I shook the happiness from my mind. I had to address the elephant in the room, we were out of time. I needed to know who was leaving, and who was staying.
“Me being pregnant doesn’t mean any of you are obligated to stay here with me. But I’m not leaving.” I said the words with as much confidence as I could muster. “I can’t bring her into the mess they have. It’s not safe.” I realized that my hand had moved to sit instinctually over my stomach. “I need to know who’s going to be in her life and who isn’t.”
I braced myself for the let down-prepared myself for the fall out. I didn’t know what I expected. A bunch of paranormals living in the underworld to raise a demon baby? That’s crazy.
Or is it?
One by one the guys made their way to me, giving me a hug and taking their place by my side. First was Xander, then Drax, followed by Max and Asher. Finn and Colt were the last two to join the group. They both hugged me at the same time.
“You don’t think we’d abandon our daughter, do you?” Max asked.
“Well I didn’t expect you to abandon your family up top either.”
“Actually,” Colt once again played the devil’s advocate. “A year here is only a day there. They could have the best of both worlds, and when Amina is older maybe she can go up and meet the rest of her family.”
“Amina?” I scrunched my nose.
“That’s the name she chose.” Colt said, placing his warm hand on my stomach.
“Amina.” I mumbled. “Nice choice kid.”