Page 235 of G.O.D.S Omnibus

“We will be tracking Corey’s movements. Creed is going to give him one of our tracking devices.”

We all stare at Brennan as he continues his explanation. It’s a risky move, but if anyone can do it, it’s Creed. That fucker is so damn stealthy. It could also put Corey’s life at risk if Ziyon finds out.

“Are we sure we should risk the man’s life? Haven’t we learned anything after Case being hurt?” I question. Where do we draw the line?

“He will be perfectly safe. This is only a temporary tracker. He will swallow it, and we will get about four days of transmission before it passes. We just need to find out where Ziyon is hiding.”

I nod. It seems like it’s the safest way.

Case refused to stay in the hospital—or the Olympia equivalent. He said there was no way he would miss our first birthing classes. I argued we could all just skip the first lesson because, truth-be-told, I really didn’t want to go to it. Honestly, I don’t understand why they are so important. What goes up must come down after all, and no matter my feelings on the matter, these babies will come out one way or another. So what use are birthing classes? Brennan, however, managed to convince all the guys it’s a good idea—knowledge is power and all that—so off we go.

I have already received three messages today from Sinclair saying if anyone finds Blayne’s dead body, she brought it on herself. Five from Blayne complaining that since she didn’t ask for any of this, she shouldn’t have to miss her combat class. One from Colt asking if costumes are optional, whatever the hell that means. And one from Chester saying he may not make it, as they have had a possible breakthrough.

“Are you excited about your birthing class tonight?” Petra asks from the kitchen while she serves up dinner portions into containers for everyone to reheat when they’re hungry.

“Not really. I’m more of a turn up and hope for the best kind of girl. You know, YOLO.”

“I get it, but having a birthing plan is important and knowing your options is a good place to start. You know Brennan, he likes to be prepared.”

“I guess.”

“Since you’re going to Olympia, would you mind dropping these off to Chester and his new colleague?”

She slides two containers across the bench. “Are we feeding everyone now?” I ask with a laugh.

“Nah, just the pretty ones,” she throws back.

“Pretty... as in ashe?” I had forgotten the new scientist was a female.

“Yes, Scarlett. She is such a gem. So polite and friendly—they were here the other day.”

“Here?”

Petra still has her back to me, finishing up the food while I press for information without ripping her throat out. There was another woman in my house while I wasn’t here, and he didn’t even tell me?

“Yeah, they scared the life out of me. I had my headphones in and was vacuuming while everyone was out. When I opened his door, I almost jumped out of my skin.”

Biting my lip to refrain from yelling at Petra, I mentally remind myself I’m not being rational. And I keep telling myself this as I slide out of my seat and grab the containers.

“When Trace gets out of the shower, can you tell him I will meet him at Olympia?”

She nods even though she knows I shouldn’t leave the house by myself. But she also won’t tell me I can’t, though I’m sureshe will text Brennan the second I leave the kitchen. I don’t bother changing; instead, I hightail it to the garage and snatch a set of keys from the hook. A black SUV that is barely ever used lights up as I press the unlock button. I pull myself into the driver’s seat, reverse out of the garage and press my foot on the accelerator, screeching out of the driveway.

The short drive to Olympia is even shorter, with my anger riding me as hard as it is. How dare he be all “You can’t have your best friend in your room because he is a guy” and yet he can be alone with some random woman and then bring her to my house?! I hate the rage burning inside me—I’m not usually like this and blame the pregnancy hormones.

I dial Chester’s number as I pull into the parking lot, and it goes straight to voicemail. I take the elevator up to the fourth floor, but with the recent renovations, the entire layout has changed. Once the doors open, the receptionist smiles at me. Sally is in her mid-forties and so nice.

“Jolie, I wasn’t expecting you today. What a nice surprise.”

“I have a birthing class here today and thought I would bring Chester his dinner.”

“Such a lucky man. He is in the lab.”

“Thanks, Sally. I even brought you a meal. Petra made extras.”

I hand her Scarlett’s container and she smiles at me. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You can finish up early. None of the guys will be back in today, and it looks pretty empty here.”

---