Page 5 of Devil's Thirst

Lina is beyond exasperated with her precious toddler, but I can’t get enough. I think it’s adorable. Every time her chubby hand sends a rejected piece of pasta to the stone floor, her bright blue eyes beam with accomplishment. How could I possibly begrudge her such happiness?

“I know. Sorry, but this won’t last forever. She’s learned a new trick, and look at her. She’s so proud of herself.”

Lina gazes at her baby girl with a reluctant smirk. “Yeah, she’s pretty adorable.”

“Themostadorable thing on this planet, aren’t you, sweetie Vi,” I finish in a cooing voice directed at my niece.

“But seriously,” Lina continues, “I could use your support here. She’s really testing her limits lately, and it’s exhausting.I’mexhausted. I told Oran the same thing, but he isn’t as fazed by it—like being a father is all fun and games.” She rests her head in her hand, her elbow propped on the table. Wisps of her beautiful blond hair have pulled free in revolt against her attempt at a ponytail, and uncharacteristic circles darken the skin beneathher eyes. She’s still gorgeous as always, but the strain is taking its toll.

“Sorry, Lina Bean.” I place my hand over hers. “I’ll be more help. I promise.” My chest clenches tight to know my sister is struggling.

She nearly lost her own life trying to save me back when I first ran from my parents. As if their betrayal wasn’t enough, I ended up with amnesia not long after and went missing for months. I wasn’t in danger, but she didn’t know that. She hunted day and night for me—faced the awful people of The Society even after her own horrible past with them—all for me.

I owe her everything, and I’ve been doing everything in my power to repay that debt and keep her safe. The Society willneverhurt her again. Not if I can help it.

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry.” She shakes her head and leans back wearily in her chair. “I didn’t mean to imply you’re not doing enough. You help out so much. I’ve just been so tired lately. It’s like no matter how much I climb, the mountain keeps getting taller. Then little things that ordinarily don’t bother me suddenly seem like huge impositions.”

I sit very still as I look at my sister—really look at her. “Are youpregnant?” I whisper. No one else is home, so I don’t know why it comes out in a whisper except for the monumental implications of the question.

She stares back at me, speechless. “What?No… I … no. There’s no way… Vi isn’t even two yet.”

My eyebrows sweep high on my forehead. “Not sure if you’re aware, but her age doesn’t have jack squat to do with your ability to conceive.”

She glowers at me, head tilting to the side. “Iknowthat. I just mean we haven’t even talked about another baby. I’m on birth control, so I don’t think that’s it. Who knows, maybe I have a thyroid problem. I guess I could call my doctor and get checked.”

“It wouldn’t hurt, and then you’d know. And in the meantime, you call me if you need a break.”

“I don’t want to interrupt your practice schedule. Opening night is getting closer, and I know how important this production is to you.”

I offer her a warm smile. “It is, but nothing comes before you guys. In fact, how about you go back and relax in the bath for a bit? I’ll finish up dinner here with the chunky monkey.”

“Oh, Mellie. That sounds incredible. Are you sure?”

“One hundred percent. You go.”

The relief in her heartfelt smile fills my heart with warmth. “Okay. Oran will be home soon. He can take her off your hands then.”

“Pshhh. No one’s taking this cutie from me. Isn’t that right, sweetie Vi?” I reach under her high chair tray and tickle her tummy, sending her into a fit of giggles.

Lina floats away, tossing one more thanks over her shoulder. With some concentrated effort, I’m able to get Violet to eat her supper over the next fifteen minutes, during which Oran makes it home. He gives me a hug and smothers his little girl with kisses. She coos “da-da” in response, her wide smile displaying adorable little baby teeth.

“I sent Lina back to take a bath. She was worn out,” I explain.

Oran clicks on the television, then dives into his takeout. “I keep telling her to hire help, but she refuses. Maybe you can talk some sense into her. I think she has some kind of irrational fear that if she hires a nanny, she’ll become her mother.”

Huh. So maybe Lina wasn’t as unscathed by our mother as she seems. I hate to think it’s true, but it’s also somewhat comforting.

My train of thought is derailed as newscasters drone on in the background. My shoulders tense as I glance at the big screen TV in the living room.

“Sorry, I know you hate the news, but an important press conference is about to start, and I need to listen.”

I don’t simply hate the news. I can’t stand it. Literally. My anxiety goes through the roof—my hands sweat, and my heart ricochets erratically against the inside of my chest.

I force myself to focus on Violet. “Come on, love. Let’s get you down.” I wipe her face and hands with a wet rag, then lift her from her chair. She’s off and running the second her feet hit the floor. Well, running might be an exaggeration. It’s more like stumbling forward on the constant verge of falling over.

I’m in the middle of wiping down her chair when an authoritative, masculine voice filters out from the media system speakers. I don’t look at the screen. I’ve heard the voice before and know exactly who it belongs to.

I freeze, but only for a second, then I’m in action, moving purely on instinct.

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