All eyes hit me suddenly and though the words aren’t spoken, I can tell they want me in this club with them. The club of females freshly mated to our council alphas, being pregnant together, raising kids together.
The lady on the plane comes to mind again. With her little knitted booties. Telling me about my future daughter.
If I manage to reject Jase and make all this nonsense stop, what about her? The future daughter?
Pain lances through me and now I hear yelping. Far away. High-pitched yipping, like a pup.
“Should we go eat some hot dogs?” Ivy asks, bouncing a little.
“Yeah, let’s,” I say, eager for some fresh air.
I turn off my computer and pocket my phone.
“I’m not so sure,” Erica says. “I feel a little barfy.”
“Ooh. This is exciting! When are you due for your period?” Amie asks, linking arms with Erica as we move outside.
I look over my shoulder and see Jase watching us go, eyes on me, putty-covered trowel held aloft.
As our gazes connect, his expression hardens and he looks away.
And for some reason, I want to burst into fresh tears.
***
Jase and Riley are eating pulled pork sandwiches, standing with Brody.
Me and some of the girls are sitting at a table. The pregnant ladies have all got piled-high plates. Vivi is here but she and Erica are standing away from the group, talking behind their hands. “Who can lip read?” I ask.
“Me,” Amie says. “A little.”
“Is that why Erica and Vivi are talking behind their hands?” I muse.
“Possibly.”
I look at Amie and Ivy. “Do you guys think I’m being too harsh with Jase?”
“Absolutely not,” Amie states.
“Nope.” Ivy agrees.
“But you’re still hoping we make up,” I mutter.
“Of course we are,” Amie says. “But again, we support you.”
I look over at Jase who looks miserable. Our eyes have met at least five times since he came over here with Riley. Each time our eyes meet, I look away. I keep telling myself to stop looking at him, but I keep doing it.
I’m questioning everything right now. I’m questioning whether the SCC will agree to let the coven extend the spell so they can review my motion. I’m questioning whether or not my friends on my group chat are right about me letting my anger cloud everything. I’m thinking about the conversation on the plane and the yellow booties. I’m wondering how in the world I’ll sift through all these emotions I’m having. I’m wondering if I’m being unreasonable. But none of it changes the feeling of being completely heartbroken that it’s all come to this. I can’t make sense of it.
Noise cuts through my misery and I look around. It sounds like a very young wolf close by. We don’t have any youngsters shifting as far as I know. I look around and can’t find the source.
I’m about to voice a question about it when Stacy’s pretty blonde friend Caroline walks by the guys slowly, carrying two glasses of wine, eyes on me. Before she gets to me I’ve got the distinct impression she’s putting on that extra wiggle for the benefit of the group of alphas. None of them are watching her walk here, though she has no idea.
She sits beside me, putting a glass of wine in my hand while sipping her own.
“This is pretty good.”
I smell that it’s peach wine.