“I guess that’s why my belly is big for eight weeks?” I asked for confirmation.
“Yes,” Dr. Martin said. “From everything I see here, your pregnancy is healthy, and you are that far along.” He pulled out the wand. “Keep in mind that with multiples, there is a possibility you could deliver early.”
Sam dragged a chair from near the counter to the exam table. The rickety piece of furniture creaked when he lowered his bulk into it.
Taking my feet out of the stirrups, I sat up, my attention on the sheen of Sam’s face. I was certain the news would hit me when it sunk in.
Sam’s Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed. “Four? Four? Are you sure, Dr. Martin?” he asked again.
Dr. Martin removed his gloves. “A hundred percent.” He seemed patient in answering Sam one more time.
Sam massaged his temples. “Four,” he mumbled. “Four.”
Dr. Martin washed his hands, then collected his iPad. “Layla, you’re healthy. Look to be in great shape. I would continue to exercise for as long as you can. That will help with delivery.”
Or killing my enemies.
“Sex is fine, but take it easy,” Dr. Martin said. “I’ll send my notes over to Damon. You two are free to leave when you’re ready. I would give Sam a few minutes to recover.” He headed to the door. “Oh, and I won’t need to see you next week. I’ll set up a time to come to the naval base next month.” He removed his cap and revealed a shaved head. “If Damon hasn’t mentioned this to you, I am well aware that the babies may or may not be human.”
Dr. Vieira hadn’t, but I just assumed Dr. Martin knew about vampires given he was friends with Dr. Vieira.
He tipped his head at Sam. “I can send Louise in with some water.”
“He’s good,” I said. I was afraid Sam might frighten her if his fangs came out.
After Dr. Martin took his leave, I cleaned up and dressed quickly. “Sam.”
He raked his hands through his hair. “Last night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I heard the faint sounds of two heartbeats, not four.” His eyebrows came together. “Maybe the chip screwed with my hearing.”
I was about to say something to calm him down when my phone rang. I fumbled to find my cell in one of my coat pockets. By the time I fished it out, the ringing had stopped, but Jordyn’s name brightened the screen. I called her immediately, anxious and excited to share the news. Though she probably wouldn’t bat an eye since she thought Sam had magic sperm and had said that morning she wouldn’t be surprised if I had a litter.
I giggled. Maybe Jordyn had unique foresight into the future. We had vampires and witches in our ancestry.
But as the line connected, two things happened at once.
Sam jumped out of his chair, pressing on his earpiece when Jordyn shouted into the phone, “Layla, run! You’ve got to get out of there.”
Sam barked into his comm, “Motherfucker. Are you sure, Olivia?” He flicked his chin at me. “Put Jordyn on speaker.”
I gulped in air, obeying his command.
“Talk to us, Jordyn,” Sam said.
“Fred Emery from Intech is chasing me,” she said, breathing heavily.
“Where’s Hawk, your bodyguard?” Sam asked.
“A vampire snapped his neck,” she said. “I’ve never seen him before. I think he’s working for Intech.”
“Where are you?” I asked my sister.
“I’m hiding behind a car in the hospital parking garage on the third level. I think I lost that creep.”
Sam pressed on his earpiece again and relayed the info to Olivia. “Can you or Ben get to Jordyn? Copy that? Layla and I are leaving now.” Once Sam ended his communication with Olivia, he said to Jordyn, “Hang tight. Help is on the way.”
Well, fuck!
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