Page 67 of The Howl
“No, thanks.”
Her gaze grew concerned.
“When was the last time you ate?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to say I had a sandwich for lunch, but I knew that would only worry her more.
“Last night, after I left the restaurant.”
The worry remained in her gaze.
“Nothing since then? And you’re not hungry?”
Her words were almost drowned out by the couple’s kissing sounds. The collective scent of lust grew, and my hunger stirred.
“Is this normal for you?” I asked, struggling to contain my growing panic. “Feeding off this many people at once? Is this why everyone thinks there’s something wrong with me?”
I didn’t want to host a group orgy to feed myself, not when I couldn’t even manage one person at a time.
“Oh, sweetie, no.” Mom hurried down the remainder of the stairs and hugged me tightly. “I’m hungrier than usual because I’m pregnant.”
My breath whooshed out of me, and I jerked back to look at her in shock.
“Pregnant?”
She smiled and smoothed a hand over my cheek.
“You will have a new brother or sister in a few months. But that doesn’t mean I’ll love you any less. I’ll always be here for you. And as for what’s wrong with you? There’s nothing wrong, sweetie. Does a succubus your age eat more often? Yes. But that might just mean you’re a late bloomer. You’ll see. You’ll be feeding three times a day in no time.”
Three times a day? My mind went a little numb with that news.
“And I want you to know this baby isn’t your dad’s. I’ve respected your wishes and have had no contact with him. I learned my lesson, too. I didn’t stay with this baby’s father after I learned I was carrying his child.”
She hugged me again.
“You look shocked. Let’s go upstairs and sit for a bit. We can watch a movie together. There are several new couples up there whose collective lust is delicious. I think they’re close to switching partners. That always adds extra notes of sweetness. Anwen did a lovely job selecting them all. This batch will last for hours.”
My stomach did a weird happy flip that scared me.
“Thanks for the offer, Mom, but I think I’ll hang out with my friends at the Roost.”
She released me with a smile.
“I completely understand. Age makes a world of difference. Go have fun with your friends. Be sure to grab a jacket, though. It’s getting too cold outside to go without one.”
“I, uh. Adira made me give mine to a boy so I wouldn’t hide the shirts she’s making me wear.”
Mom’s eyes turned black.
“I’m done being patient with that woman.” Mom went to the coat closet and took one of Oanen’s spare jackets. “Wear this. I’ll deal with Adira tonight.”
She kissed my cheek and practically pushed me out the door. The cold hit me hard, punctuating her worry over the weather. I hurried to the garage as I shrugged into Oanen’s oversized jacket.
In the car, I set my head on the steering wheel and tried to process what I’d just learned with what I knew. A pregnant succubus was volatile. The Council was a bunch of fools for bringing Mom here. Adira doubly so for continuing her manipulations. What were they thinking?
The question repeated in my mind all the way to the Roost.
Parked on the side of the road, I took a moment to collect myself. My hunger, which had stirred so aggressively in the presence of that much lust, was silent again. I hoped it would stay that way. Yet, a bit of despair rose as I remembered Mom’s comment about how often I should be feeding. Three times a day? I’d be hungry all the time. I hoped it never happened. Maybe because of always feeding less, it meant I now needed to eat less. Holding onto that hopeful thought, I got out of the car.
