Page 37 of Catalyst

“The kid's dad was a pyromancer, a powerful one too.” Kane said calmly, crossing his arms as he spoke. “His mom… She died, but she wasn’t a super. Callie is. That meansnothingis going to happen to her. Got it?”

If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought Kane was threatening the doctor. If he was, it didn’t seem to phase her.

“Thank you,” she said plainly before focusing on me. “Are you still taking the ten milligrams of Neutralixa each day?”

I nodded slowly, silently praying neither of the boys knew what that was.

Dr. Fields nervously clicked the pen in her hand. Her mind was alive with a million different options, none of them ones I liked. But, after a minute, she spoke.

“Given the increase in your temperature, we need to consider upping the dosage to twenty-five milligrams.” She said cautiously, looking more at Kane than me as she spoke. “And, given the strain that the baby's extra heat is putting on your body, I’m also going to recommend you stay at home and rest until the baby’s born.”

My stomach dropped. “What? I have school. The semester just started!”

“I know it’s not ideal, Calista. But right now, we need to think about what’s best forbothof you. Plus, the higher dosage of Neutralixa is likely to make you drowsy, and with the existing strain from your fever, bed rest is the safest approach.”

My chest burned, not from the fever but from embarrassment. “I can’t just drop out, I’ve worked–”

Kane clamped a hand over my mouth.

“Rest and medicine it is,” he said firmly. "Thank you, Doctor."

“You can’t just decide that for me!” I protested, my voice muffled by his palm. “This isn’t about you." He growled, his eyes narrowed into a glare. "It’s about your health and the baby. I’m not letting you dig yourself an early grave.” His words were barbed, and I could tell by the way his expression shifted that he regretted his tone.

But, the damage was done.

Chapter 12

Jace

Dr. Whatever the fuck her last name was said Calliewould feeldrowsy,not that she’d be dead to the world. We let her sleep yesterday, waking her up only to make sure she got enough to eat and drink. And while Ilovedto snuggle with sleepy Callie, she had important shit to do, like dropping out of school.

… Well, the term she used wasmedically withdrawal,but same difference.

And, seeing as we’d have to walk directly into her mom’s office to pull her out of classes, it wasmy jobto help the princess piss off her parents one last time before being removed from their slimy grasp. Andnothingpissed off parents like a scary boyfriend. But Kane was busy. And while I was nowhere near as frightening as him, I didn’t mind being mean.

At exactly a quarter past nine, I walked into her room, breakfast in hand.

Callie didn’t so much as stir when the door creaked open. Her blonde hair was wild with sleep, and she’d balled herself up in the covers. I knew that meant her fever was probably back, but that also meant she was going to wrap her gorgeous self in my arms the second I woke her up.

That thought had me practically skipping to her bed like a fucking moron. Being excited to cuddle was virgin behavior, which meantmefeeling likethiswas mortifying. Fuck, I had someone pay to lick my ass-hole last night, but the idea of having Callie rest her head on my chest caused my pulse to skyrocket.

God, I was fucked when it came to this girl. But I could unpack allthatin therapy. Right now, I was on a mission.

“Psst, Princess. I’ve got breakfast,” I whispered, placing the bagel on her nightstand. “I’ve also got a plan to piss your mom off.”

She didn’t even twitch. So, I did what any logical, totally not hopelessly in love person would do and climbed into bed with her.

The mattress dipped as I settled beside her, sliding an arm under her shoulders and pulling her close. Instantly, she shifted toward me, nestling against my chest with a sigh. All it took was her weight against me, her head tucked perfectly under my chin, and I’d have sworn the rest of the world didn’t exist. It didn’t need to, as long as I had her.

“Callie, it’s time to wake up,” I said, keeping my voice far too stern for my liking.

She let out a low groan, hiding her face in my chest. I sighed as I stroked her hair, silently praying she couldn’t hear the racing of my heart.

“Five more minutes?” She pleaded.

I smirked, willing to give her five more hours as long as I got to stay with her. But alas, we had to be productive.Gross.

“Five more minutes? You really think I’m going to let you sleep the day away again?” I grinned, tilting her chin up so she’d have to look at me.

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