Page 40 of Catalyst

Between the vaulted ceilings and the vines winding around every surface, it felt like I’d stepped directly into a fairytaleand not an office. Flowers in various shades of pink and blue decorated the long stems, most of them concentrated on the front of the packed bookshelves and the oak desk. The one Mrs. Voltaris currently sat at.

Her Auburn hair was tied up, and her green eyes focused on me. At first, they narrowed, but the animosity vanished the second she noticed I’d broughtCalistawith me.

“Callie?” She asked quickly, racing to stand up.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she rushed toward us. She pulled her daughter into a tight hug before pulling back just enough to cup Callie’s cheeks. My brow furrowed as I watched them. By how Kane talked about her, I expected Callie’s mom to be a cold-hearted bitch.

“How’s my baby?” She asked before looking down at Callie’s stomach, placing her hand on the curve. “How’syourbaby?”

Callie’s sapphire gaze fell to the floor as she pushed her mom away and mumbled a weak, “We’re fine.”

“Actually–they’re not.” I corrected as I pulled Callie away from the redheaded bitch. “The baby’s making her sick. She needs to rest. Doctor’s orders.”

Mrs. Voltaris's gaze snapped to me, her green eyes once again filling with a hatred that made the room feel several degrees colder. But she didn’t bother me. I knew the type.

“And justwhoare you?” The warmth she’d held for her daughter was gone.

“Mom,” Callie said, stepping between the two of us. “This is Jace. I’ve been staying with him since you and Dad kicked me out.”

“Woah, now, don’t understate it. I’m her boyfriend.”

Boyfriendwas probably excessive for what we were, but it got the point across.

Mrs. Voltaris's face barely concealed her shock, and I wondered if I was better or worse than Sulien in her eyes.

“I uh… I see,” she said, clearing her throat as she looked me over once more. “Well… Both of you have a seat.”

I guided Callie toward the chairs across from her mom’s desk before helping lower her into the seat. I didn’t sit beside her. Instead, I planted my hands on Callie’s shoulders, softly squeezing them as if that could break some of her bubbling anxiety.

“So… Was Jace right about the doctor?” Mrs. Voltaris asked softly.

Callie swallowed hard before nodding. “My fevers are back… Dr. Fields upped the dosage of my suppressors and told me I needed to relax. Something about the heat putting strain on both me and Sawyer.”

Her mom’s jaw tensed as she tipped her head to the side like a confused puppy. “Sawyer?”

“The baby… That’s his name,” I said coolly.

“Sawyer.” She repeated, and I could tell by the look in her eyes that something in her was breaking. “Well… If that’s the case, I’m going to need you to fill out the medical withdrawal papers, just so none of this goes on your record.”

Callie nodded. “I know, and I’m sorry.”

“No, she’s not.” God, why the fuck was Callie apologizing?

Once again, Mrs. Volatis glared at me, but she didn’t push the issue. Instead, she opened her top drawer and removed a stack of papers and a pen.

“Fill these out and then email me a copy of your doctor's note. Should you ever decide to re-enroll at Valor University, this will make the process easier.” She explained, sliding the papers to Callie before looking at me. “And you… Can we have a word in the hall?”

Callie looked back at me, eyes wide with concern before mouthing, “Don’t do it.”

But I wasn’t scared, so I gave her shoulders one last squeeze before telling her I’d be back. With that, Mrs. Voltaris stood and led me out into the hallway. I shut the door behind us, keeping my hand on the knob just in case Callie was planning on trying to sneak out to spy on us.

When Callie’s mom turned to face me, her expression was noticeably softer. The disapproval was still there, but it was masked behind something else.

“Jace,” she said my name slowly. “Is my daughter being taken care of?”

“Uh, yeah? Why wouldn’t she be?” I snorted. “Unlike some people, we care about her.”

She flinched as she folded her hands in front of her. “While I may not approve of her choice of company… I’m grateful that you took her in. I’ve been worried.”

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