Page 143 of A Monstrous World: The Complete Series

Chapter Thirty-Four

Nadia

T he first real time I lay eyes on Emerson after her change into a vampire is when she spends the better part of half an hour berating me for my epic screwup with her birth control spell.

I end up spewing everything that happened in North Falls, and I think she forgives me.

Maybe?

Technically, it’s not all me.

It wasn’t like I made the choice.

My magic just so happens to have a mind of its own. We talk a little about how excited she is while simultaneously being terrified.

I get it. If Wraith is right, then I’m carrying twins.

It’s not something I’ve let myself obsess about too much in the last week that I’ve been in Haven.

Mostly, I’ve decided that I would be excited if he’s right.

I mean, I should have gotten my period a little over a week ago, so I’m fairly sure Wraith knows what he’s talking about.

I’m feeling all over Emerson’s wiggly tummy when Dread stomps into the room.

I jolt, but my shoulders pull back. He can growl and snarl all he likes. He wanted her full of his pups, and would you look at that? Here we are. I mean, at least one of those babies belongs to him, so he should really be thanking me.

“How the fuck are we supposed to keep this a secret?” Dread snarls, pacing back in the opposite direction.

Emerson catches my gaze, rolling her eyes at the hellhound currently losing his shit.

I shrug. “You can’t, so I think it would be silly to try.”

Dread stops dead in his tracks, spinning around to face me. He growls low and dangerous, but I know it’s not me he’s snarling at. He’s worried about his family. “They’re four different species.”

“I know.” I nod my agreement. It’s not what he wants to hear, but I’m not being purposely difficult, either. Truthfully, I just don’t see a point in trying to hide it. Everyone with any prior knowledge of omegas will be able to put two and two together.

Dread continues his low growling, but I snort. I don’t think I could be afraid of him if I tried.

Wraith manifests between me and Dread. “I’d highly recommend you stop glaring at my mate, unless you have plans to meet my monster today.”

Dread’s red eyes narrow as his claws elongate. I don’t think he understands that Wraith can freeze time. It gives my reaper an unhealthy and kind of unfair advantage in any fight.

I’m a little impressed that Dread doesn’t look away from Wraith’s gaze.

I mean, he’s got his hood up and everything.

That shit would terrify me. Well, if I didn’t know he’s a giant grim reaper teddy bear.

Although, there’s every possibility that only applies to me.

A wide, slow smile spreads over my face at that thought. He really is quite melty for me.

The two continue to square off.

I roll my eyes. “I’m sure your dicks are the exact same size. Please stop with this ridiculous measuring contest before whipping them out.”

Emerson snorts.

“Dread is a friend. He’s allowed to growl and snarl, especially because I understand he’s only concerned for the safety and well-being of his mate and unborn children.

” I push myself off the couch, sliding under Wraith’s arm.

He immediately pulls me into his side. It’s unreal how petite I feel with his hip practically pushing into my waist. “Thank you for being all growly and protective.” I pat his chest. “It’s super hot. ”

“Really?” Wraith’s head tilts and his tone is oddly hopeful.

“So hot,” Emerson chimes in.

I snort.

Dread growls, sliding around us before tossing himself onto the couch next to Emerson. “Only I’m allowed to be sexy while being growly and protective.” His deadpan delivery has my head shaking as I hold back the laugh that wants to escape.

“We’ll all be around to help you through whatever comes next.

” Wraith turns us to face the now cuddling couple.

“We’ve discussed it many times. Nadia isn’t the only blood witch who will be introducing omegas back into the monster community.

I’m fairly sure it’s been happening for a while all over the world.

She just happens to be the one closest to us. ”

Dread nods, scratching at his scruffy beard. “You shouldn’t see any patients until you know they don’t have omega blood.”

Wraith hums, his head tilting. “That’s one option, but the rarer the designation, the more danger anyone falling under that classification will be in. The other option is to saturate the community to the point they’re no longer considered a commodity.”

“Hmm,” Dread grunts, nodding like he’s thinking that idea through.

“There’s a djinn stalking Charity.” Aline comes into the room.

Once the door closes, she leans against it, crossing thin arms over her chest. “And it’s hysterical.

” A bright smile I’ve never seen before crosses her face, but my eyes are drawn to her stomach.

On most females, it wouldn’t be noticeable, but she’s clearly got a small rounding of a baby belly.

I mean, I think that’s what it is.

I stumble toward her. “Holy fucking shit.”

Wraith’s arm tightens around me, like he’s attempting to hold me in place. He releases me when he realizes it was a purposeful move.

I bite my lip as I stagger forward.

It seems highly inappropriate to ask because of her fertility issues, but also... God, it would make my whole damn year if she was pregnant.

“Is something wrong?” Wraith sounds truly perplexed.

“She is indeed carrying four eggs,” the nightmare from the warehouse says, appearing at Aline’s side. He bows low. “Thank you for all you did to help my mate.”

I squeal, bouncing around on my toes. I rush Aline as she smiles.

“It’s good to see you,” Malice says to Wraith. “I’ve missed you.”

I barely even process what he’s saying as Aline hugs me tight. She’s not usually a huggy person, but she holds on to me like she needs the contact just as much as I do.

“Are you excited?” I bite my lip.

“What do you think?” She laughs. “It’s all I’ve dreamed of for years.”

“God, I’m so fucking happy for you,” I whisper. “Wait, did he say you’re carrying eggs?”

“Thank you,” Emerson says from behind me. “Can I just say, I’m really happy I’m not the only one who needed that explained.”

“I feel like I’ve missed so much.” There’s a weird quaver in my voice that betrays my emotion.

“Well, you’re here now.” Emerson comes to stand at our side. “And that means it’s time for us girls to catch up.”

“Should one of us rescue Charity?” I ask, glancing at the door.

“I’ll find the djinn and give him a job.” Dread shoves himself off the couch. “I’m tired of everyone loitering and never working.”

Aline snorts, then bends in half, laughing harder than I’ve ever seen her laugh.

It really is good to be home.