Page 116

The clock on the mantel ticks steadily through the quiet.

Outside, darkness has swallowed the mountains. Every now and then, the wind rustles through the pines.

I glance toward the windows for what must be the hundredth time.

Still no sign of them. No movement between the trees, no bear eyes glowing in the darkness.

Alexandria suppresses a yawn beside me.

“You should go to bed. You must be exhausted.”

“I am.” She glances toward the windows. “But I don’t think I could sleep until Gunnar’s back.”

I understand that immediately.

Her hand moves absently over the gentle curve of her stomach, and I find myself watching it.

“I was just wondering what it’s like,” I say. “Being pregnant.”

She smiles. “Strange.”

“In a good way?”

“The best way. Most of the time I don’t even think about it. Then he’ll move…” She smiles to herself. “And I remember there’s a little bear cub in there.”

I shake my head. “I still can’t quite get my head around any of this.”

“Neither could I.”

“Really?”

“The first time they all shifted, I thought I’d completely lost my mind.”

“And now you’re having a bear cub.”

She laughs. “I know.”

“Can you feel him now?”

She pauses, concentrating.

“No. He’s asleep, I think.”

“Do you know if he’ll be able to shift when he’s born?”

“I hope not!” She chuckles. “For pure shifters, it doesn’t start until they’re a few years old.”

I picture a toddler suddenly turning into a bear cub. “That’s going to be adorable.”

“I know.” She smiles. “And slightly terrifying.”

I smile.

Alexandria yawns again. “This is ridiculous. If I stay here much longer, I’m going to fall asleep on the sofa.”

“You should go.”

“You’ll be all right?”