Page 117 of Kiss of Magic

Darian unfolded himself from the pillar.

“Well, it’s been a great visit as always. Thank you for your hospitality. Shade. Raya.”

He took Raya’s hand and bowed low, his dark eyes glinting mischievously. One lid closed in a wink and Raya giggled. Tala frowned.

“Is there some joke we don’t know about?” she demanded. Darian took her arm.

“Time to go, beloved.”

“What, now?”

“Yes, now.”

He produced a remote control from his pocket. Pointing it at the carriage, he pressed a button. Immediately shutters rolled over the windows, making it impervious to sunlight. Then he ushered Tala inside and climbed in behind her.

Raya and Shade watched as the carriage took off towards Palissandra.

“I thought they were staying for dinner?” said Shade.

“Change of plan.” Raya took his hand and Shade couldn’t help notice she was glowing. “I have something to tell you.”

In the carriage, Tala glared at Darian suspiciously.

“What wasthatall about? You and Raya acting like a couple of kids? And why did we have to leave?”

“Relax, my beautiful shaitun. It’s good news.”

“What is?”

“Well, technically I shouldn’t tell you this…”

“Tell me or you’ll be drinking goat’s blood for the rest of the year.”

He held his hands up, laughing.

“Fine. While Raya and I were waiting for you, I heard something. A heartbeat.”

Tala was confused.

“You hear heartbeats all the time. Your ears are sharper than a wendigo’s teeth.” Alarm crossed her face. “Wait. Are you saying you heard something wrong with Raya’s heart?”

“No, my sweet. It wasn’t Raya’s heart I heard. It was lower down.”

He waited for the penny to drop. Tala’s eyes widened.

“By the gods. She’spregnant?”

“Very early days. She didn’t know. In fact…” he mused for a moment. “I think the only reason I heard anything at all is because there wasn’t just one heartbeat, but two. Beating in synch.”

“Two? Twins?” In her excitement, Tala jumped up. “Seven hells, they’re havingtwins?Shade’s going to freak!”

Darian looked at his watch.

“Yep. Right around now. That’s why we had to leave, so she could tell him.” He pulled Tala into his lap. “Though I’d give anything to see the jinn’s face when he finds out he’s going to be a daddy.”

“He’ll make a great father.” Tala wound her arms round Darian’s neck. “So will you.”

The vampire’s eyes darkened.

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