“I don’t know. It was just right there. It all started with that stupid thread about where Finnegan the Fox was. I was proud that I had gotten Ethan enough attention that people were interested, and then it spiraled out of control. Maybe they got to me a little,” she says softly.
“Yeah, of course they did. I’ve been dodging this for years, it will tear you apart on the inside.”
The whole time, Bram has been messing with her phone, likely blocking all mentions of us in the media so she can’t see it anymore.
“No more secrets. No more suffering in silence anymore. You need to be having regular appointments, and we’re going to get you eating better,” Bram says.
Sloane glances back at me for help, and I grimace.
“Listen, sweetheart. I’m ride or die, but the baby can’t survive off Cape Cod chips and Heluva Good French dip,” I say, and the Alphas nod in agreement.
“I can’t control what the baby wants.”
“I can,” Bram says. “Just like I’m going to control what notifications you get on your laptop too. No more of this shit, it’s disgusting.” Bram hands her back her phone, and he gives me a shitty look.
So I need to be better about what secrets Sloane and I share because I’m not a huge fan of getting in trouble.
“This is my penance for keeping this secret,” she whispers more to herself.
“It is,” Bram agrees, and Sloane sighs as Dr. Mann comes back into the room.
“Everything looks great, minus your sodium. I’d love to see that go down a bit,” she says, and Bram gives Sloane a hard stare. “You’ll need to get set up with a primary OBGYN for your care throughout your pregnancy. But beyond that, I have no concerns.”
“So bonding, it’s safe?” Bram confirms again.
“Yes, it’s completely safe,” she replies.
“Knotting?” Max whispers, and the doctor smiles and nods her head.
“Knotting is safe, and may be something that she actively seeks out, especially after the first trimester is through.”
“Is there anything sexually that is off the table?” Bram asks.
“Something in particular you wanted to ask about?” she asks, looking at everyone in the pack.
“Spanking in particular,” Bram says easily like he’s talking about the fucking weather.
Sloane’s eyes go wide, and she looks mortified.
“As long as it’s not too hard and she isn’t put in a compromising position where it’s hard to breathe or too much pressure is put on her stomach, I don’t see why not,” Dr. Mann says with the utmost professionalism. “Do you need a list of clinics with openings?”
“No, I already have one, thank you,” Sloane says, her cheeks red with embarrassment.
The doctor hands her a few pamphlets. “These are all reliable, medically-backed sites you can use as resources. You’re all doing a good job. Just keep taking care of yourself, and I imagine it will be a happy and healthy pregnancy.”
“Thank you again,” Sloane says.
“Of course, I think you’ve all got this covered. Here are some resources for new dads,” she says, handing us a bunch more information.
“Thank you,” Max says as she heads out the room, and we prepare to take Sloane home.
“Did you have to ask about the spanking?” Sloane asks, her cheeks heating all over again.
“Oh, I definitely had to ask,” he says.
Poor Sloane, but also I think I might want to watch.
“Can we please go home and get some sleep now?” I ask.
