Roman (The Clutch 1)

“Who, the mom or the baby?”

“The mom,” she says quietly.

We arrive at my floor and quickly rush to my apartment and into the bathroom where I drop to my knees and rifle through the cabinet under my sink. “I know I have a test in here.”

“Do you think it’s the same? I mean, can it tell if you’re pregnant with a vampire baby?”

“I don’t know, but I’m going to try. I have to know.” Lana leaves me to pee on the stick. After I do, I set it on the counter and wash my hands, refusing to look at it, knowing deep down I’m screwed.

Roman and I just met. Our relationship is far too early to bring a child into it, and what would I tell my father? He will surely disown me for getting knocked up by a vampire. I open the door and let Lana in. She immediately goes to the stick and watches it. I don’t want to know if it’s changing because I already know I’m pregnant. I should’ve had my period by now.

“Not pregnant,” Lana says.

“What?”

“It says not pregnant.”

I breathe a massive sigh of relief, and instantly tears start to stream down my face. “Hey,” Lana whispers. “It’s okay. Now you know how you feel if you were to get pregnant, but you can’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I texted my guy and asked. He said it’s not allowed unless permission is sought from one of the Sisters, and if they agree, it’s a ritual. So you’re safe. We’re all safe.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.” Reality sure has a funny way of showing you how screwed up your decisions are. I’m bonded to a man who can’t give me children unless he seeks permission from the crazy freaks who created him. And up until I took the test, I wasn’t sure I wanted children, but now maybe I do, but I’d never ask Roman to ask the Sisters for help. Hell no, not after what he’s told me.

I take a deep calming breath and deduce that if Roman and I are to continue, we’ll adopt a child. There’s plenty of children in the orphanage who need good, loving homes, which Roman and I can provide for them. And if the time comes when I need to experience childbirth, we’ll talk about a sperm donor, but until then, I’m going to focus on being in love with my sexy vampire and help him build an empire.

At Lana’s encouragement, we return to the mall. Leslie’s there, waiting for us, and truthfully, I forgot all about her in my panic. “Where were you? I tried calling.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, kissing her on the cheek. “I had to run up to my apartment quickly.”

“For what?” she asks.

Lie, Fiona. Lie like you’ve never lied before. “I forgot my phone.” My voice rises when I say phone, a sure sign that I’m full of shit and Leslie knows it.

“I see.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her cheeks. Fuck my life.

“Let’s shop, shall we?” Lana says, trying to save the day. Together the three of us browse the racks with the latest fashions. Every so often, I look over my shoulder to see if Roman’s out there, watching me. I don’t sense him, but ever since the Sisters’ visit, I’ve felt sort of off when it comes to him.

Store after store, we buy up the newest trends, loading our arms with bags of items we don’t need. “I’m going to have to spend the weekend cleaning out my closet.”

“My mom is hosting a charity auction in a month; you could donate your old stuff to her,” Lana says.

“That sounds about perfect.” I look down at the many bags, wishing Roman would appear and help me carry these to my apartment. As if on cue, the energy I feel when he’s near piques. If it were only Lana, I’d seek him out, but with Leslie here, I can’t. “I think I’m going to go. My arms are getting tired, and I have to start planning the next investor party.”

“Has your dad decided to issue a license yet for the Majesty?”

I shake my head, even though he told me I could have it. I have yet to hear back on the bid I put in and whether it’s been accepted. “I’m sure whoever pads his pockets the most will walk away with the prized paper.”

“Do you want some help?” Leslie asks. Her hands are as full as mine, so I’m not sure how’d she help me. I glance over my shoulder, sensing Roman is near and spot him looking into the window of the store, pretending to ignore us. Thankfully, Leslie has no idea what Roman looks like so she hasn’t caught on to the fact he’s standing behind us.

“I’m fine, you go on ahead. I can always ask the bellhop to take my bags up.”

The three of us say goodbye and promise to catch up. I stand in the middle of the mall, watching my friends leave, both avoiding each other.

“Let me take those.” His silky voice sends shivers down my spine. I’m tempted to tell him about today, but it’s a conversation for later in life, after we’ve been together for a while. Although, I’m going to have to hide the evidence when we get upstairs, not that Roman has any reason to use my bathroom.

I turn and fall into his arms. His scent surrounds me, making me feel at peace. “I’ve missed you.”