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So am I.
Chapter fifteen
Hayley
Manipulation
“Oh,myGod!That’sinsane.” Mya presses her hands to my stomach, smiling. “It feels like you’re growing the next generation of Gemstones.”
So much has changed in only a month. It was like one day last week I woke up, noticing that my small bulge turned into an actual belly, and I don’t even know how to wrap my mind around how quickly things are happening.
“Honestly, I think it might be a bit more vicious. It’s using my insides to practice combat or something.” I clutch my belly, watching my fingers bounce with the sudden shift inside.
Laughter bubbles from Mya, igniting happiness inside me. “Man, I wish the others could see this. Pearl would get a kick out of it.”
“It’ll be soon, Mya, but it’s better this way. Now, come here, my showgirl. Your eyes keep flashing when you look at Mya. I don’t think now is the time to test your restraint with biting her. Let me give you another drink.” Cooper rests his arms around my shoulders, sitting close enough for me to feel his chest against my back. “If you prefer something else, we can go to the kitchen and I can make you something. You have to be hungry for more than blood. I haven’t seen you eaten anything solid all day.”
Because I don’t feel like eating. All I feel like is drinking blood, and lots of it. And I’ve already taken so much from Cooper today that I’m afraid of taking anymore. Mya already told me she wouldn’t mind if I needed blood from her too, but I know that doing so could trigger Cooper’s possessiveness since he’s taking care of me today.
My stomach growls at the thought of devouring him, and I clutch my belly with a laugh. “Careful, Cooper. Talking about feeding me is setting the monster off.”
And sometimes—most of the time—it truly feels like a monster grows inside me. It’s the strangest, freakiest thing, seeing my stomach growing at this rate and getting to feel the baby flipping and kicking like a ravenous beast. It’s unreal. I should’ve had nine months. I’m afraid that I won’t even make it to six.
It’s almost too much. No one really knows anything about my pregnancy, and it scares Knox the most. I feel badly that he stresses so much, taking on the role as my obstetrician and health keeper because he doesn’t trust anyone else. I know he fears fucking up, and it takes me and Mya constantly reminding him that donors are built for this. I’m stronger. I’m not afraid. If anything, I’ll be relieved to get my body back for the sole reason of being able to touch my toes comfortably. Stretching takes a shit ton of effort.
“Going to the kitchen sounds good. Maybe I can knock someone out long enough that we can go outside too. I’m getting antsy.” I press my lips together, messing with my hair. “The renegades are worse than Knox’s overprotectiveness.”
“They don’t realize just how truly strong you are...and as for Knox, he’ll come around. He’s overprotective because he loves you and wants to ensure you don’t have to be tough. It’s why Monroe and I keep your cute ass on your toes. We know you want a bit of roughness to stay on top of things.” Cooper kisses the tip of my nose. “Just hold tight for a bit longer. The baby’s development means any week now...possibly day. You might even change your mind about everything. I know it’s a lot to ask, but we will get through this.”
“He’s right, Hayley. Babies change everything. You haven’t even had time to really comprehend any of this...” Mya comes up behind me, resting her hands on my shoulders. “Hell, I’m freaked the fuck out for you.”
“Don’t scare her. She’s going to be fi—”
“Says a guy that doesn’t have to expel a watermelon from a teensy hole.” Mya groans with her words. “Damn it. I’m glad you heal quickly, Hayley. This is nuts.”
Cooper touches my cheek, his eyes flashing silver. “It’s natural.”
“It’s going to drive me crazy if you both don’t quit it. I want to focus on the renegades and figure out how to ensure everything goes to plan. I’m tired of them playing this off as being for my safety. I know it’s not. They want to control me like the leaders.” If they didn’t, they would be easier to be around. They want me as the face of their revolution and humanity’s uprising from being treated as food, but there has to be more to it. More they’re not telling us.
Their behavior is utter and complete bullshit. I feel weak, allowing others to control us like this. I know that my guys have a plan and are more receptive to the renegades because they fear for the arrival of our baby, but I just feel like I can do more. I know I can.
“Which isn’t going to happen.” I dig my nails into my palms. Staring at the camera in the corner, I glower. “Do you hear that, Cicero? You better hurry up and give me a solid plan.”
Cooper chuckles and pulls me away, nudging me toward the bed. I should be used to security cams, considering I’ve had one in my room my entire life, but this is different. It’s weird.
“The renegades don’t have that kind of access, my showgirl. I’m sure it’s only Monroe peeking in, hoping we give him a show while he’s out.” Cooper shifts and flips off the camera.
I stick my tongue out next, relaxing with Cooper’s words. At least it’s something. I’m sure Cicero and his coven have access to the cameras in the hallway, the stairwell, and even on the landing.
“Your cute ass is going to be in trouble if you don’t give me a little something-something.” Monroe’s voice hums through Cooper’s com device, hiding in his pocket.
“Please no. I’m still here, asshole.” Mya’s voice steals my focus. I can’t believe I almost forgot she was here. “Don’t provoke the beast until I get out.”
“Then hurry, flexi. I have like five minutes to enjoy her tits.” Monroe laughs, his voice echoing through the speaker. “We need you out here anyway. We need a visual confirmation to see if this is an Aris ally.”
Mya narrows her eyes at the camera. “You owe me.” Without another word, Mya vanishes. It’s still hard to believe how quickly she adapted to being a vampire, but I shouldn’t have expected anything otherwise. It’s just...damn it. I’m so happy and relieved she’s here with us. I’m not the only one needing to lie low.
“My showgirl, hey. What are you thinking about?” Cooper touches my chin, getting me to look at him.
