1.
The tension in the air was suddenly a physical thing. Melanie tried not to shiver. She poured a glass of wine and handed it to Bruce.
He took the glass and glared at her for a long, long moment. The seconds ticked by. She stared back.
“They want to kill you,” said Bruce.
Melanie felt like her heart had stopped.
“Again?” she whispered.
Bruce nodded. He took a long drink of wine. His hand shook.
“Again.”
Melanie took a deep breath. They were silent, staring at each other across the small kitchen. Bruce drank more of his wine. He set the glass down on the table with a clink. He was about to leave.
“Listen, I’m pregnant,” said Melanie suddenly.
Bruce turned slowly. He seemed to be holding back the urge to scream.
“You’re pregnant?”
“Yes.”
“With a demon?”
“Yes.”
“You were pregnant with a demon before. You know how that turned out.”
“Bruce…”
“How long are you pregnant?”
“Three years.”
2.
