Page 80 of Peacock Me Like a Hurricane

The small smile finds its way to my lips as I consider the irony; here I am, destined to be overjoyed with maternity bliss, yet I’m strategizing defense mechanisms against unwanted advances. The idea of shopping for onesies and picking out pastel paint swatches for a nursery seems a universe away when juxtaposed with the task of deflecting groping hands. Taurus’s child deserves better than that; they deserve a mother unencumbered by those complexities.

“Constantine and Shea,” I whisper to the empty street, the names tasting like resolve on my tongue. “They will have to deal with it. This is my decision, my body.” There is strength in articulating the words, even if only to the night’s embrace.

Can I say that to their faces? Should I?

“Can I actually say that out loud?” I mutter, questioning my own audacity. The night offers no reply, but the lingering echo of my voice in the quiet alley bolsters my resolve. Yes, I can—and I will.

With the right timing and the right words, the truth will have to suffice.

It will have to be enough for all of them.

The Writer Conceals His True Feelings

WILDE

She believed me to be a fool; that is for certain.

I sat in my chair, watching my Darkness fidget and squirm imperceptibly as she explained that she not only found out she was fertile and did not think to mention it, but she chose to breed with Mr. Taurus.

Unacceptable.

My primary watched me as I digested the information. I knew she could sense my ire radiating through our primary bond. I controlled it so it did not touch the bond I have with my Darkness. She thinks she is the only one gifted enough to hide things, but she is not. I kept her from knowing my genuine feelings on this matter until I am ready to address it.

She does not know the details of my journey to cleanse myself of our former mates. Between myself, my mate, and those we have enlisted to aid us in that quest, it will be astounding. Oh, how the mighty will tremble when that comes to fruition. Even my Darkness will feel the snap of pain at the route I have taken to rid myself of the excess baggage of the past.

But that will be overshadowed by her ridiculous choice and it infuriates me.

Ours is a dangerous road, to be sure, but my coyote has consulted the most skilled practitioners in the field. Since Beltane, we have made several trips to the other side to find information and supplies to aid Calista and Veruca in their preparations. The Gods and Goddesses that came to the ladies have given them a glimpse of the future, and it will satisfy me to see it play out. Though I cannot unmate from those I wish to without severe consequences—according to Mr. Taurus—this will clean the slate.

No one other than my mate and I will realize until it is far too late to stop.

I don’t expect my plans to cause any less controversy or hurt feelings than this pregnancy will. However, I am not expecting everyone to fall in line and understand the goal of my sacrifice. I do not care if some find it distasteful and do not wish to remain associated with me afterward.

My Darkness will struggle. Her tender heart is her greatest weapon and her greatest weakness. It will be her biggest challenge during this time, I fear. Her wish will be to make all of those she loves happy without angering Mr. Taurus, which will make this even sweeter. It will be an excellent tool to use when it suits me.

“Wilde, are you going to say anything or just stare at her from under your specs?”

I blinked for a moment when she said that, retracting from my musings as my mate caught my attention. “Oh! Yes. I have several suggestions for names if you wish to hear, and the babe will have so many wonderful aunts and uncles to spoil it rotten. Myself included.”

My boyish grin didn’t belay the thoughts in my head or heart. Though I do not wish ill of my mates, I find their behavior of late troubling. My Darkness is so enchanted with Mr. Taurus that she is rarely available for more than brief encounters, and myennobled stayed shuttered in his grief for a mate who betrayed him. He’s been closed off for so long that I feel he had some deep connection with Alistair that superseded my bond. I am not so foolish as to think he was enamored with Rhea.

That part, while a sting to us both, is not what is swaying him so.

Now, on the precipice of my quest and mere days from the celebration in her home, Delilah released this information to me and who knows what other social connections when it was no longer a discussion, but a fact.

“See, Deli? He’s excited,”my mate grinned, cloaking her reactions as well.

She was right to be concerned. An undertaking of this magnitude signals a deep, unwavering connection. I believe mating occurred prior to this decision. She did not mention that, but knowing it had to have happened negated our shared hope that the wildness of this world would end up driving Taurus back into seclusion.

My foray into wooing his mate is more important than ever to solidify our position in the community. We cannot allow Talia and Taurus to become so ingrained with my Darkness and her family that they endanger us. It is already apparent by the sleek Italian leather and silk she’s wearing that the influence he wields is formidable.

I dare not discuss what else I believe he has her into. The beast inside her is primal, hungry, and untamed now while I had it subdued and under my control before.

I do not like that in the slightest.

“My Darkness, when will you know more about your pregnancy? Given that there are magickal factors, mutated DNA, and clone DNA, I fear that it is difficult to determine how we will best take care of you. Have you contacted a physician?”

Her brows furrowed as she looked uncomfortable yet again.“I don’t think there is a lot we can know right now. Duration, symptoms, all the typical stuff could be normal or whack-a-doo. This is the only time this has even been possible. Taurus is getting a doctor on call and a team to research our ‘one in a million miracle’.”

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