Page 86 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

I set the phone on the nightstand. "Hey, is something wrong? It’s late." I force a smile, not wanting her to know about my concern.

“Have you heard from Donovan?” She sits on the bed tentatively, like she’s in discomfort.

“No. But I know he and Niko are off doing something.”

“Dad?”

“Probably. I don’t know.” But because I think it involves my father, I’m extra worried. The last time Donovan ran into my father, he’d been shot.

I work to hide my fears so as not to concern Elena. “I’m sure they’ll be back or in touch soon.”

Her face crumples, and at first I think it’s worry. But then I realize she’s in pain.

“Elena. What’s wrong?” I clamber out of bed.

“It’s cramps.”

“That’s not normal, is it?” I wish I had paid more attention at the doctor’s office.

“I don’t think so.” The pain seems to have subsided, but now her tears fall. “I don’t know what to do, and Niko isn’t picking up when I call.”

I'm on my feet, slipping on the first clothes I reach. Then I’m on the phone, using the system to intercom Maria’s room. When she answers, I tell her to come up to my room. I don’t give her a reason, but I know she’ll come. It’s her job.

Moments later, she’s in a house-dress and shoes. I wonder if she keeps clothes by her bed, like firemen do.

“Elena is having cramps.”

Maria immediately understands the crisis.

“We need to take her to the hospital, but Niko and Donovan are working. I need you to help us arrange whatever security we need,” I tell her.

“Why don’t I call Doc? He can?—”

“I don’t want to risk that something serious is going on. The twins aren’t due for months. She needs all the resources from the hospital.”

“I’ll call down.” Maria picks up the phone to contact Niko’s men in the garage to prepare a car.

Elena lets out a moan and lies on my bed, curling into a fetal position. Her face contorts into pain.

I sit by her. “Can you get up? We’re going to the hospital.” I brush damp strands of hair from her forehead as I make a silent prayer that she and her twins will be okay.

“What’s going on?” Aria stands at the threshold of my room, concern showing in her dark eyes.

"Help me get her to the car." My words come out as a command rather than a plea. I imagine Niko wouldn’t like me bossing his sister around, but right now, I don’t have time to be polite.

"Of course. What’s wrong?" Aria steps forward, and we help Elena sit up, and then, each taking a side, we help Elena stand.

“She’s not well.”

“Where’s Niko? Or Donovan?” Aria asks.

“Working.”

“They’ve been gone a long time without a word,” Elena says, her body hunched over, making it difficult to help her.

“Don’t worry about my brother. He’s invincible.” I’m not sure if Aria is trying to lessen the seriousness of the situation or if she truly believes Niko is Superman.

“Let me call again.” I let Elena go and grab my phone off the table.