Eternal Bloom - Book 5 (The Ruby Ring Saga) (2 page)

Liz grinned.

Dr. Meyers turned to face her. “None of the Immortals from this world have the gift of healing, so you must be very careful using it here. If word gets out about it, you will be tracked down and locked up. You will be expected to be at their beck and call, and maybe even put through experiments.”

“Keep it quiet. I got it,” Liz said, as if it was nothing new.

“I think it’s best that you all stay very well hidden. Perhaps you should relocate. At this point, all of you are in grave danger.”

“We’ve already relocated once,” Charles said. “We’re not doing it again.”

“What about us?” my mom asked.

“There is someone who owes me a favor. If you like, I can have your names placed on a list so the Immortals won’t be allowed to touch them for any reason.”

“Like some kind of Immortal restraining order? Pssh. That won’t stop them,” Liz said.

“It’s a sacred list, and our people abide by rules. I can only place two names on the list, your parents’. The rest of you must stay in hiding.”

Suddenly, for no real reason at all, I remembered the jewelry I’d looted from the fallen Immortals. I was in a blue, backless, very unflattering hospital gown, so I asked for my pants. I explained the entire story and handed the jewelry over to Dr. Meyers.

“Ah,” she said, looking it over. “This belonged to members of the rebellion. Consorting with them is far beyond dangerous. There is a rumor that Jackson killed all those Immortals,” Dr. Meyers said. “If it is true, he led them to their slaughter, and he is not to be trusted.”

“Then why didn’t he kill me when he had me alone on that dark road?” I asked, skeptical.

“Perhaps he was just keeping an eye on you. He wants your DNA for himself, just like the rest of them. He waited until you were isolated, then kidnapped you.”

“My DNA?” I asked.

“A long story for another time,” she responded.

I blinked, realizing she wasn’t willing to tell me a damned thing.

“How do I find Jackson?” Victor asked, seething.

“They can’t help Sarah with her medical condition,” Dr. Meyers said, “and they’re very dangerous. My advice is that you don’t look for trouble, Victor. Just keep your distance.”

“I would like to make an allegiance with them,” Charles said. “Maybe we could help each other.”

“I would not advise that,” Dr. Meyers said, shaking her head.

“Getting into a war with the blue-ringed Immortals who kidnapped Sarah would be nuts, you two!” Liz said.

“The rebels could help us retrieve our land from Ethano’s vile hands,” Charles said.

“But at what cost?” Liz asked in disbelief. “Charles, you’ll just have to fight the nuts here in this world, but you saw what they did to the rebellion elite in that gorge. They wiped them out, a complete massacre. I know how brave and valiant you are, and I know your heart is in the right place, but you cannot beat them.”

Charles met her gaze. “What if we bring in more Immortals from Tastia and Dornia? We could create a huge army and defeat the blue-ringed Immortals who rule this world, and then the rebellion could help us defeat Ethano.”

“You have no idea how dangerous these people are,” Dr. Meyers said.

“It is far more dangerous to rest on our laurels and do nothing,” Victor said, straightening his shoulders. “I say it is worth the risk.”

Dr. Meyers shook her head. “They are equipped with weapons you’re not even familiar with, and—”

Victor shifted his stance. “I am a warrior, Doctor. I have fought countless battles over centuries, and I will not be defeated. My parents named me aptly, for I always win.”

We spent another hour talking about everything from the rebellion to our safety.

Dr. Meyers wasn’t a fan of us joining the rebellion or stirring up a war she was sure we couldn’t possibly win. Even after she explained all the dangers in great detail, we still talked about different strategies. “You should be placed in protective custody,” she said, looking at Victor, “at least until your child is born.”

“Tell me how I can get in contact with the rebellion,” he said, ignoring her suggestion.

Dr. Meyers let out a huff. “May I have a word with you in my office, Highness? And the prince too.”

“Yes, I would like a word with you as well,” Charles said.

Victor kissed my cheek. “We shall return shortly, my dear.”

They followed Dr. Meyers out the door and my mom sighed.

“What’s our dinner plans?” my mom asked.

“How about pizza?” Liz said. “This day should be celebrated, and I say we order the biggest pizza there is, with extra cheese and pepperoni.”

“Sounds great,” I said.

“Then pizza it is,” my mom said.

My dad kissed my forehead. “Your mother and I will go pick up the food, a pizza and some salad. I’m sure Dr. Meyers wouldn’t be keen on a delivery person.”

“Make sure you get lots of ranch dressing this time, Dad,” Liz said. “Lettuce is impossible without ranch.”

My dad laughed. “You think I don’t know what my daughter loves?”

“Thanks, Daddy.”

“Would you like some breadsticks, dear?” my mother asked, knowing it was my one weakness, next to Victor’s blue eyes.

“Mom knows me too,” I bragged to Liz. “Sounds wonderful, Mom.”

“Anything to make my baby happy,” Mom said, then picked up her purse, smiled and waved at us, and followed our father out of the room.

Liz walked over to the bed, and a frown spread across her lips. “We never stopped looking for you, you know.”

“I know, but there was no way you could know to look for me on a mountain top.”

“I’m gonna make them pay, Sarah—every single one of them.”

“Liz, stop. All this talk of revenge is just...well, the truth is, messing with them will not help our cause, that’s all. Try and think rationally.”

“I know,” she whispered.

I touched my stomach and smiled as Alexander made his presence known with a little kick.

“How’s the baby?” Liz asked.

“He just kicked again!” I squealed. “Oh! There he goes again. Wanna feel him?”

She touched my stomach and smiled. “Oh! Wow, Sarah! That’s so cool. Oh my gosh. There’s a little human being inside of you.”

“Well, yeah.”

“It’s just that it...well, it seems so real when he kicks like that.” She felt around my stomach. “Is that his foot?”

I lifted my gown to expose the bulge on my stomach. “I think so, or maybe his little rear end.”

She blinked. “No way.”

“Yep.”

“Oh my gosh! I just saw your belly jump! You’ve got yourself a little soccer player in there. Does it hurt?”

“Sometimes, if he gets me just right in the ribs, it hurts a lot, but it’s okay right now. I like it. It lets me know he’s there. You know, he wouldn’t be kicking right now if it weren’t for you. I can’t thank you enough, Liz.”

“Hey, what are healing Immortal sisters for?”

We both laughed.

I met Liz’s gaze. As hard as she tried to play it tough, I could see her eyes welling up with tears. “Thanks,” I whispered again.

A tear slipped down her cheek. “You don’t have to thank me, Sarah. I love you and Alexander more than anything, and I’ll always do what I can to help you, no matter what.”

“I know that, sis,” I said, “and I think your nephew knows it too.”

D
r. Meyers released me from the Immortal hospital that night, and I was so glad to be back home. I was given strict orders to rest for the next week. Victor promised to pamper me and wait on me hand and foot.

When I stepped foot in our lovely home, I almost lost it. A tear slipped down my face. I thought I might never see this house again.

“It’s good to be home,” I said, choked with emotion.

Victor wiped my tears away and hugged me tight. I don’t know what I’d do without him. He was my rock. I took a long, hot shower and got ready for bed. Just as we were about to go to sleep, a knock sounded on the door. Victor was already downstairs getting a drink of water so he answered it.

“It’s Beth,” he said.

I hurried down the stairs and Beth embraced me in a tight hug.

“I’ll let you two talk,” Victor said, heading up the stairs.

“Are you okay?” Beth wailed. “How’s the baby?”

“I’m fine,” I assured her. “And so is Alexander.”

She looked me up and down. “You were on the news and everything. They said you went hiking without the proper equipment and got lost on the mountain.”

“The Immortals kidnapped me.”

She gasped.

“But I escaped and Dr. Meyer’s team put some kind of smoke screen out there for the press.”

“I didn’t believe that story for one minute.”

“I know. I’d never go out there unprepared like that.” I sucked in a deep breath thinking about the horrible place I’d just escaped from. “They had me locked up on top of that mountain. It was like being in my own worst nightmare.” My voice trembled as it trailed off.

“I’m sorry it’s so late but I had to know if you were okay. I was so worried.”

I gave her another long hug. “Thanks for stopping by. I will fill you in on all the details tomorrow, okay?”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” she wept. “Are you sure they won’t come back?”

“Dr. Meyers has some friends of hers guarding the house for the next few weeks.”

“Are you sure that’s enough?”

I gripped her hands. “We’ll be fine. Dr. Meyers assures me that I have the very best Immortal body guards.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Thanks for being my best friend. There’s nobody more caring or supportive than you.”

“I think the same about you.” She reached for her keys in her purse. “Goodnight Sarah. Tell Victor I’m sorry if I woke you guys up.”

“We were still up.”

“That’s good. See you tomorrow.”

I waved goodbye and headed back upstairs. 

Victor tucked me in and kissed me goodnight. I fell fast asleep.

I was jolted awake by a swift kick, and then Alexander’s foot lodged into my ribs. Sucking in a deep breath, I touched my stomach, only to feel another roundhouse kick to the ribs. My little kick-boxer was as active as ever. “Why aren’t you asleep, my little night owl?” I asked with a smile. “I’ll just have to keep you up all day tomorrow with talking, music, and belly rubs. We’ve gotta get you on a schedule so Mommy can sleep.”

Getting back to sleep was impossible. I tossed and turned, and when I glanced at the clock, it read two a.m. I could feel every kick, roll, and wiggle Alexander made. I simply couldn’t get comfortable, and it was hard to breathe, so I was sure I was in for another sleepless night.

As my stomach was reaching basketball proportions, I thought I might sleep better propped up. I headed downstairs to the living room and got comfy in the recliner. However, as soon as I was in the perfect position, I had to pee; Alexander wouldn’t stop tap-dancing on my bladder. I had to laugh, for a good sense of humor was the only thing that was going to get me through that difficult pregnancy. I was an all-out Jabba the Hutt with heartburn, back pain, mood swings, and big, swollen ankles, and I had to find ways to cope with it.

Just as I fell asleep, dawn came knocking. I decided I’d go for a morning walk, but when I tried to bend over to put my tennis shoes on, I found it was impossible.

Victor laughed and told me to sit down on the couch while he laced up my shoes. He was truly my knight in shining armor in every way. I couldn’t bear to tell him I could have used some help shaving my hairy legs or other, more delicate areas of my body, but I was beginning to think I could French braid my shins, if I could only reach them.

“Thanks, baby,” I said.

He smiled, gave me a kiss, and left for work.

I planned on enjoying my day off. The theater had cut me to part time until I had the baby, and I was thankful for that.

Just as I was getting ready to waddle out the door, I received a sudden phone call from my doctor, and the tone in her voice wasn’t the least bit comforting. “I have important news,” she said, “but it’s best discussed in person. Can you and Victor come to the Immortal hospital right away?”

I rushed out the door in a panic. What could be wrong? Should I tell Victor? No, I reasoned, not wanting to worry him till I had more details. My hands shook as I grabbed the keys; a million questions ran through my mind, a thousand worst-case scenarios, and I could not wait to get there so I could find out what was going on. I drove in a blur, not even realizing it, and when I got to the door of the doctor’s office, I sucked in a breath as I knocked on the door.

“Come on in,” Dr. Meyers said. She was dressed in the typical white lab coat, and she had a stethoscope slung around her neck.

I sat down in the leather chair and crossed my legs. “What seems to be the problem, Doctor?” I asked, realizing how cliché it sounded but not caring one bit.

“First, thank you for coming,” she said, shutting the door. “Victor isn’t with you?”

“No. He had to work. I have about two weeks’ worth of pills left, so surely that’s not why you wanted to see me.”

She sat down and met my gaze. “You should have brought Victor with you, Sarah.”

“I know you said to bring him, but I didn’t want to worry him or take him away from work until I know what’s going on,” I explained, biting my lip nervously. “Please don’t beat around the bush, Doctor. Can you just tell me what’s going on?”

She crossed her hands on the desk and pressed her lips into grim lines, indicating that the news was not good. “Sarah...”

“What?” I said, trying to keep my voice from wavering.

“There’s no easy way to say this,” she said.

I cocked a brow, prodding her to get on with it.

“I’ve been going over all your tests and blood work.” She fumbled with the stack of papers in front of her. “There’s no doubt that the pills have saved your life, but...well, they are also working in combination with the baby you’re carrying in your womb.”

“Huh? I-I don’t understand.”

“According to Victor, most Immortals from your world who go through bouts of unstable energy when their new power emerges die. In fact, you’ve miraculously outlived them all.”

“Because of the pills, right?” I said.