The Rebel Queen (Outlaw 1)

Still, I had to admit, they were close. We’d done something right. Our children loved each other. Though they were planning one of their deaths and having fun with it.

“It’s going to be okay, my goddess.” Dev leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I know you’re worried, but you must eat. Do you remember what happened when you didn’t?”

Danny stood up. “I do. I had a fainting spell, and Devinshea has never let me live it down. Rhys, be prepared to grow some potatoes because your mother craves them when she’s pregnant. Goddess, I hope there’s plenty of butter here.”

“And cheese.” I wouldn’t need it. I meant to be back in the right timeline before this baby was born. I would have Albert prepare all those potatoes in our kitchen in the penthouse. Where we belonged.

Would this baby be born at all if I played around with the timeline? Did it matter if I brought her into this world where she would be hunted? How did I weigh one child against another? What did I owe each of them?

Danny was at the buffet loading it up with pretty much everything I loved. Normally.

Rhys smiled as he looked over at me. “The trolls here make the best butter. Apparently the cows are enchanted. I think you’ll be perfectly comfortable here, Mom.”

Fen stood, leaving his half-eaten plate behind. “I can assure you the cheese is great, too. I’m going to check on my mom. We’re supposed to leave soon. Evan, given what we’ve learned, if you would rather stay with Lee, I understand. Eddie and Casey are coming with us so Mom and I will be okay.”

Fen walked out and Evan’s jaw dropped.

“What the hell was that about?” Evan walked to the door.

“Is he mad because I’m a vamp?” Lee suddenly looked worried.

“I don’t think so.” I suspected it had to do with being reminded of Evan’s life expectancy and how little he could do about it. It was likely something he didn’t think about at all. Fen was young, and despite the circumstances of the last few years, there was privilege that came with being the biggest, strongest wolf on the plane. He didn’t worry about death. “Evan, maybe you should talk to him, but don’t leave without seeing me. You’re going to start taking your father’s blood.”

Evan stopped, her eyes going wide. “I’m going to… You know we dose on vamp blood before we go on a mission. We’re not careless. Sasha would never send us out without vampire blood in our systems.”

“My blood is different than Sasha or the academics.” Danny put the plate in front of me. “Even a little of my blood can slow your aging process and make you stronger than you are now. You should take some every day. You can put it in coffee or tea. If you think it’s going to bother Fen, then I’ll talk to him.”

“I think Fen was reminded that he can’t give her what a vampire can,” Dev said.

“He can give me everything I need.” Evan turned to Danny. “If you’ll send some with me, I promise to take it. I’m going to talk to Fen. And Lee, do not die while I’m gone. I think we should have a whole ceremony and yes, I will totally put an arrow through your heart and take a video to share with all your bitter ex-lovers. It’ll be fun.”

“My ex-lovers aren’t bitter,” Lee complained. “I leave them all quite satisfied.”

“Are you absolutely sure he’s not Fae?” Rhys got up and grabbed a plate, his appetite seeming to come back.

“I’m all vamp, brother. I was just raised around a lot of Fae and it had an effect.” Lee sat back, looking pleased with himself. “It explains a lot. I need to find a comfy daylight resting place. Sasha complains bitterly when he has to sleep in a body bag. We did that a lot when we were on the run.”

The door opened again and Shy stood there dressed in a pretty yellow sweater, jeans, and knee-high boots. “I know this is a family thing. Can I grab some coffee?”

It was time to be the queen. Of all Vampire. Of this little base we found ourselves in. Of my family. “Please, join us Shahidi. You are more than welcome. I understand my father tired you out yesterday.”

Rhys moved in, having gotten a cup of coffee in record time. He set it down at the place to his left, holding the chair for Shy. “It takes a lot out of her. She won’t be able to let him out again probably until this evening.”

“Can he still hear us?” I found my sense of humor was coming back online. And my cheekiness.

Shy sat down and reached for the sugar bowl and creamer. “Oh, yes. He’s still with me, but it takes a lot out of both of us for him to be able to speak directly through me.”