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My heart twists in uess I heard them before?”

“When?” She leans forward “They were across the room the whole time”

“Um” I think fast “When you were on your comm, I think? They cauess”

“Oh Well, it’s not unexpected They’re such rascals” She laughs, but her face shows pride and joy “I bet you can’t wait for your own to be born May I?” She hovers her hand overI rehs

“I bet yours were pretty aggressive, though” I look over at the two boys, who are eyeing us with the look of children who are figuring out just how et aith

“They kicked my ribs so hard they almost dislocated one” She shakes her head “But it orth it Dr Daneth had to cut open my belly to take them out, but apparently it’s not a co And I healed just fine”

I shudder, thinking of Akron’s claws, his cold eyes Sweat breaks out ona deep breath

“They give you a , Danica I promise it No pain at all, just pressure And it’s over in a blink—so fast! They stitch you up so effortlessly and the wound seals up, as if it was never there If they need to do that, I’ll coht?”

I grab her hand and nod, trying to compose myself “Thank you”

When I forget aboutare so perfect, and I can trickthis islove for this life: Mylove by the strea with sun and flavor, with a friend Si Akron

But I don’t deserve these friends, ht co here would buy me ti…that I’ll eventually have to give up

“So I hear that you’re doing great things with electronics Do you want to join a ? I’et all of us human women enrolled” She pops another berry into her mouth

“I’d like that” I smile at her, and pretend the future is secure “That sounds perfect Oh! Oh” I grab my belly “That’s…hmmm”

“Everything okay?” Janette cocks her head “You’re not due for a few ht?”

“Yes” This wasn’t a kick, it was ht pressure Likeup I take a deep breath and hold it, relieved when it doesn't happen a second ti I’m fine”