Shadow Watcher (Darkness #6)(32)

The clan doctor said that was a normal reaction for a heavily pregnant female. That when I was at the farm, they would try and comfort the part of me that craved my mate’s company. The human midwife had patted my hand and said I’d be fine. She thought it was hormones.

I didn’t know what it was, but I was uncomfortable, my ankles were the size of my upper arms, I was short of breath, I still had to pee even though I just freaking peed, and I wanted to cry and punch things, simultaneously.

“I just want this to be over,” I whined.

“Walking helps,” Paulie said quietly. “Get your man to rub your feet.”

We reached the back of the Mansion to be greeted by a small crowd. Everyone was smiling with sparkling eyes. Some had a tear or two. “Good luck!” many said. One guy opened the door for my entourage. “Good luck!”

Ann waited for us outside, the flare of her blue hair lost to the darkness. “Ready?”

She’d be coming with me. Like luggage. It was acknowledged that I would need a female that I knew well to help me relax. Delilah said she’d go, which was great, but I wanted Ann, too. And when I’d called Tim asking about it, I’d received an easy yes. Why? Because I threatened his life, obviously.

And then threatened it again when he started laughing at me.

Whatever. I got my way.

“How’s those kids? Moving?” Ann asked as she shoved Charles out of the way so she could be at my side.

“Real nice.” Charles tried to crowd in behind. The guy was probably just as excited as Stefan. Jonas was too, but he did a better job of hiding it beneath his, “I hate everyone” exterior.

“Going quiet, now,” I answered. “They’re turned down and dropping and all that. Wanting to come out. I want them to come out.”

“Twins usually come early, right?” She put a hand on my shoulder to slow me down as Jonas walked ahead quickly to get the door.

“That’s what they say. Any time. Twins, Ann! Why me?”

“We’re blessed, that’s why,” Stefan said with soft eyes. “Almost there, baby. And then I can help.”

“Oh, you better help. You better bust your ass. You have a lot to make up for, mister!” I grumbled.

My romantic streak was long gone. Long, long gone.

Stefan lifted me into the backseat of Jonas’ Hummer. It was both awkward, and a whole lot of weight, but he bore it easily. I scowled at the seat, just because. He got in the other side so he could sit next to me. Charles and Jonas got in the front with Ann sandwiched in the middle of them. Paulie crawled in the back so as not to crowd Stefan. He’d be coming back for class, but said he wanted to drop me off.

I really wished this car ride meant labor. If only hopes were miracles.

Forty-five minutes later, we pulled off the highway onto a small dirt road. At the end of that was an arch above a gate that said, “Triple-T Farm.”

“I feel like a cow,” I muttered as Jonas reached out the window and entered a code. The gate shuddered to a start before slowly swinging open.

“You’re almost there,” Ann noted.

I was tired of people saying that. But then, I was tired of most things, so I didn’t say anything.

We wound through trees and uncultivated grass until we approached a smallish cabin nestled into the trees. Jonas parked right out in front and the whole progression emptied the car, me being last. By the time we were organized in a tighter than necessary horde, I noticed a woman dressed all in pink. Beside her stood a moderately large Delilah with a huge smile, and Delilah’s man, Tom, standing beside her with a hand on her back.

“Finally you come out here!” Delilah exclaimed. “You are going to kick yourself for not being here sooner. This is the most relaxing place.”

“Nowhere is a relaxing place,” I grumbled.

“Hello, Sasha. I’m Genevieve. Delilah, why don’t you show her around? Let her walk a little. With her size, that car must’ve been cramped.” Genevieve smiled at me in commiseration. I liked her already.

“Boss,” the woman turned her attention to Stefan. “If you plan to leave, why don’t you walk her around first and get her settled in her room. That would be the best for her stress levels.”

“Of course,” Stefan said meekly.

Ann and I were the only people to turn and stare at him with a slack jaw. Apparently his rank meant little in this place. Delilah smiled harder.

“C’mon,” Delilah said, starting forward. Tom followed her like a shadow.

She led us through the trees to a flat and totally level dirt path. There were no snags, roots, or rocks to catch the feet. On the side was even a railing to hold onto.

“So, this whole place is set up for pregnant people?” I asked in awe.

“Not really. You’ll see.”

“I can’t believe you’ve never been out here,” Ann noticed. “Isn’t that one of the first things you should do when taking over a job? Figure out the stuff you’re protecting.”

“Ann, I am not in the mood for a critic.” That was a better thing to say then, “Yup. My bad.”

Through the trees we emerged into a clear-cut area large enough for a football game. Neat rows of garden covered every inch.

“Oh! This is what the cooks were always talking about when they said they were giving me the best crops. I wondered, but they always gave me a weird grin and said I’d see.”