Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
“I know that, but I also know that I’ll get restless and bored and start taking things apart.”
Larkin’s mouth quirked. “Maternity leave is a good thing.” She paused to frown at Keenan, whose arm bumped hers as he dug out his flask. “Demonic pregnancies aren’t easy, Harper. The last stage is particularly hard.”
Standing near the fireplace, Levi added, “By then, it will be easy for people to tell that you’re pregnant. That’s when your safety could really be at risk.”
“Don’t forget that people are reluctant to fuck with pregnant demons,” said Harper. “We can be vicious and moody creatures when crossed.” She looked at Knox, adding, “And then maybe you’ll finally fear my mighty wrath.”
One side of his mouth lifted. “I really don’t see that happening.”
Harper sniffed. “Fine, blind yourself to the truth.”
“Back to the point at hand,” said Knox. “Larkin made a valid point. The next few months will be hard on you. Do you really want to make it even harder? And maybe you should bear in mind that being at the studio every day will not make things easier for you – there, you’ll have your co-workers constantly coddling you. The further along you get in the pregnancy, the worse that coddling will become.”
Pissed that he was right, Harper barely held back a growl. “I’ll make you a deal. The doc said that when I hit the eighteenth week, I’ll actually start to look pregnant – that will be in just under two weeks’ time. On that very day, I will start maternity leave. It’s a good compromise.” And it would stop her demon from stressing too much.
Knox gave a slow nod. “I can live with that.”
“Good, because I don’t want to have to hit you.”
Levi snorted a laugh. “In the meantime, it would be a good idea to keep Tanner and Keenan close to you at all times.”
“I wouldn’t worry so much about our lair finding out,” said Tanner. “They’ll rally around you both.”
“That’s what Wren said.” Harper told them all about the barista.
“I’m not worried about our lair’s reaction,” said Knox, “but I still want to be in control of when others find out.”
Tanner inclined his head. “Then we keep it quiet for now.”
“You know,” began Harper, “I have the distinct feeling that finding out I’m pregnant may draw out the remaining Horsemen.” She looked at Knox. “What better way to make you lose all control than to take your pregnant mate from you?”
A muscle in Knox’s cheek ticked. “I know that, and I hate it.”
Yeah, so did she.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
As Harper took her jacket from the coat rack, the girls gathered close – their expressions sad, eyes shiny with unshed tears. She rolled her eyes. “For God’s sake, I’m not going off to war or anything.”
“It just won’t be the same without you around,” said Devon, shoulders drooping. “I’ll bet Knox is delighted that this was your last day at work for a while.”
“Oh, he’s ecstatic,” said Harper. “He doesn’t even have the courtesy to pretend differently.” Earlier that morning, he’d given her a self-satisfied, lopsided smile as they parted ways. She’d bet he’d been doing a mental countdown, ticking off each day with utter pleasure.
“You decorated the nursery yet?” asked Khloë.
Slipping on her jacket, Harper flicked her hair out of her collar. “No, I decided to leave everything until I started maternity leave or I’d have nothing at all to do.”
“If you need any help with anything, just let us know,” said Raini.
Harper smiled. “Thanks.” The days since she’d found out she was pregnant had passed so fast. It had also passed without incident. Nonetheless, her demon had become edgier and edgier as time went on. It looked upon each stranger as a threat, and craved Knox’s company more than usual – he was the one thing that made her demon feel safe and secure. The entity needed that sense of safety right now.
Tanner raised a brow at Harper as he and Keenan rose from the sofa. “Ready to go?”
She grabbed her purse. “Yep.” Each of the girls pulled her into a hug one at a time.
Raini bit her lip. “It’s going to be so weird not seeing you every day.”
“Same here. And it’s also going to be weird not coming here every day. I’ll pop in occasionally.” At Tanner’s disgruntled growl, Harper shot him a hostile look. “I will not confine myself to my home, no matter how totally cool that home is.”
“I’ll miss you.” Devon patted her arm. “But one good thing will come from you not being here so much. It means the pooch won’t be here so much either.”
Tanner grinned. “Ah, kitty, we both know you’ll miss me. Want a tissue?”
“For my tears of joy? No.”
“We went shopping for baby clothes.” Raini held up her hand. “Don’t worry, we took Aunt Kayla, so it didn’t look suspicious. Next time we come see you, we’ll bring the little outfits with us. Wait till you see how cute they are!”