“I’VE been pregnant for over a year now!” Lena sat before Savaunt and Desmond on a rock they had carved into a chair for her in the cave. She appreciated all they’d done to accommodate her. They had surprised her with wreaths of palm leaves to decorate the space in a circle to create a nest-like bed.
But her body ached. The heat of the island began to drape over her like a heavy coat in the middle of summer. And now Savaunt wished to leave her to go hunt humans. The idea brought a rush of anger flowing to the surface.
“I know.” He reached for her, but she sent him a glare of warning that kept him away. “And in that time I have abstained from any meal, including the needed nutrients. Most of the others have too. It is not easy to hunt on your terms.”
“So this is my fault?” She grew livid as she scratched the tight skin pulled over her growing belly. “You’re leaving because I can’t sleep at night knowing that you’ve slaughtered innocents? Maybe I’m the one who should leave.” Her pulse thumped in her throat as she stood to get away.
“No.” Savaunt followed.
But Desmond’s voice broke in, slowing her steps. “I will stay with you. If you will allow it.”
“Desmond?” His offer spoke to her heart.
“Lena, I have grown to love you so. It would be an honor to remain here with you and help take care of our baby. I can bring you food, and aid you with anything you need to assure that you both are well cared for in Savaunt’s absence.” He placed his hands on her naked abdomen and bent forward to kiss it.
Her lip quivered at his chivalry. She met his eyes with hope. “If he has to go, I’d feel much better having you around.”
Savaunt moved in close and stroked her arm. “I will not be gone long, a fortnight at most.”
She reached for his hand and held it to her heart. Despite how much she wished to scorn his decision, she understood. He had risked a lot for her. Maybe I am overacting. It’s not easy with this little one kicking me all the time. She looked down to her belly.
Her temper had been flaring up more than usual, but she refused to let any of the sirens give her grief. They had no idea what she had to endure. She loved being pregnant and talking to her son as he grew inside of her. But she began to grow anxious for the day when her body would be her own again.
“Do you really have to go?” Unable to keep her eyes from watering, she swallowed the fresh rising tears.
Desmond answered for her husband, “Without feeding, his life will eventually expire.”
The idea had been presented to her before, but she hadn’t really gasped a full understanding. “Human meat gives you longer lives?”
Savaunt nodded. “It is what we were made for. Tribes of humans have tried to extend their lives the same way, foolishly believing that it would aid them as well, but they do not thrive. We are different creatures.”
She grew nauseous at the idea of cannibalism. “So our son will need to feed like you someday?” Her hopes to raise a seafood-only siren were dashed.
“I am sorry if you wish it otherwise. But he does not need it until he is weaned or even older.”
Desmond stood silent and she looked to him with concern. “What about you? Will you be okay staying behind?”
“I am younger, therefore I do not need as much so often. I went on the previous hunt, and shall go on the next. As long as I do not receive a major injury, I shall be fine.”
That settled it. A new desire to have time alone with Desmond grew. He’d always been more feminine, similar to a best friend she could share her thoughts with. The idea of getting to dote on missing their husband together held an air of romance about it.
“Okay.” She forced a smile from her lips as she turned to Savaunt. “You can go. But be careful, and don’t tell me about the gory details when you get back. My stomach’s sensitive enough as it is.”
A year of pregnancy had made eating become like torture. It didn’t matter what she had, there always seemed to be some kind of bodily backlash. To keep from getting grossed out, she found herself working to take in enough nourishment to keep healthy, but little enough to keep herself from being sick. It proved difficult.
What I wouldn’t give for a slice of pizza, or a burger and fries, her mind drifted as the baby kicked and her stomach gurgled with hunger. It would probably make me sick, but would be totally worth it. “Do we have any more sundried seaweed?” she tried to distract herself form the obnoxious craving.
Savaunt chuckled. “It is assuring to know that you will not starve in my absence. Of course.” He walked over to the little wooden shelf she had watched him build for her, and brought over a handful of the blackish-green sea plant. “I would fill this cave with more than enough food to feed you while I am gone, but I trust Desmond to look after you well.”
She sensed a difficulty in his decision. Savaunt’s pride often seemed based on his ability to provide for others. She had grown used to it. It made her become more affectionate, and she quickly ate the seaweed to get the chore of consuming it out of the way. “When do you leave?” Her voice wobbled at the question as she caressed his body and offered many kisses.
“Tomorrow.”
The word stopped her.
He further explained, “The others had planned to leave sooner, but…”
“You asked them to wait.” Instead of growing angry again, she sighed with newfound patience. The nourishment of her recent snack led her to relax. “It’s okay. I get it.”
“Then let us make the best of our time remaining.” Savaunt took her hand and led her beyond the cave walls to the open mouth and stood in the shade. Desmond followed with a clear smile.
They moved on to the ocean to enjoy the day together. She hadn’t felt up to swimming much anymore. Her body had grown so heavy. But once her husband took her beyond the powerful waves crashing in and she could float, the water cushioned her back and hugged her curves with care. She floated along, letting the heat above her pass by without a worry.
Savaunt and Desmond swam about, leaving her to her own devices. From time to time they bobbed along near her to converse. She loved every minute of it. Their affection made her feel safe.
As the day began to wane and make way for the emerging night, she grew sorry for the upcoming separation. Yes, she had agreed to let Savaunt leave, and Desmond would be by her side, but she didn’t resign herself to the idea with much eagerness. A cloud began to settle over her mood.
When they left the sea to join the brood for their last night together before the hunt, she couldn’t help but cry. She kept her sobs to herself, and worked to let the tears fall silently. Despite her best efforts, Savaunt sat up. He pulled her to his chest and she leaned into his arms as they surrounded her. As if that weren’t enough, a soothing song swept from his mouth to offer comfort.
Desmond lifted his head and came to caress them as well. His high tenor harmonized with her husband’s, bringing a smile of gratitude to her face. Eagan and Telo were beside them and moved to join in the song. Lena looked to them as they pressed closer, adding their voices to the serenade. More tones rose up, and soon the entire brood enclosed her in a loving embrace while warming her soul with their sweet strains.
There was nothing she could say. So she let her voice ring out last as a thank you. No one made a big fuss. When she finished, they all sank together in an easy huddle, and she fell asleep cushioned against everyone she loved.
The deep embrace of unconsciousness pulled away as the sun’s fresh rays began to brighten the sky. For a moment she reveled in the sirens surrounding her, but then she remembered that they would set out soon. A series of fluttering pulses tapped from inside her belly, and she lost her sorrows. “Good morning, Hayden.” She rubbed the round space with tenderness.
Savaunt’s hands reached over the area as well. “I know you are nervous about my travels, but I shall return reenergized and ready to aid you with our son’s birth.”
The word birth captured her mind. Although the fated event wouldn’t take place for months, she found her thoughts less focused on her husband’s travels, and more fearful of the approaching labor. She’d never been one to shy away from pain, and she wasn’t squeamish. But pushing a baby out of her body seemed a terrifying idea. Especially being that there were no doctors or hospitals to help her.
“Are you all right?” he questioned her, sitting up.
She nodded and stretched, trying not to think about it. “Just a bit overwhelmed.”
“I will be here for you,” Desmond whispered with a smile before yawning.
“I am glad to see that everyone is rising.” Savaunt’s sea-tinted eyes seemed to sparkle in the early morning glimmer.
Lena had no strength for good-byes. “Then rouse them faster. If you spend enough of the day here, I’ll keep you from leaving.”
“You could.” He leaned over and sealed a kiss on her lips that spoke of a hopeful reunion. Then, calling to the others, he got them moving. “Best be off least the sharks get all the good meat.”
Desmond leaned over toward Lena as he sat up. “It is just a saying.”
“Good.” She sighed. “Because you know I’m still not sold on the idea of human hunting.” The shuffling of feet moving around in the sand nearby distracted her.
“I assure you they do not suffer. We move quick and concise. Plus, what does it matter if our prey now be but the worst of your kind?”
She laughed to herself. “It just doesn’t seem right.”
“Is it right that your people destroy entire ecosystems? Is it right that your wars kill not only many of your own kind, but a multitude of others?”
“No, but two wrongs don’t make a right.” Even as they discussed such serious subjects, she found herself happy to have Desmond’s full attention. She wondered why they’d never done this before.
“You humans do have some funny sayings.” He chuckled with a charming smile that brought out her own.
“Same as you sirens.” She nudged him with her shoulder.
“We better follow them out.” Desmond helped her up after he stood.
Savaunt returned to walk with them as the brood went to the water’s edge. He turned his memorizing eyes on Lena and she found herself lost in them. “Now I want you to promise that you will not worry much. I know you cannot help it, but someday we will laugh over this brief period in our life.”
He clasped her hand in his and pulled her away from Desmond. Something in his eyes confused her as he lowered his voice and said, “And take care of him.” He nodded at Desmond. “He is often as sensitive as you in spirit.”
She placed he hands on her hips. “Hey.”
“It is a compliment.” He laughed and brushed her cheek with his fingertips.
“Okay.” Her thoughts eased as she looked back to Desmond and realized his vulnerability. She knew he had the same great strength as all sirens, but his character did wax submissive. She recognized that her husband was leaving her in charge and it quelled her anxiety over his coming absence.
With a piercing look of passion, he pulled her face back toward his, and leaned into her with a kiss that engulfed her entire being. She forgot everything in the deep searching kiss. When he pulled back, she swayed a moment. Then she remembered where she was, and what they were doing, and she waved Desmond over to say his good-byes.
She smiled kindly at them and stepped away to allow them some privacy. She went to stand atop the rising dune that made a perfect perch for her to watch the brood leave. Desmond reached her side and sighed with her. His own longing kept her from rushing ahead to beg Savaunt to stay as he blew her a kiss and began to swim out.
The view of the sirens rising and falling together as they shot through the waves looked like the moving formations of birds flocking in the sky. They dove and darted together as one. Do I look like that when I go out with them?
It also struck her that they had no craft to rest on. “Are you sure they’ll be fine swimming?” She stared ahead as she questioned Desmond.
He rested his hand in hers. “Lena, you know our ways. Do not fear. They know where they are going.”
It still amazed her how many changes had taken place since she met Savaunt. She wouldn’t trade any of it for anything. But she still had many things to get used to. “Our son will be doing this someday, won’t he?”
“Yes.” Desmond stared at her without scrutiny.
He had never once belittled her, and she found it easy to confide in him. “I know I’m not supposed to worry about the future, but what if he doesn’t like me. I’m a human.”
“Who wouldn’t like you?”
“Hayden.” Saying it made her wish to confess the most disturbing thought of all. “What if I’m not a good mother?”
“You are perfect. From the day we met, I knew that you were special. And since then, you have proven your ability to capture everyone’s heart. We all love you, and your son will adore you.”
She found comfort in his gentle gaze and tone, but even more when he rested his head on her shoulder. She kissed his forehead. Breathing in his fresh sea-spray scent, she moved her lips over his eyelids, his nose, and then his mouth. They’d kissed before, but only with Savaunt, and not with such deep emotional expression.
They kissed like that many more times over the course of their seclusion together. She forgot to keep track of the days as she told Desmond everything. He seemed to wish to know everything about her. They didn’t forget Savaunt, who came up as a topic of conversation often, but her love for Desmond grew. Especially when he spoke of the birth.
“You only fear it because you have never experienced it.”
“I know. But what if something goes wrong? The baby could get stuck, or my heart rate could skyrocket.” Talking through her fears didn’t stop them, but it did offer peace of mind to think of getting ready.
Having someone to share her woes with eased her. Especially when Desmond nestled up against her as they lay together on the beach watching the painted canvass of sunset. Not one of those sky-lights ever looked the same. Each sunset was like its own world, much like a fingerprint stamped in the heart of the sky.
“Women have been giving birth for thousands of years. Yes, there is risk, but that will never change. What is it about labor that frightens you so?”
She shrugged, as she propped her head up on her hand as she looked at him. “All of it.
“Whenever you get scared, I want you to come to me so I can remind you that we are here for you. When our brood returns, they will shower you with affection. And when the time comes, every one of us will accompany you in your struggles to bring Hayden into this world.”
“You make it sound so beautiful.”
“There is a beauty in pain, beauty in the struggle that you will know.”
“Sounds wonderful from a man who will never give birth,” she teased.
Instead of laughing as she had hoped, he fell silent.
“I’m s-sorry,” she stuttered as he bowed his head.
“Do not be. I have often wished I could gift Savaunt a son. If only fate had made us different. But you have brought new light into our lives.” He caressed her belly as she rubbed his shoulder.
“We’re in this together.” She moved her fingers over his skin and tickled his beard. “I love you, Desmond.”
“And I you.”
Despite all of their affectionate displays, he didn’t push for anything more than what she initiated. She appreciated his reserve, as her body seemed to be burdened enough by engaging in simple activities like walking and swimming. She missed sex, but kept that to herself. If this were a normal pregnancy, I’d be done with it by now.
Many nights passed, and she found Desmond’s company fulfilling. He shocked her when he called her over to the shore with excitement.
“What?” She supported her back with her hands as she caught up to him and squinted out.
“They have returned.”
At first the glare of the shining sun made the ocean seem as always, but when she really focused, her eyes grew wide with excitement at the bronze bodies returning in the light waves. “They’re back!” She jumped as high as she could and grew dizzy at the pull of her body’s increased weight.
“Woah.” Desmond steadied her. “Shall we meet them?”
They walked into the rhythm of the turning waves. She had to fight to move forward, but as soon as the water grew deep enough, she took relief in her buoyancy. Desmond never left her side.
They were barely able to swim one stroke before Savaunt reached her and took her in his arms. “How is my son?” he asked after reminding her how much she enjoyed the power of his tongue with a welcome kiss.
“He thrives.” She blushed and looked to Desmond. “Thanks to him.”
“Ah, so you did not spend your days lamenting the absence of your husband?” Savaunt nipped her neck and then swirled her around in his arms before turning to Desmond. “And what about you?”
“What about me?” Desmond smiled with a fire in his eyes.
Lena found herself turned on when her husband brought Desmond against them with a fierce kiss. The enticing warmth of both men made her long for the future, when her body would be more able.
As if she had voiced her thoughts, Savaunt pulled back. “Why, Lena, what is wrong?”
She bit her lip, unable to keep her eyes from roving over his shoulders and chest.
“Ahh, nothing I cannot ease.” He winked as if reading her thoughts.
Desmond swam ahead as if to give them more time to catch up. Once Lena’s feet reached the shore, she looked to Savaunt as they made their way further inland and met up with Desmond again. “You’re revived?”
He nodded without offering more.
Her curiosity pricked her, but she preferred that to the potential horrors of the truth. Someday I’ll know them well enough. Instead of dreading her son’s first hunt, she imagined a boy with the brood and smiled at the picture of him standing with his father. The idea confused her but offered promise.
“Lena and I missed you very much. But I must say that I enjoyed having her to myself.”
She giggled at Desmond’s confession.
Savaunt laughed along. “As well you should have.”
Unsure if he suspected that they engaged in intimacies without him, she left the idea alone. His good humor made it something of a game. If it didn’t bother him either way, why ruin the mystery? She did wonder why the brood had not come to greet her.
“I missed everyone. Why aren’t they coming to say hello?” She tried not to sound too upset. However, being free to dote on her husband was nice.
He chuckled with a sexy growl. “Because I warned them that I would fight anyone who disturbs our reunion. I have missed you immensely, my dear.”
“And Desmond,” her loyalties caused her to speak up for him.
Desmond squeezed her hand. “Savaunt and I have known each other’s hearts for so long that we need no declarations to affirm our love.”
“Oh.” The thought seemed full of old-world romance. It also gave her the perfect opportunity to ask a question she’d been wanting to for a while. “So how old are you? I know Savaunt reached a half a millennium, but sirens aren’t born often.”
“No, they are not. You are correct in that. I am but four hundred and some odd years.”
“And for over three hundred, we have been gifted with our bond.”
She stared at her husband as he told her the length of his relationship with Desmond. A mixture of envy and sorrow rose within her. “I wish I could share that kind of time with you.”
Pregnancy had made her examine her life many times. The idea of becoming a mother magnified her shorter lifespan. Now to hear that Savaunt and Desmond had loved for more than three times what she could, added to the truth of her mortality. She didn’t fear death as much as leaving her son and the men she loved to outlive her for centuries.
“You have stopped time for us.” Desmond once again soothed her with the perfect words.
She let Savaunt lead the way and smiled as he pulled Desmond along the path toward the cave system. She’d expected a big celebration with the brood, but this seemed much better. Having him to share with Desmond alone got her blood pumping. The baby kicked, making her pause as they reached the open rock formation that had become dear to her.
“He’s glad you’re back.” She brought Savaunt’s hands to her belly.
His eyebrows lifted high. “His strength has increased since I left.”
“He grows stronger every day,” Desmond assured him.
She’d missed her husband. Having their little trio together again gave her energy. With a spring in her step, she swung her arms along, welcoming the cool shade of the sheltering cave. As soon as she stepped onto the bumpy earth inside, Savaunt picked her up and carried her to their bed of palm leaves and grass covered in goat pelts.
She loved having him back. His lips moved all over her skin as if he wished to reclaim her body as his own. Desmond kneeled down beside her and began messaging her thighs with a look of pleasure. In her pregnant state, she allowed them to do all of the work. She’d given more of herself in the past without expectations. Now they seemed eager to return the favor.
Savaunt began to drag his tongue over her hips and slid next to Desmond—so close they seemed to be competing to bring her the most pleasure. Together they kissed and licked her thighs; Savaunt on the left, Desmond on the right. It caught her off guard when they moved up in a synchronized motion to lap at her warmth.
She moaned as her husband’s fingers rubbed inside her while Desmond flicked his tongue around them. Moving with them, she spread her legs even further and closed her eyes to really feel everything. In all of their time together, she’d never experienced both of them kissing her like this. She cried out her gratitude while working to control the rocking of her hips. It proved difficult, but Savaunt pressed his free hand against her pelvis to aid her.
Everything came into focus. As she lay before the men she loved, she wished to spend the rest of her days devoting herself to their collective happiness. They were a family. She became aware of the rare love and caressed both of their bodies, then finally relaxed.
* * * *
Lena spent the rest of her pregnancy trying to keep a positive attitude. She repeated Desmond’s helpful words often in her head. Women have been having babies for thousands of years. It offered a great deal of perspective.
If I tell myself I can do it, I’ll get there, and if not, then that’s that. It took a lot of soul searching to make peace with the possibility that she or her baby could die in the birthing process, but the constant love from her husband, Desmond, and the rest of the brood gave her strength.
When her body began to grow tight, she ignored it at first. The time was drawing near, but she expected labor to be much more painful. The light tension seemed more comparable to muscle cramps. She didn’t feel the need to bother anyone with the slight discomfort.
But after a while, Desmond looked at her in the midday sun. “You seem…off. How are you feeling?”
“I don’t know. A little uncomfortable.” The urge to walk about got her on her feet, and she set out at a quicker pace than usual.
“Why the sudden burst of energy?” Savaunt seemed interested as he followed along.
Her feet sank in the sand with a nice rhythm. It eased her. “I don’t know. Just feeling a little restless. Kind of tense.”
“Tense how?”
Desmond began to annoy her. “Like tense. My stomach is tight. Jeeze, what is this an interrogation?”
She frowned as Desmond exchanged looks with Savaunt.
“What? You think I’m in labor? If this is labor, I hope so. It’s easy.”
“Who knows?” Savaunt kissed her hand and left her to her thoughts.
By nightfall, she no longer hoped her pains were labor, she knew they were. They grew more intense, and began to tear into her. She breathed heavily and grew tired. Savaunt took her to the cave nursery, and stayed by her side.
“Where’s Desmond?” She gasped for air to catch her breath as relief met her muscles when the previous contractions ceased.
“He went to alert the brood.”
“All of them?” She knew they’d planned to aid her together, but in her discomfort she began to scorn the idea. “I don’t know if I can take that.”
“We shall do whatever is necessary.” Savaunt wiped her brow with his hand and dripped some cool water over her stomach.
“Ah, that feels good.” She sighed as the refreshing droplets ran over her skin. Her eyelids had grown so heavy that she closed them. How long she rested, she didn’t know, but the shooting spasm of another contraction ripped her ease from her and sped up her breathing once more.
“You are doing wonderfully,” Savaunt encouraged her.
She found her body confining, and turned over to prop herself onto her hands and knees facing the ground. The weight shift offered some relief, but the pain continued.
Just as she feared she would pass out, Desmond arrived. Behind him Eagan and Telo stood ready at the cave entrance.
“Desmond.” Tears broke from her eyes.
“I am here. I am here,” he calmed her and rubbed her back. “The brood waits just outside. I was unsure if you would want them crowding around.
A rush of warmth ran down her legs and she shrank into herself. “Thank you.” She sat back as her body relaxed. “I think we’re getting close.”
Savaunt’s firm form held steady against her back as she slumped against him behind her. “Just listen to your body and do what comes naturally.”
The security he offered gave her ease. Unable to utter any more words, she rested. But soon her body tightened again, faster and harder than ever. A sensation of intense pain pushed through her core as if she held a constantly exploding bomb inside of her. “Oh God!” she yelled in frustration.
“It is all right. Just keep breathing.” Desmond’s calm voice kept her going as she arched her back and Savaunt’s hand pressed over hers. The agony died away for a moment, but came back before she could steady herself. A great urge to push overtook her and she bent forward to press her hands against the solid packed earth as she screamed out her efforts.
“He is ready.” Desmond moved behind her with Savaunt keeping close to rub her shoulders. Again she forced her body to push through the pain. She tried again and again. Each push exhausted her until she thought she couldn’t take it anymore.
And then Desmond shouted with joy, “I see something!”
That gave her all the strength she needed to continue. She took the deepest breath she’d ever taken, and pushed down while Savaunt pressed his hand on hers. Just the simple touch of his hand reminded her that they were close to meeting their son. She worked through the breathing until something rushed out allowing instant relief to spread throughout her limbs.
For a moment, her ears rang with the whoosh of blood that pumped through her veins, and she forgot where she was, but then a small cry caught her attention. It echoed through the cave, growing louder and louder. Desmond moved before her, holding their son. His gooey little pink body made her laugh.
“Hey, Hayden.” She had imagined she would cry when she finally met her little boy, but no tears came, only a bright warmth that made her smile take over her face as she grasped him.
Savaunt looked over her shoulder. “Hello, son.”
She hugged the baby to her and then carefully handed him to her husband. The love in his eyes as he beamed at Hayden made her heart swell. She watched him with all the admiration that her maternal pride could hold. Thinking of everything they had been through, she looked over to Desmond standing close by. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Tears slid down his cheeks and disappeared into his beard. “Nor I you.” He walked off and returned with Eagan and Telo. “Meet our son, Hayden.”
Eagan kneeled before them. “If ever I have regretted my actions, I regret any false prejudice I ever held against you, Lena.”
Doubt filled her with sorrow. “But now that he is born, I won’t have as much in common with the brood.”
“And what of it?” Telo stooped down. “I will die to defend you no matter what. As would any one of us. That will never change.”
She smiled at them with more love than she knew possible. “I hope to always be worthy of you.”
“That, you will always be,” Savant said, his deep tones soothing her. He lifted his head to their visitors. “Now, if you will excuse us, our son needs to be washed.”
“Of course.” Eagan stood and turned to leave with Telo.
“Is it safe?” Lena hesitated as Savaunt moved to support her weight.”
“These waters are warm and cleansing. Our son shall meet the pools as a siren.”
She nodded while he carried her with Hayden in her arms to one of the dark emerald rings of water. Desmond stood by, casting a curious smirk at her. It made her wonder what it meant. The answer came as soon as the water reached her.
Hayden’s small pink lips parted, and a note of the softest perfection breathed out. The sound held the most beautiful note she’d ever heard, it being from her small son.
Desmond immediately answered with his own gentle tone.
“Go on,” Savaunt encouraged her.
With a shaky voice, she tried to sing as she had during her pregnancy, but her tone had lost some of its luster. Her direct link to the siren sound had been severed, but she still took pleasure in the ritual as she could carry a tune.
Savaunt joined in, and together their quartet bound them as a family. Nothing would ever break that bond.
The End
Publisher’s Note
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About Jessica Marie Baumgartner
Jessica’s word addiction has led her to become a member of the St. Louis Writers Guild. She is grateful to have the opportunity to share Siren’s Snare with readers along with her science fiction novella series, Embracing Entropy, another paranormal romance, Tale of Two Bookends, and a children’s book called, My Family Is Different. Her stories have been featured in numerous publications such as Fiction on the Web, The Lorelei Signal, The Horror Zine, Everyday Fiction, Blood Moon Rising Magazine and more.
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