Page 98 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“Any news?”

“None,” Echo said. “Although, I had a nice talk with Tempest this morning. She went down to the cave and shot some great photographs. Maybe we can grab lunch, and you can take a peek.”

“I’d love that,” Diego said, looking as crestfallen as Echo likely had earlier that morning. “Do you think they’re okay?”

“I do,” Echo said, half fibbing.

“I’m gladyoudo,” Diego mumbled. “All I can do is worry.”

“I remind myself of what Mael did to that shark when I begin to…” Echo reached out for the corner of the lab table for support as a wave of dizziness hit.

“Are you okay?” Diego asked, concern etched on his face.

Echo nodded… but two seconds later ran to the trashcan beside the door and puked up the cereal he’d eaten before going out to the bluffs.

Diego handed him a damp paper towel once he was done.

“Thanks.”

“Maybe you should go home?” Diego asked.

Echo rested his bottom on a tall lab stool. “No. I’ll be okay in a few.”

“Echo… you can’t work sick.”

Not telling anyone was killing him. He wanted Maelstrom to be the first to learn the news, but that could be weeks. If there was a problem before his mate came home,someoneneeded to know. Who better than Diego?

“Close the blinds,” Echo said, motioning to the window in his lab door.

Diego did and turned to eye him, frowning.

Echo lifted his loose shirt and showed off his mini swell.

Diego’s eyes widened. “Is that what I think it is?”

“I think so. I have an appointment later this afternoon to confirm,” Echo said.

“But… your heat was just a few weeks ago,” Diego said. “How can you be this pregn—” He paused. “A big, giant orca baby?”

“Or multiples,” Echo whispered.

“Oh, shit,” Diego said. “Would you like company at your appointment? I’m sure you’d much rather have Maelstrom there, but I can hold your hand and play the expectant dad in his place if it would help.”

“You don’t have to,” Echo said. He thought about it for a second. “But I wouldn’t mind someone there for moral support.”

Diego grinned. “I’ll be there.” His smile fell. “Wait… do you think your doctor will figure out they’re part orca?”

“They?Are we already assuming I’m having more than one?”

“Hey, you said it. Not me,” Diego replied. “And there’ssomethinggoing on if you’re already showing this soon.”

Echo was of the same mind. “I can’t imagine she could tell they weren’t fully dolphin this early on. We’re in the same family, just different genus and species, so I’d assume there are fetal similarities. Plus we’re both half human—but who knows?” Echo sighed. “She’s always been super cool about covering for—” Echo paused. Over the years, he’d told Diego nearly everything—all but one secret he’d kept to himself.

“Covering for what?”

“If you’re coming to my appointment, I suppose you might see something you don’t know about me,” Echo said. “I was… born intersex.”

Diego blinked a few times. “I know.”

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