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“What changed?”

“I do not know,” the man muttered. “Something with the Bellatore and this… Kollaborator King.”

“Hopefully something good.”

Josie smiled at Kaos’s ear. “Do I smell romance in the air? For Reuban?” She pressed her lips against his temple, finding it difficult to keep from always touching some part of him. She felt like she was a lifeline to him as much as she was to their baby.

“I forgot to say we don’t have to name him Konstantine. In fact, I wantyouto name him. And as soon as Reuban and the Bellatore get back, I’ll learn everything important regarding all of this. I know these circumstances are… the understatement of rare, and as a doctor, I know I have to prepare however I can, to ensure me and the baby are safe during whatever this procedure will look like. I don’t even know if it will be a common birth. You came in a giantshell,” she recalled in soft awe, then smiled. “I wonder what color his eyes will be. I wonder if he’ll have our other King’s traits since you’re fused. Fire and divine wind and... mind blowing lust. Ew. Let’s call it love for our son. Mind blowing love and pleasure.”

Her mind switched gears. “I’m still wondering who or what the cards are. Was all of this supposed to happen? Who is the Ace of Diamonds this time? And the Queen of Spades? I think maybe I’m the Queen of Spades for some reason. And that maybe our baby is the Wild Card. But who is the Jack of Clubs and the King of Hearts? And what must they do?” She planted kisses along his face with each question. “I do hope you can hear me. And know how very much I love you and am desperate to have you back. But… take all the time you need. While hurrying back to me.”

Son of Darkness

The second the vehicle came to a stop, the back door blew completely off with a blast of red fire followed by Kildare shifting into his dragon form.

“Something’s wrong,” Bellatore gasped the obvious, flying out the vehicle and sprinting toward the hill as Reuban finally escaped his seatbelt.

He ran to the top of the hill and forgot all about the sharp decent on the other side. Two cartwheels and a somersault later got him to the base, right as a scream split the air.

“Josie!” Reuban scrambled to his feet and raced into the hut. “What’s wrong!” he yelled, his powers gushing out everywhere.

“She’s having the demon!” Krave shouted.

Josie screamed Reuban’s name, and her commanding power ripped through his muscles. He shoved through the giant man blocking his path.

“I need to destroy it!” Bellatore demanded.

“Don’t let them hurt our son!” Josie cried between a long scream.

“Move!” Reuban roared, yanking Larena away from their Queen, the single word blasting everybody several feet back.

“Reuban!” Josie screeched, his heart hammering his chest.

“She’ll die!” Bellatore yelled at him.

“Kildare!” Reuban called. “Krave! Help me!”

They both hurried to him as Reuban knelt next to Josie.

“Tell us, Kollaborator!” Kildare half begged.

“Keep her alive,” he ordered, waiting for his powers to show him exactly what needed to happen. He only knew that he knew and was waiting for what the fuck it was that he knew!

“Krave, I need your winds,” Kildare urged.

“Take it,” he gushed, heaving. “Hold on Little Saint,” he called. “We’re here.”

“You must not allow it to live, Reuban!” Bellatore ordered behind him.

“Shut up, Larena!” he yelled, eyeing Josie then Krave and Kildare. “He must live.”

“The head is there,” Kildare declared, shaken by the sight.

“Use your fire to pull him out, King,” Reuban ordered, his voice quaking with fear and power. “Josie,” he called loudly. “You need to give us a good push. Krave, hold her hand.”

“Brother, control your winds,” Kildare begged.

****