30. Clara
Clara
On our way out of the library, I glance around, hoping to find Cali so I can thank her for her help. She’s at the empty checkout desk, and I hurry over.
I open my mouth to speak but pause. She hasn’t noticed me yet, and there’s an uncomfortable look on her face.
“Cali, are you okay?” I ask. Bram shifts behind me, picking up on my concern immediately.
“I don’t know. I’m having some pain, kind of. It’s weird, like pressure.” She winces, folding in on herself again.
“Cali, maybe we should call your pack.”
She hesitates. “It’s probably nothing. My lunch was pretty spicy, maybe the baby hates it.” She tries to smile, but it comes off more like a grimace.
I glance at Bram, silently asking for help, and he doesn’t disappoint. He comes around the counter and kneels in front of her.
“It might be nothing, we all hope it’s nothing, but I know it’ll make Clara and me feel better if you got some confirmation. We’re not going to be able to leave without knowing you’re okay.”
He waits while she thinks about it. Finally, she nods once.
She lets the staff know she’s leaving for the afternoon and allows us to help her into Bram’s car. On the way, I call Bax and explain the situation. They arrive at the hospital moments after we do, thanking us before heading in with Cali, looking more than concerned.
The rest of the afternoon drags by in awful silence. I try to write but can’t focus. My phone stays clutched in my hand until, finally, it buzzes.
Bram, Dagan, and Jack’s heads all turn toward me. They’ve been keeping a quiet vigil, waiting with me.
“She’s fine,” I breathe, a huge weight lifting from my chest. “It was Braxton Hicks. Just fake contractions. Very normal, apparently.”
They all slump in visible relief.
“I still don’t understand why she was so resistant to going to the hospital. Better safe than sorry, right?” Bram asks.
I think about it for a moment. About how many times I’d almost gone to the hospital over the past week because of my asthma and Victor’s smoking, but my inhaler had ultimately pulled me through. About how I hadn’t wanted to be perceived as incapable or weak because of a medical condition.
“I get it,” I say at last. “She’s going through this whole health condition, but she still wants to live her life. Her alphas already treat her so differently because of it, in a good way. They do a lot for her, but it’s got to be frustrating.”
Bram nods, and it’s nice to feel understood. I get up from the couch and walk to him. He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me against him in a comforting hug.
“You okay, Ghost?” he murmurs into my hair.
I nod, and he scent marks me.
“Just tired. I’m going to bed.”
He nods again, and I head upstairs, trying not to dwell on the day. I only hope sleep comes quickly tonight.