Chapter Twenty-One

Thorn

Something's off.

Talking to Red of all people has put me on high alert. Was Baxter too quick to dismiss my concerns? If I have a gut feeling, shouldn't I just trust it, and ask questions later? I can't remember the last time I was filled with so much self-doubt. Becoming a bonded alpha was just the tip of the iceberg.

Becoming a father is a whole new ballpark.

I made sure to have all my active jobs wrapped up before this morning, but already, halfway into the drive, my burner phone is blowing up.

Baxter sneaks me a glance from the driver's side. I wish I could turn off the damn thing, but if something urgent comes up—a client checking in from any number of recent jobs—I need to be on standby.

A truck rattles toward us on the freeway. I sit up straighter, taking a mental snapshot of its plates.

"Thorn?"

I just about leap off my seat, snapping around to look at Eve.

She raises her eyebrows. "You okay?"

Why is she asking? I've been acting normal, haven't I?

A brief sideways glance at Baxter confirms that no, I have not. I force myself to release a breath.

"Yeah, omega. I'm fine."

She smiles faintly. "You looked pretty angry with those cars."

Next to her, Marcus swallows his laughter.

"In Thorn's defense," Baxter pipes up, "those cars had no right being on our freeway."

I roll my eyes, hiding a smirk. Their company is almost enough to dispel my concern.

Almost.

***

I know it's bad news the second Doctor Perez shifts his gaze.

He's a textbook extrovert—the easiest kind of person to read. When he goes quiet for a couple seconds longer than normal, the mood instantly drops.

"Find something?" I prompt.

He gives me a wary smile, then turns to Eve. "May I?"

Her frown deepening, Eve extends her arm, the rest of us watching as he wraps her in a blood pressure cuff. No-one speaks as the air swells up and, eventually, hisses out.

Marc sneaks a glance at the reading. His face drops.

"Is the pup okay?" Eve blurts out.

For fuck's sake, I almost snap, it's you we're worried about. I might not be a medical professional, but it seems pretty obvious that Eve's blood pressure is an Eve problem, not a pup problem. In all the excitement about starting a family, I can't let her forget that she still comes first.

"Your pup is healthy," the doctor confirms. A breath of relief sounds from most of my packmates.

Marcus, at least, is still on edge. "Eve's blood pressure is lower than it should be."

"Still within the expected range," the doctor reasons, "but yes, on the lower side."

Baxter asks, "Is it her POTS?"

"Possibly. I'd recommend a couple blood tests and maybe an ECG to make sure nothing else is going on."

He nods. "Today?"

"If you wouldn't mind."

We get the latest ultrasound images printed off—probably the doctor's attempt at lifting our spirits—before Eve, Marcus and Baxter follow him into pathology for Eve's bloods.

Only once she's well and truly out of sight does Riley crack. She runs a hand through her hair, sinking down to the exam bed.

"Fuck," Red agrees, breaking into a pace.

Okay, second-in-command, I rein my own panic in. Packmates freaking out. What to do?

Apparently the answer is ‘stand there in total silence', because that's all I seem capable of. My jaw is sealed shut so tightly I can feel pressure all the way in my temples.

"This is exactly what Marc was worried about," Riley mutters, "that we're pushing her. Not taking her conditions seriously."

"Is it because of what happened the other day?" Red wonders anxiously.

I quirk a brow at him. "The sex?"

"What?" He reddens. "I meant the yoga stuff. But fuck—maybe the sex, too."

Riley puts her head in her hands. For a second I think she's about to reach for her phone, but she stops herself just as quickly, seemingly repelled by the instinct.

"It's okay," I tell her. "You can text them."

Her eyes snap up to mine. "I wasn't going t—it was just to tell them our plans might change again."

I try to smile. "I know."

She reaches for her phone and stares at the screen, thumbs frozen, for several seconds. Before Red or I can offer to help, she huffs and stashes it away again.

The doctor comes back with Eve, Baxter and Marcus not long after. The rest of the appointment is over quickly.

"I'll let you know when we get the results," Doctor Perez says, "but in the meantime, Eve, I strongly suggest finding ways to manage your stress levels." He looks at Marcus and Baxter somewhat warily, like he's not sure how much to disclose. "If her vitals aren't looking up by next month, I'll have to recommend she's put on bed rest."

It occurs to me only now, as his expression darkens, that he'll need to share this verdict with the judge, as well.

"But the pup's okay, right?" Eve asks. "Th–that's what matters."

"Pup's doing great. Healthy and happy," the doctor confirms.

"Which is all the courts care about," I snarl. "Isn't that right?" God forbid they give a damn about the omega carrying that pup.

He straightens, taken aback. "I–well–I don't know if that's my place to—"

"Thorn." Baxter's tone is stern. "Easy."

I swallow whatever abuses might been coming next, sinking back into my own shadow. My packmates cast me wary looks. I wonder how many of them feel the same outrage. Are they too scared to say so in front of Baxter and Eve? Or maybe I really am the only one who'd put our mate before our pup.

Doctor Perez tries to leave us with some comforting words, but he speaks quieter now, more reserved, probably worried I'll flash my teeth again.

Like always, I'm first out of the room, scanning for potential threats. Hallway is clear. Reception also clear. Baxter and Marcus peel away to handle the insurance while I escort Eve out to the waiting room.

Wait.

I don't recognize the scent. But I know that face.

I spin around, blocking Eve's path. "Go back to the room."

She blinks. "What? Why?"

" Now, omega."

Normally that tone would make her flinch, and make me feel like an asshole, but it's too late. Her omega has locked onto the scent.

She shoulders past me. I reach to grab her, but Riley stops me, her eyes sharp with question.

And then Eve's just standing there, frozen, in the waiting room. Her gaze locks on to the rosy-cheeked, blonde-haired omega seated across the space.

Eve's breath catches.

" Flora ?"