Toxic Game (GhostWalkers 15)

“Gino.” Nonny came down the hall, her expression all business. “We need you now. She’s going to deliver the first one any minute. You’ll need to look after the baby with me.”

Gino rose instantly, leaned into Zara to brush her mouth with his and then he was hurrying for the bathroom to wash up.

The sitting room was the largest informal gathering room, but it failed to hold them all so several spilled over into the living room. Wanting to be close to the kitchen to keep her eye on the meal, Zara remained with Trap and Cayenne and Draden and Shylah. Cayenne clearly was worried about Pepper and wanted to be close in case of an emergency.

Shylah identified a bit with Cayenne, in that the woman was a warrior through and through. She had less confidence in herself as a woman than she did as the competent fighter who had earned and deserved a place on the team. Shylah felt exactly the same way. Cayenne was learning at a rapid pace, absorbing everything Nonny was both showing her and telling her. She watched everyone, but mostly paid attention to Trap.

Shylah knew she was taking that same route. After meeting Nonny, she wanted to be like her. She loved the way Nonny’s home was so open to everyone and how it felt warm and welcoming. Zara was like that, her skills in the kitchen and sweet nature allowing her to find her way fast. Bellisia was taking a little more time. The concepts of cooking and housework were foreign to her. Fortunately, Ezekiel didn’t mind in the least.

The sound of a baby’s cry drifted from the bedroom, and Shylah went utterly still. She lifted her head alertly, her eyes meeting Draden’s. They both smiled. Simultaneously, everyone else in the room did the same. It was the first time Shylah had ever heard a newborn and it was an amazing experience. Even Cayenne was smiling.

They could hear Nonny’s soft murmur and knew she was assisting Gino with the baby while Wyatt and Ezekiel aided Pepper. It seemed only a couple of minutes later when the second baby clearly entered the world with a soft, mewling cry. Shylah found herself close to tears. She wished she’d been in the room when Pepper had given birth. She would have liked to see it.

No one spoke. Everyone was waiting. Nonny came out looking a little tired. “They’re both in good health. Small, but they’re a little early. We expected that. Their color is good, their scores even better. She’s holding them with Wyatt and then she’ll need sleep. They’ll be put into the warmers and then you’ll be able to see them.”

Trap moved first, reaching for Nonny and tugging her to her favorite rocking chair. “We need coffee, Zara. Hot and strong. Nonny’s tired.”

“I’m already prepared,” Zara said and leapt up.

“I can’t believe we have two new babies,” Cayenne whispered in awe. For the first time that Shylah had seen since she’d joined them, Cayenne touched her stomach.

Trap kissed her fingertips. “We’re next, babe.”

“Are we ready?” Cayenne’s voice shook.

“As ready as we’ll ever be. We’ll wing it until we figure it out,” Trap answered.

“That’s what we plan to do,” Draden said. “Although with Nonny here, I think we’re all going to be fine with this new venture.”

Shylah looked at the contentment on Nonny’s face. Their eyes met and Nonny smiled her reassurance.

“I hope you’re right,” she said. “I’m good at certain things, but bringing life into the world was never in my training.”

Draden suddenly grinned at her. “We’ll practice. A lot. You like to practice things.”

Laughter broke out and Shylah tried to pretend scowl at him, but deep inside she felt warm and safe. She felt as if she were home surrounded by an extended family. You make me happy.

I love you, sweetheart. Absolutely love you.

She believed him.