Jason said he was showing me mercy.He said another would hurt me.He promised retribution if I ever went back.Do I dare hope it’s him?But that’s absurd.It’s not like he’s sitting there pining for me.I’m sure he hasn’t given me another thought since leaving me at the clinic about a week ago.
What if it’s that Alpha from before?The one I saw sitting in the waiting room.He wanted me from the moment he looked at me.My gut clenches as my insides heave.Hopefully, it’s not him.
A soft ding permeates my thoughts, bringing my attention back to my phone.
Willoughby Rut Clinic
Miss Hayes.I am messaging to inform you that your services are required for an extended session.These are typically about a week long, so please plan accordingly.Please make sure to come dressed in the outfit you picked out when leaving our offices last week.See you this evening, and as always, thank you for using Willoughby Rut Clinic for all your carnal needs.
A week?I can’t be gone for a week!What will I do with Daniel?How will I explain this?
Glancing at the clock on my phone, I note I only have about an hour left before being at the clinic.Hopefully, I’ll have enough time to get everything prepared before I go.To be there for a week means more than enough cash to get me not only through the holidays, but possibly get him enrolled in some after-school activities in the new year.
A mixture of glee, giddiness, and abject fear dumps into my veins, making me unsteady as I walk back to my cubical.Despite having relief at knowing I’ll be able to take care of my little makeshift family soon enough, sweat continues to drip down my spine.
None of the other coworkers seem to be overheated.In fact, some of them bundle in sweaters as they take care of the last of their phone calls.Must just be all the emotions running through me.That, or I really am getting sick.
That’s the very last thing I need.This massive payday will help so much.I can’t be sick.I just can’t.
As soon as I clock out, I race home and get everything ready for when Daniel gets back.Thankfully, he only has one day left before break, and the busses will get him there and take him back.It’s the evenings that I worry about.
Sliding over to my neighbor, I knock on her door and fiddle with my fingers until she opens it.Just one look from her confirms I must look awful.The concern etched on her face is enough to make my stomach flip and my pulse spike.
“Dear,” she murmurs as she eases out into the hall.“Are you well?You look horrible.”
“Really?”I try to laugh off.“I- I don’t know.It’s been a long few weeks.”
“I can imagine.But you’ll be getting a Christmas break soon, right?”
“Right!But… before then… I… Well, I have the biggest favor to ask of you.”
“Anything, dear.Name it.”
“Can you watch out for Daniel?”
“But of course.I have no-”
“For about a week.”
Her eyes narrow a bit as she wipes her hands on her shirt.“Are you in some kind of trouble?”
Heat licks up my neck and cheeks as that infernal itching returns.“No, no.Nothing like that.I- I have a job.But it’s going to require me to be out of town for a bit.I can’t turn it down.Not with… Well… You know.”
Though we’ve never talked about my financial situation, she knew.She always knew.That’s why she always brought over her “leftovers.”Even now, her lips turn down into that knowing frown.
“You’re going to work yourself to death.”
“I know… I know…” Pulling out my phone, I text her my boss’s number.“Can you also call my boss tomorrow and tell him I’m deathly sick?Just so I don’t lose my job?”
This time, when her gaze narrows, there’s a hint of suspicion with it.“Is this not for your current job?”
“No.It’s something extra.Something-”
“It’s not drugs.Is it?”she interrupts.
A startled laugh bursts from my chest.“Heavens no.It’s not illegal or anything.Just… embarrassing.”
She crosses her arms and glares at me.“I’m not doing anything to help until you tell me exactly where you’re going and what you’re doing.What happens if there’s an emergency?”
