A Necessary Evil

(MILES)

Different emotions flicker on Arlo's face as he watches me. It is obvious that he is frustrated. Angry even. But he is scared too. I can now see that clearly. I might have mistaken it for arrogance earlier, but now I recognize that it is fear. Sometimes I forget that he is only twenty-four. It must be overwhelming just as much as it is frustrating for him.

"You will still have access to all your businesses, Arlo. You will have everything you want and need." I hesitate when I remember that I need to bring up the pregnancy issue. But I don't want to set him off again. "You realize you might be pregnant?"

He snaps. "Great. Just what I need to hear now."

He must have known that having unprotected sex with me, especially after I gave him my bite would guarantee a pregnancy. So, I try to put a positive spin on it but he is already dejected. "See, if you are pregnant, you'll have an heir. The Sovereign Ring syndicate will continue."