Page 50 of In Plain Sight

Instead she walked to me and wrapped a strong arm around my waist.

"Come on, I've got you."

"I promised him I wouldn't move until he got back."

"He's in there talking to your father and filling him in on how you're doing."

I wanted to be stubborn and wait, but I caved and allowed Mom to help me back into bed.

"Don't hold back on my account, Ruby. How are you holding up?" she asked once I was settled.

"Honestly, I'm not sure yet. My head still feels like it's in a fog and I'm processing everything pretty slowly. Did they tell you I wasn't able to shift?"

She smiled and nodded, brushing some hair back from my face. "Lily told me. Doc thinks you may be pregnant, but that it's still too early to confirm. How are you feeling about that?"

"Terrified," I admitted.

She smiled. "I thought maybe you would be. I mean, Bran disrupted your life pretty good already, and you've never been big on changes, but a baby is a happy occasion, Ruby, and I know you'll make a wonderful mother."

"Mom," I said, rolling my eyes. "I'm not terrified of being pregnant. I'm terrified they were wrong, or that I'll lose the baby because I was so sick. I want children more than anything."

Mom seemed a little surprised at my admission, but she smiled proudly and hugged me. "I have a good feeling everything's going to be just fine," she said.

Bran walked in to check on me, followed by my Dad. Dad turned white at the sight of me.

"Geez, do I really look that bad, Dad?" I teased him.

"Yes," he said honestly. "Are you certain she's okay?" he asked Bran.

"Daddy, I'm right here, and I'm fine," I told him. "Sure I've had better days, but compared to the last few, I'm doing great."

He blanched at the thought and I realized I hadn't really looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't want to see how bad I looked. Judging by my dad's reaction, maybe I should have.

"You still look beautiful to me," Bran reassured me.

"You have to say that unless you plan on sleeping on the couch," I teased him.

He just smiled back, and I could see he was goading me and looked relieved that there was still a spark of sass in me.

"Have you eaten?" Mom asked, changing the subject entirely.

As the former Pack Mother, she had always cared for people. It made her happy and kept her sane in times of crisis. Feeding people was her favorite way to care for them.

"I did. Lily made some chicken broth last night and I was able to hold a little of it down this morning."

"She's on broth and water only for right now. We'll upgrade this evening if she manages to keep that down," Bran said to my mom, before turning to me. "If you'd like more, there's plenty, and don't forget your water bottle is on the nightstand."

Mom reached over and grabbed it, then handed it to me. She gave me an encouraging smile to drink, so I did. It still felt like a large lump in my throat, but I got a few more sips in just to show them I was trying, before putting the cap back on and setting it next to me.

"How about you, Bran? When was the last time you ate?” she asked, turning her attention to my mate.

He shrugged. "I don't know. Lily could probably tell you. Truth be told, the last few days are a bit of a blur for me."

"I imagine so. Your wolf must have been insane," Dad said.

"Helpless is probably the best word for it. Knowing there's nothing I could have done to help her in any way. That was the worst part of it, for me at least."

I reached my hand out and he climbed on the bed next to me to take it.

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