Page 2 of Poltergeists & Change of Life

The room seemed to come alive with the collective resolve of my family and friends. The unity and love that surrounded me bolstered my spirits. As my swirling emotions settled, I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. “You're right,” I said, my voice stronger now. “Let’s get ready. What can we do while he’s gone?” I asked Persephone.

“Prepare the sanctum by cleansing it so the ambient magic doesn’t fight against me when I get to work. Normally, a witch’s energy won’t bother me, but you’re a Pleiades, as was the witch before you. Most importantly, I do not want to take any chances with this process. Too much is riding on my successful endeavor.”

Hades placed a hand on Persephone’s shoulder and interrupted before I could agree to ensure the sanctum was cleansed. “My wife is right. There is too much on the line. I want to go and explore every possible avenue to minimize the risksthis potion poses to you and the babies. Persephone will help. Trust that we won't leave anything to chance," he assured me.

The temptation to ask for clarity was overridden by the desire to have Aidon’s parents out of the house. They’d been frosty with me at the beginning and I had a hard time getting past that. It would be good not to have them hovering over me, so I nodded in agreement. Hades opened another portal and the couple left without delay.

The room around me buzzed with activity after that. Nana said something to Mom about brewing one of her many herbal concoctions. I lost sight of them when they went into the kitchen. Nina grabbed a pillow and put it behind my back then grabbed my favorite fluffy blanket. “Lay back, Mom. Can I get you anything?” My daughter asked as she tucked the soft fabric around my legs.

Shaking my head, I smiled up at her. “No, thank you.”

“This tea will help keep you calm, Phoebe,” Nana said as she and Mom returned to the living room. “You need to stay relaxed for the babies.”

Mom had a tablet and pen in hand and sat on the table where Persephone had been. “We’ll make sure you have plenty of rest and minimal stress," Mom promised as she scribbled down a detailed schedule to help manage my days. "You need to let the rest of us help with anything you need and stay off of your feet.”

“I can still do stuff, Mom,” I objected. “Making a sandwich isn’t going to hurt me.” I was surlier than normal thanks to my situation, but I couldn’t seem to help my attitude.

Mom scowled at me. “Clio recommended you remain off your feet as much as possible.”

Sighing, I nodded in agreement. With luck, Aidon and his parents would return and this wouldn’t last long. Nina waved her phone at me. “And I’ve got a few people who can help withsecurity outside the wards,” she informed me. “They’ll make sure no one gets close to the property.”

Tseki, his eyes sharp and vigilant, spoke up from his place near the window. "I’ll keep watch from the skies. Nothing will get past me.”

Layla nodded in agreement. “Murtagh and I will increase our patrols. And I can have Clio here in under ten minutes if you need her.”

Selene was always a calming presence. She approached with a gentle smile. “I’ll fill in anywhere I’m needed. I’ll handle any cases that come in. You just focus on taking care of yourself and those little ones.” That was the kindest offer she could give me. The calls hadn’t stopped coming in since the day I received Hattie’s powers and that wasn’t going to change.

“Every call needs extra screening. If the case involves Lyra or if we even suspect it, no one will be responding. I’m not taking any chances while I am down,” I told Selene loud enough so everyone heard me. “Knowing that Dark witch, she planned this and we will receive a rash of emergencies any second.”

Mythia, the pixie who had become an integral part of our household, flitted over with a determined look on her tiny face. “I’ll make sure there are no gaps in the border patrols,” she said as her wings beat so fast behind her back they were a blur. "If anything unusual happens, you’ll be the first to know."

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me despite the turmoil. "Thank you, everyone," I told them honestly. “I couldn’t imagine facing this without you all.”

Over the next couple of days, we settled into a routine. Every decision I made was with my babies’ safety in mind. I rested as much as possible and avoided anything that might cause undue stress. Mom’s teas helped soothe my nerves. And her schedule ensured I wasn’t overexerting myself.

Each morning, Nina would update me on the security measures in place. My daughter was seventeen going on thirty. But her reports gave me peace of mind. Stella and Selene were always nearby and ready to offer a comforting word or a helping hand. Tseki, Layla, and Murtagh took their patrols seriously. In fact, I only saw them through the window. Nana or Mom took meals out to them.

I was already going stir crazy on the second morning so I took my mid-morning tea on the back patio. I had just sat down and hadn’t had a chance to begin enjoying the fresh air when Mythia flew to me. “I’ve been keeping watch with my clan, and so far, everything seems quiet,” she said, landing lightly on the armrest of my chair.

I nodded, grateful for her vigilance. "Thank you, Mythia. I appreciate the update."

The connection to my babies was growing with each passing hour. Every flutter and kick reminded me of why I had to stay strong. The dark magic and the danger lurking outside our wards threatened to close in on us, but I was stronger than Lyra knew. She was not going to win this one.

On the second evening, I was sitting by the fire with Stella and had to confide my fears to her. "I’m so scared, Stella," I admitted, my voice trembling. "What if something happens to Aidon? What if I can’t protect the babies?"

Stella wrapped her arm around me, pulling me close. “Your mate is an honest-to-goodnessgod.He can protect himself. And you’re one of the strongest people I know. And you’re not alone in this. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and the babies safe."

I leaned into her embrace, feeling a surge of gratitude and love for the support I had. I made a silent promise to my babies. “We’ll get through this." I rested my hand on my belly. "I won’tlet anything harm you. We’ll be a family, and we’ll be strong together."

Later that evening, we gathered around the kitchen island, the heart of our home. Mom made multitasking look easy. She was busy at the stove, preparing my favorite comfort food. The smell of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the kitchen and wrapped us all in a comforting embrace.

“Mom,” I began, watching her deft movements, “how are the tribred victims of Lyra handling things at the halfway house?” She hadn’t been able to get there over the last couple of days.

Mom paused with a ladle in hand and turned to face me. “They're doing as well as can be expected, given the circumstances,” she explained and then grabbed some spices and added more to the pot. “It's been tough for them not seeing me in person the past couple of days. They miss the direct contact, but we’re managing with calls and video chats.”

Nina looked over from her makeshift command center on the kitchen table. She had set up the hotline at the desk built into the side of the kitchen, but she needed more room for this. Her laptop was open and papers were spread around. “I've been coordinating with the halfway house staff,” she added. “We’ve set up regular check-ins and support groups. They know we're all still here for them.”

Layla was leaning against the counter when she asked, “Do they need the potion to help them remain in control of all their sides? Or do they still have enough?” I prayed they were good. The last thing we needed was a bunch of tribreds out there hunting mundies when their vampire side took over.

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