A Hunger to Share ( Book Two )

chapter 26

Ada 

They withdrew from each other, startled by James's hesitant voice.

"No." Gideon stood up, looking slightly annoyed.

Ada looked at James. "I was expecting you. Come in."

"I'm sorry. I knocked, but you didn't answer so I let myself in... I thought maybe somethig was wrong..." He looked uncomfortable and awkward.

Ada smiled at him. "It's fine." Then patted the spot beside her. "Come on. We have a lot to talk about."

He obliged, looking stiff and nodded at Gideon. "Hey."

Gideon nodded back. "It's good to see you."

Ada didn't know if he was saying that for her sake, or if he actualy meant it, but she was grateful nonetheless.

"Yeah." Jame's cleared his throat.

"Like your cologne by the way." Gideon said with a meaningful smirk.

Ada give him a sharp look. "Yeah it suits you."

They both knew the bitter scent clinging to James was someone else's scent, but now was not the time to bring that up.

"Uh thanks?" James frowned, apparently oblivious.

"I'll be downstairs." Gideon gave her a two fingered salute and left.

Now it was just the two of them. The moment she had dreaded for so long. Ada laced her fingers together, giving him a sideway glance. James looked great, glowing with happiness.

Ada cleared her throat. "So how do you feel about being a father?"

James's smile was guarded. "I couldn't be happier. I've always wanted to be a dad, and I can't thank you enough for making my wish come true."

"I'm glad that's the case, but you don't have to force yourself to be nice to me. I know after everything that's happened between us you've come to hate me, and it's Ok. I just hope you don't let that affect our child..."

"I don't hate you." James cut her off. He wasn't smiling anymore, but his green eyes looked truthful.

"James come on. After I bit you? After you almost died because of me twice? How can you not hate me?"

"It's pointless and blackens my heart. I don't want that. Not anymore. I've forgiven you Ada. Let the past stay in the past..."

Ada gave him an incredulous look. "But I hurt you. I..."

"Like I said that was in the past. I know you didn't enjoy hurting me. You were trying to save me from a worst fate." He sounded kind.

"I...I don't know what to say..." Ada felt a lump forming in her throat. She let her hands fell on her lap, and stared at her open palms.

"Tell me about our child, about yourself. How have you been? Is there anything I can do?"

Ada swallowed the lump in her throt, tears of gratitude burning the back of her eyes. "Everything's good. We're doing great."

"From now on I'll always be here for you." He reassured her.

"Thank you." Ada sniffed, grabbing his hand with her own. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner..."

"Jack told me why. I understand."

Ada smiled at him. "You'll be a great parent, better than me."

He smiled back. "We'll be great together."

Ada bit down on her thumb. "James there's something else I need to tell you...You're not human..."

"Yeah I kinda figured that out after I found out you're pregnant. So what am I?"

"A hybrid. Half warlock from your father's side, and half werewolf from your mother's."

James stared at their hands. "Shit. My parents will lose it when they find out."

"You're Ok with this? I know it can be too much..."

"Don't worry. I'm good. I just wish I wasn't dormant. It'd be interesting to have some magical powers."

"Yeah I'm sorry. There's always hope though. If you turn into a vampire at some point there's a chance they get activated..."

"No thanks. I like myself better this way, no offense."

"None taken."

"You know I'll protect you two with everything I have right?" He said with determination. "even if it costs me my life." James caressed the back of Ada's hand with his fingers. There was nothing romantic in that gesture, only friendly reassurence.

"Thank you, let's hope it doesn't come to that. I don't like our child growing up without you."

"Is that your ways of saying you like having me around?" James asked teasingly.

"You got me."

"Can I?" James gestured to her stomach, a mixture of happiness, and fear in his eyes.

"Yeah of course. But I don't think the baby would kick, or anything. It's probably too early..."

"You're only one month pregnant, and already showing a lot. I guess anything can happen."

"Yeah some things are different in supernatural pregnancies."

"What does that mean exactly? Are you going to have the baby sooner than nine month?"

Ada shrugged. "I'm not sure. Marcia said there is no concrete rule with these things. Some go into labor at three month, some five, and some nine. We have to wait and see."

James put his hand on her prominant stomach, eyes shining with tears. Ada noticed his hand was shaking. She put hers over his.

"I still can't believe we're going to have a baby. It's surreal." He whispered, caressing Ada's stomach over her t-shirt.

His touch was feather soft as if he was afraid the baby would get hurt by applying a little pressure. Ada loved his gentleness.

"I know. It's a new experience."

"Do you know the gender?"

"No. I'd like to be surprised, plus they might want to change their gender when they grow up, there's no rush."

"True. What about names?Have you thought of any?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure they're good. You should tell me your ideas, and we'll decide on something we both like."

"I didn't have much time to think but maybe Violet."

"I like it." Ada said excitedly.

"Or Julien. Or a unisex name..."

Ada smiled, listening to James go on about their child. In that moment they weren't two estranged friends, or lovers, they were parents who couldn't wait to see their baby.