Page 19 of Behemoth

Her eyes go from Grace to Damien and once again panic.

“Grace, I’m so scared, what’s happening? Got pain in my lower belly, it’s bad.”

She smiles at the kid who reaches down to grab her hand.

“Aunt Emmie, no worries we’re here. We’re family and everything is going to be okay. Right, Momma?”

The love I see pouring out of Grace’s eyes in her son’s direction is breathtaking. Grace looks up to me and gives me a small smile that doesn’t hide her worry. I can faintly hear sirens. That is until I hear a growl and door slamming in front.

“What the ever-lovin’ fuck is going on in here?”

Brick enters the kitchen throwing a box of donuts on the counter and in a matter of seconds takes everything in and drops to his knees next to his woman. I can see the worry written all over his face. Emmie holds his hand tight, and they both seem to gather strength from each other.

“Brick, I’m not sure, but I think Emmie might have had a cyst burst on her ovary. It will cause pain and bleeding, and from our conversations I know she has some female issues that have been bothering her lately.”

Grace tries to calm down the beast in Brick with her easy and clear voice. I can see it is working as Brick takes a deep breath in and nods slightly. I can actually feel the beast in him also relax, which is something I’ve never experienced in all the years I’ve known Brick. Even I have a hard time reining him in when the monster comes to the surface.

By the time the paramedics arrive, Emmie is looking pale and distraught. The pain is worse and she has rolled to her side, arms wrapping around her middle. I can see the pain in her eyes but she is trying to suck it up so Brick doesn’t worry. The EMTs take in the scene and get her situated and loaded into the ambulance, along with my prez.

“Brick, we will clean up and meet y’all at the hospital. Do you want us to call anyone?”

Grace is stellar under pressure. Brick just shakes his head as the back doors are slammed closed and the driver jogs to the front of the ambulance. Lights and sirens are blaring as they take off.

The overwhelming fear penetrating my thick skull, I reach for Damien who is shaking in his little man body. Pulling him up to my face, I kiss his red tear-laced cheek.

“You did well, little man. I’m proud of you, as is your momma. You kept Emmie safe until someone was able to help her.”

“Dad, I was so scared, all that blood. One minute Emmie was gonna make breakfast, even though Brick ran out to get donuts. The next she fell, hit her head on that huge island they have and I saw the blood. Will she be okay?”

I’m struck silent ‘cause all I heard is the word ‘Dad.’ I can barely breathe and can feel my own body trembling with my emotions. Damien pats me on the cheek with a small smile, his eyes intent on mine as he reads my thoughts, or lack of them, stuck on that one word.

“Get used to it, Dad, you said I could call you that and I plan to all the time. Should we call the brothers and let them know what is going on?”

I turn to Grace to see she is already on the phone and filling a bucket up. A bottle of bleach is on the counter. Putting Damien down, I walk over and take over bucket duty. I can hear she is speakin’ to Momma from the club. Everyone will be given notice of what’s going on with Brick and Emmie.

As I begin to mop up the mess, I think to myself how our day changed immediately. Ya never know what life is gonna bring your way. Got to be prepared for anything. So much for our quiet day, just the three of us. As quick as that thought enters I realize, what an assole thought. Fuck, Emmie didn’t plan this and Brick was gonna need all the support from his brothers. I try to calm my mind as the task at hand takes over. Lookin’ up, I see Grace watching me, concern on her face. Giving her a small smile, we work together to get shit done so we can get to the hospital. Our family needs us.

Grace

The last twenty-four hours have been rough. My diagnosis of Emmie was spot-on as I had the background of her recent diagnosis, but it is much worse than I anticipated. Her ovary had to be removed due to the extensive damage. She will recover fully in time. Brick is beside himself with all that has happened. Not many in the clubhouse know that the Joneses were worried about getting pregnant. Especially as time has gone by with them trying to no avail. Emmie has been suffering for a while with female issues and she wants a lot of kids. Even Brick is on board now that he has Emmie at his side. This will definitely put a bump or two in their desires for their large family.

“Darlin’, how you hangin’ in there? Can I get you anything, a coffee or water? I’ll run and get you an actual coffee, not the shit in the machine.”

Turning I see Francis’ face filled with worry. Yeah, that right there is my man. Heart bigger than anyone. He feels pain so much more than anyone else I have ever been around. Well, that is except my boy. Two peas in a pod.

“I would kill for a coffee, Francis. Maybe take Damien with you so he can get some fresh air. And a hot chocolate, if you don’t mind?”

As I finish we hear many footsteps coming in our direction. I look around Francis to see just about the whole club heading directly to us. Talon and Rogue lead the bunch, looking all over until their eyes fall on Damien. The twins pass us and run to my son, grabbing him and yelling that they are happy he isn’t the one sick or hurt. They start to play wrestle right there in the waiting room. I feel my eyes roll thinking; boys will be boys.

As the brothers and prospects surround us both, Francis and I are bombarded with questions. Finally Francis whistles loudly.

“All right, assholes, calm down. You’re in a hospital for Christ’s sake. One question at a time. You’re giving me a headache.”

Everyone stops dead in their tracks, as Francis never complains. I can see the pain in his eyes and know his ‘gift’ has him using his skills to the fullest. He is being bombarded with all the thoughts and emotions around him and it is overwhelming him. I see a whirl pass by me then see Damien hit Francis directly as his arms grab around his dad’s waist. Pulling on Francis’ arm he gets him to lean toward him and whispers softly.

“Dad, don’t worry give some of it to me. We can share the burden. I’ll take some of it off your shoulders. Will that help your headache at all? I don’t mind, ‘cause I’m worried about Aunt Emmie too.”

Francis reaches around and pulls Damien to him, burying his head in my son’s hair. You can hear a pin drop as the Grimm Wolves MC observe their interaction, shock apparent on their faces as man and boy share a quiet moment. Once Francis is calmer, he releases his hold on Damien’s little body but continues to hold his hand as he fields question after question. Every once in a while he looks to me for assistance with the medical explanations.

---