Page 2 of The Protector’s Daughter

“Get out,” Mae says.

My mother stiffens. “This is my house.”

“And I’m trying to deliver a baby. If you want them both to survive, get out of this room and let me work.”

For one terrifying second, I think my mother will refuse. Then another cry tears from me.

She turns and walks out, slamming the door behind her.

Mae waits until we hear her footsteps moving down the hallway. Then she leans close.

“Who did this to you?”

Tears slide into my hair.

“My father.”

Her fingers tighten around mine. “Does the baby’s father know you’re here?”

I shake my head.

“Does he know about the baby?”

“No.” My voice breaks. “I tried to tell him. My parents found out first.”

“What’s his name?”

“Sean.”

“Sean what?”

A floorboard creaks in the hallway.

I turn my head toward the door.

Mae lowers her voice. “Tell me quickly.”

“Campbell. Sean Campbell.”

“Where does he live?”

“I don’t know where he lives. My father said he was sent away.” I struggle to catch my breath. “Sean would want her. He would love her.”

“Her?”

“I know she’s a girl.”

Mae gives me the saddest smile I’ve ever seen. “A mother usually knows.”

Another pain begins, stronger than all the others. I cry out and clutch Mae’s hand.

“I need you to listen to me,” she says. “This baby is coming.”

“No.” Panic crashes through me. “I’m not ready.”

“Yes, you are.”

“They’re going to take her.”