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Maggie
“Idon’t knowwhat’s wrong with me,” I whispered while tears streamed down my face. “This isn’t me. This woman you’re seeing, she’s a stranger. I have no idea what’s going on. I’m all…uncomfortable inside. A strange flutter keeps intensifying. And I can’t do anything to make it goaway.”
Passing me a handkerchief from his pocket, Fredo murmured, “Blow. I can barely understandyou.”
“Thanks,” I muttered as I took his advice. “I swear I’d be fine if I could just make this…go away.” With one hand, I rubbed the center of myabdomen.
“What have you tried so far, Miss Maggie?” Fredo asked absently as he used the dust pan and whisk broom to pick up the last shards of china andglass.
Sitting hard on the floor, I began to tick my failed remedies off on my fingers. “Tums, ibuprofen, and wine. Entirely too much wine.” Then the floor shook and I braced myself on the doorway. “Quick! It’s an earthquake.” I scrambled to me feet, ready to rush to my father and make sure he tookcover.
Reaching out, Fredo laid a hand on my forearm. “It’s not anearthquake.”
I frowned. “The whole house is shaking. What could make it do that, if not aquake?”
He licked his lips and appeared to be choosing his words carefully. “Mr. Draco is…working out. The tremors will stopsoon.”
“What kind of exercise makes an entire house shake?” My browfurrowed.
“The kind Mr. Draco does, miss.” Then Fredo stood abruptly, picked up the trash bag anddisappeared.
For a few minutes, I paced. My father had a purpose here. Fredo had a purpose. Blaise owned the place. I was the odd one out who kept messing everything up. What would I do with myself? I felt like I was losing my mind here. I glanced at the closed door to Blaise’s suite. Fredo had been right. The tremors had slowed and no doubt he’d be done soon. Now I really didn’t want to see him. My stomach growled and I decided to give in and eat. Reluctantly, I wandered to the kitchen. Blaise said I had free rein. I flitted around the space, opening cupboards and studying the contents of the fridge. Within minutes, I had replicated the lunch I’d ruined. As I sat down to eat, Fredo strode into theroom.
“I would’ve made that for you, miss.” He frowned. “I was taking out thetrash.”
“It’s fine. I’m not used to having anyone serve me.” I started stuffing my face and hoped he’d find another task to accomplish so I could be left alone. Instead, he hovered nearby during my entire meal. “Listen,” I began tentatively, since I really should’ve been having this discussion with Blaise, “I understand why my father has to be here, but I’m just in the way. So, I’m going to duck out. Thank you foreverything.”
“Miss, where will you go? How will you get there?” He gestured toward the driveway. “Your car will be mostly blocked in until late tomorrow night. If you still feel this strongly about leaving, we’ll talk to Mr. Draco and work it out later.” He tried to appear calm, but he was wringing hishands.
“Fine. I’ll take it up with Blaise.” I shook my head. “This won’t go well. I just knowit.”
Fredo swallowed hard. “Probably not,miss.”
I stood up and walked around the island to the dishwasher. When I started to open it, I was met with such a stern look, I held up both hands and backed away. “Thank you, Fredo. See you atdinner.”
He nodded, but I could feel hisworry.
So I tried to kill time in the library until dinner. The room was right next to Blaise’s suite. I kept listening for his door to open, but hours passed without a sound. I started pacing, which is about the time I realized for someone who claimed I didn’t want to see him, I definitely wanted to see him. I also realized something else. The more I thought about Blaise, the more powerful my flutterbecame.
9
Blaise
“You must learnto control that temper,” Fredo mumbled when he peeked into my room after dinner and found me resting in my bed. “How long were you out thistime?”
I shook my head. “No idea. I came to on the floor and crawled up the stairs.” I pointed to the key on the nightstand. “I’ll need a new thong forit.”
“Of course, sir.” He grabbed the key and walked over to lock thedoor.
I settled back into my pillows. With a little rest and some food, I’d be good as new in a few hours, thanks to the rapid healing abilities I shared with most shifters. “What did you make for dinner?” I closed my eyes and prayed it was high in iron andprotein.
“I made New England Boiled Dinner and cornbread,” Fredoannounced.
I groaned. “Ineed…”
“Of course, I have liver ready for you.” Henodded.
