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  “Dublin’s mighty scared, but I’ll work on O’Leary,” Duncan added.

  “Thank you, Duncan.” Mika said. “I’m sorry this has made your job harder.”

  “Don’t worry about us,” Julianna said. “But, do you have any more intelligence about these attacks? I mean, specifics. What did the mages want? Did they take anything or anyone?”

  Mika had been asking herself the same thing, ever since the mages came back into the picture. But there was no pattern they could discern or specific demands from the mages. “No, I’m afraid we don’t know anything new.”

  “Isn’t it strange?” Duncan’s brows knitted together. “All these attacks over the past year … and we still don’t know what they want exactly.”

  “They want the artifacts, and they want to destroy us, that we know for sure.” Mika said.

  “Yes, but all they need is the former to do the latter,” Duncan added. “What do you think, Daric?”

  The warlock’s turquoise eyes grew dark. “You’re right. The mages only came to us because we had the dagger and Adrianna and Lucas. Then we started our campaign against them, and so we thought they were only retaliating for what we did. But now … their targets seem random but the mages are so organized that they must have some plan. They can’t possibly be doing this just to prevent us from gaining more alliances.”

  “And then there was that attack against you, Mika,” Julianna pointed out. “It was specific, almost personal, don’t you think?”

  Her jaw dropped. She hadn’t thought of that, but somehow, it made sense that it would be a personal attack. But who would want her dead?

  “There was something off about the whole thing,” Daric said. “I’ve been too busy to investigate myself, but it seems like an anomaly. Has there been any other progress on the investigation? Do we know the identity of the assassin or who hired them?”

  “I’m afraid not,” she said with a shake of her head. “A total dead end.” But now that they pointed out how unusual the attack was, she couldn’t help but think about it. “There’s not much more to talk about,” she said to Julianna and Duncan. “You should get some rest before your flight back to New York. We can continue in person once you’re back.”

  They said their goodbyes, and Mika hung up the call. “What do you think, Daric? About all this?”

  He rose from his chair. “I think … I have a gut feeling that your assassin isn’t connected to all this.”

  “It’s not? But then, who could have sent them? My only real enemies are the mages. You know I haven’t had much of a life outside GI.”

  “I don’t know.” His mouth tensed into a grim line. “But I will do my best to find out.”

  “If it’s not the mages then you shouldn’t bother—no, don’t worry about me. So far, no one’s tried to attack me again.”

  “Still, it’s a good thing you have your protector with you.” There was something about his tone that sounded like he wasn’t surprised about her and Delacroix. “He will ensure nothing happens to you, so I’m glad to leave you in his hands.”

  A thought popped into her head. Were those rumors about the warlock true? “Daric, did you see—” But before she could finish her question, he disappeared. How convenient.

  “Cher.” The door opened, and Delacroix poked his head inside her office. “All done for the day?” He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, the contact never failing to make her feel calm. “Why don’t we leave early tonight? It’s the weekend, you really shouldn’t be working.”

  “I can’t rest with all the stuff that’s going on. You know that—oh!” She moaned as his fingers began to massage the knots in her neck. “Yes … don’t stop.”

  “You know I don’t,” he chuckled. “I heard you complaining this morning to your mother that your clothes don’t fit right anymore.”

  “Yes, please remind me how I’m fat,” she said glumly.

  “Non, that’s not why I said that. Do not try to start a fight, cher.” He muttered something in French under his breath. “You are beautiful, and I want you now more than ever.” There was a gleam of possession in his eyes as he placed a hand over her growing belly. “But you need to be comfortable. How about we go shopping, and you can get some new clothes, then we get some dinner? Anything you like.”

  “Anything?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “All right.” She grabbed her purse from the back of the chair and walked over to her closet so she could take her coat out. “But dinner first. I want two racks of barbecue ribs to myself, French fries, a baked potato with everything on it, cornbread and honey butter, plus two desserts. If you try to take a bite, I’m going to stab you in the eye with my fork.”

  He laughed. “I value my life far too much, cher.”

  Not surprisingly, she did feel better after food. After her humungous dinner, they went to a popular department store in Midtown so she could get some new maternity clothes. Delacroix seemingly had the patience of a saint as he waited for her outside the dressing room, never complaining as she tried on outfit after outfit. She ended up with two large bags of clothing which he grabbed from the cashier.

  “I’m pooped,” she declared as they walked out of the maternity section. “Can we go now, please?”

  “Wait.” He stopped, then nodded to the display on the right. It was a nursery set-up with a crib, changing table, and rocking chair, all decorated with a circus animal theme. “Let’s stop in there for a couple of minutes.”

  “Oh.” God, she hadn’t even thought of where the baby would sleep. The birth seemed so far away in her mind. “I don’t have to worry about it for a while.”

  He took her hands in his and kissed each one. “Cher, I’ve been thinking.”

  She tried to sound as casual as she could. “Oh? About what?”

  “You know, we’re runnin’ out of time, and the baby will be here soon.”

  “I have plenty of time.”

  “We have less than four months, according to Dr. Blake,” he said. “With all the trouble brewin’, you won’t have much time to prepare, and I know your work is important. I could never ask you to give it up.”

  “Oh.” Thank God.

  “So, I want to make it easier for you. Move in with me.”

  Now that, she didn’t expect. “M-m-move in?”

  “You practically live at my apartment,” he pointed out. “You only go home to change your clothes, and you won’t keep anything more than a toothbrush at my place.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “I have too much stuff. I don’t want to clutter your place. I know guys can be sensitive about that.”

  “Most guys, yes, but you haven’t asked me if I minded?”

  She bit her lip, unable to answer him.

  “Why do you think I asked to be moved to a larger apartment? Mika, if it’s not obvious by now, then let me say it: I want you to be with me. You and the baby. For us to be a fam—”

  “Don’t push me!” She yanked her hands away. Panic had set in and her emotions were starting to spin out of control. “You said you’d give me time. It’s only been two weeks.”

  “How much time then, Mika?” He rubbed his hand down his face. “When will you let me in? At least a little bit. Leave a crack in the door so I can take a peek. Tell me what’s been bothering you. I know there’s something you’ve been keeping from me.”

  “Oh, and I suppose you’ve been open with me all this time?” She shot back. “Do you want to tell me the real story of that night you called Nick to get you the hell out of that Podunk town? Why you left the clan who took you in when you were orphaned?”

  His mouth clamped shut, and his eyes flashed with anger. “I’ll get the car,” he said in a robotic tone. “Wait for me outside.”

  She knew she had made a mistake. “Marc. Marc!” But he didn’t stop or even turn back. As his figure retreated, she could only watch, helpless. The pit in her stomach was growing. It was wrong to say those things to him wh
en he’d been nothing but patient with her. She should have been open from the beginning.

  Though she was still feeling numb, she somehow found her way to the street level. They had parked about a block away, so he would likely pull up to the front entrance of the department store. As she stood at the exit, keeping her eye out for her car, she heard someone call her name.

  “Mika?”

  She turned around, and it took seconds before her brain put together the identity of the owner of the voice. “Madeline?” Her heart stopped for one beat as she stared at the white-haired, older woman before her and the man beside her. “George?”

  “I thought that was you.” Achingly familiar blue eyes looked back at her.

  “I’m …” There were no words to describe how she felt, except it was like a phantom pain that had resurfaced. Because what was she supposed to say to Madeline and George Morgan, Joe’s parents. “H-how have you both been?”

  Madeline looked at her with a curious expression, then her eyes dropped lower. “Oh.” There was a hitch in her voice as she stared at Mika’s obviously pregnant belly. “You’re …” She swallowed audibly. “Congratulations.”

  Mika didn’t miss the brief pain that passed across the older woman’s face. After all, Madeline knew the struggles she and Joe had, about how hard they tried for a baby of their own. And, of course, now she must think—

  George cleared his throat and put an arm around his wife. “Mika, dear, it’s lovely to see you. I’m glad to see you’re well.” He tightened his hold on his wife. “We both are, aren’t we Maddy?”

  “Oh.” Madeline blinked, as if she’s been shaken out of a trance. “Oh! Dear.” She shook her head. “It’s been a long while and we didn’t really keep in touch as much as we should have … I was just caught by surprise.”

  “I should have told you,” Mika said bitterly. “It was … insensitive of me to spring this on you like this.”

  Madeline looked horrified. “Oh no, please don’t think that, Mika.” Her hands, paper-thin and wrinkled, squeezed around hers with a reassuring strength. “You’ll always be like a daughter to us. But you also have your own life, we all do. And we must … move on.” She looked to her husband, giving him a weak smile to which he replied with a solemn nod. “Not to ever forget Joe and what he means to us, but also continue on with our lives because that’s what he would have wanted.” She gave Mika’s hands a squeeze. “I’m so happy to see you’ve fulfilled your dream of being a mother. He would have wanted this for you. And I’m sure your husband must be very happy too.”

  “I—” How to say it? How to tell them? “I don’t—”

  “Cher?”

  And there it was, the sound of the other shoe dropping.

  She’d been so caught up with Madeline and George that she didn’t hear the car approach or Delacroix coming up to her. She wished she had talked to him about Joe before, but now it was too late. Unless she quickly got him out of here and then explain to him. Really explain this time.

  Madeline smiled warmly. “Oh, hello. Is this your—”

  “Bodyguard,” she said, the tone coming out flat. Without even looking at him, she felt Delacroix flinch at the word. Her wolf didn’t like that and clawed at her in anger.

  George didn’t look convinced. “Oh. You’re still working at the security firm at your uncle’s company?”

  “Kind of,” she said. “I’ve moved departments. Promotion.”

  “That’s nice—Oh no.” Madeline looked at her watch. “George, they’re going to give our table away if we don’t hurry.”

  “You’re right, Maddy. We should go. Mika,” he began. “It’s nice seeing you.”

  “Please, call me anytime, you know our number at home,” Maddy said, the corner of her eyes crinkling as she smiled. “Congratulations.” She reached over to wrap her arms around Mika.

  “Th-thank you,” she murmured as her former mother-in-law hugged her tight. “I might take you up on that.”

  “I would love it.”

  She watched as the couple crossed the street, her own heart thudding her rib cage. “Marc, I—”

  He quickly turned around without saying anything, but the stiffness in his shoulders and his tightly controlled gait told her everything.

  I fucked up.

  Her wolf agreed, its claws sinking into her. And she allowed it, because it couldn’t compare to the pain she’d inflicted on him.

  I have to make it right!

  He had already slipped inside the car, and she scrambled after him. “Marc—”

  The engine roared to life as he turned the key in the ignition. Before she could continue, he stepped on the gas, making the car jerk forward. She braced herself on the dash, then quickly secured herself with the seatbelt.

  From the grim set of his jaw and the tension in his arms and shoulders, she knew this wasn’t the time to talk. So, she sank back into her seat and clamped her mouth shut as the car made its way uptown.

  When they got to The Enclave, she realized he wasn’t driving toward his apartment building, but to hers. Her heart sank as the car entered the garage and pulled up to the front of the elevator lobby. Wordlessly, he got out of the car, took her packages out of the trunk, and came to the front to open the door for her.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “I’m escorting you to your apartment, Ms. Westbrooke.” Each word cut into her like a blade.

  “Marc, please.” She got out of the car and faced him. “Don’t be like this.”

  “Like what?” He kept his stare ahead, his eyes hard as flint.

  “Like you’re … like you’re just—”

  “Your bodyguard?” he finished. “Or some guy you fuck when you’re feeling horny?”

  “No! No, Marc, please.” She gripped his arms. “It’s not like that. You’re not just some guy. I’m sorry I said that to … to …”

  “Are you ashamed of me? Ashamed to tell your fancy friends who I am?” He wrenched himself away from her. “I never thought it would ever matter to me what other people think, only your opinion mattered. But now I see the truth. I’m not good enough for you, I never was,” he spat. “I’m just poor bayou trash. My own parents didn’t want—”

  “Stop.” His words made her ache. Ache for him, for what had happened to him. And what she had done to him. It was time to lay things out in the open. “I don’t see you that way, please. How can you think I do?”

  “Then why won’t you let me in?”

  “Because … because.” Her throat was burning, but she pushed on. “Because it feels like if I do, I’m betraying him!” The words shocked her, but it was what she needed to admit. Moving on felt like a betrayal to Joe.

  His brows furrowed in confusion. “Who?”

  She had practiced this so many times in her head. What she would say to him, how to explain. But really, how else could she tell him? “Joe. He was my husband.”

  “Was?” He looked shocked. “You were …”

  She nodded. “He’s … gone.”

  “I …” He raked his hands through his hair. “How did he …?”

  “It was a car accident. We were on our way home, and a drunk driver crashed into us. I s-s-survived because of my Lycan healing. He was killed on impact. I—” She drew in a deep breath as he embraced her and the tears began to flow. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”

  “Shh … cher.” He loosened his grip on her. “Was that couple you were talking to—”

  “His parents. I was just as surprised to see them as they were to run into me. After the funeral, we said we’d keep in touch and never did. I know they were shocked when they saw I was pregnant. They said they were happy for me, and I know they were because that’s the kind of people they are. But I just didn’t want to rub it in their faces that I … we …” she sobbed. “That I had moved on and was having my own child while they had lost theirs.”

  “Mika.” He soothed her back with his hand. “It’s all right, cher. You don�
�t have to explain. And you don’t have to be sorry for not telling me earlier. It’s a difficult subject for you to talk about.”

  “It is, but it was wrong of me to keep that from you. I just … I wasn’t ready.” She took a deep breath. “It was just sex in the beginning. But it’s so much more now. You’re so much more. You’re my True Mate.” His hand stopped mid stroke. She wanted to say so many things to him, reassure him too. But she couldn’t say it, not yet. So instead, she decided to show him. “Kiss me,” she whispered.

  His head bent down to her neck, but before his mouth could make contact with her skin, she cupped his face and stopped him. “No. Kiss me.”

  Dark eyes flashed with emotion before he bent down to press his lips to her. It was just the gentlest pressure, like he was afraid that she would disappear or shatter into pieces if he kissed her too hard. When she arched up against him, he deepened the kiss, and his arms wound around her to hold her close, her bump cradled between them.

  His tongue slid past her lips and teeth, tasting her mouth, coaxing her to open up to him. Before long he was ravaging her mouth, his kisses hungry like he’d been starved for days.

  She didn’t know how long they’d been kissing, but when they both finally pulled back, she had to brace herself against him. She’d never been kissed like that, and from the look on his face, this was probably a first for him too. He still held her, one hand around her and the other protectively covering her belly. “Let’s go back to my apartment.”

  “No,” she said, placing her hands over his. “Let’s go back to our place.”

  He let out a low, pleased growl and nodded.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Moving Mika into his apartment took less time and effort that actually convincing her to do it. Though Delacroix had seen some glimpses of her place here and there in the last few weeks, he’d never actually been inside. So, he was surprised to find the place practically bare, with only the furniture the management provided and no personal knickknacks or decorations. They only had to pack her clothes and bathroom toiletries, which took most of an afternoon. When he asked where the rest of her things were, she shrugged.