Page 76 of Blood Red Rage

"We did tell you about your cycle."

"That was NOT enough information." Runa laughed so hard she had to wipe her eyes, I pointed at her. "This is your fault."

"How?"

"You all told me how amazing mating during my period would be. Nobody said, 'By the way, there's a strong possibility you'll come out of the room pregnant.” She was still laughing.

I groaned. "I'm surrounded by lunatics."

"Welcome to the family." Family, again that word. This time, my hand moved back to my stomach, maybe there really was one more member coming.

By the time darkness fell, I had taken three tests and they were all positive. Three little plastic sticks sat on the bathroom counter like tiny explosives waiting to detonate my life. I stared at them and then shoved them into a drawer because looking at them was making me nauseous.

Again, Viking had left before sunset. Business. That was all he'd said, I spent the evening pretending I wasn't waiting for him, but I failed spectacularly. Every sound had me looking toward the hall. Every movement through the bond made my heart jump.

The women knew but none of them said anything. Sorcha gave me a suspiciously gentle hug before bed. Layla kissed my cheek, and Runa just looked at me and nodded.

Strength. That was what we were for these men. I'd finally understood it, they might have been physically stronger, faster, deadlier. They could command armies and terrify entire criminal networks, but they came home to us.

We were where they put down the weapons, we were where they remembered who they were beneath the violence. Their mates weren't weaknesses; we were the spine holding monsters upright. And tonight, I needed to be Viking's.

The front doors opened shortly after four in the morning; I felt him before I heard him. The bond snapped tight. Then came footsteps, fast, heavy, coming directly toward me.

I was sitting on the edge of our bed when the door opened. Viking filled the doorway, his black shirt, dark trousers, hair pulled back and a smear of something rusty near his collar that he clearly thought I wouldn't notice. His eyes found mine instantly, everything in his face softened. "Bryn."

One word, and suddenly everything felt right again. He crossed the room and pulled me into him; his arms closed around me so tightly that my feet nearly left the floor. I wrapped mine around his neck as he buried his face against me and breathed. Then breathed again.

"I'm fine," I whispered.

"I know."

"You always check."

"I always will." His mouth found mine, the kiss was deep but tired. Not sexual but needing. When he pulled back, his forehead rested against mine. "Why are you awake?" My heart started hammering at his question, he felt it instantly. His head lifted. "What happened?"

"Nothing."

His entire body went rigid, "Bryn."

"I'm okay."

"Then why is your heart racing?"

Damn vampire senses, I stepped back but his hands immediately caught my hips as if distance wasn't acceptable. "I need to tell you something."

His expression darkened. "What?"

"Don't freak out."

"Bryn." His voice a roar, I could see the panic in his eyes as they run over me.

"Promise."

"No."

I blinked. "That's not how promises work."

"I'm not promising not to react before you tell me what I'm reacting to." I almost laughed but the nervousness in my stomach kept it at bay. I took a breath, then another.