Little Suckers Bite Too (San Francisco Vampires #6) (Vampires of San Francisco series) (3 page)

The doc leaves the room then and Diel is on me like a vamp on a warm blooded snack.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” he asks. He holds my hands like a life line.

“I’m fine, Diel. Little Henley just wants to meet us early.” I smile at him and squeeze his hands. He’s not relaxing though. His tension shows around his eyes. “Diel, honey, you have to relax. It stresses me out and that’s not good. We’ll just lay low for a couple of weeks. No problem. Now, tell me about this house.”

“Uhm, house may be an understatement. It’s more of a mission statement. Architectural Hell did a piece on it. The owners plan on selling it but have graciously rented it to us for a month. I know if I call and explain what’s going on I’ll get it for longer.” He runs a hand through my hair and gives me a chaste kiss. “It’s big enough for everyone to stay with us while they’re here.”

“That’s so you, sweetheart. Always taking care of things. I can’t imagine Lily wants to stumble around Hell again. I’m floored that she is willing to return. She sure loves me.”

“Everyone loves you, Han. You’ll have a house full of nurses at your disposal with all the worrying everyone is going to do,” Diel says as he helps me take the robe off and re-dress.

“Oh, Goddess, you have to help keep them distracted. I’ll suffocate.”

“I’ll type up a schedule if I have to,” he says and finally smiles.

“We better go rescue the office from Hades. He’ll have matched up everyone by now. Too bad most of the people here are already married.” I laugh and think of my poor underused puppy. His ability as a match maker is part of the reason Diel and I are together.

“Come on, babe. We have some calls to make and a house to get you settled in.” He rubs my belly and bends down to talk to it. “You stay in there Landon.”

We both look at each other.

“Nah,” we say at the same time. I break into giggles and Diel grins at me.

We snag Hades and grab a taxi for the car rental dealership called Hurts. I know, what were they thinking? The parallels here are ridiculous.

We rent an SUV so Hades has room and we can move people around. Then we head to a restaurant so Diel can eat and we can make arrangements for the house. Diel makes phone calls between bites of his steak. I never did ask whether they use beef down here or some weird hell-beast. I don’t think I want to know. It’s one thing to feed it to my Hell Hound and quite another knowing that Diel is eating it and I will then drink it from him. Euww…

I call Lily since I have nothing to do and they will need time to speed up their arrangements.

“Lil, it’s Hannah.”

“Ganja momma, what’s shaking? I thought you were in Hell. What’s wrong? OMG did you have the baby without me? Are you okay? Speak to me, ganja girl.” Lily’s voice is high pitched and precariously close to hysteria.

“Relax, I’m still pregnant…”

“Oh, thank the Goddess,” she interrupts me. I can hear Sebastian cursing in French and Lily explaining that I am all right.

“Well, things aren’t perfect though. I’m restricted to bed rest for the next two weeks and I’m already dilated and the baby has dropped.”

“Merde, I knew something was wrong,” she says getting all gaspy. I’m worried she’ll try breathing and hyperventilate.

“Did you just cuss in French?” I ask her trying to make her calm down.

“I’ve been hanging out with Sebastian too much,” she says and laughs. “When and where do you want us, because you know we’re coming.”

“We will have to liaise with Aidan. He will have to pop Hades back and forth in order to get everyone down here. Diel’s rented this huge house so everyone can come. I just need to know when you can get to the portal, so we can work out a schedule.”

“I know that Sebastian and I will be coming. Julian and Helena too. I’m not sure about Andrew and Liam. Andrew said something about not being able to respect you if he has to look at your girly parts. I think he is just scared you won’t love him as much after the baby comes,” she laughs. I hear her walking from room to room repeating what is happening and getting affirmatives from everyone but Andrew and Liam.

“Andrew says he can’t wait to be an auntie but will stay here and hold down the fort,” Lily says and then giggles. Her giggle is like a balm, settling me. It will be great to have some serious girl time.

“Tell Andrew that I understand and we will see him top side soon.”

“Okay. I’ll call Aidan and figure out when we can be there. You let me worry about us. You rest. Love you. Ciao.” And she is gone.

I look over at Diel who is finished with his meal and watching me intently. He is still tense and probably will be until I give birth. But so help me if he is this anal when the baby is here, I will kick his butt.

“I’ve already called Aidan. He should be at the manse by now and was a little anxious about you.”

“Lily was too. They’ll feel better when they are here and see I’m okay,” I say with confidence I don’t feel. Diel sees through me.

“I know I’m acting freaked out but I know deep down that everything will be okay, babe. We just need to get you settled now. Come on, the house is ready,” he says as he helps me up. I can barely steer the tugboat I have become. Thank goodness about a vamp’s ability to heal quickly. No stretch marks and thirty minutes after delivery I will be back to normal.

We’re back in the SUV after stopping at our favorite butcher’s shop to load up on meat for Hades and these huge femurs that he adores. We lock everything in the luggage carrier on the roof. Otherwise Hades would chew through the seat to get to them. Diel packs it all down with ice, explaining that we have to drive for a bit as the house is on the outskirts of the city.

The house. It’s not a house, it’s a freaking mansion. It is beautiful though. I can see why it was featured in the magazine. It has nine bedrooms with en suite bathrooms in each plus three additional bathrooms on various floors. Huge windows everywhere showing a dazzling view of the city in the front and the demon-made lake in the back. Tons of birds scatter off the water when Hades jumps in barking. Birds of every color and shape. Some I’m surprised can even get off the ground with their body to wing proportions so out of whack. Hades is happy though. The violet hued grass will take some getting used to. Trees looking like they have gemstones shaking in the breeze. I know that it is just the colorful leaves but they sparkle here.

While Hades is occupied, Diel carries all the meat in and stores it in a huge subzero refrigerator. He checks that the fridge has been fully stocked for him and it has. Next he grabs our luggage and picks me up. I squeal at the unexpected jump. I’m quite a handful now but he easily carries me up some stairs.

“I don’t want you walking up or down the stairs. I’m going to set up some baby monitors so I can hear you from anywhere in the house. All you have to do is call for me. I’ll have Aidan get them for us. We’ll need them anyway when the baby comes,” he says, looking at me sternly. I know this is not a fight I will win because he is determined. I will just remember to turn them off when I have visitors. I don’t want our conversations broadcast throughout the house.

“Which room is ours?”

“Let’s explore and pick the best. Hopefully there will be some with a view that you can choose from.”

We go through all the bedrooms and find the master. It’s done in pale blues and cream. Very soothing. It is situated in the house so that it has a view of the city and of the lake. The room is huge. With a sitting area, huge four poster bed that is easily bigger than a king. The bathroom is all marble and has a separate shower and tub. The tub is in its own room with a view of the lake and wildlife. There are steps going up to it and it is surrounded by candles and expensive bath oils. I can’t wait to try it.

“You’re dying to try it aren’t you? Why don’t I run a bath for you, babe. You can relax while Aidan and I ferry everyone here and get them settled.” I could get used to this pampering gig. Diel is so considerate of my needs. I need to find a way to reciprocate.

“That would be heaven, honey. When is Aidan supposed to be here?”

“He’s texted me that he picked up Hades and is heading over to the portal. He’s gathered everyone at the portal,” Diel says with a grin.

“Efficient. You two should start a business,” I say trying to hide my sarcasm. I shouldn’t feel that way but I feel left out of everything. I suppose I need to get used to it.

“Babe, I know you’re feeling helpless but don’t. You are doing the hardest job right now. Keeping Ferdinand safe is a full time job right now.”

“X-nay to Ferdinand. Yeah, so not naming him that.” I laugh and Diel swoops in and kisses me til my toes tingle. When he steps back to fill the tub, I’m in a daze. Love that Demon.

“How about some lavender oil?” he asks.

“Perfect, Diel.”

“Okay, let me help you out of these clothes. By the way, I’ll open a portal to our house and get us more clothes. Until then you can work with what we’ve brought,” he says while he pulls my t-shirt off. My belly is in full view and he rubs it gently, bending down and kissing it. I run my hands through his hair, sighing.

“I love you, Diel. So much.” Dammit, here come the tears.

“Shh, shh, my beautiful wife. Nothing to cry about. Everything will be fine.”

“I just love you so much, it’s overwhelming,” I half whisper, half sob.

He pulls me into a gentle embrace and kisses my hair, my neck, my shoulders and then my mouth. Goddess, I love him.

“I don’t want you getting in or out of the tub without help, please. Especially with the oils being used. It will be slippery and I don’t want to risk you falling. Please?”

“Not a problem. Make sure Lily comes up to keep me company if you are busy. She can help me.” I shimmy out of my skirt and then struggle out of my panties and bra. I look in the mirror, stunned at how big my belly has gotten and how large my breasts are. They are so sensitive and Diel knows it and uses it against me. Lucky me.

Diel takes my hand and helps me step into the tub. It feels so fucking nice. I sink down to my neck and let my limbs float in the warm, sweet-scented water. Diel is grinning at me.

“What?”

“You. You get so much pleasure from something so simple. I’m just happy about that.”

“You would too if your body were so huge and you couldn’t see your feet anymore,” I mumble grumpily. He pats my head, which pisses me off for no particular reason.

“You’re still the most beautiful woman I have ever known, even more so now.”

Okay, so he redeemed himself. I hear a racket coming from downstairs. Barking and voices all talking at once. One rings out above them all.

“Everyone. Quiet yourselves down. Stress and premature labor don’t mix. I’ve read all about this. I’m an expert. Diel! Where the hell is my bestie?” Lily yells at the top of her lungs.

Diel rolls his eyes and I start giggling again. He gives me an indulgent smile.

CHAPTER 4. DIEL

I give Han a quick kiss and make my way down the stairs as fast as I can. Hoping to stop Lily from yelling again. I know she is just worried, but man can that woman yell when she wants.

I enter pandemonium in the foyer. Pure chaos. Everyone is talking over everyone else. Bags are piled high, Hades is barking and Aidan is manifesting items like crazy, mostly baby related and in blue.

I whistle loudly and all heads turn towards me.

“Everyone, calm down. Let’s get you and your luggage into your rooms. Hannah is taking a bath, Lily, and asked that you keep her company. If you would also aid her in getting out, I would appreciate it.” I quickly organize and the noise level drops. Hades is still barking and flames are shooting everywhere. Aidan puts them out just as fast but I turn Hades free to roam the estate.

With that taken care of I point towards the stairs. Lily is in front, anxious to get to Hannah. I politely show her into our bedroom.

“Thanks, Diel,” she says as she breezes past me. I feel a bit better knowing someone will be with Han.

“Diel, just point me to a room that Lily and I can crash in. I’ll put our clothes away and let you get things settled,” Sebastian says. I knew I liked him. I appreciate his cool head – now that his French temper has cooled after his triangle with Aidan and Lily. I let him in the green room which happens to be next to ours. I know Lily and Hannah will want to stay close.

“Diel, darling, I’m sorry we’ve created so much turmoil. I promise we will settle down,” Helena says sweetly.

“It’s okay, Helena. Just takes some adjustment.”

She pats my arm as she walks by. I put them in the red room, down the hall with a view of the city. Lily and Sebastian will see the lake. And finally there is Aidan.

“Just stick me somewhere, Diel. I’ll probably change it anyway.”

“Just put it back when you are done. We had to put a major deposit down and signed a contract in blood that we wouldn’t change anything or break it.”

“Not a problem, my friend,” Aidan says with a wicked glint in his eye. I’m worried.

“I was wondering if you could help me with something. I want to put baby monitors into all the common rooms and our bedroom so that I can hear Hannah if she needs me. Think you could help me out with that?” I ask.