Page 39 of Sanctuary with a Dragon
“Draven is that way too,” a small voice said. Itsounded like she was leaning against the other side of the door, just like I was out here.
Mesmer closed his eyes in what looked like abject relief and stepped a few feet away from me to communicate to someone using his earpiece.
I smiled tiredly, and wanted to cheer. Success! Well, half success.
“Can I come in?” I asked softly.
She didn’t answer, but the door unlocked, and I managed to stand and step through, then paused in terror as I absently heard the lock click behind me.
In front of me was a very large kitty, lounging on, what looked like, a very large dog bed. His iridescent eyes were tracking my every move. I was fairly sure he was magical, because the intelligence in his eyes seemed next level for a run-of-the-mill cat.
“He won’t hurt you. He’s my familiar,” Consort Mia said from behind me. “Zian, be nice to her. No pouncing or stalking.”
I didn’t love that she had to tell him that, but Zian didn’t seem to take offense. He just smacked his lips and huffed at her, which gave the feel of a feline eye roll. She laughed and shuffled weakly to him to pat his head, then sat down on the bed.
The sheets were all askew, and the comforter was on the floor. I didn’t want to sit on the bed and invade her space, so I dragged a huge beanbag closer and sat in it, waiting for her to speak. It was odd to meet someonethis way, but I was game for it. As long as I could sit and rest.
Consort Mia, despite looking wan and pale, was very pretty. She had curly, wavy hair, and very pretty bronze-colored eyes that radiated kindness. She was on the slender side, and a little taller than I was. Her nightgown that saidI’m Otterly Exhaustedwith two cute otters on it holding hands, was creased and threadbare, as though it was one of her favorites, and she couldn’t bear to give it up.
“Your husband was worried about you,” I started awkwardly. “Thank you for letting me in. I needed to sit down on something comfier than the floor.” My legs felt like dead weights, and even in my relaxed position, they were cramping. My brain felt foggy again.
Consort Mia frowned at me. “You look worse than I feel.”
I laughed weakly, rubbing my nose. “I’m sure I look like a building dropped on me. I have a few chronic illnesses.”
“I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that. You mentioned that you’re here with Alaric?” Her bronze eyes twinkled. “Are you his mate?”
I made a face. I was never sure what to tell people, and she was the second or third person to just matter-of-factly mention it. As I pondered what to say, Zian left his bed and padded toward me, then, as if he sensed I was hurting, licked my bare shoulder, laid down on my feet, and gently set his head beside me on the beanbag.
Aww, the murder kitty was sweet!
“I am. At least, that’s what he and Elandor—his dragon—tell me.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s so cool,” she breathed. “From what I understand it’s rare to be able to communicate with their shifter halves.”
I nodded, running my fingers through the fur on Zian’s cheek. “Alaric has mentioned that it’s more common with mythical shifters.”
“Huh,” she said. “You learn something new every day. Sorry about not opening the door right away. I’ve been wanting some space today. I wouldn’t have let you in at all if I thought I had the flu, but I’m...” She stared down at her hands, twisting them together and biting her lip. “I’m beginning to suspect I’m pregnant.”
I gaped at her, my hands freezing in Zian’s fur. But Zian, not bothered or concerned at all about anything other than pets, nudged my hand to get it moving again, and I laughed and resumed rubbing his ears.
I glanced at Consort Mia again. Wasn’t she... human? And King Draven was obviously a vampire. King of the Vampires kind of said it all.
She shrugged at my puzzled expression. “It’s rare, but it can happen. The thing is, because it’s so rare, Draven and I have never talked about having children.” She sat down and worried an edge of the blanket between her fingers. “I’m not afraid to tell him. He’s going to be a wonderful father, but I guess I wanted tocome to terms with it myself first.” She made a face. “I know that sounds selfish.”
I shook my head. “Not at all. It sounds very intelligent, actually.” I did feel bad for her husband’s nerves though. That vampire was just an inch away from losing it.
Consort Mia laughed. “I’m not told I’m logical very often.” She grinned tiredly. “I like it. About the possible pregnancy, I read a book recently in our den that said pregnancies between a vampire couple can happen, though rare, and they usually happened very quickly. Last night we...”
Yep, I didn’t need her to explain that one... at all.
She nodded, her cheeks turning pink. “And then I woke up this morning sick. Draven was gone before I woke up, and I was instantly sick the moment I opened my eyes. In fact, it was the nausea that woke me up. I thought all day I had the flu, but,” she shrugged, “I just feel different than I normally do with the flu. I have this funny feeling that I’m pregnant.”
I mentally sorted everything out logically. I knew she’d want to be sure, and with her hiding in her room, I was pretty sure she didn’t want to go visit a hospital tonight, or go pick up a test herself.
“Could we send Mesmer out for a pregnancy test?” I asked. I knew they usually said to take one the first day of your missed period, but that was for human babies and purely human parents, which was clearly not this situation. I was hopeful that if she were pregnant, itwould show up now, as she already seemed to be knee deep in pregnancy symptoms.
She blinked at me, and then smiled blindingly. “Yes! That’s perfect!” Padding to her door, she opened it a crack and peered out.
