“Oh, yes.” His tone was wry. “I was joking. Michael and I understand each other. I’ll go for alternating the pronouns.”

She was no longer smiling. “And I’d ask Campbell to rush the test, but that might be difficult unless we can get him away from Bohdan.”

“Which we will.” He took her hand. “Another problem to take care of. That was why I called Palik this morning. I asked him to send out a team to Kilgoray to track down any signs of Campbell ASAP. Bohdan mentioned two trips to Kilgoray. He must have made contact with some of the villagers who might have info.” He paused. “And I told him we also need to get our hands on one of Bohdan’s men who can give us information about his location. That sniper you tracked down wasn’t able to help much.”

“Except about Felicity,” Jane said bitterly. “And no one considered her of any importance.”

“We did,” Caleb said gently. “And we’ll make them pay for her death. But first, we have to rid ourselves of Bohdan and his troop of mercenaries. Self-preservation is the name of the game right now. I can’t let him near you.”

“Aren’t you back to square one?”

“No, the game has changed with the characters. You can’t be my only focus right now.” His gaze moved over her body. “You don’t have the right to complain about everything I’ve done to protect you any longer. Our agreement has certain holes in it now. It can’t be a totally fifty-fifty arrangement any longer. You’re carrying my child. To protect that child, I have to protect you. I have no choice.”

Her brow wrinkled. “That sounds very…complicated. And it appears to end exactly where you want it to. I don’t like this.”

“But you’re very smart and you know that I’m being reasonable.” He added, “Think about it. What’s most important to you? What would you do? What lengths would you go to in order to protect that child?”

“Damn you.” She stared with frustration into his eyes. “Everything. Anything.”

“Then you realize that we might have a balance problem,” he said softly. “And you realize that no matter how hard I’m going to try, there are going to be times when I have to make certain that child comes first even if you don’t appreciate my methods.”

“I’ll think about it.” She was silent for a moment. “You’re turning me against myself. I’m feeling manipulated.”

“I knew you would,” he said. “Which is why I came down to the creek this morning. I wanted to remind you that what we have together has been worth it to both of us.” He added softly, “And that was how we ended up with a child to protect.”