I nodded and rose from the bed, the lead ball in my gut sinking a little deeper, doing a fresh wave of damage. What was one more complication added to the pile at this point? “Stay safe until we return.”
When I walked out of her bedroom door, I paused, hand on the frame. I took one last look over my shoulder, as if I was taking a mental picture. For some reason, it felt important.
“You’re going to have to run now. You’re officially late.”
I swore, and I ran.
Nobody commented on me being late to leave, mostly because Leigh waddled up a moment after me, looking like she was ready to shoot first and ask questions later. She was usually a morning person, so it was uncommon for her to start the day grouchy.
We all loaded up into two big black SUVs, and I did my best to ignore Valens’s presence nearby as he climbed in front with Gael, who was driving, and I slid in next to Leigh in the seat behind them.
Being this close to Valens and not speaking to him was like an itch just under the skin I couldn’t scratch. My wolf was on high alert, every sense tuned toward her mate, who was casually chatting in the front seat. His golden hair was damp, still slicked back as if he were fresh from the shower, and I thought I got the faintest whiff of shampoo lingering in the air around him.
Even his damn shampoo smelled delicious. I was in so much trouble.
I definitely wasn’t taking deeper breaths just in hopes of getting a solid whiff of his brown-sugar-and-toasty-campfire scent in the enclosed space without giving myself away.
Not that Leigh was paying attention.
“You okay over there?” I asked gently. Her head was leaned back against the rest, eyes closed and both hands on her belly.
Her mouth twisted to one side before she begrudgingly answered. “I’m fine. Just… a little crampy.” She whispered the last bit, shooting a cautious glance to the front seats.
So, Gael doesn’t know.
“Anything concerning?” I kept my voice low as well, trying not to draw attention she clearly didn’t want.
One small lift of a shoulder was her only response.
Shit.I drummed my fingers on my thigh, considering. If she was having any sort of distress, Brielle could help her, and Brielle was going along on the trip. But she also might need bed rest.
I whipped out my cell phone and texted Galyna.
E: Leigh’s feeling crampy. She’s not even thirty weeks yet. I asked if it was anything concerning, and all she did was shrug and ignore me. Should we stop the trip? Take her directly to the enclave?
Lyna: The enclave is closer to the pack castle than here. But it’s hard to say. What does your gut tell you?
My gut? I scoffed, shaking my head. My gut was all up in knots these days, not giving me any great intuitive insights.
I drummed my fingertips again, taking a deep breath before forcing myself to stillness so I could think. I got the overwhelming urge to put my hand on Leigh’s, which was… new.
But the urge was undeniable, so I lay my hand lightly across hers.
The second I did, lights burst behind my eyes. It was just like with the pixie magic at the crime scene, only more subtle. My head didn’t swim as the colors coalesced over Leigh’s form, bright white light emanating from her belly like a beacon.
The omega pup she carries.
My jaw dropped, and I stared, awed at the huge display of power from a pup who wasn’t even born yet. Leigh herself was a softer sparkle, but the white light in her was equally beautiful.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” she hissed under her breath.
“I— I’m sorry. Not important.”
My wolf yipped to get my attention.Dehydration.
What?I managed to keep the question internal, at least.
The female needs water. Salt. For the cramps.My wolf drawled out each word as if I were slow on the uptake.
