Control

Chapter 57

True to Dom’s word, his family did indeed leave Egypt the morning after next. They bid one paradise goodbye to return to another. Mikaela’s grandfather promised never to return to her hidden sanctuary unless she instructed him to do so.

Anton was the only living person besides Mikaela that knew the locations of her other homes. When they arrived home, Dom could sense his mate’s unease with the loss of 2 of her safe places.

Patricia was waiting when they wearily emerged from their vehicles after the long flight home. Anton had called ahead and told her about the events of their journey. She checked Dom’s stitches after hearing about the trials in Romania. “You are holding up well after your ordeal. I see that Mikaela has not been taking care of herself though.”

“It’s a long story but she is better than she was. I keep feeding her but she can’t keep anything down for long.”

“That can be normal since this is her first pregnancy. She could actually continue with the morning sickness for another couple of months.”

“I think there is more to it than that.” He looked at Patricia with solemn eyes. “Her mood swings are erratic but there is always a deep seeded feeling of depression underneath.”

“You need to find out what it is about and where is it coming from. Try to limit her from outside stimulus as well. She doesn’t need an influx of emotion from the others to deal with on top of what she has to contend with on a daily basis from herself.”

“That will go over well. She is a stubborn woman.”

She bandaged his wound and laughed. “Try your best. Occupy her time yourself. I get the distinct impression she wouldn’t mind being isolated with you. I’ll see you both soon.”

Following Patricia’s advice, Dom did restrict his wife’s contact with the others. He was surprised that she offered no resistance to his decision at all. Their family’s reaction was completely opposite. It was a daily fight to turn them away when they came to see her.

Mikaela immersed herself into their sword lessons and spent the rest of their time making love or just relaxing. Even at her happiest moment, her depression remained. When she began to show, it increased. He tried subtlety to get her to open up to him with no success. He even tried to read her but she blocked his attempts even in her sleep.

By the end of her 5th month, he found her standing naked in front of a full-length mirror. He watched her stare at her reflection with a furrowed brow and a look of curiosity on her face. One hand rested on her left breast and the other ran over her well-rounded stomach. “My breasts have gotten larger. I’m surprised I don’t tip over with all of this extra weight in front.”

He chuckled at her comment and came up behind her. “You look beautiful.” He reached around and lightly ran his hands over her breasts. “They are producing milk so you can feed our son.” His hands trailed down and covered hers on her belly. “Baby, I’ve spoken with Richard.”

Her dark eyes met his in the mirror. “About what?”

“You know what.” He turned her around and placed his hands along her jaw-line. “What did you expect, Mick? You wouldn’t tell me what was bothering you.”

“I expect my friend to keep a private conversation private.”

“Don’t be angry with him. He only has your best interests at heart. He always has. Why didn’t you tell me?” She tried to avert her eyes but he wouldn’t let her. “Baby, talk to me.”

“I’m scared!”

“Of what?” He kept his tone calm in an effort to soothe her. “Having more children?”

She nodded her head with tears in her eyes. “It has been a battle for me to control my gift throughout my life. You have first hand knowledge of the difficulty involved.”

“Yes I do.”

“My body was the only thing I could control. My shape, my movements, and my skills were what I focused on. I don’t have that anymore.”

“Honey, I’m not gonna keep you pregnant all the time but I do want more.” He caressed her face and caught her tears with his fingers. “Can you imagine how beautiful a baby girl would be from you? She’ll be gorgeous. I’ll have to beat off the boys with a stick.” She gave him a tiny smile and let her blocks slip. “There’s more to this than just your body. Come here and sit.”

They walked to the bed and Dom pulled her onto his lap. “I’m worried that I might pass this on to our children. The more we have the greater the chance that one of them will have it. I do not want my babies to suffer like I did!” She buried her face in his chest and cried.

He rocked her gently and kissed her hair. “Hey, princess. Calm down and look at me.” She pulled back and stared up into his eyes. “If it happens we’ll deal with it. We can be a balance and teach them how to handle it. Trust me that everything will be okay?”

“I trust you.”

He kissed her forehead, nose and finally her lips. “I have business with Anton. Why don’t you get dressed and take the boys for a walk? You’ve been neglecting them lately and I know they miss their mama.”

“You mean you’re actually letting me leave the house?”

“I wasn’t keeping you prisoner, Mick. I just didn’t want you to get overwhelmed by anything while your hormones are in an uproar. You can see the others if you want…today.”

“Today, huh? I suppose you expect me to return to isolation after one day of freedom?”

“Of course.” He slid her onto the bed, went into the closet, and returned with a short sundress.

“Great. Fat clothes.”

“You are not fat. Your arms and legs are as muscular as ever. Speaking of arms, hands up.” He slipped the loose fitting dress onto her and his eyes stared at her chest. “You weren’t kidding. Your tits look fantastic. I will definitely be jealous of junior when he latches on to those.”

“Am I going to have to nurse my big boy too?”

He pulled her to his chest and purred in her ear. “Mmm. Anything from you has to taste good.”

“You are a swine. Have the others been okay?”

“They are fine. Mia and Brian are the perfect newlyweds. Vince and Letty are head over heels. Leon and Janna are slowly working things out. Richard is…Richard.”

He picked up her brush and swept her hair up into a ponytail. “Have they asked about me?”

“Of course they have. They come by everyday but I won’t let them in. Letty is pissed. Shit, they all are. Don’t get any ideas, baby. I’m still going to limit your contact with them until the baby is born.”

She was practically purring from him brushing her hair. “Whatever you say, my love.”

“You’re done here. Go on so I can finish up with Anton and get back to you.”

She got up, looked at herself in the mirror, and mumbled. “Fat clothes.” She turned towards him and arched her eyebrow. “Anything I should know about?”

“Mick…”

“Okay, I’m going.” She kissed him and smiled lovingly. “I’ll see you in a bit, warden. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby.”

She ran down the stairs and headed for the back door. “Boys! Did you miss mama?” The dogs lavished her with kisses but refrained from jumping on her. “Come on. Let’s go for a walk.”

She passed Anton on the way out the door. She felt self-conscious about her appearance but he wrapped his arms around her in a quick embrace. “Cousin, you look radiant.”

“Is that what they’re calling fat these days?”

“Mikaela, you are beautiful. Stop this crap about being fat. You are carrying the heir to your throne.”

Her smile faltered for a moment and her eyes grew distant. “An heir to the throne.” She whispered.

“Cousin, are you okay?”

“Uh, yeah. He’s waiting for you.”

“Mikaela, did I say something wrong?”

“No.” She smiled and patted his cheek. “Go on, sweetie.” She turned and headed towards the beach. “Boys! Come!”

“Anton.”

He glanced at his cousin for a moment before turning to Dom. “I think I said something that upset her.”

Dom looked at his wife’s retreating back and read her mood. “What did you say to her?”

“That she is carrying the heir to her throne.”

“Shit, Anton. You know how she feels about her family. I don’t think she wants our kids near them at all.”

“Dom, it is inevitable. She is still the head of the council in Romania even though Andros rules in her absence. She is Egyptian royalty and the boss of a major Italian…family. All of that will pass on to your first born.”

“I know.” He looked at Anton and returned his sympathetic stare. “You and I have a lot of work to do. We need to clean up the family business and pray Andros does his part with the elders. I don’t want her to worry anymore than she already does about our son going through all of the shit she did. Come on.”

Mikaela walked up the beach with a little less zeal. She was bothered by Anton’s comment but pushed it aside to admire the view. She loved the peace the ocean brought to her. The only other things that could provide her more tranquility were the woods and the arms of her mate.

She sat at the water’s edge and watched the sun dip lower on the horizon. The dogs sat around her waiting in turn for the attention she was handing out. She stopped for a moment when flashes of insight came to her mind. It was important but she couldn’t quite place the significance and she wasn’t allowed the time to dwell on it.

She sensed the approach of another before the dogs did. “Look at you alive and well. I thought Dom was lying when he wouldn’t let me see you.”

“Hey, Let.”

She sat beside her friend and watched her play with Ares. “I see junior is making his presence known to all.”

“That he is. I feel like a beached whale and I’m not done yet.”

Mikaela hadn’t looked away from the dogs once until she heard Letty whisper. “I missed you.” Her head snapped up, caught her eyes, and smiled. Letty continued to ramble in an effort to cover her conceived weakness. “I’ve kept up with my training and meditation. You’d be proud of Vince. He’s been working out with me since…you’ve been out of the loop.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Don’t hide your pain from me. You’re upset that I’ve been neglecting you. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I know this is hard for you. Dom said you didn’t need the extra strain of dealing with our shit.”

“Hey.” Mikaela touched her arm and drew Letty’s attention to her. “It’s not okay and I missed you too.” The 2 women embraced and Mikaela whispered. “Have you been okay?”

Letty dried her eyes before she released her mentor. “Yeah. I have a nightmare from time to time but other than that I’m fine.”

“You sure? I know how bad those can be.”

“I know you do. Vince has been there for me and the meditation helps a lot.”

“But…”

“It isn’t like having you around.”

“Well I’m only on parole for today so we better catch up before the warden puts me back in solitary confinement.”

“Then I better share you with the others. If I keep you all to myself and they find out, they’ll be pissed.”

“Letty, I don’t know if I want to be seen.”

“Don’t be stupid.” She stood and pulled Mikaela to her feet. “The guys won’t be able to resist you even pregnant. Come on.” They walked arm in arm towards the occupied houses and Letty gave her the run down on the latest happenings in the group.

“There are my girls!”

Mikaela gave Vince an embarrassed smile when he approached. “I’m not quite the same as when you saw me last.”

“No you’re not.” He tilted her face up and kissed her forehead. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember.”

She hugged him fiercely and released him. She was blushing. “You’re still the silver-tongued devil I remember.”

“Come on, my beauties.” He wrapped an arm around their shoulders and walked between them. “Let’s get to the house. I know the others are dying to see you.”

When they passed Leon’s house, her eyes lingered on it as she tried to remember what it was that was nagging at her. They heard a squeal of joy from ahead and her head turned to the noise. “Oh my god! Mikaela!” Mia ran towards them, followed by Brian, and threw herself into Mikaela’s arms.

“Hey, baby girl. There you go squashing the irritable, pregnant woman again.” When Mia pulled back, she had tears running down her face. Mikaela reached out her hand and gently wiped them away. “What is this about?”

“Four months. It’s about four months. That is a long time to be separated from someone you love.”

“I know. I’m here now but we don’t have much time.” She held her crying sister-in-law to her and looked up at Brian. “Hey, handsome.”

“Hi, beautiful.” He eased his wife away from Mikaela and kissed her cheek. “Honey, calm down. You know this is the very reason Dom kept her away from us.”

“Always my protector, aren’t you, Brian?”

“Always and forever, milady.” He took her hand and brushed his trademark kiss across her knuckles. “I believe someone else is anxious to see you but is unsure of your feelings towards him.” He indicated the patio behind him with a tilt of his head. She saw Richard standing there. “Is it safe?”

“Yeah. It’s safe.” She brushed past them and strode up to the patio. She stopped in front of him slightly winded and put a hand on her stomach. “Hi.”

“Hey. You okay?”

“Yeah. It’s a bitch carrying this weight on the sand.”

He steered her to a chair by her arm and helped her sit. “Relax, Micki. Don’t push yourself so hard.” He knelt in front of her and placed his hands on her knees. “Are we okay?”

“I should knock the crap out of you but I understand why you did it.” She ran her hand through his long curly hair. “We’re just fine, brother.”

He covered her hand with his and nuzzled his cheek into her palm. “I love you. You know that, right?”

“Yes. I love you too.”

The others joined them when the coast was clear. Mia sat next to Mikaela and placed her hand on her stomach. “My nephew is getting big.”

“Oh yeah. Patricia says he is gonna be a big boy like his daddy. I can’t imagine making it through the delivery.”

“You’ll be fine.” Brian patted her shoulder. “We’re all here for you.”

“Really. How does that help me when I have to push this critter out of me? Do you plan on passing an object the size of a bowling ball to share the experience with me?”

“Now that was a visual I just didn’t need.” Vince took her hand and grinned. “I’ll let you break my hand in a death grip when the contractions hit but I am not gonna shit a bowling ball.”

They laughed and spent the next 2 hours talking. Fatigue was moving in to claim Mikaela and her mate must have sensed it because Anton appeared within moments. “Cousin, Dom wants you to come home now.”

The others deflated somewhat that she was about to be sequestered away from them again. Brian recovered first and helped her up. “You do need rest.”

“Yeah, I guess I do. I am a little tired.”

“Do you want me to walk you home?”

“Vince, it is just next door. I’ll be fine.” She received a hug or a kiss from each of them and gave them a watery smile. “I’ll see you soon. I promise.” She left the patio and walked with the dogs to her house.

“Mikaela…”

“I don’t need an escort, Anton. Good night.” He nodded and moved aside to let her pass. She made it to her patio and was about to enter when she heard him.

“Hey.”

The images hit her again. “Leon.” The two of them together. She hadn’t faced him and tensed when she felt his hands on her shoulders.

“Micki, turn around.”

“No.” She whispered.

He slowly turned her around and lifted her quivering chin. “Hi, baby.” He looked her over and his eyes lit up. “God, you’re beautiful.” He pulled her to his chest and kissed the top of her head. “I missed you.”

“I missed you.” She clutched his shirt and cried into his chest.

He rocked her softly and pressed his lips against her hair. “It has been rough staying away while you’ve been going through all of this. Dom said it was for the best and I can see now it was.”

She disengaged herself from him and he dried her face with his fingertips. “I need to sit down.”

“Come on.” He led her to the hammock and helped her lie down. “You doing okay?” He sat beside her and held her hand.

“You know exactly how I’m doing, don’t you?”

“I guess I do.” He played with her fingers and continued hesitantly. “I don’t think I’ll ever be free of you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.”

“How are you and Janna doing?”

“We are trying to make the best of an impossible situation.”

“Me. You mean me.”

“Mikaela, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is an honor to be bound to you.”

“I never let you go the first time, did I? I subconsciously kept you to myself.” She frantically searched his eyes for the truth. “Dominic blamed you and it was really me all along?” He nodded his head and saw the horror in her eyes. She tried to pull her hand away but he held it firmly in his grasp. “Why would you want to be near me after learning that I condemned you to this?”

“Because I love you. There is a part of you that needs me. You need something only I can give and I’m happy to do it.”

“I did this to Rob and he was alone from the day it happened. He had no one except for me. He couldn’t have anyone!”

“You didn’t have anyone else but Rob at that time. You have Dom and Sallah did lessen the degree of my side of the bond. I can cope.”

She clenched her eyes and shook her head. “You shouldn’t have to cope! I can’t believe I did this.”

“Micki, calm down.” He brushed a kiss over her forehead. “It was meant to be.” He slowly swung the hammock and felt her ease a little. Dom appeared in the doorway and Leon knew immediately he was the reason.

“Dominic?” Her eyes were closed when she called out his name.

He moved to her side and placed his hand on her cheek. “I’m here, Mick.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because…it was meant to be.” She opened her eyes, sat up, and they helped her to her feet. “Baby?”

“I’m, uh, going back to bed.” She looked at both of her men with sad eyes and was about to retreat into the house when something washed over her. “Goddess.” She gasped out and her eyes widened.

“Mick! Are you okay?” He steadied her on her swaying legs. Her hand went to her stomach and he panicked. “Baby, what is it?”

“I can feel him, Dominic. He’s projecting to me.” She grabbed his hand and placed it on her abdomen. “Can you feel that? It is more definable than before.”

Leon watched Dom kneel in front of her and rest his forehead against her belly. He backed off the patio and left the couple to their private moment. He could sense the difference in her the moment it happened and felt her depression vanish. He walked home with a smile on his face. “Rob, you are…were…a hell of a guy.”

“Mick…” Dom raised his tear-filled eyes to hers. “He is so beautiful. God, he’s sending out so much love and contentment.” He swept her up in his arms, carried her inside, and rushed up to their room. He sat her down on the bed and pulled her dress off. “Lay down, baby.”

“Dominic…”

He stripped off his clothes and laid down beside her. “I don’t want anything between us.” He ran his hands reverently over her stomach. “Our son. I can’t believe I can feel him so strongly.” He placed tiny kisses over the home of his child and could feel a surge of desire run through her. He crawled up her body and ran his tongue over her highly sensitized nipples.

“The things you make me feel with a look or a touch.” He rolled her onto her side with her backside to his front. She placed her right leg up on his opening herself wide for him. “You make me lose all control leaving me completely at your mercy.”

He slid his hard length into her wet channel and palmed one of her heavy breasts. “That is the way you were meant to be. It is how I envisioned you when we were first together.”

He slowly moved within her and she was delirious with need. “How did you envision me?”

“A strong and fierce warrior to others in public but vulnerable and submissive with me in private. I got my wish. I got everything I ever wanted in life from you.”

“And I from you.” She pulled his head down and kissed him. “Now shut up and fuck me.” His pelvis slapped against her bottom as he thrust harder and faster within her. “Yes, Dominic! Just like that, lover!”

He nuzzled her neck and shoulder. “You feel like heaven. I’m wrapped in heaven and loving an angel.” He felt her inner walls convulse and tighten around his thrusting cock. “Cum for me, baby. I’m right with you.”

“Dominic!” She tensed and clamped down on his shaft like a vise when her orgasm hit her.

He bit down on her shoulder and jerked his release into her welcoming body. “Mick…I love you so much.”

She rolled over and snuggled into his chest. “I love you more than anything in this world.”