Total pages in book: 362
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Nektas chuckled. “Nothing.”
“Anyway.” I drew out the word. “We should probably get a move on. We have things to do today—one I’m really not looking forward to. But the other?” I clapped my hands together. “I cannot wait.”
Ash didn’t stand when I did. He remained sitting, and I knew deep in my bones what was coming.
“Nektas,” I said, realizing why he had asked if plans were still a go for today. “You should probably give us a couple of minutes.”
He glanced between us. “I will wait for you both downstairs,” he said, turning to the door.
“There is no need to wait for us.” Ash leaned back on one elbow. To some, he was the picture of lazy indifference, but I could see the tension coiling inside him. “Plans have changed.”
My mouth dropped open.
Nektas stopped.
“Since when have they changed?” I demanded.
His gaze flicked to where I stood. “Since roughly twelve hours ago.”
I crossed my arms. “In other words, since you learned I was pregnant. And what exactly has changed?”
“Everything,” he stated in a tone that would typically brook no argument.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
I took a deep breath. “Ash,” I began as, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nektas quietly creeping toward the doors. “Me being pregnant cannot change what we’ve planned—what we’ve already discussed with the others. Everything is already in motion.”
A muscle began ticking in his jaw as he stared up at me.
“Nor does it change that Kolis needs to be dealt with,” I continued. “And we have very limited time before he comes out of stasis, which could happen at any minute. And the last thing we need is Kolis finding out…”
Gods, I couldn’t finish that thought.
All the flesh visible on Ash’s body briefly turned to midnight. “That will never happen,” he snarled. “But you’re right. Kolis still needs to be dealt with, and he will be. However, that doesn’t and won’t involve you.”
I bristled. “Excuse me?”
“The last thing you need to be involved in, in your current condition—”
“My condition?” I interrupted softly.
“Oh, dear,” murmured Nektas.
“Is to be anywhere near Kolis or any of his supporters.” Ash continued like I hadn’t spoken. “Nor should you even be thinking about leaving the Shadowlands. Kolis will not step foot here, and you’re surrounded by guards and an army.”
I drew in another breath, reminding myself that this was coming from a good place. Ash was being protective. “I understand why you feel this way—”
“Glad we’re on the same page.” A half-smile appeared.
“We are so not on the same page, Ash.”
Wisps of eather swirled in his eyes. “You are carrying our children, Sera. You are in a vulnerable state, and I will not risk losing you or them.”
“You are not going to lose me or them. I’m pregnant, Ash. Not unable to defend myself or fight,” I argued.
“The Healer said you are in a weakened state and should avoid using the essence.”
“Perhaps if you had spent the time listening to Kye instead of growling at him, you would’ve heard him say that was a concern for when I enter the third trimester,” I pointed out. “And in case you’re having difficulty with basic math, that’s like many weeks from now.”
The eather moved more wildly in his eyes. “I heard him perfectly clear. Things are more dangerous for you in the third trimester. That does not mean things are safe for you now.” His head cut toward Nektas. “Where are you going?”
Nektas stopped with a hand on the doorknob. “Anywhere but here.”
Ash’s expression turned bland. “Before you do that, it would be great if you’d tell my lovely, far-too-brave wife that I’m right.”
The draken opened his mouth.
“He is not going to agree with you,” I insisted.
Ash arched a brow. “Considering that Nektas is intelligent, I am sure he will.”
“And I’m sure that since he’s so intelligent, he knows exactly what must be done and that it involves my participation.”
“I think you’re going to be disappointed.”
I stepped toward the bed. “I think you’re about to be kicked off that bed.”
His lips curved up, revealing the tip of a fang. “Sounds like a good time.”
“Oh, I can promise you it will not be a good time for you.”
“If I may speak?” Nektas started.
“Yes,” Ash said.
“No,” I snapped.
Nektas sighed. “Ash, you’re right.”
Ash’s smile was smug when I muttered, “You were my favorite draken.”
“I’m going to ignore that,” Nektas continued. “Because you are also right.”
Ash’s lips compressed into a thin line.
“And you two need to figure out what that means.” Nektas opened the door. “I’ll be waiting downstairs.”
I watched the doors close, my foot tapping.
“Liessa.”
“Don’t call me that.”
Ash sat up. “You love it when I call you that.”
“Not right now.” I squared my shoulders. “Look, I get why you don’t want me endangering the babes.”
“It’s not just them.” Ash rose swiftly, stalking past me. “It is also you. We already know they are pulling on your essence. The evidence of that is still on your throat.”