Page 73 of Thunder with a Chance of Lovestruck

She leaned into him more.

He kept his lips on her temple but let his voice return to a normal level. “I’m so sorry, honey, that I haven’t been able to be here like I should be. You wouldn’t be this uncomfortable if I were.”

“It’s fine,” she said softly.

Drest knew better. So did Stratton from the worried look his cousin cast him.

The pregnancy was taking its toll on her, and it had a lot to do with the power needs the baby had. He didn’t want to confess as much to Rachael. There was enough chaos in their lives as of late. Telling her something that was out of her control wouldn’t help matters any.

“The pounding and noises have been happening for days,” said Rachael as she looked at the basement door hesitantly. “I tried to talk him into coming up to eat but he refuses. He’s taken a few breaks from whatever it is he has going on down there, but that’s about it.”

“Has he taken the breaks here?” asked Drest, his gaze going to Stratton. “Or is he leaving?”

Rachael tensed. “Leaving. He’s been using the outside access point to the basement and not coming through the house. He takes the old van and is gone for hours.” She teared up. “I’ve made a mess of things, Drest. I thought I could maybe control Henry’s outbursts and tame his irrational ideas. But he’s worse now than he’s ever been. Since Amice died, he’s…he’s like Uncle Nile was before he went off the deep end.”

“I’m sure it’s just a coincidence,” said Drest, not really meaning it. “But it’s part of why we got here so fast after you called. Honey, there’s a chance that we might have to take Henry in.”

“I know,” Rachael said softly.

Stratton’s interest went toward the sitting room.

It was then that Drest spotted Astria there, hiding behind a large plant near the piano. He wasn’t shocked. She didn’t like strangers and had taken years to warm to him fully.

Astria smiled; her gaze darted to Rachael. “Are they taking Daddy somewhere?”

“No,” announced Stratton, like he was lord of the manor and could honestly make that kind of promise to anyone. He knew the rules they were bound by.

Astria gasped and darted behind the plant once more. The way she’d done it was somewhat comical.

Drest snorted. “Way to go, cousin. Your glower scared a child, and you know as well as I do that if Henry is linked to what happened in the city or if he’s picked up where Nile left off, he’s going to have to be taken in.”

“I know, but look at her. You want to tell her that her father might leave?” asked Stratton.

Drest’s heart broke for Astria. She’d already lost her mother, and if Drest was right, she was going to lose her father too. “Not particularly.”

“That’s what I thought. And I didn’t glower,” disputed Stratton.

Astria peeked out at them again. She stared at Stratton, narrowing her eyes on him.

Stratton made a silly face at her, and she mimicked it, giggling as she did.

Drest hadn’t realized how much he’d missed hearing her laughter. As he stared in at her, he caressed Rachael’s stomach, realizing at the moment that Astria was just as much a part of his family as the little one his mate was carrying, especially after Drest and the Nightshade Clan were done dealing with her father.

It was Rachael and Drest who would care for Astria.

Much to Drest’s shock, Stratton began making more faces at her. “Never thought I’d see you playing with a kid. It’s nice.”

“I’m not playing with her,” said Stratton. “Why is she hiding?”

Rachael took a step toward Stratton. “She’s skittish. Has been ever sinceithappened.”

“Since what happened?” asked Stratton.

Rachael's brow crinkled as she looked at Drest. “Is he new to the area?”

Drest offered a weak smile. “No. He’s my cousin, Rachael. The one I told you about.”

“The one who doesn’t likethisside of the job?” she asked. “Or us?”

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