"The doctor is in that building." Ash pointed to a small looking clinic tucked back on a small road.Dex hurried to it and Ash ran back to his house. He looked back at me and I could see he was worried for me. Hell, I was worried for me. I almost lost Gabriel the last time this happened. Please be okay baby girl. I clutched onto Dex's shirt worried as hell. My heart was racing and my eyes were misting over. "It's going to be okay, Ember. She is going to be okay." Dex tried to assure me as we entered the clinic. "What's wrong?" The receptionist took in my state and Dex's mood instantly. "She's a hybrid with two beasts. Her body is trying to speed the pregnancy up because she's part dragon, but we don't know if the baby is." Dex explained what happened to us the last time this happened. "If the baby isn't part dragon we have to find a way to sedate her, and her dragon, to stop the progression." I remember I had been sedated for a month with Gabriel. I hated having missed out on pa
"How about olive?" He asked, laying beside me in bed. "No, that's food. We are not naming her after food." I shook my head at him. The back of my head rubbed against his chest. "What do you suggest then? I keep giving you options, but you keep shutting them down. I thought Luna was great." He pouted again. "Luna would be confusing. I don't want her being bullied by wolves. They would think we were being pompous naming her after a coveted position. ""I guess." He pouted still. "You're cute when you pout. What about Nova?" I turned to face him, poking his nose. "Nova." He said the name thoughtfully. "It's nice. Lord, why is picking a name so damn hard?" I laughed at his adorable reaction. He rubbed my arm tenderly as he thought more. I had a perfect view of his profile from here. No matter what angel I look at him from, he is the most handsome man I've ever seen. "I am between Nova and Aurora. For the Aurora Borealis, not the Disney princess." I noted, and Dex let a laugh out. "
"But who would curse her?" Ash was pacing around the room now. "I don't know, Ash. Please sit down, you're making me anxious." Layla sighed. "I spoke with Mom and she said she's going to see if the tree of life will show her who cursed Layla. She's also calling Kaitlyn, the witch that helped me make the crystal that saved you. We'll find a solution guys." I looked at Layla and then at Ash. "Step one was finding out what was wrong and we did that. Not the best news, but we've stepped in the right direction now." I tried comforting them. "Ember, this is…" Ash stumbled with his words, flustered. "Not ideal, I know. We'll fix it though, Ash. I promise I'll find a way." I leaned over, grabbing his hand. "Leave it to me, okay?" "No, this time I'm helping. She's my chosen one. I have time. I'll let Larminiel know what's happening. I can pause my overtaking for now until this is handled." He stood back up again. He was antsy and upset. "Okay. It would be nice to have your help this time
"Are you still in touch with Toni's Mom? Maybe she knows a healer siren." I asked Dex, picking at a blade of grass. I had found him, and Gabriel, playing in the woods behind the houses."Mommy, look at me!" Gabriel called to me as he did a cartwheel. "That's so amazing, Gabriel. Keep practicing.""She stopped talking to me after Toni died. She was pretty upset. She blames me in a way for not keeping an eye on him. Her words, not mine." Dex responded to my question. He was watching Gabriel in the distance. "So Jaime then?" I haven't gone to see the old man in years. Dex hates when I go."No. God, no." He shook his head and looked back at me. "I'll do it." My heart stopped. "Dex, are you sure? We can find another way. Don't do it if you aren't ready." I placed my hand over his. I don't want him doing this thinking he has to. "I know, Ember." He used my name and not just sunshine. He's being very serious. "I've actually been thinking about it for a while. I've just been too nervous
"Mommy, it's time to get up. I start school today!" Gabriel's sweet voice woke me from a dead sleep. "No, Gabriel. My heart can't handle you growing up like this." I grabbed him, pulling him to the bed. "Mommy." He whined, trying to pull away."Ugh, fine. Mommy's getting up now." I sighed. I really wasn't ready for him to start school, but I know he needs it. I just can't believe he's old enough now to attend. I know he'll do well, but I worry about kids being mean to him. I don't want him to experience any of the bad things I did in school. I got ready, wearing one of my larger off shoulder sweaters with long black leggings. My baby bump keeps growing more and more every night. Soon I won't be able to fit into my pants. At that point I'll be wearing nothing but dresses. I braided my hair to the side and let my long bangs hang loose. "You're looking too pretty to drop our kid off at school." Dex kissed the exposed skin of my shoulder. "And you're looking too handsome." I am not
I quickly turned around as he began to take his towel off. "Uh, what do you think you're doing?" I almost yelled at him. "Getting dressed." He said it so nonchalantly. "You do realize I am standing right here, right?" I asked bewildered."Yeah I know. I don't mind if you look." He chuckled. This guy really is shameless. "My husband would mind. I would mind." "You mean the same husband that left the curtains open while he bent you over that little table?" Zain stood directly behind me now. He was close enough that I could feel the heat radiate off his body. I froze realizing what he was saying. He had seen Dex and I having sex earlier. Did he watch the entire time? My face was probably beet red right now. "You pervert! Were you watching us the whole time?" I snapped at him. "You were putting on quite a show. It was impossible to look away." His lips tickled my ear as he spoke, sending goosebumps down my back. I very quickly stepped further away from him. If he were fully dres
Ash and Layla came in using the side door."Something smells good!" Ash's deep voice came around the corner. He was smiling widely as Layla held his hand. She seemed a little off. I can't quite place the emotion, it seems almost like guilt? That's very odd. "It'll be ready in 5." Dex told him. "Great! I'm starved." Ash rubbed his belly stupidly. I poked his side. "Again?" "Every time you're being stupid or annoying." I told him. "I am not that annoying or stupid." He referenced the millions of times that I have poked his side over the years. "Apparently you are." I poked his side again. "Hey." Ash whined, rubbing the spot. A laugh I didn't recognize had me turning around to face the door. Zain was standing in the doorway, making his way inside. He was fully clothed this time. A light blue shirt and jeans covered his skin. "You guys are cute. I want a little sister." He told us. "No, you really don't." Ash told him, sticking his tongue out at me. "I'll remember that." I poke
"What do you want with my wife?" Dex asked him. He tried to keep his tone calm, but I could hear the anger stirring in him. "Just to tell her the truth." Zain wasn't phased by Dex. "Hey, keep your eyes on me." Dex yelled at Zain.I wasn't looking, but I could feel Zain's eyes penetrating my skin. I hid into Dex's chest further. I didn't like the feeling his eyes were bringing me. It was too familiar…a familiar I'm worried about."Tell me what you want with my wife." I could tell Dex was now using his siren magic to get to the truth. "I want to make her mine. She's meant to be with me." Zain answered plainly. He'd said that to me earlier today…meant to be."What do you mean?" Dex was holding me tightly against him. He was getting angrier with each word Zain spoke. "She's my beloved. It's the equivalent of destined one to us witches. She'll help me unlock stronger magic that only my beloved can." Zain was deep in Dex's trance. His voice sounded melodic and dazed. My mind was reelin
"That's it, Ember. Just one more push!" The doctor called out to me. Dex held my right hand and my angel held my left. They both lifted me up more as I pushed with all the strength I had left in me. I heard cry as they suctioned the fluid free of her mouth. That sound is indescribable, tears welled in my eyes with the pure joy of having her here with us now. "You did great. Thank you for bringing our daughter into this world, sunshine." Dex whispered in my ear before kissing my sweaty forehead without a care. His eyes were pink and glistening with tears. I could see the love and pure admiration mirrored in them as he looked down at our sweet Nova, that was now placed in my arms. "She's beautiful, mi amor. You're amazing." Toni kissed the top of my head next. The three of us stared down at Nova's beautiful small features. She made the smallest little noises in complaint of being pushed out of me and into this cruel world. I'll make it safe for you Nova, I promise. She had the rounde
Toni had me laying sweetly beneath him. His eyes held such a deep love for me. His gaze was undoing me long before his touches were. He kissed me tenderly, wrapping his fingers in my hair. His thumb caressed my jaw lightly, sending a warmth flowing through me."Toni." I whispered his name, a silent plea to feel him even closer. There's not enough time, not enough of him to make up for the last decade, but I am damn well going to try. I felt like this missing piece of me was finally put back in place by Toni. "Make me yours again." He kissed me with such intensity. He stole the breath from my lungs and the soul from my body. I was all his and I refuse to leave this bedroom until he's claimed me as his again. I pulled his shirt off, breaking our kiss for just a moment. His muscles were just as toned as they had been when we were younger. There was some of Sam in his body, so it wasn't exactly the same, and yet it was perfect all the same. "I love you, mi amor. I'll never leave you aga
Ember's P.O.V."Why did you come, mi amor? You could have been hurt, or the baby could have." His voice was soft, but his tone was firm. My mind was still reeling with emotions. This is Toni. Suddenly everything about my feelings towards Sam just seemed to make sense and I wanted to slap myself for not noticing it sooner. How could I have not thought about it? "Ash had a vision and he told me you were in trouble. So we all came to help. Lucy cast a protection spell over Nova to keep her safe within me. She did consume some of my magic though, so I'll need to see the doctor. It wasn't enough to make me too weak though." I bit my lip, feeling guilty about putting her in danger. "Ash told me he saw Toni here too. He saw you and we rushed over. Why didn't you tell me?" I punched his arm, furious at how he made me think I had lost him again. "I couldn't." He lightly rubbed my cheeks with Sam's calloused hands. "I am sorry, mi amor. If I had told you they woul
Sam's P.O.V.I followed Evelyn out past the barrier of the kingdom. My heart was beating a mile a minute and my hands were clammy beyond belief. In the next 30 minutes I'll be fighting for my life and getting the greatest gift I could have…my angel half. The wind was blowing harshly outside the barrier and the freezing temperature seeped deep into my bones. The wind stung my face and blew snow into my eyes, forcing me to look down in order to see. Evelyn led the way as if this freezing weather wasn't a factor in her mind at all. Nothing phases her, she could be on fire and she would still be walking like nothing is happening. When she's focused on keeping me safe she has nothing else on her mind. She's locked in. "We'll do this here. I'll start setting up the wards. You need to start engraving the ruins on your chest. Do you remember how?" She asked, handing me the flaming dagger. "Yeah, hard to forget." I took the dagger fr
Yesterday came and went and today was Sam's birthday already. I still can't believe how young he is. I groaned at the sun's blinding rays as we all gathered outside in celebration. Ash was kind and with the help of Eric and Lucy, who stopped by today to visit, they set up a small party for Sam. It was just us, nothing big or involving all the citizens here. It was small and intimate and a way for Ash to thank Sam for all he's done. Without him and his sister my brother wouldn't be having this child with Layla right now. I owe them both a lot too and I'll be sure to find a way to repay them both in the future. "Happy birthday, Sam." I told him for about the third time now. It seemed to be the only thing I could say to him. I didn't want to say anything more. I didn't want to start flirting with him or getting to know him better. He'll be leaving tomorrow and I need to be ready to let him go. "Thanks, Ember." He gave me a sma
Dex's words had rung through my head all day. How I may need Sam. How I shouldn't send him away. Is there really a bond? And if there really is, do I really want to open myself up to it? I also can't seem to get past this damn guilt eating away at me. I shouldn't be thinking of Sam. My heart should be fixed solely on Dex, and only him. Now that Toni has left me completely, there's this fissure in my heart wanting to be filled. Sam could fill it easily, but is that really the right choice? It may be easier to accept it, but I don't know that I want to. He's not Toni, no matter how much I wish him to be. The fact he has Toni's memories still bothers me deeply. Every now and again I'll get another glimpse of them through Sam and it kills me. He refuses to tell me why he has them. It's been making me trust him less the more he denies me the truth. I don't understand how he could have Toni's memories. "Where's your mind?" Ash's voice pulled me back from my thoughts. We had flown togeth
The next few days seemed to fly by. Gabriel was back at school and Dex was at my side all day. At night I would have the same recurring nightmare of the day Ash killed Toni. Having lost him again seems to have resurfaced everything I thought I had healed from. Sam and Evelyn kept their distance for the most part, although it seemed like Sam really wanted to be at my side. I sort of missed him, which still doesn't make sense to me. I barely know the man. I attribute this feeling to the fact he looks so much like Toni. He's like this thorn sent by the universe to remind me of what I am missing. Fuck you universe. "You alright, sunshine?" Dex raised an eyebrow at me. "Yeah, just thinking." I chewed on my cheek refusing to tell Dex that I was missing another man. That's ridiculous. "Let me in, Ember. What's going on?" He stroked my cheek lightly with his knuckle. His touch sent those wonderful electric sparks flying through my skin. "I just miss Toni and Sam looking so much like him
Gabriel and Dex and I spent the entire day in bed as promised. We watched movies, played games, and spoke about many things. Dex and I kept trying to get Gabriel to understand, but he refused. He kept telling us that we would see what he was talking about soon. This day was certainly something I needed. Dex always gives me just what I need even when I don't know what that is. Gabriel was taking his bath in our bathroom now, leaving Dex and I alone for the first time today. "I saw Sam was here with you last night." My heart stilled. Is he upset? Is he jealous? Is he worried? "Yeah, Ash had to-" I paused, realizing I never checked on him and Layla. Damn me and my selfish heart. "I need to call him!" I quickly reached for my phone. "What's wrong?" Dex furrowed his brows, sitting up with me. "I don't know. He left yesterday saying Layla needed him shortly after he got here." The phone rang as I spoke. "Hello?" Ash's voice came through. "Ash, oh my gosh, I am so sorry I didn't call
Dex held me flush against his chest on the bed. He had me tucked under the sheets and was lightly rubbing my back. He was doing his best to comfort me. "Ember, I have to leave you so I can care for our son. I'll return with him soon. I'll tell Ash to come over." He told me. "I won't let you be alone right now." He pulled his phone out and called Ash. He told Ash everything. I could hear Ash say he was on his way. "I won't leave until he gets here." Dex tried to comfort me."It's getting late. You need to go to him before he falls asleep. Ash is coming. I will be okay until then." I tried convincing him. I could tell he wanted to argue though. "He needs to say goodbye. He needs the chance to say it. You need to go." He very reluctantly got off the bed. He gave me one last kiss before leaving. My heart was breaking all over again. The small glue that held it together was coming undone. I was loudly sobbing again. The door opened, letting small light flood the room. "Ash?" I cried o