Page 50 of These Wicked Desires

My heart sinks. That's two out of three. Two of my guys who I can't have children with. I force a smile to my face. "Well, it was just a thought anyway."

"What about shifters?" Cade asks Sterling.

Sterling watches me carefully. "Wolves have a higher chance of procreating with different races. Well, with humans and other shifters that is. Our pups are strong and stubborn, so it's more likely to be a successful pregnancy." His words don't give me the hope I think he wanted them to. "Don't forget, kitten, you're not normal by any means. I doubt there is any information about harpies and how it works with them. When this is all over, we can talk with Agatha. She might be able to give us some advice."

I nod and bite my lip, forcing my emotions deep inside. Not only will Kai pick up on them, but now is not the time to even be thinking of this. We still have so much to deal with. Starting a family should be the least of my concerns.

A knock on the front door and Allie popping her head inside luckily draws everyone's attention away from me. I hop off the couch and make a break toward her, desperately glad to see her at this particular moment.

“Allie!” I give her a hug, almost knocking her backward. “Thank gods you’re here,” I whisper so only she can hear.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, untangling herself from me.

I nod, heat creeping into my cheeks once again. “Yes. Just glad to have a distraction right now.”

She raises one brow and gives me a look that says I need help, but she lets it drop. “How’s your mom and sister, Cade?”

“Chloe is awake. She was downstairs not too long ago. I haven’t checked on my mom yet.”

“Okay. Well, let’s go see if your magic did anything to help your mom yet. Ellis, come with us.” Allie links her arm through mine.

I stop Cade before he can climb the stairs. “Are you up to it? You haven’t eaten anything yet.”

“You haven’t eaten?” Kai’s tone is laced with concern, and his gray eyes narrow on Cade.

“I’m good,” Cade reassures us. “I’ll eat in a little bit.” He pushes past me and Allie and disappears upstairs before Kai can say anything else.

Upstairs, Chloe is sitting on her mom’s bed, placing a fresh compress on her forehead. She glances at us, and I notice her relax when she realizes Cole isn’t here.

“Hi Chloe. How are you feeling?” Allie asks, getting down to business.

Chloe shrugs. “I’m … as okay as I can be.”

“Can I scan you again?” Cade asks, purple light flaring around his arms.

“Sure.” Chloe closes her eyes, and as Cade’s magic flows through her, she sighs. “It feels like dad’s magic,” she whispers.

Cade jerks back like he was burned. He clears his throat and steps away. “Is your magic coming back yet?”

I hate how awkward he feels around her, and I wish there was something I could do to make things like they used to be between them.

Chloe studies her hands with a frown. “A little. It’s like there is all this fog inside of me, and getting through it to my magic is almost impossible. But it does seem like it’s getting better. Slowly.”

Cade nods and heads toward his mom’s side of the bed. “I’m assuming it’s the same for mom, then.” His magic flows through her body, making her groan, which leads to a coughing fit.

Allie bites her lip. “I’m going to up her antibiotics and give her something else to help reduce the fever.”

“Chloe, do you need anything?” I ask. “You didn’t eat this morning. I can bring you some food.”

“Actually, would it be possible to take a shower or something?” She fingers the matted nest of her hair and grimaces.

“Absolutely,” I say, bustling to the attached bathroom to make sure everything she’ll need is ready. When I come back out, Cade is hovering over her, looking like he wants to help but is afraid. “You,” I say, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the door, “Go away.”

“But—”

“No. I don’t want to hear a word out of you. Shoo.” I wave my hands and nudge him closer to the door.

“Ellis.” He narrows his eyes at me, jaw clenching.

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