chapter 37

Valen Relief floods me when I finally get Everly home. She didn't want to leave Zoe, and I even had to get Doc Darnel in to tell her to go home. She’s supposed to be on bed rest, but I kne she wouldn't rest at all until she saw with her own eyes that Zoe is alive. Everly has been quiet most of the trip, and I know she’s worried about Ava. We had people scour the entire city, including the tunnels, but found nothing. My hands rub over Everly's huge bump. “Any news yet?” she asks as I lean down to kiss her belly. I shake my head, and she pushes my face away, trying to tug the shirt she’s wearing down. I growl at her and she sighs, but I can tell she’s too tired to argue with me. She hates her body. She believes she looks stretched out and ugly, but I love the stretch marks lining her skin. I love each one, love that she’s the vessel that currently carries thirty little fingers, thirty little toes, and three extra beating hearts—hearts that are mine to protect and love. Yet to me, none ar