Page 94 of Destined for Dreams
“Mom, you don’t need to go through all that trouble. This isn’t my first time,” Cori argued.
Joy sniffed. “It’s been years since the last time I’ve had a grandchild on the way. Don’t take this small pleasure away from me.”
The woman had a way of making people feel guilty even when they should be in the right. “Fine. Do what you want, but at least run the big things by me so I’m not caught off guard.”
“Do you know if the baby is a boy or girl yet?” her mother asked, still tapping on her phone.
“No. Paula said it was still too early for that.” Cori had asked as soon as the doctor started the ultrasound.
“Well, we’ll work with what we know for now.”
They headed down the hallway toward the nurse’s station. The vampire doctor worked out of her home since technically her operation wasn’t legal and her original license expired decades ago, but she’d expanded since her workload increased over the last year. She now had two assistants to help her, both nurses—one a werewolf and another a pixie. The extra help was especially important since if a woman went into labor during daylight, Paula might not be able to attend them right away. The fae were her primary customers for pregnancy and childbirth, and they could be rather demanding.
Cori got her next appointment time for two weeks from then. As she looked at the date, she realized it would be after the New Year. Christmas was creeping up on them—only a week away—and she’d hardly done anything to prepare. Ever since her daughter died, she’d avoided celebrating the holiday, but for the first time, she wanted to put up decorations and buy gifts. So far, all she and her mother had done was pick out a tree and put up lights outside.
Her cell phone rang, and Melena’s name popped up on the caller ID. “Hello.”
“Hey, sorry to bother you, but I need you over at my house right away.”
“I’m just leaving Paula’s office. What’s this about?” Cori asked.
“It’s complicated, but you’ll see when you get here,” Melena said.
Cori glanced at Joy. “My mother is with me.”
Melena was silent for a moment, as if she’d covered the phone speaker, or put it on mute. Then she came back on the line. “It’s fine. Bring her with you.”
“Okay.” Cori hung up and glanced at her mom. “Looks like we’re going to Mel’s house.”
Joy lifted a brow. “Any particular reason?”
“No idea.”
***
Cori and her mother entered the sensor’s home to find a small gathering in the living room. Some people were expected but others not. Melena pulled her into a hug right away.
“I know I said it on the phone before, but I wanted to wish you congratulations in person.” She pulled back. “Whatever you need, I’m here.”
“Thanks,” Cori said, a small lump forming in her throat. She pulled the ultrasound pictures from her purse and let the sensor admire them for a minute.
“Oh, my God. These are amazing! I’m not ready for this yet, but maybe someday.”
Lucas—to her shock—pulled Cori into a hug next. “Don’t give her any ideas,” he whispered. “I want my wife to myself for a little while.”
Emily, who’d been the one to escort them inside, laughed. “What he really means is that as soon as he gets me shipped off to college, he wants some alone time with Mel.”
Lucas gave the teenager a disgruntled look before returning his attention to Cori. He studied her features closely. “Don’t worry. I am certain Bartol will be pleased when you tell him the news.”
“I hope so.” She glanced around the room at the others present. Micah, Kerbasi, Remiel and even Ariel were there. “So what’s this about?”
“Battle plans, and how you can help,” Melena replied.
Cori had to believe the sensor would never involve her in something dangerous under the circumstances. “What do you mean?”
The archangel stepped forward, his features serious. “You are aware that your mate plays a significant role in stopping the demon?”
She nodded.
