Reign of Night (Thorne Hill 7)

“Yes, and I’m supposed to get up and walk around every hour or so while I’m awake,” I tell her. It’s been a while since I was put on modified bedrest, and I’ve spent the entire time in the house. It hasn’t been quite as boring as I thought, but I really took small things for granted, like going to the grocery store when I run out of cranberry juice.

Lucas went for me after sunset, and had to FaceTime me to make sure he got what I wanted. Next time, I’ll make the list much more specific for my non-food-eating husband.

“But you are taking it easy?” Naomi questions.

“I am.” I shut the door behind them and wave my hand over it, sealing it with magic. It’s a bit of a habit now to seal everything up, just to be safe. “Lucas has made sure of it.”

“I think it’s sweet how much he worries,” Nicole says.

“It is,” I say as we head into the kitchen. “But I’m more than ready to get back to normal in six days.” My friends all exchange glances.

“Six days?” Kristy questions. “That’s a very specific time frame.”

“Really?” I shrug and keep walking but realize now one is following me. “What?”

“Callie,” Kristy starts. “The new moon is in six days. It’s not a good idea for you to partake in the spell. It’s a protection spell, and we can do it without you, I promise.”

“I agree,” Lucas calls from somewhere inside the house, having heard her talking.

I wave my hand, dismissing him. “I’m feeling much better now,” I tell them. “I’ve been getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water, and keeping my stress levels down.”

“Then we should keep it that way,” Naomi quips.

“I know,” I agree. “But I’ll be here for backup.”

“Fine,” Kristy says, knowing me. “Backup, but the entire council is getting together for the spell, plus the three of us. We will cast it just fine.”

“I’m sure you will,” I say. “Really. I know you guys can. I’m worried about interference, and who better to keep the demons away than your hellfire-summoning friend?”

“You mean our pregnant hellfire-summoning friend,” Nicole corrects. “We’re going to cast a protective circle around ourselves. It’s going to be just fine.”

“I know,” I say with a sigh and then shake my head. “Let’s eat and talk about demons later.”

“Sounds good.” Kristy nudges me with her elbow and continues into the kitchen. I invited my friends over for dinner, and went with spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and a salad. Not the fanciest of meals, but it was easy and I’m trying to stay off my feet for extended periods of time.

“What’s going on with the baby shower?” Kristy asks. “Did you officially cancel it?”

“No, Eliza just about cried when I told her we should move it back a few weeks, so it’s still tentatively on, assuming the world doesn’t end. If it does, I suppose it doesn’t matter if we still have caterers lined up.” I get the pasta sauce from the warming drawer and bring it to the table. My friends help me get everything out and onto the table.

The subject is changed from demons, and we talk and laugh throughout dinner, which was so needed. We take our cheesecake into the living room, setting our plates on the coffee table as we continue to eat and talk. Lucas joins us, bringing up two bottles of wine for my friends to enjoy. I use magic to open the bottle and pour everyone but myself and Lucas a glass.

Two hours later, I walk my friends to the front door. “Let me know when you’re casting the spell,” I say. “And I’ll watch like a creep from my attic window.”

“As long as you stay there,” Kristy tells me. “I want you to keep being a creep for another three months.”

“I do too,” I admit ruefully. “Love you, guys.”

“Love you too.” Kristy gives me a hug. “Oh! Was that the baby moving? I felt her against me.”

“Yeah, she’s going crazy right now. I think she liked your cheesecake.”

“Hah, well, thanks, girl. I’ll make you some when you’re old enough.” She holds her hand out and looks up, waiting until I give her the go-ahead to touch my stomach. I nod and she puts her hand against me. “Oh wow, she is going crazy in there! Does it feel weird? I imagine it feels so weird.”

“Yeah, it’s weird, but I also like it.”

“You make such a cute pregnant mama,” Kristy tells me. “I hope I look as good as you when I’m six months pregnant.”

“I feel huge.”

“You’re all belly, and it’s adorable.” Kristy smiles, hugs me once more as we say goodbye, and goes down the porch steps to her car. I close the door, re-seal it, and go into the kitchen to start putting dishes away.