Page 76 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

It comforts me.

Flicking my fingers at the cabinet where the stereo system hides, I concentrate for a moment, smiling when I manipulate the track, volume, and controls without moving. I have to flex my muscles with my magick because I caged it for so long. After Beltane, the swell of power is enormous, and control is once again my sought-after friend.

Beethoven fills the room and I sigh. TheMoonlight Sonataalways calms me, and today is no exception. Padding over to thebar, I pour an ice-cold martini and lift it to my lips. It occurs to me that I may already have gotten pregnant and if I have, this would be dangerous. The possibility is so slim that I shake my head, swatting away the paranoia.

It bothers me, though, so I pick up my phone as I sit on the bed. Typing ‘Toxin Protection Spell’ on my task list, I sigh. This kitty loves her drinks and I refuse to be irresponsible. I wouldn’t endanger our child for anything, so I mark the priority as high so I work on it right away. I need to protect the baby-to-be from many things that could harm our tiny miracle. Settling in with my laptop, I answer a few emails, running search protocols on the web in the background as I sip.

DUN DUN DUN, DUNDUNDUNDUNDUN.

I nearly spill my drink all over myself and the computer as I jump out of my skin. That damned doorbell is ringing.

Why the hell did he install a doorbell that plays the fucking hearse song at maximum volume?

It scares the hell out of me. Putting the computer in the drawer and my drink on the table, I growl under my breath. I have no “bloody clue what walking corpse is ringing the doorbell, but I am not prepared for visitors. Looking out of the peephole, I try not to seem irritated. “Hello?”

Talia gives me a brief wave and I sigh in relief.

Thank Christ.

For a second, I thought that the damned Mormons found this place. They always seem to find a way. I open the door, making room for her to step in. I’m not dressed to receive guests, but since she didn’t call ahead, she has to deal with me wearing one of his shirts and a giant poof of hair. It’s not like I had time to groom.

“Hey, Deli!”

Talia is way friendlier than she’s rumored to be. Why does she look so bloody happy? “How are you, Talia?” “I’m peachy, mommy dearest.”

I flush bright red; I didn’t expect to have this conversation with anyone but Taurus yet. As we move into my room, I head over to the couch, pondering for a moment. What did I expect to happen with this news? I told Rafe, so he told Talia. I shouldn’t be surprised. “He told you, huh?”

Her eyes twinkle as she drops onto the enormous sofa. “It’s hard to keep me from knowing stuff. You don’t mind, do you? I know it’s a big secret and nothing has happened yet, but secrets are scarce between Taurus and me.” Her brow creases. “You’re not mad at him, are you?”

I’m distracted by the rumbling in my tummy and I don’t answer. Maybe Ishouldorder a delivery boy. Did I even eat last night? I’m falling apart at the seams. I think about it again for a minute, weighing Chinese and Italian before I realize that I’ve been ignoring her.

“Crap. You’re pissed. I’m sorry.”

I shake my head, waving my hand dismissively. “No, no. Stop. I was trying to remember if I ate last night because I was getting hungry and I know we hunted but—hell. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to space out on you.”

She looks unconvinced, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re not ticked at him? Because he wouldsotry to kick my ass.” She winks. “Note I said try.”

“No, I’m not mad. I assumed he would tell you; I had a similar conversation with my family. I didn’t expect you to come here—not that it’s bad—but I did space out thinking about food.” I give her a chagrined look as I drop on the couch next to her.

“Okay, good, because I’ve got a plethora of preggo broad comments to tease you unmercifully as soon as I know you’ve hit the baby lotto.”

I groan, giving her a pleading look. “I’m sure everyone will have a few digs here and there. It is Taurus’ kid.”

Her eyes widen. “You’re still sure you want her, right?” She fiddles with the hem on her tee shirt, looking concerned at my reaction.

“Absolutely.” I give her a grin. “Again with the ‘her’. You two seem to have some cosmic knowledge that supersedes conception.”

“Thank hell. He’d freak out if he comes back from Mil...” she breaks off, looking guilty, “... waukee and you’ve changed your mind.”

I laugh. “He’s in Italy again? What is it this time? I have boots that could pay off a cop, a duster that could feed an army, and now the baby that does not exist yet has a duster that could be a down payment on a car. He’s amusing himself with my discomfort; I know it.”

She looks like a deer in headlights. “Uh, no. Not Italy—Wisconsin. Yeah, Wisconsin.” Her hands fiddle with one of the huge pillows and I chuckle, watching Aradia lift her head and give the woman a look that says even she doesn’t believe her.

I smile, eyes twinkling with mirth. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything. Total shock girl, that’s me.” “Thank you. Because if he evensuspectedI told you about the new p—I will not finish that sentence.” She groans and puts her head in her hands. “God, this sucks, I’m normally WAY stealthier than this. My mouth is running off on its own with you.”

“No worries. Whatever he has planned that requires a hands-y tailor and copious amounts of cash is something I know nothing about. He knows I could worm my way in and poke around. I enjoy letting him keep surprises because he’s cute when he’s excited about them.”

She nods. “He is, isn’t he? Like a little boy.”

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