Page 50 of The Magic of Eternity
“Napoleon, that’s enough,” Kai chastised, snatching the little mouse from his shoulder and holding him in his hand. “We need to focus. The vaccines are made with Nox stone. We don’t really know what else is in them. But like I said, I was at death’s door when Cam administered this to me, and I was completely healed and full of magic within two minutes. The same went for Fischer when we found him.”
“What do you mean? He was hurt?” I questioned, wringing my hands together nervously.
Kai paused. His mouth opened and then shut abruptly as he considered his words. “We all went through different things while we were here. Let’s just say it wasn’t an easy time for anyone. But right now, you need to take these shots, and we need to get our fucking asses in that courtyard, because we want to be out there when Asrael starts his speech.”
I could feel Sloane stiffen beside me. “And how do you know this vaccine is safe for a pregnant woman? Forour pregnant woman?You think we should give this to her?”
Kai shrugged. “I don’t know what other option we have, man. I gotta be honest, we’re outnumbered at this point. If the dragons don’t show, and if Asrael has more support than we thought, this whole thing is going to go up in smoke. I think we need every advantage we can get. I don’t think that this is going to harm her or the babies. If anything, it’s used for healing. Not to mention, even if she doesn’t use her magic for offensive fighting, to deny her the ability to use it to defend herself would be plain stupid…” My Alpha looked at me and quickly added, “Unless you don’t want to take it. Of course, then we can always—”
The door suddenly swung open, and we all jumped.
“Balor, what’s going on?” Kai questioned, concerned.
“I realized I should come find the queen, to check her over quickly before we head out there? Is that alright with everyone?” Balor replied, but he was looking right at me, which I appreciated.
“Hello again, Balor.” I smiled, placing my hands over my stomach.
He bowed with a flourish. “It is an honor to see you again.”
“So this is your doctor?” Sloane asked, stepping around the demon and sizing him up. I shook my head at his alpha male posturing.
“Yes, Sloane. He took excellent care of me and our babies. It was thanks to him there was a weapon beneath my pillow that I was able to use to escape with you.”
Sloane grunted. “Thank you.” A small smile tugged at my mouth at his begrudging thank you.
“You are most welcome. It is my duty and pleasure to serve the queen, her mates, and her children. This won’t take but a moment—I just need to place my hands against your belly. You remember from before?”
I nodded. “Of course.” My hands fell away, giving him access. Kai and Sloane were both watching eagerly, ready to hear Balor’s professional opinion. He extended his palms and they began glowing softly as his magic sensed whatever he was searching for.
“Perfect. They’re perfect!” he gushed, clearly pleased with his findings.
“How long does she have left? Can you estimate a due date?” Sloane asked, and Kai nodded eagerly. I held my breath. A due date. Part of the reason we’d come here was to get answers about my pregnancy and yet, I still didn’t have a date or even an estimate.
Balor was focused on his task, the babies moving within me as though they sensed his presence. “No more than a week. That’s my best guess.”
“A week?Seven days?” I balked at the idea, but not for long. We had to get out to the courtyard. I’d just have to clamp my thighs together and keep these babies in until it was safe to deliver them.
Sloane looked emotionless at the news—though I suspected he might be frozen with shock—and Kai jumped for me with a wide grin. “A week, Cub. Oh gods, I can’t wait to see them.” He bent down and kissed my stomach. “At some point in the next seven days, little ladies, you’ll finally get to meet your favorite father. I’m going to kiss you both and sniff your heads. Fair warning.”
Balor cleared his throat, and Kai straightened, completely comfortable with his private discussion being overheard. I loved that about him. He was so unapologetically himself. Flaws and all.
“Is the vaccine safe for her?” Sloane stepped up against my side, linking his hand with mine as he addressed my doctor.
“Indeed, it is. This is a medical and magical breakthrough for our community. Not only for demons, but for any magically inclined creature. Asrael commissioned it, wanting to create something that would protect him from being at risk of being controlled by anyone else. This is everyone’s best bet at getting out of today alive. I don’t mean to be so blunt, my queen.” Balor tipped his head in apology, but I waved him off.
“I’m well aware of the risks involved today. You don’t need to apologize. I want the vaccine. I want to be able to help against Asrael, and keep me and the babies safe.” I looked to my two mates to see if they had any objection, but they both nodded. Turning back to Balor, I smiled weakly. I was nervous even though I was trying to be brave. “Please, inject me.”
I wiggled the sleeve of my dress down to reveal my upper arm, and Balor quickly administered the shot. I hissed at the slight wince, earning a low warning growl from Sloane. I gave Balor a look that I hoped said ‘I’m so sorry for my overbearing mate.’ Kai distracted my dragon by getting him prepped for his own little stabby stab.
“You’re all set.” Balor tossed the syringe into the trash and reached for the door. “I better get back out there. It truly is great to see you again.”
“Thank you—for everything,” I replied, meaning it with every fiber of my being. If Balor hadn’t assisted with keeping me unconscious… I couldn’t even think about what might’ve happened. With a nod, he slipped out.Stars, please let that demon survive today.
“It has to be injected into a dense muscle. Since your brain is pretty protected, we’ll go with the upper arm,” Kai joked, and Sloane rolled his eyes as he pulled up the sleeve on his shirt.
“The brain is an organ, you fool,” he grumbled, earning a chuckle from me and Kai.
“Just a little poke,” Kai sang out, ignoring Sloane’s attempt at ruining his joke. He sank the needle into his arm and pushed down the plunger. “Alrighty then. That’s that.” He pulled the needle back and put the cap back on, tossing it into a trash bin in the corner.
