Meaning… the wolf inside me hadn’t shifted back to human form.
“Do you plan on staying here for a while?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Milly put up the equipment. “I think that’s for the best. Hell’s breaking loose in Storybook. Nothing you need to be around in your condition. I think after a little rest and decent food, things will change back in no time. Does that Vampire know how to cook? It’s a long way for pizza delivery unless he plans on helicoptering it to the roof.”
“He says he cooks. Milly?”
She found a towel and used it to wipe the gel off my belly. “What is it?”
“Do you think it’ll stay like this the whole time?”
She wrapped the blood pressure cuff around my arm. “A predator’s animal comes out to protect. In this case, it’s happening in utero. Your baby must have a strong animal if it’s trying to protect it so early. The best thing for you to do is avoidall stress and worry. The baby is the most important thing to focus on.”
“What if it doesn’t shift back? I can’t give birth to a wolf.”
“When your energy changes, the baby will shift. It’sveryimportant that it happens before delivery, so listen closely: Whatever stresses you out—avoid it. Be it watching the news or even talking to your packmates. Don’t worry about hurting anyone’s feelings. Relic’s orders.” She removed the blood pressure cuff. “It’s higher than your previous checkups but still within normal range.”
I sat up and slipped my blouse back on. “Bear was giving me special juice drinks in the morning. I’m not sure what to take now.”
Milly threaded a strand of hair away from her thin lips. “If your Vampire friend could get all this equipment out here, I’m sure he’ll have no problem with a prescription. I know a Relic in the area who sells Shifter prenatal vitamins. I’ll give Mr. Rain the information.” She placed a cold stethoscope to my chest and listened. Then she asked me to take two deep breaths.
Atticus appeared at the edge of the room. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s just fine,” Milly said.
“Should I be aware of any special dietary needs for my guest?”
After putting her stethoscope in a black bag, Milly lifted my pant leg and looked at my feet and ankles. “Cut down a little on the salt. Exercise as much as you’re comfortable with, and I don’t mean jumping jacks,” she said with a cackle. “But a nice long walk will do you good. I bet you’ll get your workout just trying to find the bathroom.”
I chuckled softly.
“And what of the fetus?” Atticus pressed. “We both know this isn’t a normal pregnancy.”
She gave him a curt look. “What did I tell you about eavesdropping?”
“It’s okay,” I told her, realizing there was no way that I could hide anything from Atticus in his own home.
Atticus drew closer to Milly. “And?”
Milly scoffed and collected her bag. “Have you tried asking the patient? When a woman wants you to know something about her body, she’ll tell you herself.” Milly steered her eyes back to mine. “Everything looks fine. Eat healthy, cut back on sodium, and relax. It’s very important you find your inner peace. Stress creates a chemical reaction in the body, and your unborn baby knows exactly when you’re happy and when you’re scared. You can’t fool them. Any new symptoms?”
I shook my head. “Do you have something for heartburn?”
“I’ll add it to the prescription. Don’t take that over-the-counter human garbage in the stores. That’ll make it worse. I’ve got just the thing for Shifters. Be sure to take it before each meal.”
“Any side effects?” Atticus asked.
“Side effects include an unpleasant aftertaste and a nosy Vampire asking how you feel.”
I flashed a smile at Atticus. “Truly, I’m fine. Thank you for coming, Milly. I’m sorry about the trip and hope you feel better on the way back.”
She snorted. “Maybe I need some of those pills myself. If you plan to stay out here, you might want to switch Relics.”
I didn’t like that idea. I’d grown fond of Milly and trusted her implicitly.
Milly adjusted her glasses. “Well then, if you need me again, I can make an exception. But is the blindfold necessary?” She gave Atticus a thorny look.
