Knight Shift (60 page)

When those assembled stared at Jax, he replied, “But I’m a Changeling. I can’t father a child.”

Seeing Jax’s mix expression of hurt, betrayal, and anger, Ben let out a loud, “Ha! That explains everything.” He looked to Jax and said as a matter of fact, “She’s carrying
your
child.” When the family looked at him like he had gone crazy, he explained. “Since Penny returned from her trip, I noticed changes in her and I’m not referring to her choice of clothes and hairdo. I mean in her mind. It’s been gradually getting stronger and just now when she attacked Logan, I felt it the strongest yet.”

Susi asked, “Felt what?”

“I felt Jax. Her emotions and inner voice are reacting like Jax would. Since they’re always at each other’s side, I assumed that their brain waves were mixing, but now I know the truth. She has a piece of him inside her and it’s impacting her own body chemistry.” He turned to Susi and asked, “Didn’t you tell me that you noticed how her body temp and pulse were getting lower?”

“Yes, but how could this happen? Changelings are sterile.”

Sam asked Jax, “While you traveled with her, how often did you take her blood?”

Jax replied honestly, “Almost every day. I didn’t take much, but it was part of my daily routine and it helped keep me in control.”

Sam smiled excitedly and exclaimed, “That’s it! It’s her blood. I told you that, for me, it feels like it brings life back to my body. The effect is only temporary, but if I drank a steady supply, I know the effect would continue indefinitely.” He looked at Jax and said, “Your month together did more than just make you feel more in control. It allowed you to father her child.”

Susi asked, “But why didn’t we sense this earlier?”

“We’ve all been rather busy and who would have suspected it? Or would even have considered it as a possibility?”

Charlie looked down at her friend and asked, “Do you think Penny knows?”

Jax said, “No, she wouldn’t have been able to keep it a secret from me.”

Ben quickly added, “She definitely couldn’t have kept it from me.”

Jax cradled the one in his arms like she was a priceless masterpiece. He placed his shaking palm on her stomach and said, “I’m going to be a father.” He was both thrilled beyond words and absolutely terrified.

With his cool touch, Penny blinked open her eyes again. Seeing the intensity of his stare, she whispered weakly, “What’s wrong?” Assuming the worst, she tried to sit up in a panic to see which family member was missing. As Jax held her down, tears streamed down her cheeks and she asked, her voice breaking, “Who died?”

Realizing what she was thinking, Sam gave her a smile and quickly replied, “We’re all a little banged up, but we made it through.”

Sniffing back tears, she asked, “Then why is everyone staring at me like I’ve grown a second head?”

After everyone laughed, Ben said, “That’s because you have.”

When one of Penny’s shaking hands tried to reach up to feel if a second Penny was spouting from her neck, Jax took hold of her hand and guided it to her stomach instead. When Penny looked up at him for an explanation, he said, “The second you is in here. You’re going to have a baby.”

Penny stared back at him without saying a word. With her head still so foggy, she assumed that she heard him incorrectly.

Seeing her waiting anxiously for the real explanation, Jax leaned closer and said slowly and clearly, “You’re pregnant with our child.”

“But I can’t be. You’re a Changeling.” She frantically added, “You have to believe me when I say that I’ve never been with anyone else.”

Jax replied, “I believe you.” He then looked to Sam for help.

Penny turned to Sam as he started to speak. After he explained his theory and Susi came over to describe what she felt inside her, Penny’s tears returned. This time they were from a combination of shock and happiness.

“I’m going to be a mother?” As her mind swirled, trying to comprehend the reality of what they had told her, she looked down at herself. Seeing all of the wounds on her body, she asked Sam in a panic, “Is the baby okay?”

He replied, “The baby’s heartbeat is strong and appears to be fine.”

As Jax wiped away a trail of tears, realization of what this meant hit Penny. Her expression turned to sadness and she said, “I’m so sorry. I want you to know that I had no idea that this was possible.”

Jax’s eyes opened wide and he asked, “Are you thinking that I’m upset by this news?” When she looked away, he hugged her against his chest and said, “After you asked me to marry you, I didn’t think it was possible for my world to get any brighter.” He caressed her belly and added, “And then you gave me this gift. It’s beyond my wildest dreams and I can’t wait to meet our child and raise him or her at our side.”

Her emotions shifted again and she said, “I’m Human. What if I’m not strong enough?”

“You’re the strongest person I know and I have no doubt that you can do this.” He nodded toward those assembled and added, “And we aren’t doing this alone.”

Sam nodded and said, “This is a unique situation so, as soon as we get back home, I’m going to contact a special doctor I know. I was going to have him come test your blood. Now he can help with the baby as well.”

Penny nodded numbly and the women in the group swarmed on her. While Penny received hugs and kisses, Chloe held back. When in her Human form, Chloe knew people envied her good looks. But her shifted form elicited a completely different reaction. It made even the most feared men cringe and back away. Penny understood why Chloe had kept the realities of her shifted form a secret, so when she saw her back into a shadow away from everyone, Penny called to her, asking her to join them.

After Chloe reluctantly approached, Penny said, “Thank you for using your talents to help save me. I’m thrilled to have you as part of my family.” She pulled Chloe into a tight embrace—an act that Chloe gratefully accepted and returned.

The scene was interrupted when Quinn walked in with a vice grip around the neck of a Changeling that looked to be no more than seventeen. He announced, “I caught this one crawling out of a closet and trying to sneak away. What would you like to do with him?”

Jax took only a second to respond. “Let him go. There’s been enough death here tonight.”

Charlie said, “But he’ll tell everyone what happened here and, odds are, he knows all of Penny’s secrets, including the latest development.”

Jax said, “I know some of Logan’s followers have already ran away and we’ll never catch them all. And I won’t kill those that are wounded in front of us now, so our time of hiding has ended. Logan was right about one thing. We’ve taken our stance and now the Changelings will have to judge what we’ve done here today.”

Quinn eased his hold on the boy and to everyone’s surprise the young Changeling asked sincerely, “May I come back and help? I never believed in what Logan wanted us to do, but I was too scared to say anything. We didn’t think we had any other choice but to support going to war. Now that there’s an alternative that will give us hope for our future, I know others will step forward.”

Sam beamed and asked, “What’s your name?”

“They call me Firefly.” To explain his name, the boy’s body began to glow and he let off a pulse of energy that stung Quinn’s hands. When Quinn jumped back, Firefly cringed and said apologetically, “Sorry. I should have warned you about that.”

Quinn shook the lingering sting in his fingers and said, “You have quite a strike; your name should be lightening. With that skill you could’ve gotten away from me in an instant.”

He replied, “I didn’t want to get away. I want to help.”

Sam said, “Okay Firefly, then go spread the word and tell them that Ice and his family sent you. Those that want to join us can contact me.”

Firefly nodded and ran from the room with such speed that he left a trail of light in his wake.

Quinn looked at those assembled and said, “If your cause is also open to Humans, I would like to join you.” The other Humans, all of whom were saved by Changelings, seconded his thoughts.

Sam nodded and said, “Your support is more than welcome.”

Just then, the front door swung open and the twins entered the room with very self-satisfied expressions on their faces. Tadd asked, “What just flashed out of this room like a laser beam?”

Before anyone had a chance to answer, Taylor noticed the looks on everyone’s faces and asked, “Did we miss something?”

Everyone laughed and Razor wrapped his arm around Taylor’s and Tadd’s shoulders and said, “You might want to sit down for this one.”

After the clean-up efforts were almost done Quinn, who had worked tirelessly at the Changelings’ side, found Penny resting on an old couch. She had tried to get up several times, but Jax made it perfectly clear to everyone that his future wife wasn’t allowed to even blink hard until further notice and that his child needed quiet.

Penny was going to protest right up until she heard him refer to her as his wife and the baby as his child. Instead, she melted back into the cushions with a smile.

Quinn laughed at her overly protective fiancé and said, “I guess I don’t need to worry about you. Your future husband is quite formidable. I swear I feel a chill whenever he barks out a command.”

She stared at Jax and said with a dreamy look in her eyes, “I love it when he makes me shiver.” She then became more serious and said, “I’m sorry that I kept the truth from you and, as you learned the extremely hard way, being around me isn’t good for your health.”

“After what I’ve seen I understand why you did it, but I want you to know that I’m not going to run away. I plan to stay and help.”

“I don’t want you getting hurt. You survived this battle, but you might not be so lucky the next time.”

“I believe what was said earlier. A war is coming. The violence that we’ve seen on the television from both sides has increased dramatically this last year and it’s only a matter of time before someone snaps. I talked to Sam while I was cleaning and he told me stories of how he and Jax started the Ice Castles. It made me think. What if I create safe havens for Humans? Not to hide them. I was thinking that we could use them to combine our forces and train side by side. I asked for his help and expertise in how to get something like this started and he agreed.”

“I think it’s a wonderful idea and I’ll help in whatever way I can, but...” She rubbed her belly affectionately and added, “I have someone very special that I need to focus all of my attention on for a while.”

“Congratulations, by the way. You’ll make a wonderful mother.” He turned to look over at Jax and added, “And as crazy as it sounds knowing Jax’s unique talents, I think he’ll make a great father. Kids definitely won’t pick on him or her in school.” When Penny chuckled, he said, “This will be the first Human and Changeling mixed child. Are you scared?”

“I would be lying if I said no. I’m actually scared to death.”

He teased, “As Jax’s child, terrible twos could take on a whole new meaning. Regardless, I can’t wait to meet this baby. He or she is going to be truly magical.” After another thought entered his mind, he said, “You know that John thinks of you like a daughter. Are you going to share your news with him?”

“It would be difficult to let him know without sharing the larger secret. I don’t know if my baby will be born Human or born with Jax’s Changeling traits.”

“I think you should consider sharing this secret with John. He’s never been shy about voicing his support for Changeling rights and I know that he would want to offer his help.”

“I’ll talk to the family about it.”

When Jax gave Quinn the eye informing him silently that Penny had been awake long enough, he stood and said, “I just got the hint to let you rest. We can talk more another time.”

Later that day, the Changelings helped the Humans get back down the mountain while Jax carried his soon to be family. They even showed trust in Quinn by bringing him to Sam’s home. When Penny accidentally let slip the nickname his coworkers had given him, the twins latched on instantly.

When they offered to give him a ride home, they called, “Come on, Fabio. We’re wasting daylight.”

Although Penny apologized profusely, Quinn didn’t mind. He tossed his long hair back and said, “I better get going. The ladies will be waiting to swoon at my feet.”

*~*~*~*

For the next few days, they waited for the Changeling community to react to what happened on the mountain. Taking advantage of the calm before the storm, Sam made arrangements for a special visitor to stop in. The evening that his guest arrived, Sam walked into the living room with a middle-aged man at his side.

Seeing the tell-tale pale white skin and dark reflective eyes, Penny knew that he was a Night Walker. He was a slightly stocky man, wearing simple but comfortable clothes and short, dark hair cut without any particular style in mind. His overall look gave him an unthreatening, approachable appearance.

Sam did introductions. “Penny, I would like you to meet my good friend Kelly. He’s the doctor I told you about.”

Before Sam could finish, the doctor came forward and shook Penny’s hand excitedly and said, “You can call me Bones.”

“Like the doctor on Star Trek?”

He gave her a big grin and said, “I like to go where no man has gone before.” He nodded toward Penny’s stomach and asked, “Do you mind?”

Penny spread her arms and said, “Go ahead. It’s been at least five minutes since anyone has rubbed my belly. I’m afraid that my child is going to be born thinking he or she is a dog.”

Chad heard the comment and yelled, “Hey! And what would be wrong with that?”

Penny quickly apologized and added, “I meant it with much affection.”

Sam put his arm in front of Bones’ body to stop him before he could get closer to Penny and said, “Wait a moment.” Sam explained to his guest in a whisper, “We learned the hard way that Jax’s shifted nature, Ice, has grown exceptionally protective of Penny with those outside the family. It’s best not to provoke him.” Knowing Ice’s reputation, Bones wasn’t about to argue.

Sam and Bones turned toward Jax, who was standing behind Penny while talking to Ben. After getting his attention, they waited for permission to proceed. After Jax nodded Bones knelt in front of Penny and, after lifting her shirt so that he could touch her bare skin, he pressed his palm against her and closed his eyes in concentration. After a few minutes, his face lit up in a smile and he said, “Your baby has an extremely strong heartbeat.” He then stood and added, “If you don’t mind, I would like to do a thorough exam and draw some blood.”

Penny agreed and said, “We can use Jax’s apartment.”

Jax heard the request and, by the time he was at Penny’s side, he had shifted into Ice and announced, “I’ll be coming with you.” While everyone instinctively cowered at the sudden feeling of power that filled the room, Penny took his offered hand with pure love in her eyes and a burst of projected heat.

Bones had sensed Penny’ reaction and, as he and Sam followed the couple, he stared at their intertwined fingers. He leaned towards his friend and said in disbelief, “Those two are different in more ways than I can count. How in the world did they find each other?”

Sam replied, “None of us can take credit for that. The universe guided them into each other’s arms. They may seem like an odd paring, but they’re a perfect fit. You’ll learn that if you decide to stay.”

Once the exam was over and Bones had tasted a sample of Penny’s blood, nothing short of a hurricane blowing him away would make him leave the mountain. Since he needed a place for a lab and exam room, Penny convinced Jax to temporarily give Bones their apartment. Jax grumbled until she gave him complete control over her nightwear, or lack thereof, until the day they could move back in.

The following day their quiet life ended when several of the traps they placed around their home were tripped. While Penny was taken into the apartment with the twins as her personal guards, Jax shifted into Casper to greet their unwelcome visitors. While everyone tensed, waiting for word to join a fight, Jax returned with four people at his side, three of which were exceptionally large.

When they entered the home, Sam and the others met them at the door. When Sam caught a familiar face, he stepped forward and called, “Firefly?”

The teenage Changeling nodded and said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I took you up on the offer to join you.”

“It’s good to see you and you’re more than welcome here.” He looked at Firefly’s companions and said with his hand extended, “It’s good to see you again, Boulder. It’s been a long time.”

Ben, who was standing nearby, asked Sam, “You know these guys?”

Sam nodded and said, “They’ve helped me to establish several of our Ice Castles.”

Boulder added proudly, “We specialize in security.” He and his companions all shifted their upper bodies into massive muscles that looked as hard as stone.

Sam added, “Their efforts gave many Changelings a safe place to call home.” He turned back to Firefly and asked, “How did you end up with this motley crew?”

“They’re the Changelings that originally took me in when I first turned and got me to a safe house. After I came down from the mountain, I went straight to see them. They had tried to warn me about Logan.”

Boulder chimed in. “But he wouldn’t listen. When he told us what happened up on the mountain, we didn’t believe him and insisted that we see it for ourselves.” He looked to Jax and said, “I’ve seen you in action, so the idea that you’ve changed and have a Human at your side was absurd.”

As he talked, Penny came out of hiding, flanked protectively by the twins and Bones. When she took her place at Jax’s side and he wrapped his arm around her, their visitors raised their eyebrows in surprise.

One of the bodyguards asked Jax, “So it’s true? You have taken a Human woman as your partner?”

“For the rest of my life.”

Another added, “And she’s expecting your baby?”

Bones replied, “I’m her doctor and I can confirm that she’s pregnant. Based on initial blood tests, I’ve also confirmed that the child is Jax’s.”

The Changelings took a moment to regroup after the reality of what he said meant to their race. Once he was able, Boulder turned back to Sam and asked, “So everything that this young pup said to us is true? You’re protecting this gift of nature and planning on trying to partner with Humans in an attempt to stop a war?”

Sam replied, “It’s the only way to save our people and I’m damn tired of living a life of hate. Learning to coexist with Humans is the only way we’ll be able to live our lives out in the open without fear. And think of the possibilities if Penny can help us unlock the secret to us being able to have families of our own.”

Susi instantly appeared at Sam’s side and, after taking his hand in hers, she said, “It’s a wish I’ve made every night since I met my partner for life.”

“Then count us in.” Boulder looked toward Jax and said, “We would like to offer our services to help secure this home.”

Jax shook his head. “Securing this home is no longer enough. I want to secure this section of the mountain. Are you up for the challenge?”

The three Changelings exchanged glances and then Boulder replied for his group, “Hell yeah, but we’ll need to bring in a few friends to help.”

Razor jumped into the conversation by saying, “You’ll forgive me if we ask Ben to verify their allegiances before they’re allowed to come near this home or even this mountain.” While he glanced over at Penny, he added, “There’s too much at stake.”

Boulder agreed and said, “Actually that’s step one in any security system—cautiously welcome friends and remove enemies by whatever means is necessary.”

Sam smiled and said, “Then welcome, friends, and let’s get to work.”

*~*~*~*

As Penny’s belly continued to grow steadily larger, life on the mountain changed dramatically. Although their safety experts had their corner of the world so secured that they knew when birds flew over their borders, as they feared, news about the killings on the mountain and Sam’s family’s allegiance to a Human spread like a wildfire. Many condemned their actions, but a surprisingly growing number came forward to offer their support.

Quinn was also true to his word and became a common visitor to Sam’s home as he, with John at his side, began to create their own underground. With the help of several hired Changelings, Gone Wild secretly became a communication hub for supporters.

When Quinn was given permission to build the first safe haven on the mountain, many others began to add their homes scattered within the safety of the woods.

One night as Penny lay in bed caressing her now swollen belly, she asked Jax, “Do you think that Bones will figure out what makes my blood unique to Changelings?”

“He told me that the day you allowed him to use your blood to stand in the sunlight fundamentally changed him. I’ve never seen anyone so dedicated to a task. I’m not even sure he sleeps. Although he hasn’t solved the Penny puzzle yet, I believe he will in time.”

“Well he was successful in solving one mystery.”

“What’s that?”

“The sex of the baby. Are you happy that that there will soon be a little Jax running around the house?”

“Although the idea of a little Penny would have been wonderful, the reality of me having a son standing at my side leaves me speechless.”

“His tests confirmed that he really truly is your son, right up to the matching Changeling DNA. Do you think that means he’ll be able to go invisible or have an inner hunter like you do?”

“I don’t know but, if he does, I’ll dedicate my life to teaching him how not to abuse those skills.”

“Like using them to spy on the woman he loves?” Penny said teasingly while rubbing a finger up and down Jax’s chest. The movement made the diamonds in her ring catch the light and, as she stared at the twinkle, she said, “You know, I’m getting bigger every day and Bones is almost as protective of me as you are. Soon he won’t let me do much of anything. But there is something that I want to do before then.”