Void

13-

(Amir in photo)

Waking up, I groan and think about Derek. Where is he? The mate bond isn't open, but I feel sick to my stomach. I lurch out of my seat and vomit in the toilet. It's not even morning, why call it morning sickness if it happens at all hours of the day? I've been in and out of sleep for hours on end. Now, I'm finally wide awake. After brushing my teeth, I reheat the chicken and make some waffles. Since I'm the only one up, I enjoy the food and shudder. Another striking pain going throughout my body. It feels like ages, but I know he will be back soon. A knock on the door shakes me from my thoughts so I go answer it.

"Hey, is Imm here? I saw a bunch of the girls leaving the house." Stiles rubs his eyes.

"Yeah, she's asleep in the living room." I smile.

I clean up, then there's another knock. She looks like a witch. She doesn't smell like it nor bear any markings.

"Hi!" I try to be mesmerizing.

"I'm Allison, I was wondering if Scott and Isaac were here."

"Yes, would you like to come in?"

She nods eagerly and I close the door gently behind her. The walk is swift and I try to keep up with her. Shaking the two boys, they jump at the sight of Allison.

"It's lunchtime at school." She sighs.

"Oh." Isaac relaxes.

Scott looks away and I kiss his forehead. They get ready then leave. Stiles and Imogen watch tv while Laura helps me clean.

"They are cute." I wipe the counters.

Even though we have the power, learning proper skills always is important.

"Yes, they're destined to be married." Laura says placing some relaxing aromatic flowers in the center of the table and counter.

My baby shower is today. She starts hanging up stuff and opening windows. Lightbulbs are switched with candles and I start building crowns. For each occasion, we have new ones, I already hung up everyone's from the welcome dinner in the covens cottage. They are thorn crowns dipped in melted gold and white roses weaved in afterwards. I love the process of crafting them, improving over the years.

"Who's coming?" I ask Laura.

"Your mom, Scott, Isaac, Stiles, Immy and I, yourself, and I'd make extra just in case Derek and Peter come back in time." She replies.

The decorations begin to flow all throughout. She changes into her outfit while calling places to begin deliveries and setup their live cook to order stations. I bathe with oils that elevate my mood, clear my skin, and add a nice glow. After washing my hair with a silkening and softening shampoo, I get out and pad my body thoroughly dry. I am wearing a white short dress. After I brush my hair into silky waves, I place my crown on. I hear people milling around upstairs and take my time climbing to open my door. Compliments are being given from all around and I'm approached at random. I'm glad it's just family. Everyone is enjoying it and I sigh staring at the sky. We get to cake and gifts and I sit in my special chair for today made of wrought iron.

"I know you love living beneath me babygirl, but I made a promise to your mother. With saved money, here." Melissa winks.

I open it and see a key ring with three keys. One for my bug, one for this house, and another house key.

"It's a cottage we've been building in the woods, more than enough space for you and your boy." She smiles.

I hug her appreciatively and she tells me it's stocked with everything from downstairs and ready for a baby. I didn't realize so much of my things for witch rituals have been disappearing until now. I thank her, then I open everyone else's gifts. I love this entire thing. I acquired 330$ worth of gift cards between the teens. Imogen brought me another key and I think it tunnels to their house. Laura gets me a stroller and car seat set. I thank everyone and watch as they go back to mingling in the party. There's a knock and I run with two crowns expecting it to be the Hales. It isn't, it's a handsome stranger. I open the door and smile.

"I'm Nefertiti." I introduce myself.

"Looks like I'm at the right place." He takes a crown.

"Who are you?" I ask as he pulls out a blue wrapped gift.

"Amir, the original hybrid. A dear friend who knew where I was hiding told me the Queen of the Witches needed me." He reaches for my stomach.

I allow him to touch it and I feel at ease, it's comforting.

"You have a high chance of survival. I brought this just for comfort, something my mother left with me." He grins.

I see it's the first book of shadows filled with recipes and brews and remedies.

"Amir." I am shocked.

He meets my eyes and I open my arms. He picks me up while hugging me.

"Would you like to stay with me for the rest of my life? Or at least until you find your mate?" I ask happily.

"I'll be with you forever, now what's his name?" He removes his shoes.

I thank the witch who called him here mentally.

"Rhaego." I sheepishly admit.

We sit on the couch just talking and he tells me about his experiences.

"NEFERTITI?" Derek yells.

"Living room!" I reply.

He sees Amir and I, then growls.

"This is Amir, the original hybrid. He's helping me through Rhaego's time in my womb, isn't it exciting?" I beam up at him.

"No." He growls and looks at his gift in his hands.

"Derek, Amir is here to help." I shake my head hoping he doesn't react this way.

"I would give you this, but you don't deserve it." He puts it away.

"I'm your mate." I get up protesting.

"You're not acting like one, cozied up to another man."

"Amir is-" Derek backhands me making me choke on my sentence.

Amir stands and looks down once he feels my power reverberating off me.

"I am going to help. Derek shouldn't lose a mate and Rhaego shouldn't be motherless." Amir places a hand on my stomach.

I grab my gifts kissing everyone's cheeks and Amir has my suitcase from downstairs. We exit through the back door and find the cottage easily. He places protection spells all around the place while I get us settled.

You will never strike me, or see me again Derek Hale.