His amplified voice came over the sound system as he spoke. “First of all, thank you all for making it here tonight. I’ll begin by assuring you that this isn’t a gathering to discuss the Horsemen or any issue within the lair. I’ve called you here because I have some good news to share.” He paused for effect. “In approximately two months, there will be a new addition to the lair.”
There was a rustle of fabric as the curtain opened and then Harper and Tanner stepped out. Tanner and Levi melted into the shadows while Harper crossed the space to Knox. In that dress, her bump wasn’t at all obvious, but enough of the crowd caught his meaning to study her closely. Then applause and cheers rang throughout the room.
“It isn’t something you need to keep secret,” Knox told them when the applause faded. “But news travels fast among our kind, and we wanted you all to hear it first.”
A waiter stepped up onto the dais and handed Knox two glasses. One was filled with champagne and the other with water, at Knox’s earlier request. He gave Harper her glass and they both then raised them to the crowd, who raised theirs right back.
Knox clinked his glass against Harper’s, and they both sipped at their drinks. “Now we mingle,” he said. “Just a couple of hours; then we can leave.”
Bracing herself, Harper inhaled deeply. The scents of perfume, cologne, fresh flowers, and scented candles washed over her, making her nose wrinkle. “Let’s get it over with.” Her low heels clicked along the glossy hardwood floor as she walked off the dais. People immediately came forward, faces beaming.
“Congratulations!” one of them fairly sang.
Harper returned the smile. “Thanks.”
The two words were repeated over and over as a continuous flow of people passed on their best wishes. Harper’s face soon began to ache from smiling. As Knox charmed them all, Harper mostly just sipped from her glass. She had to admit, her mind occasionally drifted, especially when any of them tried chatting business. Hell, even watching champagne bubbles rise in the flutes was more entertaining than that at times.
Of course, the boredom was often alleviated by those people who – just as she’d predicted – had some “advice” to impart. Some were nice about it and seemed to mean well. Others spoke with a smugly omniscient voice that grated on her nerves and pissed off her demon. By the sheer force of her will, Harper had held her smile in place and accepted their wisdom with a nod.
As he’d promised, Tanner stepped in when it became too awkward. Thankfully, no one tried touching her stomach, because she wouldn’t have been able to bite back any snarky remarks if they had.
The whole thing might have been easier if it wasn’t so damn hot. Knox must have sensed that it was getting too much, because he moved her to stand directly beneath one of the ceiling fans. She gave him a grateful smile… and then people once more appeared at their side. Again, Harper mostly stayed silent and just sipped from her glass.
“Here,” said Larkin. She exchanged Harper’s nearly empty glass of water for another. The ice cubes tinkled against the deliciously cold champagne flute.
Harper eagerly sipped from it, and a cube of ice bumped her lip. “You’re a gem.”
The harpy smiled. “And you’re doing well, considering you’re probably screaming inside your head.”
Harper couldn’t deny it. If it hadn’t been for the reassuring pressure of Knox’s warm hands, she would have undoubtedly snapped at someone by now. If his fingers weren’t splayed on her back, they were cupping her elbow or massaging her nape. Sometimes he kept his arm curled around her waist, as if suspecting that she wanted to bolt – which she did. He also laid the occasional soothing kiss on her temple, palm, hair, or wrist.
Each touch was a reminder that he was there; a reassurance that she was doing fine; and a reward for not complaining. Those touches and kisses also helped keep her demon at ease. It didn’t like crowds or mingling any more than Harper did.
At that moment, the concierge appeared and spoke quietly into Knox’s ear. He then gave him a helpless shrug and waited patiently.
Sighing, Knox turned to Harper. “I’ll be back in just a minute.” You’ll be all right?
“Okay.” I’ll be fine. I need to go pee anyway. Too much water.
Mouth curving into a smile, he kissed her. “I won’t be long.”
Her demon hissed at the sight of him leaving, feeling abandoned. Harper turned to Larkin. “Restroom?”
The harpy gestured ahead of them. “This way.”
Harper followed her, trying not to make eye contact with anyone for fear that they saw it as an invitation to approach. But, sadly, it wasn’t enough. Mere steps away from the restroom, a small woman with a beehive appeared in her path. Harper recognized Polly as a regular at the coffeehouse. She was nice enough, but she was also a terrible gossip.
“Congratulations!” said Polly, beaming. “I’m just so happy for you. When is the baby due?”
Harper had been asked that question so many times throughout the night that she found herself grinding her teeth. “I have eight weeks left to go.”
“Eight weeks?” Polly’s eyes widened. “Really?” She assessed Harper carefully. “Your belly is quite small for someone so far along.”
It wasn’t a compliment; it was a judgement… like Harper was deliberately depriving her child of the nutrition it needed or something. At her side, Tanner stiffened, so Harper put a hand on his arm to stay him.
Polly smiled at her again. “I’ll bet you’re hoping it’s a little girl.”
Um no, Harper was just hoping the baby was healthy.
“Are you scared about… you know… the labor?”
Of course she was, but she’d obviously rather not discuss it with someone who was essentially a stranger.
Polly moved closer and spoke in a low voice. “I won’t lie, it’s not a walk in the park. I told myself that I wouldn’t have any pain relief and I’d do it all natural. But God, the pain! Honey, I don’t envy you at all, you poor thing.” She patted Harper’s hand. “My Aliyah – her head was huge – tore me right open until my vagina and anus was just one big hole. I had to have so many stitches, I could hardly walk afterwards. What made it worse was that I lost so much blood, I had to have a transaction.”
“A transfusion,” Harper corrected.
“That, too. Don’t you worry none about putting on weight. Some men… well, they like a woman with a bit more cushion.”
Harper forced a smile. “That is a comfort. Now I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to use the restroom.”
“Oh, of course, I apologize for keeping you.”
“Have a good evening.” Harper raced to the door. Tanner then leaned his back against the wall, on guard, as she and Larkin headed inside. Larkin entered first, and she’d only taken three steps when she came to an abrupt halt. “Well, well, well. I didn’t expect to see you here.”