I have decided to incorporate my previous story 'Trusting Danger' into this one.  You don't necessarily have to read it, but it would make understanding this a little easier.

Chapter Seven

Evil Returns

It was a pleasant afternoon and Marguerite was tired of being stashed in the tree house.  She was able to convince Veronica into taking a leisurely stroll to the river where she could take a soothing bath instead of the shower she'd been having since her condition became public.  Roxton was irate with the idea, grumbling about how unprotected a five-month pregnant woman was in the wild.  In truth, he wanted to go along, but Marguerite was adamant about him staying away saying, "You've already got your look."  Yet, in all honesty, she was humiliated with how her body had changed and was embarrassed by the thought of Roxton seeing her naked.

Marguerite floated along in the river, the cool water rejuvenating her mood.  Veronica sat on the edge of the bank, her eyes scanning the surrounding area for any sign of danger.  Nothing was going to happen to Marguerite or the baby on her watch.  "Are you almost finished?  If we're much longer Roxton will send out a search party."

"Oh he can bite himself."  She wrung her hair out and pulled it up into a bun.  "He's never been pregnant before.  Being in the water makes my body feel lighter.  It's relaxing and…" she paused, her pulse quickening and she snapped her head around.  "Did you hear something?"

Veronica listened intently.  "No.  Why?  What did you hear?"

"Nothing, I guess."  Marguerite gestured for Veronica to look away so she could climb out and dress.  "I'm just overcautious.  Being pregnant makes me jump at every noise.  I guess it's the motherly instinct to protect my unborn child."  She sighed, slipping on her skirt.  "I hate all this hormonal bother.  I can't wait to be plain me again."

Veronica chuckled.  "I don't know, Marguerite.  Maybe the change will be permanent.  Maybe it'll be for the best."  In a swift second, her merriment was smothered as she heard a faint whispering.  Was that what Marguerite had heard earlier?  She glanced back at Marguerite to see her frozen in fear.  "Marguerite?  What is it?"

The heiress shook her head and placed a protective hand on her belly.  When her eyes met Veronica's they were filled with terror and shock.  "It's Klor," she whispered.  "He wants my baby."

End Chapter Seven