Page 24

The entire Onyx Wing was newly renovated. The pristine walls behind every door I checked reinforced the truth that it had only just been remodeled. The first room was lovely, with cream-colored walls and moss-green adornments.

Across the hall from it, there was a more masculine version in navy with a bright white to complement the space. Each had a gigantic bed, with tastefully chosen quilts and pillows to enhance the chamber.

The next room I opened revealed a warm, cozy reading room. On the far side, what appeared to be first edition books filled a fresh grass-colored bookshelf. A wide, comfortable looking sofa chair sat in the corner facing the door. Cream-colored walls added contrast with the planted moss scattered throughout the space.

On the taller shelf, various genres from fantasy and romantasy to depravity filled the shelves. Snorting as I pulled out a book, I smiled at the title. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear he’d hacked into my reading app and then shopped based on my current reads I’d purchased.

I’d purchased a new reading tablet to keep myself sane when I’d left here. Reading was a way to escape the problems, even for a bit. Sure, they’d be there once the world I’d emerged into faded away, but, for the time, I vanished between the pages of a book. Nothing in the world was as therapeutic as a great tale of epic adventure to entertain the mind, while an added secondary tale of true love played out to appease the heart.

Pulling out the hardback edition of Bewitched by one of my favorite authors, Laura Thalassa, I brought it to my nose, deeply inhaling the smell of freshly printed ink. Flipping the pages, the hum of them turning rapidly caused a familiar pleasure to replace the anxiousness I felt from my earlier word-vomiting I’d done.

Placing the beautifully designed book back into its spot on the shelf, I scanned a few others with warmth rushing to my cheeks. Some of them were pure, blissful, mindless smut. You didn’t read smut to escape; you read it to scratch an itch. Smutty books took care of that need on cold winter days.

A bookmark stuck out from the smuttiest book lining the shelf, piquing my interest. Grabbing the book, I turned to the page. Pulling the bookmark out, I held the page while glancing at the masculine handwriting.

I could do this with you, Love. All you must do is surrender. I warned you that I wasn’t going to fight fair, didn’t I? Think you could hold out as she did? You could be my good girl, and I can play master. If I were you, I’d get to reading this book then the others I’ve left markers in. After all, a well-read woman is the truest treasure a man can have. The entire top shelf is my favorite of your eclectic taste in literature.

Heat blossomed in my abdomen, rushing straight to my core. I’d wondered if he’d thumbed through them, but I’d never imagined he’d read them. Pulling down another volume, I scanned the notes. My lips parted as I recalled highlighting the exact passage on my reader. Glancing at the note he’d left between the pages, I felt my mouth go dry at what he’d written.

First, you should know that I watched you reading this one. As you peeked over your tablet, your electric blue eyes glittered; you checked to be sure no one saw how excited you were reading this racy, delicious story about a woman forced against a wall. The hero was a little weak for my taste, but I’ll admit he had, rather—intriguing ideas of how to ensure his good girl got off on his cock. Pages 113, 159, and 183 will be what I do to you.

Closing the book, I turned, staring at the entrance. I’d fully expected him to be there watching me. He’d stalked me. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that yet. That wasn’t true. I was highly turned on right now. No matter how much I wanted, I didn’t want to admit the truth. Rhys watched me read smutty books. Why was that truly mind-bogglingly but also extremely hot?

This was exactly why I needed Nyx. She’d assure me I didn’t need to feel dirty because I liked knowing he’d stalked me. He’d violated my privacy. Certainly. It was a violation, but one he’d used to study and learn what I liked. Was it bad? Absolutely. Would my anger be justified? Probably. Was I though? Nope.

I still wouldn’t admit defeat. Rhys surprised me, but he’d left me to suffer. I intended to ensure he felt the same pain he’d inflicted on me. No, I didn’t want to see him suffer physically. Okay, maybe a little. Was I really a masochist or maybe a little of a sadist, too?

No, I needed him to feel the painful need accumulating in his abdomen. He needed to feel the same intensity and ache I felt. I’d never felt the need to fuck as much as I had during the first trimester. It had only strengthened the moment I’d entered the second. If he only felt a sliver of what I had, I’d willingly admit defeat.

Placing the book back on the shelf, I exited the library. The next door down the hall had been left open. Looking up and down the corridor, I quietly approached it. Pushing the door open, I felt my stomach flip then flop, as tears swam in my vision.

The walls were black with white symbols painted throughout the chamber. A mobile of black stars with white clouds hung over a black crib. It looked as if someone had carved it by hand. On the wall, etched in pure silver, read Bullet Van Helsing .

Rhys seemed surprised by the endearment I’d given our child. He’d assumed I’d named our child Bullet, even though I’d only meant it as a nickname or endearment until we’d chosen a better name.

If I hadn’t heard from him by the time our child was born, I might’ve stuck with Bullet. Though I’d preferred to include Rhys in the name of the child we’d created together, I hadn’t been holding my breath that he’d care what I’d name our child, though. Not when he allowed rage and hatred to decide his choices and direction in life.

Wiping at the tears that ran down my cheeks, I stepped deeper inside the nursery. Reaching out, I tested the softness of the stars and moon of the mobile, then wound it up and released it. It slowly spun, while a gentle lullaby played throughout the room. The harmony was enchanting, causing a smile to bloom on my face.

On the far wall, a dresser sat with a white protective pentagram on the wall. Black runes were inscribed at each point, guarding the nursery. Opening the top drawer, I pulled out the tiniest onesie I’d ever seen, fighting against outright sobbing. Folding it before placing it back inside the dresser, I brought it to my nose, smelling freshly washed cotton.

In the corner, a camera blinked a red light. I was sure it was sending alerts to Rhys’ phone, letting him know I was snooping.

Returning my attention to the masterpiece he’d either created or hired someone else to furbish, I began taking inventory. There had to be something he’d forgotten that we’d need. I lost time inside the room, cataloging each and everything he’d procured. Rhys hadn’t forgotten anything.

He had purchased gender neutral clothes, but he’d also purchased adorable, tiny, colorful dresses. One of the tiny onesies said Lovely Like My Mommy , which caused a sad smile to play on my lips.

Several tiny suits caused my cheeks to ache from smiling. One after the other, I plucked them from the dresser to examine. Leave it to Rhys to ensure his child had lavish three-piece suits. I was sure they matched his own. Rhys preferred to wear them like the finest suit of armor.

Diapers, diaper wipes, formula, bottles, and several other necessities filled the closet. Rhys had hooked tiny bathing robes behind the door as if the baby would step from the shower and grab one to wear.

By the time I left the nursery, my face hurt from grinning. The worry I’d felt about not being able to purchase the things I’d need for the baby vanished, melting away with the stress it had created. Most of what he bought for Bullet was unnecessary, but the huge relief of not having to worry about it was significant for my mental health.

Of everything I’d dared to imagine from Rhys, it hadn’t been this. He’d secured everything Bullet needed. If that hadn’t been enough, he’d ensured I had everything I’d craved during this pregnancy on hand. He’d ensured I had books to read while he protected me from the murderous bastards seeking to exploit our unborn child.

Rhys had told me he didn’t want to be close to me. He’d also informed me he wouldn’t allow me to leave, either. It left me uncertain where we stood with one another. Could I forgive him? Yes, even though it wouldn’t be easy. He’d taught me a broken heart could physically hurt.

Being apart from Rhys had left me fragmented. Nyota had told me it had to do with our pact, tethering our souls together on a level so viscerally, deeply intertwined, that being away from one another felt more as if we lost limbs. It was terrifying, even if I’d attempted to reassure everyone that I was fine without him.

I hadn’t been fine, though. In the time since he’d brought me back here, I’d started feeling whole again. Though apart, our connection persisted.

Ensuring Bullet’s well-being and security was paramount in my choice. Our child had to be my priority. It was something my mother hadn’t understood. I didn’t intend to be a better parent than my mother. She didn’t even deserve to be called one. No, I planned to put my child’s needs first, even before my own.

Learning I was pregnant with Rhys’ child altered my entire life. I’d done a lot of petty, insane shit between then and now, but it hadn’t felt real. Not until today, when I’d stepped into the nursery. Before then, it was merely spoken of or about. There hadn’t ever been anything to see or touch other than the slight curve of my belly.

I had to figure out where Rhys and I stood. If he wanted me, he’d need to prove it wasn’t merely a physical attraction. He didn’t connect sex with emotions, but I did. I needed more than sex. Though, I wouldn’t be opposed to getting pinned against the nearest hard surface and being fucked into a boneless, drooling stupor right about now.

I merely had to make him know how it felt to crave something so viscerally but never be able to satisfy the ravenous hunger within. If Rhys wanted a battle, I’d give him one. He planned to fight dirty, so I didn’t have to fight fair.

A smile spread over my lips as I entered the bedroom, then moved straight to his closet. Once inside, I ran my fingertips over the shirts hanging within, softly humming as I put my plans into action.

First and foremost, I needed to figure out how Nyx and Nyota were. I needed my girls with me if I was to survive this. One of the Van Helsing brothers wanted me dead. Until I figured out who that was, I needed to tread carefully.

Rhys wouldn’t harm me. I was certain he hadn’t brought me here to hurt me. He’d brought me here to torture me and chisel past my defenses. He wanted me to be laid bare before him with no barriers between us. Not because he wanted to discover all my secrets. Rhys Van Helsing wanted me on my knees, obedient and defenseless.

I may be at his mercy, but I’d crawl on my knees for no man. There were plenty of things I wanted to do for him. That was something I’d never do. Not even for him.