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I frowned. “I didn’t think shifters got sick.”
She tensed, then let her shoulders drop. “Damn. I’m going to have to come up with a better cover.”
“What?” I said before thinking.
“I’m pregnant, but I don’t want the pack to know yet.” Her eyes darted to Tyson before returning to mine. “We lost the last baby in the second trimester, and it was terrible. Not just losing the baby, but the looks we got for months after. It’s really hard to heal and move on when everywhere you go people want to remind you.”
Oh. Wow. This was so much more information than I expected.
“Congratulations.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. “I promise I won’t tell anyone else.”
“Thanks.” She covered her mouth again with wide eyes and turned, running down the hall.
Morning sickness was no joke. I felt horrible for Mom when she was pregnant with Brielle. It felt like months of her not being able to go more than thirty minutes without throwing up. Hopefully, it wouldn’t last that long for Abi.
I went to the living room and sat on the end of the couch, giving Tyson plenty of space. He didn’t seem to like strangers, and I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. He was watching a show I recognized about dog superheroes. Aiden and Bri loved watching it, and it was one of the less annoying kid’s shows.
Abi returned a few minutes later, looking completely pale. “Sorry about that.”
“No problem.” I started to stand, but she waved her hand and plopped down in the recliner next to me.
“I’m sorry I haven’t reached out. Tawnya and I wanted to have you over, but this one has been kicking my butt.” She pointed to her belly. “You mentioned at the carnival that you had little siblings.”
I nodded, smiling just thinking about them. “Aiden is my best friend. He’s so mature and intelligent. I forget sometimes that he’s only in first grade.” I missed him so much, and I hated being away for so long. “Brille is the princess of the house. She had us all wrapped around her finger from the moment she was born.”
Abi smiled. “I’m so glad you grew up with a loving family. It’s the only way me and the rest of the family can let go of the pain of missing out on watching you grow up. I’m so grateful Masie got to you.”
I nodded. I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if she hadn’t come for me the night my parents died. Would the council have found me? Would they have killed me or taken me in as an experiment?
I didn’t want to know.
“I’m really lucky to have them and to find you guys.”
I might not know them well yet, but at least we had the opportunity to try.
“Tell me about you and your guys.”
I leaned back, making sure Tyson was still content. This wasn’t the babysitting I expected. She knew the basics about my life, what all my uncles did, so I told her about growing up thinking I was human, finding out about the supernatural world, and life at the academy. I even went into the details of the struggles I faced there, and how rough it was for our bond to unite.
“I’m so sorry you went through without knowing we were here to help.” Abi sighed. “I’m not sure what we could have done differently, but sometimes just knowing people have your back can help.”
I nodded. “You’re here now.”
“I’m sure your parents are looking down on us, yelling ‘it’s about time.’” She looked up at the ceiling. “I loved your mom and dad. I want you to know they were some of the best people I’ve ever known. They were kind and supportive and never judged a soul. They would be so proud of the young woman you’ve become.”
Tears burned at the back of my eyes. I never realized that was something I needed to hear.
“I––” she covered her mouth again and jumped to her feet.
When she returned a few minutes later, she looked even worse.
“Why don’t you go take a shower or get some sleep? I can hang out with Tyson.”
She looked at her little boy. “He’s nonverbal. That’s why I have a hard time leaving him alone, even for a few minutes. He’s fine right now, but he can get frustrated quickly if we don’t understand what he wants or needs.”
I glanced down at him. That explained why he hadn’t interrupted us so far. “Is it okay if I sit with you while Mom takes a nap?”
He didn’t react immediately, but a moment later, he nodded once.
