BirthControl (2 page)

Not knowing what to say, she remained quiet as she poured them both glasses of tea.

“Do you think I’m stiff? Or too serious?” He took a sip from the glass as he watched her.

She thought about it for a moment. “Stiff? I don’t know about that. But you’re very serious for someone so young. You’re only sixteen? Seventeen?”

He nodded.

“In all the times you’ve visited, all our conversations have been about your preparation for when you become an adult. You talk about Alpha training, pack protocol, learning to cook, or run a den so you’ll be a better Alpha. Don’t get me wrong, preparing for your future is great, but I think you’re allowing your childhood to pass you by. You have the rest of your life to be an adult. To be responsible for others. Now’s the time to have fun, make mistakes, get into trouble, have adventures.” She winked at his open-jawed expression. “Kids are allowed to get it wrong, they get a pass. Adults…not so much.”

He blinked and then swiped his lips. “Get into trouble? Have adventures? What?…Is that what Tyrone and Tyrese did?”

Jasmine hid a smile. Callum worshiped her boys from a distance. He could never get enough of her talking about her sons.

She snorted. “Is water wet? You better believe they did. When they get back I’ll have them tell you about some of their escapades. I had my hands full with those two.”

“And now…” he cleared his throat. “You’ll do it again.”

Her head whipped around and she stared at him. “What?” she asked in a horrified whisper. She’d only accepted her pregnancy just minutes ago. Surely, Callum didn’t know.

His face reddened as he wiped the moisture from the glass. “You’re breeding. I can smell it, although it’s a little different than some of the pack bitches.”

Her throat tightened. “Smell?” She shook her head, certain she’d misheard him. “Did you say you can smell my…a pregnancy?” she corrected.

Callum frowned, his brow furrowing deeply. “Pregnancy? If that’s the same as breeding, then yes. The scent is stronger now, but it’s been changing since the day in the forest.” He shook his head and stared up at her. “Is everything okay?”

“You’re referring to the day when I found you changing into your wolf? That day?”

He nodded.

Her heart raced. It was right after finding him that she went into what her sons told her the wolves called a mating heat. Warmth rushed up her neck in remembrance. She’d been so horny she couldn’t think. Somehow her fired-up libido had sent out a 911 call to every wolf in the compound. Fights had broken out as the eager wolves jockeyed to be the one who put out her flame and scratch her itch.

Problem was she could’ve been killed, or at least that’s what they’d thought at the time. The more her sons learned about her ability to do what should be impossible, giving birth to shifters, the more she discovered her body’s amazing capabilities. According to her sons, women like her lived long lives, healed fast, were strong and could take quite a bit of physical abuse.

“Ma’am?”

Jasmine noticed the concerned look on Callum’s face and offered a small smile. “Just thinking about what you said. Starting over, babies and the whole nine yards. I hadn’t really given it much thought.” She twisted her neck from side to side to relieve the pressure. “I need to start doing that.” She sighed. Changing diapers was not what she’d meant when she’d decided to do something different with her life.

“I guess a trip to my doctor is in order.”

“My mom’s doctor is in town. Much closer.”

Suspicious of his eagerness, she stared him down. Silas hadn’t said she was a prisoner but you never knew when dealing with the Top guy. “How close? On the grounds or in town?”

“In town.”

Her shoulders relaxed a fraction. “Okay. I’ll call and make an appointment.”

“It’s already taken care of,” he said sheepishly. “The Patron took care of it and I’m here to let you know it’s in an hour.”

Aggravation raced across her chest. “They sent you? Instead of calling and asking me or better yet, allowing me to set up my own damn…” She threw up her hands. He was a child and she refused to take this high-handed maneuver out on him.

“I’m sorry.” He looked away with his head down.

Inhaling deeply, she reined in her temper. Good dick notwithstanding, Silas Knight was a pain in her ass.

“No, Callum, I’m sorry. I’m not angry, not at you. It’s just…it doesn’t matter. I need to see a doctor and the appointment's in an hour.” She stood and finger combed her hair. “I’m going to get dressed.” She glanced at him, hoping he took the hint to leave.

He stood. “I’d like to go with you, but if you don’t want me to, I understand.” He spoke fast and stared at the floor. As much as she liked Callum, she didn’t want him or anyone with her when she spoke to the doctor. This pregnancy would be different because she knew the babes she carried were not fully human. The idea was strange and she felt awkward.

“I’m going to do this by myself. Let’s go for our walk later, around five instead of three. That’ll give me some time to get a few things taken care of.” She needed to call Renee and her mother. Renee would freak, but she’d be happy. Jasmine wasn’t sure what her mom would say. Her mom had finally opened up and told her about her twin sister who'd died at birth. It had been an emotional conversation. Her mom had choked on the memory.

Callum nodded as he walked to the door. “The car will be here for you in forty minutes.” He left as she thanked him.

* * * *

“You already knew you were pregnant, so this visit is just confirmation.” Doctor Grimes tapped on the flat tablet as he walked to the door of the examining room. “You are in excellent health, so I don’t see any problems with you carrying to term. The nurse will give you a packet with information and suggestions for your diet. I’ve prescribed some prenatal vitamins for you. Start taking them today, the nurse will give you a sample pack to get you started.”

Jasmine clutched the paper gown to her chest for modesty as she watched the tall, muscular man stand near the door. The pregnancy exam had lacked the requisite trip to the bathroom. There was no weighing in or blood pressure check. For the most part, the doctor had inhaled and wrote notes. When he finally touched her, it was only to do some light pushing on her belly. She could’ve remained dressed for that.

“How long is term?” she asked as he pushed down on the handle to leave.

He met her gaze, a question in his eyes. “Seven months. You’ve carried a small litter before, how long did you carry them?”

Since he sounded genuinely curious, she answered. “Seven months. But at the time I thought they were premature. I didn’t know that was the…the normal time.”

He nodded and smiled. “I see.” He paused and then shook his head. “Any other questions or concerns?”

She had plenty, but feeling vulnerable in her undressed state, she declined his offer. “No. I’m good for now. I may have some later,” she rushed to add.

“Understood.” He walked out the door and stuck his head back in before he closed it. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Bennett.”

“Same here, Doctor Grimes.” He shut the door. She remained in place for the next few seconds digesting the news of her pregnancy. It was too early to determine much, other than she was pregnant. Slowly, she slid off the examination table. The cold of the floor sent a shock through her and broke her out of her daze.

As she walked through the doctor’s office, she noticed the stares directed at her. Some were hostile, some curious, and others were kind. The latter was in the minority, and based on what the twins had told her of the Mexican female, she shouldn’t be surprised. Especially since her babies were from Silas, the leader of the shifters.

“Here you are,” a petite blond nurse said as she reached the desk.

Jasmine took the packet and opened it. “Is this the information the doctor wanted me to read?” She pulled out a colorful pamphlet regarding food and exercise.

“Yes. When you get a moment, read through everything. If you have any questions, call our office at this number.” The nurse pointed to the highlighted numbers.

“Thanks, I will.” She turned to leave.

“One moment, here are your vitamins. The doctor wants you to start these right away.” Jasmine took the small clear container filled with tiny red pills.

Frowning, she shook the container of what reminded her of “Red Hots,” one of her favorite candies growing up.

“How many do I take a day?” She couldn’t believe these small things were the equal of the huge prenatals she’d taken during her pregnancy with her sons.

“Just one.”

Jasmine looked at the nurse and saw she was serious. “Okay,” she said with skepticism.

“I’ve made another appointment for you in two weeks, the reminder is also in your envelope.”

Jasmine nodded seeing the yellow appointment card. “Thank you.” She paused. No one had mention payment for services rendered. She wasn’t sure what proper protocol was, but she didn’t want to get called out for not paying.

Leaning forward, she cleared her throat. “How much do I owe you?” she asked just above a whisper. The gasps in the waiting room made a mockery of her attempt to be discreet. Even the nurse looked taken aback.

“I’m new here, so I don’t know how things go,” Jasmine explained, her face on fire.

“Oh…there’s no charge. We don’t charge our people for health services, that’s barbaric.” The bite in her tone made it clear what she thought of Jasmine’s offer to pay.

Jasmine bit back a sarcastic reply at the dig. Instead she tipped her chin, clutched the packet, turned and walked through the large waiting area. The snickers and whispers in the room, coupled with the heated stares, made her humiliation complete.

On the sidewalk she bumped into a man and his companion. “I’m sorry, excuse me,” she said, bending to pick up some of the papers she’d knocked out his hand.

“No problem, don’t worry your pretty head about it.” He turned to his companion. “Robbie will pick those up.” He handed her a flyer and bowed. “Mitchell Robbins, magician extraordinaire at your service.”

She glanced at the flyer and the round man. “Thanks.

The driver opened the car door and she slid into the cool interior, glad to end her starring role in the afternoon’s entertainment.

“I understand a prescription needs to be filled?” the driver asked before closing the door.

Unable to face more dual-natured folks, Jasmine decided one of her sons could pick up the prescription when they returned. She had enough meds to last awhile.

“Not today. I’ve got a headache. Please take me back to the condo.”

He nodded and closed the door.

Leaning back on the soft leather seat, Jasmine wondered what the hell had happened to her life. A month ago, the most critical decision she had to make was what to wear to a community play. With the pregnancy confirmed, she’d have to deal with Silas.

Groaning, she covered her face with her palm at the prospect. Her cell beeped. After rummaging through her purse, she pulled out the device just as it stopped ringing. “Renee.” She looked at the caller ID and debated whether or not she wanted to talk to her sister. She didn’t, not now.

Her cell beeped again. Resigned to get the conversation over with, she answered. “I picked it up but you’d hung up.”

“Really?”

Jasmine’s eyes flew open at the deep voice. “Silas?”

“Not who you were expecting?” His voice had turned dark, silky.

She moistened her lips and pushed her hair behind her ear. “No.”

“Where are you?”

“You don’t know?” she asked, relaxing in her seat.

“I wouldn’t have asked.” He sounded peeved.

Her smile widened. “I’m in a car headed back to my prison.”

“Where are you coming from?” She wasn’t surprised he didn’t address her current living situation. They both knew he refused to allow her to leave the shifter complex.

“The doctor.”

Silence.

After a few beats he spoke. “And?”

“In seven months, I’ll be having babies.” She tried to sound upbeat, but knowing he didn’t want her half-breed children stole some of her joy. She gazed out the window, wishing things were different. Wishing she didn’t have to go through another pregnancy alone. Her husband had missed the birth of their twins, and had been deployed most of their marriage.

“We.”

“What?” She reined in her musings and paid attention.

“We’ll be having pups…babies. Same thing. Everything else okay?”

“Not really. I’d like to go home. I don’t understand why you’re being so difficult. You don’t want these children.” She hated the whine in her voice, but if there was the slightest chance she could get him to change his mind, she’d do that and more.

“You can go home after the birth of my pups. Their birthright demands they are raised with the knowledge of who they are. They must be educated and trained. That’s not something you can do for them, Jasmine. Admit it. Tyrone and Tyrese’s father taught them how to stay alive by hiding in plain sight. I’m not taking them from you, I just cannot allow them to leave my home until they are strong enough to take care of themselves.”