Page 121 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

My toes curled in my sandals, the insinuation in his voice sending a shock of longing through me. “You’re insatiable.”

His grin widened, but it fell when my stomach growled again. “Let’s feed you...”

I didn’t miss the way he trailed away, and I suspected there was a word he wanted to add to that statement. Both. I shoved down the thrill that surged through me, the same one I felt whenever he hinted that he was thinking about a family. Our family.

The truth was that other than being hungry all the time, I didn’t feel pregnant. Not even a little bit. I just felt like me. It wasn’t possible that I was carrying our child and felt entirely the same. I wasn’t sure what it would be, but I was certain I would feel something.

If he caught any of my thoughts, he didn’t say anything. Julian was picking his battles, and as he led me inside to an already laid dining table, it was clear what one of them was. Ripe apples, grapes, and bananas spilled from a bowl. Next to it was a platter of fresh vegetables arranged into a pretty pattern. There was chicken and fish. It was enough to feed a dozen people.

“This is overkill,” I muttered. I took a bottle from a silver ice bucket, frowning when I discovered it was nonalcoholic cider.

“Just in case,” he said gently. But his eyes tracked me as I dished up like he was logging my food intake. I lifted an eyebrow, and he held up his hands in surrender.

“I’ll go tell them we’re ready to head out.”

“Good idea.” As soon as he disappeared to find the captain, I sank onto one of the couches. I popped a grape into my mouth, annoyed to find they tasted especially good. He was probably flying them in from some private vineyard just for me. Silly, over-protective billionaire vampire.

I’d moved on to chicken when he came back and announced we were all clear.

I nodded absently, knowing that I couldn’t avoid the truth any longer. “Julian, there’s something I need—”

The boat swayed infinitesimally, and my stomach lurched in protest.

Julian was by my side instantly. “What is it?” He pressed a hand to my forehead, and I moaned at the coolness of his touch.

I shook my head, my insides threatening revolt. I didn’t dare answer him. Instead, I choked back the contents of my stomach and managed one word, “Bathroom?”

Julian swept me into his arms and raced me to the nearest toilet. As soon as he placed me on my feet, I launched myself at the bowl, barely making it in time.

His strong hands gathered my hair and held it for me as I continued to retch. By the time it stopped, I felt hollowed out. Sitting back on my heels, I shook my head, feeling a little dizzy. “So much for a day out,” I muttered apologetically. “I didn’t get seasick last time.”

He remained silent, watching me, his eyes glinting with a curious mixture of concern and amusement.

“What?” I demanded, but he still didn’t speak. I frowned, trying to listen for what he was thinking and finding his mind silent.

Finally, he released a deep sigh. “Thea, maybe we should take that pregnancy test now.”

I stared at him, my mouth forming a small o-shape. After a second, I shook myself free of the haze. “Too bad it’s at the house.”

He smiled in answer and pulled the box out of his pocket. “I told you I would take care of everything.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

JULIAN

I had no idea what was going on with my mate. I’d thought we were on the same page about our future, about our lives, but as she clutched the toilet, I wondered if I was wrong. If I’d known she wasn’t ready, I never would have pushed it. Even if we were bound to a mortal lifespan, we had years ahead of us to start a family. But we’d rushed things, and now I had to face the possibility she regretted that.

Regretted me.

Her eyes softened, tears swimming in them from her retching. “It’s not you,” she said softly, reading my thoughts. “It’s all happening so fast.”

That was something I actually agreed with her about. It felt like I’d met Thea yesterday, but somehow it also felt like she’d always been there. Always would be there. Maybe it was the conflict between my vampire nature and the mortal part of her I carried within me, but it was somehow both. She had been mine forever, and I’d only known her for the blink of an eye.

“Maybe it’s just love,” she said, “because that’s how I feel about you, and I’m much, much younger than you are, old man.”

My lips pressed into a bemused smile, pleased that she was at least joking. That was a good sign.

“If you don’t want to take it, I can respect that.” I waved the test at her. “But we will have to deal with this eventually.”

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