Page 52 of Princess

“No, no, no,” she screamed, shaking her head while her body contorted.

I looked at Axel.He shook his head.

Her Nova exploded.She jumped from the table, knocking over the IV stand and a medical tray set up beside her.In two leaps, she was in the corner, her eyes burning with fury.

Everyone froze.

Her nova form was larger than my Warrior’s form and far more deadly.Marinah’s control of it had grown, but these were extenuating circumstances.

Barely above a whisper, I said her name.

She growled, her large teeth on full display.Her eyes didn’t seem to focus on anything.

“Everyone needs to leave,” I said.“Move slowly and stay as far away from her as you can.”

Marinah’s gaze followed Axel and Kenneth as they exited.

“Marinah, you’re safe.The baby is coming.The baby is safe.”

She stared at me for a moment before she threw her head back and made a sound I had never heard before.It was somewhere between pain, rage, and fear.Her entire body shook.Her large, clawed hand went to her stomach.Her eyes darkened further; the brown with golden flakes became pure obsidian.

This scenario hadn’t occurred to me.

I took a step closer, and her jaws opened, showing a mouth full of huge teeth.

“Marinah, it’s me.I won’t let anything bad happen to you or our baby.I love you.”

I kept my voice low as I took one step, then two.When I was close enough, I lifted my arms and lowered my head.She lowered herself slightly and rested her forehead against mine.

“You’re okay,” I assured her.“The baby is coming, and it would be easier if you were in human form.I’ll shift with you.”I moved my head an inch back and looked into her haunting eyes.I saw recognition.

“Shift with me,” I said again, and let my form morph to human.

Marinah screamed, but at the same time, her body flowed into her human form.She’d pulled out the IV.I called for Axel, and he came in alone.

“Help her,” I said.

“Lay her down.”

Before I could do it, Marinah spoke.“No, stand me up.I feel too vulnerable lying on that damn medical bed.”

“It’s only me and Axel,” I said.“Do what you need to do.”

She looked at Axel.“Is the baby okay?”

“I need to check,” he said.“Can I listen to the heartbeat?”

She leaned all her weight against me and gave a soft moan.Axel came closer, went to a knee, and listened.

“The baby’s fine,” he assured her.“Mothers gave birth out of bed long before some quack had them lay down.We’ve spoken about this.You need to feel safe.It’s time to check you vaginally, though.Can you lean against King while I see where you’re at?”

“Yes,” she said.Her lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face.“I couldn’t stop Nova,” she said at last.

“You’re scared,” Axel told her.“I expected this.The fight at the shipyard didn’t help.Unless I need assistance, everyone but the three of us will stay out of the room.”

Her head turned, and she looked into my eyes.“Don’t leave me,” she whispered.

Axel kneeled in front of her while mine and Marinah’s eyes stayed locked.“I’m not going anywhere.Our daughter will be here soon.I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

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