The timestamp shows two days ago. Right in the middle of my heat.
Second message:
"Update! One baby down, one to go. It's a girl! Margot Elizabeth. She's perfect and screaming and I already love her more than life itself. Ash fainted. Obviously. I'll send pictures when I'm not actively pushing a human out of my body."
Third message, voice tired but triumphant:
"Both babies are here. Both girls. Margot and Rosalie. They're healthy, I'm exhausted, and Ash fainted twice. Twice, Jessica. But they're perfect. We're all perfect. Call me when you can. I want to hear everything about your heat. Everything. Love you so much."
Tears stream down my face as I listen to her voice. My best friend became a mother while I was lost in heat and pack bonding, and I missed it.
My phone rings in my hand. Sharon's name flashes across the screen.
I answer immediately.
"Jess?" Sharon's voice is exhausted but warm. "You're alive. Thank God. I was starting to think something terrible happened."
"I'm so sorry." More tears spill down my cheeks. "I was in heat. I just got your messages. Sharon, congratulations. How are you? How are the babies?"
"We're good. Tired. So tired. But good." She pauses. "Wait. Did you have help?”
"Yes, the Negorio Pack." I wipe my face with my free hand.
"I bonded with them. During my heat. We're pack now." Silence on the line. Then a small squeal that probably woke at least one baby.
"Jessica! That's amazing! When's the ceremony?" "We haven't planned it yet. Mom wanted to come for it, but with the babies... we'll figure it out."
My mind flashes to Rosa Castellano. To that article with the horrible headline. To Callum and his family and the Morrison PR machine probably already plotting their next move.
I can't dump all of that on Sharon. Not now. Not when she just gave birth to twins.
"Soon," I say, keeping my voice light. "I have some things I need to sort out here first. Nothing major. Just... life stuff."
"Life stuff?" Sharon's voice sharpens with concern. "Jess, what's going on?"
“I still want to work, which doesn’t involve just helping out my pack.” The lie tastes bitter, but I force brightness into my tone. "I promise. I just need a few days to get everything settled, and then I'll come visit. I want to meet Margot and Rosalie properly."
"You're sure you're okay?"
"I'm sure." And as I say it, I realize it's not entirely a lie.
Because even though Callum might retaliate...
I have a pack.
Four alphas who've already proven they'll stand beside me. Who fixed my mother's house without being asked, and love me exactly as I am.
The fear that was coiling in my stomach loosens. Washes away like dirt under clean water.
"I'm really okay," I repeat, meaning it this time.
Sharon makes a satisfied sound. "Good. That's what pack is supposed to do. But Jess? When you're ready to talk about whatever 'life stuff' you're dealing with, I'm here. Babies and all."
"I know. Thank you." My throat tightens. "And Sharon? I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks, babe. Now go rest. You just came out of heat. Your body needs recovery time."
"Yes, ma'am."
