid does not misread an aura.” She threw her arm around Kaley’s shoulders and hugged her. “It’s her gift.”
Delaney put a hand on her belly and looked down. A baby? Then she lifted her head, tears blurring her vision, and looked at her husband. “The only thing wrong with me is morning sickness.” She laughed and a happy tear spilled down her cheek. “We’re having a baby.”
He nodded, looking very dumbstruck as his hand slowly came off his mouth. “We’re having a baby.”
“Pandora,” Delaney said. “I think my husband could use that water.”
Still grinning, Pandora gave her a wink. “On it.”
Then reality seemed to hit Hugh and he snapped to attention. “Cole, you and Kaley keep an eye on Delaney’s station. We’ll be right back.”
“We will?” Delaney asked.
“Yes.” He scooped her up in his arms. “I know just how to fix you.”
* * *
For the second time that day, the Ellingham name was used to gain a little privacy. This time, Hugh did it in person, sending the volunteers in the first aid tent away until further notice.
He laid Delaney down on one of the cots that had been set up, then pulled out his phone and texted Stanhill with instructions. He was elated at the news of her pregnancy, but the celebration could come after she was safe.
She pushed up onto her elbows. “I’m pregnant, I’m not dying.”
“You’re in worse shape than either one of us realized. Lay still.”
“You’re not the boss of me.” Then she made a face. “Do you know what’s wrong with me?”
“I do. The baby is draining your resources. You fed, what, a day ago?”
She nodded.
“You must feed every day now. I’m surprised you haven’t collapsed before this. All that sugar you were ingesting must have given you false energy. Both you and the child could be in danger.”
“I don’t feel that bad.” But she lay back down, watching him with great curiosity until her eyes drifted shut and she went very still.
Sleep was good for her, Hugh knew that. But what she really needed was blood. She was feeding for two now and the child growing inside her was in as much danger as she was if that wasn’t rectified immediately. A vampire baby had very different needs than a human one.