Chapter 5
1046 Words
Rose
"She's left." Black was still on the line and the cellphone pressed against Rose's ear. Neither wanted to end the call just yet.
"How are you?" The question seemed loaded and Rose knew Black was referring to more than just her general health.
"I'm fine. A little overwhelmed, but it helps to keep my mind occupied." Rose picked at a piece of lint on her pants as she skipped around what she really wanted to say.
"You can tell me, you know." Black's voice was soft but clear, the weight of his unspoken command heavy in the air.
"You have enough to worry about. All I want you to focus on is getting back to me uninjured," Rose said sternly.
"Then tell me what's going on with you. If I know what's going on, I will spend less time guessing, my love."
Silence stretched between them again as Rose's stubbornness chose that moment to rear its petulant head.
"Have you seen the doctor?" The question caught Rose off guard. Shaking her head slightly, she squared her shoulders before responding.
"I'm fine. The baby is fine."
"Answer the question, Rose." Black's deep voice wash over her, making Rose shiver.
"I want to wait until you are back before I go for a scan," Rose admits.
"There is no telling when that'll be. We have no idea how your body is going to respond to this pregnancy. Please, I need to know you are both OK."
"Of course we know how my body will react. Well, you will know. I've never seen a shifter pregnancy but judging by how many of us there are, it is not that complicated."
"This is not up for discussion, Rose. Go down to the clinic, they will help you straight away."
"Are you ordering me, Alpha," Rose's voice dripped acid.
"Yes." The answer came immediately and without any hint of apology. Rose's anger was now simmering beneath the surface, threatening to boil over.
"OK, but I want to wait until you're here before we find out the s*x," Rose concedes. It still was not exactly easy for her to submit to the will of her mate, but she understood why he needed it. He needed it more than she needed to hold on to the ghost of her previous independent life.
"Sure, all right. I think it's still a bit early anyway." Black's voice softened, his relief at Rose's submission evident.
"OK, let me get through talking with your mother, then I'll head down to the clinic. Do you want me to call you afterward?"
"I don't know if I'll be able to answer. Just send me a message and I'll call when I can. How are you going to convince my mother to allow her precious daughter to go train at the Council?" Rose bristled slightly at the sound of amusement in Black's voice.
"I don't think she'll put up a fight. Ever since Wren burst into our lives, Alina has been more accepting of Kat's choices."
"Do you think she disapproves of Wren?"
"No, she recognizes that her daughter is finally taking something serious in her life. Kat's different, Black. I don't sense so much chaos around her anymore. And if I can sense it, your mother definitely can. In fact, I don't think Kat even needs my help. I think she just wants someone there to help face her mother. It's not an easy thing, you know."
"No, I don't. You are the Luna here, my love, and doing brilliantly by the sounds of it."
As much as they wanted to continue talking, Black needed to go. They said their goodbyes and Rose managed to hold back her tears until the call ended. There was no point in Black hearing her cry. He was the only person who could fill the gaping hole in her heart, but Rose needed her mate focused on the battle ahead.
Rose allowed herself a moment which lasted only a few minutes. Wiping the wetness off her cheeks, Rose focused on her breathing to try and calm herself.
"Right, OK," Rose spoke into the quiet of her office before bracing her hands on the chair's armrests and rising to her feet.
*****
Rose found Kat in the kitchen, her hands wrapped around a mug. A pot of tea sat close to her elbow and Rose's insides screamed at her to pour a cup. Pat stood in front of the stove. She absentmindedly stirred at the contents of a large pot as she stood half turned away from the stove.
"How wonderful to see you, our Luna," Pat said warmly and Rose couldn't help but return the older woman's smile.
"Hi Pat, how are you?"
"This one here seems like she knows where she's going. I am happy indeed."
Rose might be the Luna, but she knew Pat was like the pack's mother. She genuinely cared for everyone, and they all felt special every time she placed a plate of food in front of them or shared a few kind words over a cup of tea.
"Here, it's de-caf," Kat said as she pulled the teapot closer to Rose.
"Thanks," Rose sighed with relief as Pat placed a cup and saucer in front of her.
"My brother OK?" Kat's question caught Rose slightly off guard, but she schooled her features not to show it.
"He's fine. He'll be better once he comes back home."
The women sat in silence, watching as Pat floated around the kitchen. She always seemed to be busy with at least three things. A timer chimed and Pat grabbed a tea towel before opening the oven and taking out a tray of cookies.
"It really is a blessing our metabolisms are so fast," Kat said as she inhaled the sweet, warm scent of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
"Wait at least ten minutes before you start demolishing that tray, young lady. Your stomach will thank you for it," Pat chuckled.
"Your cookies are safe this time, Pat. Rose and I have a mission," Kat said seriously.
"It will all work out in the end, you'll see," Pat said with an encouraging smile.
"I hope so, Pat. Thanks for the tea. Rose, you ready?"
"Of course. Let's go."
- Writer
