Deep Trouble Read online

  “Hmm.” He slid Amethyst’s drink her way and nodded at the door. “Hayden’s on his way in. These are on me.”

  “Ooh, thanks.” She still shoved a few bucks in the tip jar.

  “Need to chat with you a second, Fallon. Yours will be ready next.”

  “Sure,” she answered slowly.

  Amethyst glanced between them. “Oh, was your hookup a secret?”

  Fallon’s nose wrinkled. “Not really. But I never mentioned it to Brody. I hadn’t really thought about it since I met my mate.”

  He laughed. “At least, I didn’t make your list of assholes.”

  Amethyst giggled. “Trem, I can’t see you like that.” She hopped off the stool and bounced out the door.

  He placed the drink on the counter but held it out of her reach. “Call me tonight.”

  Fallon’s eyes widened. “What? Why?”

  He sighed. “Do it. It’s important. Brody’s out there with Hayden. Go.”

  “No hint?”

  He shook his head. “Don’t want you to worry your pretty little head.” He slid the drink over. “Don’t forget to call.”

  Chapter 3

  A beautiful full moon shone through the window but Fallon couldn’t appreciate when the pain hit again, and tears flooded her eyes. Her stomach knotted into a tight ball as one of the tiny babies seemed to writhe inside. She curled up on the floor and reached for the phone. Pain muddled her thoughts, making her take a minute to figure out who to call when she should have known immediately.

  Tremaine had told her to call when she got home. He wasn’t one to chat on the phone for no reason, so she had her finger on the talk button when she entered her bedroom. Brody had stepped out of the shower, and she forgot all about the earlier conversation. After they made love, Brody left to hunt with his pack. And now, she feared something was terribly wrong with her babies.

  The pain doubled as she closed her hand over the phone. She quickly dialed. It rang, and she hit speaker. “Hello?” she whimpered and immediately wished she could take back the strained sound.

  “Tell me the window up there is open,” Tremaine demanded. “It’s that, or I’m breaking in.”

  “It’s open.”

  The call ended, and she stared at the phone as she pressed over the pain in her abdomen.

  A falcon flew through the window and landed before her. Tremaine took his shape, crouching. Concern radiated from his brown eyes as he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Told you to call.”

  “Brody was home. Needed time with him before he left for the hunt.”

  “Want to go to him?”

  “Hurts. If I’m losing them—can’t.”

  “You won’t, but you need to shift. To wolf. Now.”

  “Why?”

  He shook his head, his eyes narrowed. “Shift and I’ll tell you.”

  “Trem?”

  “The pain will end if it’s not too late. Hurry, Fallon. I’m trying to help you save them.”

  Fallon shifted. Her body settled, and immediately the pain evaporated.

  “Better?”

  She nodded.

  “One of your babies is a werewolf. I’ve only seen a similar situation once.”

  She whined. He scooted closer and caught her muzzle, rubbing behind her ear.

  “Shh, calm down,” he murmured. “As long as you know, you can shift, forcing your babies to also magically shift to the same animal, and you’ll keep both.”

  Fallon whined again.

  “You have to shift every single time the pain starts. From here on out, and only to wolf. Anything else and one of your twins will have problems. That might cause trouble for both. Your little girl probably won’t be able to shift to anything but wolf for a few years. Other forms will come, but it will be slower, maybe harder to learn.”

  Hope. She grasped onto the hope and tried to ignore the rest of her predicament. Shifting to wolf when the pain started was easy enough.

  “Until the full moon goes down, you’ll have to stay a wolf. Are you going to be okay hunting? I know you don’t like eating raw meat, but staying shifted so long, you’ll have to.”

  She cringed but nodded. For her babies, she would do anything to keep them safe. No matter how much she hated the taste of raw meat and blood sliding down her throat.

  “Tomorrow, come over. We need to talk.”

  She nodded.

  “Liz and Robert are both leaving early. They don’t have to know.”

  She dipped her head.

  He smiled. “Do you want to go to Brody? I can help you find him.”

  Fallon shook her head. Showing up in the middle of a hunt was only going to freak him out. She didn’t need him to stress about something that was going to be okay.

  “Want company?”

  She shook her head.

  “Leave the back door unlocked, okay?”

  She hopped up, heading toward the bedroom door.

  Trem stood and followed. “Don’t forget to come see me tomorrow.”

  She let out a woof, and he went downstairs. Once Tremaine opened the door, she ran into the night.

  * * * *

  As soon as the full moon went down, Fallon hurried inside, and up to their room, stripping off her clothes as she went. She threw them in the hamper and brushed her teeth to get rid of the coppery taste left over from her late night snack.

  A shudder traveled down her spine as she thought back to the kill. The memory of thick blood and raw meat made her stomach roll. It was a part of this life she’d never get used to, and she had another seven months of dealing with it.

  Feeling a little better, she slipped under the covers to wait for Brody. Only one thing she needed—his arms around her.

  A million and one questions floated through her head. She needed answers before she could tell him. Even then, until the nightmares stopped, she wasn’t sure that was a good idea.

  One month had passed since Brody learned the truth about his first wife. Her caravan hadn’t been bombed. No, a vampire had changed her, killing their baby. And yeah, he’d been pissed when she showed up thinking they could go back to how it was before. Brody couldn’t forgive Sarah. Then she later sacrificed herself.

  Fallon kept waiting for grief to hit him. The nightmares seemed to be the start. Could she keep him rooted in the present with her? How much would his fear affect their relationship and his trust?

  Brody pulled into the driveway, and she started to relax while caressing her still flat stomach. “We’ll get through this, munchkins.”

  The front door opened and closed. Then he hurried up the stairs, trying to be quiet. A smile spread on her lips as his boots hit the floor, followed by his clothes. He climbed under the blankets to wrap her in his embrace.

  She snuggled closer, pulling his arm tight around her with a happy sigh.

  “Should be sleeping, Sugar,” he murmured against her ear.

  “Missed you,” she answered, turning her head.

  His smoky blue eyes delved into hers as his mouth curved into a smile. “Not tired?”

  She guided his hand between her thighs. His fingers stroked through her heat with a groan.

  “I need you,” she murmured.

  He pulled her leg over his, pressing into her. “Better?”

  She nodded, and he slowly thrust deep while his finger played over her clit. “Yes,” she whispered before covering his mouth with hers.

  He took his time, loving her thoroughly. Brody was the only man ever to strip away her walls and fill her heart. Love, something she’d always run from, was now hers.

  Climax washed over her as he pressed deep and stilled. Feeling entirely boneless, she closed her eyes. “Love you, Brody.”

  “Love you.” His hand covered her belly. “And I love these two.” He kissed her neck and pulled her closer, his body relaxing around hers.

  Chapter 4

  Fallon sat at the counter, eating breakfast as she stared out the window. Brody felt her emotions churning, as
if through him in a dark tide. He tried to start a conversation, but she was so lost in thought, she must not have heard.

  Finally, she put her fork down.

  He scooted his chair closer and caressed her face. “Fallon, what’s wrong? Are you sick again?”

  The corners of her mouth lifted. “I’m good. That usually comes later.” Her smile brightened even more. “I was thinking about baby names last night while you were gone.”

  He grinned. “You were?”

  Her eyes sparkled. “Ryan and Rhiannon.”

  His brows drew together. “What if they’re both boys or both girls?”

  She shrugged. “I have a feeling we have one of each. But, what are your choices?”

  “I like Ryan and Rhiannon, but if we have two boys, why not Braden and Ryan, and Rhiannon and Alexis if we have two girls?”

  Fallon threaded her fingers into his hair, scooting closer. “And if it’s a boy and girl, Ryan and Rhiannon?”

  “Definitely.” He leaned in to taste her lips. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. He broke away, panting. “Sugar, I have to go to work.”

  “I know. And I have a couple errands to run. I’ll bring you lunch later.”

  “No appointments today?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. So I’m not going in. But I can come visit you.”

  “Yes, please.” Happiness swelled within Brody, imagining Ryan and Rhiannon. “I hope they look like you.”

  She giggled. “I’d rather they look like you. Now go. I’ll be by later.”

  He dipped his head. “See you this afternoon.”

  Fallon sucked his bottom lip before releasing him. “Go. Otherwise, I may tie you to the table and take advantage of you.”

  “I’m never surviving the next seven months.” He backed away with a grin. “Doubt I can keep up with your pregnancy hormones.”

  Her eyes trailed down his body, a grin spreading on her face. “You can. I have faith. Now go, before you tempt me further.”

  He ducked his head and slipped through the door. As he pulled out of the driveway, he realized she’d sidestepped him about what was bothering her.

  Well, shit.

  * * * *

  Fallon pushed her plate away and dropped her head onto her arms on the counter. Lying sucked. Okay, not lying, but omitting the truth. After freaking out the night before, she didn’t want to put Brody in that position again, not until she had answers and could figure out what she wanted to do with them.

  Forcing herself into motion, she cleaned up breakfast and grabbed her phone. She dialed while checking outside the window.

  Tremaine answered after a single ring. “Good morning, Fallon.”

  “About last night?” she blurted out.

  “Mind coming over? I don’t leave for the bookstore for an hour. And I have time if you do. I’ll tell you everything I know.”

  “I’ll be there soon.”

  Fallon grabbed her keys and headed to his house. Leaving her helmet on the bike, she walked to the porch and rang the bell.

  Tremaine answered the door with a smirk. “Glad Brody didn’t distract you.”

  “Ha, very funny,” she griped.

  “I made tea.” He nodded toward the hall and turned that way.

  She sighed. “Thanks.” Drawing a deep breath, she stepped inside and shut the door. Fallon followed him, finally taking a seat at the kitchen island.

  Playing with the hem of her shirt, she asked, “How did you know about the baby?”

  “Sensed the difference. Took a while to pinpoint because it had been years since I last saw Marla and Lisa.”

  “Well, I believe. My stomach unclenched the second I shifted. This isn’t supposed to be possible. How high is the risk? Should I be worried?”

  “It’s possible. Extremely rare, though you’re proof, it is possible.” He motioned to a stool. “I realize last night I scared you, but in all fairness, I tried to warn you early enough to avoid the fear and pain.”

  “Vaguely. You didn’t tell me I could lose my twins if I didn’t call. Brody distracted me, and I forgot. Until the pain started.”

  Tremaine snorted, and his mouth pursed. “You haven’t changed at all.”

  She shrugged. “Is that a bad thing?”

  “No. I’m sure Brody won’t complain about your appetite.” He waggled his brows.

  Fallon allowed a laugh to escape, but she redirected their conversation back to the problem. “So, about the pain. What caused it?”

  “One wanted to shift,” Tremaine answered, his expression serious.

  Fallon sighed. “Got it.”

  He nodded. “You can’t forget to shift from here on out. I mean it, Fallon. You have to remember, or you’re likely to lose both babies. This isn’t a game, and it isn’t a maybe. It’s a definite. Okay?”

  “I’ll remember. For now, I have to find an excuse why I need to run with the pack. I don’t want Brody to worry.”

  “Tell him. You’ll feel better.”

  “No. I overheard him talking to Adam yesterday. He’s already scared he could lose me or the twins. Why scare him if it’s as simple as shifting?”

  “That’s hardly fair. Talk to him. Put his mind at ease.”

  She shook her head. “I’ll think about it. Tell me more about your friend who had this same problem.”

  Tremaine sighed and brought her a steaming cup, hoping she’d relax. “When your stomach ties in knots, shift. Every single time. To wolf, only to wolf from here on out. Marla had to shift often. Sometimes for a bit, sometimes for a whole day. Go with it.”

  “Her baby was okay?”

  He smiled. “Yes. Lisa wound up strong and fast, but her magic is weaker. She has a little of both worlds.”

  “As long as this one will be healthy.”

  “If you shift, they both will be. You need to tell Brody.”

  “After Sarah, he’s only going to worry.”

  “He didn’t argue when you went after DeMarco.”

  She looked away. “That fucker would have come for me eventually. Brody had little choice in the matter.”

  “Keeping secrets from your husband is never wise. Even if it’s to protect him. What’s he gonna do if something happens to you?”

  “I’ll think about it. Full moon isn’t for another month. Things are finally calm right now. Can’t we have a little happy without all the extra bullshit?”

  “Soon, Fallon. He’s going to wonder why you suddenly want to shift to a wolf on a whim. And talking about it will ease the burden of carrying this kind of secret.”

  Fallon sipped her tea and stared out the window.

  Tremaine leaned against the counter and moved into her line of sight to capture her gaze. “If something endangered Brody, you’d want to know, right?”

  “Yes. But I’ve never lost anybody I love. Someone who was already pregnant. If I tell him, he’s going to freak.”

  “He’ll settle down. I can talk to him too. This doesn’t make you high risk. Just means you need to be cautious.”

  “Told you, I’ll think about it. I need some time before I jump in with the news. Is there anything else I should know?”

  “Not off the top of my head. I’ll call if I think of something.”

  “I’ll answer. Thanks, Trem.”

  “Don’t wait too long. If you end up in trouble, I will tell him everything.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Nothing is going to happen to me. Thanks for the chat. Besides, things are finally calm now. I want to enjoy some normal for a while instead of all this crazy.”

  “Won’t stay crazy. He’ll understand.”

  “I need to figure out how.”

  Shaking his head, he sighed. “Come by the shop when you get a chance. I have a couple books that might help you find a way to tell him. Better yet, let him read them.”

  After overhearing Brody’s conversation, Fallon was scared to tell him anything that might give him cause to worry.

  Chapter 5
r />   The door clicked open, catching Brody’s attention. He looked up. Adam strolled in with a mocha. Brody had stopped drinking coffee in front of Fallon in support of her when she gave it up for the twins.

  While Adam’s wife, Danika, was pregnant, Brody made it a point to supply him with caffeine while Adam was at work. His brother started returning the favor once they made the baby announcement.

  Adam’s brow pinched. “Hey, bro. What’s going on? You still seem worried.”

  “Fallon’s keeping something from me. What if it’s about the twins? What if she’s having second thoughts?”

  “Maybe it’s unrelated. She’s been talking to Tremaine a lot lately. Probably more about magic shit than anything else.”

  Brody rubbed the back of his neck before taking a big drink of his caramel sauce mocha. “Maybe. And thank you for this.” He lifted the cup with a smile.

  “Anytime.” Adam sat on the edge of the table. “How are you holding up?”

  “Now I’m wondering why she’s talking with Tremaine so much?”

  “Magic shit?” Adam shrugged. “What else?”

  “No clue. I know she’s known him for years.”

  Adam shrugged. “She’s known a lot of people for years. Doesn’t mean a thing.”

  “Yeah, probably not. And what if it’s something he needs help with?”

  Adam shrugged. “Talk to her. Ask her what’s up.”

  “I will.” He hoped she would tell him first.

  “Maybe it’s hormones. She’s carrying two little people in there.”

  Brody grinned as their earlier conversation played through his mind. Her whole face had lit up and whatever was bothering her faded away. “We picked names. She’s convinced we’ll have a boy and girl.”

  “That so? Tell me you picked an extra boy and girl name on the off chance she’s wrong.”

  “Of course.” He laughed.

  “Well, what are they?”

  “Ryan and Rhiannon if she’s right. She probably is. Or Braeden and Ryan, or Rhiannon and Alexis.”