On my way back to my room, I bump into Dereck.
- I've been waiting for you...
He's ready for bed, wearing only shorts so he won't be wandering the halls in his shorts. I crawl into his arms and we kiss as if for the last time.
- I love you," he says, breaking our kiss.
- I love you too... Even if I don't know how yet, know that I'll always love you...
We kiss again, then he informs me that James is waiting for me in my room. Reluctantly, I let him go into his room alone.
James is lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling. When I close the door, he straightens up on his elbows. Scrutinizing me.
- Why didn't you say anything?" he asks.
- So you'd both suffer? I wouldn't. I was upset enough as it was," I say, sitting down on the bed.
- What's Celia got to do with it?
- She's helping me.
- Helping you do what?
- Is this an interrogation?
- Just tell me what you're up to," he says, pulling me to him.
JAMESI was training when I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I knew right away that Tanya had a problem. I didn't procrastinate and left the field on the double.As I walked out the door, I saw Alpha carrying Tanya in his arms. I called to my companion and saw her body go limp and her head tilt back. Panic overcame me, petrifying my body.- James, the keys. To the hospital," orders Alpha, snapping me out of my trance.- Here," says Dereck, who's just arrived. I'll drive.I throw him the keys and take Tanya from Alpha's arms. I want her close to me. I'm so afraid of losing her. What the hell is happening to her?Celia, who has come upstairs with us, is in tears as she explains the state she found her in.Dereck stops in front of the emergency entrance. Some paramedics are already waiting with a stretcher. I assume it was Alpha who tipped them off.The moment I place Tanya on the stretcher, she starts convulsing. I
- Hi, princess! Sleep well?- Very well, thank you. How about yourself?- Fine. Would you like a coffee?- Yes, please. Celia still asleep?- Yeah, like a log," he says, setting a cup down in front of me.- Thanks, Dek.- Tanya, what's wrong?- Nothing, is everything okay? What's wrong?- Don't take me for a cub scout. I know you like the back of my hand. And if I can see it, so can James.- See what?- That something's wrong.- Dek, don't worry. It's been a long, exhausting week. I just need to get into a rhythm.He walks around the table and comes to sit next to me.- You know I'll always worry about you, right?I nod without a word.- You'll always be precious to me.- You too," I say, taking him in my arms. I love you very much.- Me too, Princess," he says, responding to my embrace.- Don't get me wrong, you two," echoes Celia's voice, still hoarse from
During the evening, we meet a dozen Alphas, often with their Luna, but some of whom haven't yet met their mate, a few Betas as well, and after making the rounds of the highest-ranking personalities, we are released by our Alpha to enjoy the evening.I don't leave James' arms; he wouldn't let me anyway. We enjoy a few dances, but in between each one, we're always being hailed left and right by members of the pack who want to congratulate us.- James?We turn to face Mathis.- Would you allow me to dance with your fiancée, if she'd like?James accepts and leaves a kiss on my lips before letting me go. Mathis leads me onto the dance floor.- Congratulations," he says, putting one hand around my waist and the other in mine.- Thank you," I say with a smile. How are you feeling?- Your visits do me good. I don't feel as agonized...- I'm glad.- Why didn't you tell me the news yourself?" he asks, pained.
- Where are you going?" asks James as he enters our room.I took the time this week to clear out my little girl's room, and parrain had the nameplate on James's door changed. Ours.- Getting ready with Celia," I answer in a monotone voice.- I was hoping to spend some time with you before the party. You've been distant this week," he complains, shoving his hands into his pockets.I put my things down and snuggle up to him.- Honey, I'm sorry," I apologize, wrapping my arms around his waist.He wraps his arms around me and buries his face in my neck.- I love you, Jamy, but we just got engaged. I'm not ready to have a child, I want to be able to enjoy you as much as possible without having to share you yet...- I understand, sweetheart, and I don't blame you. I don't want to think about it now either. But it's hard enough to do without you when you're indisposed...- There's got to be a solution, our parents only had one
We walk into James's room (where I spend all my nights, but haven't vacated my own room yet) and sit on the bed.- They never saw you take it? Or ever come across your wafer?- I've never tried to hide, I take it every day before I go down for lunch and my box is in the bathroom...She goes into the bathroom and I follow her.- What did you do when you spent the night with Derek? In the morning, I mean...- Since I've been here, my toiletries have always been in James's bathroom. I've got a spare in mine that I created during my period of abstinence, but otherwise I'd come here to get ready...- What about your place?- In my bathroom cabinet.- So he's excused," laughs Célia. But your boyfriend's a jerk!" she exclaims more seriously. It's in plain sight!- I know, I told you I wasn't trying to hide it! Why do you look so worried? I add when I see her face.- Mia wonders what the consequences might be...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Sister :Reed has arrived and James isgoing crazy...Tanya:Coming.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------I do my best to free myself from Mathis's grip, then kiss him on the cheek, temple and forehead. I slide a blanket over him before leaving. I send him a message that I hope will soothe him when he wakes up.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Tanya :I'll be back soon, I promise.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------I say goodbye to her parents and Clarissa walks me to the door.- Please don't wait until it's completely dark before asking me to come. I plan to be back very soon, but if he