Page 101 of Sincerely, Pack Pucked
I scoffed, eyeing him hard. “Oh, you’re one to talk.”
We devolved into a fit of giggles, but then Saint walked over, thumbing my cheek as he smiled.
“We should really get you a pet so you’re not alone when we have games,” Saint said, grinning down at me.
“Ooo, a puppy!” Jasper exclaimed, practically bouncing up and down.
Percy snorted. “No, you’ll never remember to walk it. Plus, you’ll have Mable walking it while we’re away, like she won’t have her hands full with the baby.”
Jasper’s face fell. “Oh, yeah. Okay maybe something small, a kitten or a bunny?”
“A rabbit?” Devin raised a brow as he sauntered out from the back, heading past everyone to the door. “You are not putting a cage in here. And a cat’s going to scratch the baby.”
He had a point, sort of. Still, I shook my head, leaning up to kiss Saint and Jasper before shooing them towards the door. I couldn’t drag out this goodbye any longer than we had. It was just making it harder.
“I’m fine. I don’t need a pet.”I need you all to hurry home. “Go play your game, and then come home and cuddle me again. That’s what I need.”
Before I could stop it, I found myself in a group hug. All my alphas pressed in around me, and I was overwhelmed by the fantastic scents swirling around me…and the feeling of being so very loved.
“We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Devin whispered.
“Sooner, if I can get Saint to ignore the fangirls again.” Jasper giggled at his own joke.
“Don’t listen to him. I haven’t looked at any of them. Ever.”
Smiling in the center of the huddle, I nodded. “I know. Now, go on. You’re all crushing me.”
The alphas pulled back, and reluctantly, they made their way to the door. We said a few more rounds ofgoodbyeandcall me, and then it was quiet. I was alone in the penthouse. Rubbing my hand across my stomach, I looked down at the little piece of Pack Garnett that would stay with me.
“Come on, bump. Let’s get a snack.”
***
My whole body was on fire, and I thought my head would explode.
It started much the same way as the last time the guys left for a game—I got a headache, which I chalked up to stress. Thankfully, the pain was mostly in my head, so I wasn't concerned about the baby. If I had even the slightest hint of cramping, I would have gotten myself to the nearest medical facility right away.
At first, I decided the only thing I could do was distract myself, so I tried studying, and when that was a bust, I’d switched to reading something a bit more fun. Only, when my eyesight began to blur and the words started dancing on the page, I thought a TV show might be easier to cope with.
I was wrong.
After several hours of trying to distract myself, I gave up. Crawling into my nest, I grabbed several throw pillows and cuddled them to my chest, feeling utterly sorry for myself. I’d had headaches before, but this was different. There was a deep, crushing sense of dread, and I had no idea where it was coming from.
It was like the sensation that everything was wrong which I’d experienced the last time the guys left. Only, this time, it was so much worse.
Am I losing my mind? This can’t be normal, right?
I’d never experienced an anxiety attack like that before. It wasn't like I was bogged down by immediate panic and a rushing heart. It felt like something was off, itchy, and too tight under my skin. I wanted the boys back. I didn’t know why I thought that would be the cure-all, but it seemed as good a guess as any.
Ugh, I hate this. Am I hungry? Should I try to force myself to sleep? I could have some of that chamomile tea…
I had no idea how much time had passed, but I was still feeling awful. I didn't want to disturb the guys because I knew they would likely have their phones in their lockers. Still something wasn't right, though. I knew I needed to talk to someone, so I picked up my phone and scrolled through my contact list until I found the number for the medical center that I had gone to recently with the guys’ insurance.
“Hello, Kirkman Medical Center, how can I help you?” The cheery voice of the receptionist rang out, bright and perky, despite the late hour.
Apparently,veryexpensive medical centers stay openverylate at night.Good for me.
“Hi… Uh, I started at your clinic recently. I'm pregnant, and something’s going on.” My voice was shaking, and that nervous pounding in my chest had started up, impossible to ignore.
