Page 104 of Talk About… Rivalry

Tears fell freely now. I couldn’t keep my mask in place when I was in pain and falling head first into my first real heat of my life.

Already, this felt different. My body was shaking and covered in sweat. Cramps hit me on and off, the amping need intense enough I couldn't ignore it.

There was also a hollow in my chest. I felt broken and empty, more so than ever before.

The worst part was that I could have avoided it.

That reality was stark and cold and I fucking hated it.

“You’re not weak, Sidney. This is a vulnerable, tumultuous time and no one will hold that against you,” Arden reassured me. “Now, I can tell we’re at the edge of needing to act quickly if we want to do something different. How can I help?”

His question was loaded and I curled my hands into fists to stop them from shaking as I looked up at him.

“Can I have my phone?”

“Yes,” he said, giving me a warm smile. “This is the right choice, Sidney. Sometimes life is about taking chances and letting someone else catch you when you fall. Everyone deserves that, especially you.”

With that, he stood and walked out.

I’d never felt so terrified in my life. Heat emotions aside, I was even more scared of how angry they’d be.

Leo would be hurt, I’d just promised him I was his.

Bennett would be disappointed that I didn’t trust him.

Taylor would be worried and just as hurt.

Maverick would be livid, but relieved to see me.

If I truly thought about it, my own worries aside, I knew they would forgive me.

God, I was so stupid.

The door opened ten minutes later and Arden was back, breathless, as he handed me my phone.

“Sorry, I had to track down your intake nurse and call Avery. They’ll know by now. Call your pack, Sidney. Give them the chance to prove themselves.”

“I will,” I promised, pulling up Taylor’s contact first. He’d be the least likely to yell.

The phone rang once before he answered, voice desperate and full of pain.

“Sidney?”

“Taylor, I need you guys. Please? I’m so fucking sorry,” I choked out before breaking into a sob.

“Sidney, we’re already on our way,” Bennett promised. “We’ll be there soon.”

“Call Leo, Sidney. He and Mav are together. We’ll meet them there,” Taylor said.

“I will,” I promised before ending the call.

Maverick didn’t even let Leo’s phone ring once, answering immediately.

“Sidney Vance, where the fuck are you?” he thundered into the line before Leo said something and snatched the phone from him.

“Sidney, please, tell us where you are. Let us help you,” Leo pleaded.

“I’m at the Network clinic. They know to let you in. Come to me, please,” I begged right back. “I’m sorry.”

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