Page 31 of Shark’s Rise

Three weeks.

Four.

Five.

“Oh, God,” I blurted. No. Nooo! How could this be happening? How could it really be close to six weeks since I had my period last? How had I not have noticed I was late?

That answer came with agonizing speed. I had been so wrapped up in everything else, I hadn’t been paying attention. But how could I possibly care for a child if I couldn’t even count fucking days on a calendar?

And now that the possibility was horrifically real, I didn’t even have the test to take for clarification. It was back on the floor, next to where I’d thrown it at Elijah like a child confronted with the truth about Santa Claus. I’d have to wait a bit and sneak back out to the great room and see if he left it sitting out somewhere. Or maybe I could ask Dori to bring me a test next time she went into town. Oh, yes! Much better idea.

I cracked my door open to go find her. I paused, like a naughty kid listening for—why not—Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. If I heard Elijah moving around anywhere, I’d just tuck back to my room.

I didn’t hear a thing.

Except the crunch that resulted when my toe hit the damn shopping bag—which had been placed just outside like a sentry guard.

I was really starting to hate him.

But I swallowed my pride and snatched up the little package. After locking my door, I hauled the offensive box all the way out. There was only one way to restore my peace of mind—whatever that was anymore—and to prove him wrong, as well. That happened right now.

I went into my bathroom and peed on the damn stick.

Five minutes later, and two solid—and I mean very solid—blue lines later, the truth was confirmed.

I definitely did not have a stomach bug.

Chapter Six

Sebastian

“You scored how many goals? Are you sure it was that many?” I laughed as Vela’s version of a girl growl stretched across the miles between us and tugged at every string of my heart. Good-naturedly teasing her, even over the phone, was one of my favorite pastimes. By contrast, there were still too many damn papers on my desk left to sign.

“I am! It was! Ask Mom!” Vela insisted. My answering smile was a welcome stranger to my face, making me not want to end the call.

“Actually, little star, is your mom there? I need to talk to her before I go into a meeting.”

“You work too much, Uncle Bas. We haven’t seen you in soooo long. And when is Miss Gibson coming back from her trip? I miss her too.”

“You and me both, baby,” I muttered.

“Okay, here’s Mom. Love you.”

“I love you more. Study hard.”

“Of course! I’m a Shark!”

I was still chuckling when my sister came on the line.

“You bring out the fire in that girl’s soul, Sebastian.” Pia laughed softly. “I don’t know what it is, but I swear she stands an inch taller after she talks to you.”

“I will always be here for her. You know that.” I vowed it to my sister with an ache in my chest that always swelled for these two ladies.

“I do. What’s going on? How have you been? How’s Abbi?” she asked tenderly.

“I think we’ve been better. The separation has been difficult for both of us.”

“I can only imagine.” But her tone told me something different than the pledge. That she didn’t have to imagine. That she understood the solitude of my spirit all too well. Not that she was about to dwell in that emotional space. “Well, I’m continuing to stay extra vigilant and watchful, though there’s nothing new to report from this side of town. I do appreciate Elijah dispatching an extra man to assist during Vela’s games. The parks are a little tougher for me to watch over than simple school pickups and playdates.”