Page 26 of A Cobbled Conspiracy

“You’re right,” I said, shooting Penny a grateful look. “Thanks for reminding me.”

Blake was already reaching for his phone. “Marcus can drive you. I’ll have him bring the car around immediately.”

“We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Penny said, already gathering his things. “Try not to solve everything without us.”

“Just focus on keeping Leo healthy,” Blake said, his alpha protectiveness clearly engaged. “Everything else can wait for now.”

An hour later, I was perched on an exam table in Dr. Westfield’s office. Marcus had dropped us off with instructions to call when we were ready for pickup. When the nurse called, I’d left Penny in the waiting room. He was probably flipping absently through a dog-eared magazine, eyes darting up each time the door opened.

The thin hospital gown hung loose across my back, the rough cotton fabric barely meeting at my shoulder blades and exposing my skin to the cool, sterile air of the examination room. I shivered slightly, acutely aware of how vulnerable the open-backed design made me feel.

“Let’s get some blood work done first,” Dr. Westfield said after taking my vitals. “The symptoms you’re describing could have several causes, but we’ll start with the basics.”

She may have been appointed by the court to monitor my health during Dominic’s incarceration, but I liked her. Her warm chamomile scent made me feel calmer. More importantly, I felt I could trust her to give me honest medical advice without judgment.

Thirty minutes later, she returned with results I expected, but hearing her say the words aloud still made my world tilt sideways.

“The pregnancy test is positive,” she said gently. “You’re about five weeks along, which would explain the nausea and fatigue you’ve been experiencing. Male omegas often experience more persistent nausea, especially early on.”

Dr. Westfield sat her clipboard aside. “How are you feeling about this news?”

“Overwhelmed,” I admitted. “Scared. But also… hopeful? I wanted children eventually, but the timing…”

“Is never perfect,” she finished with an understanding smile. “But I have to tell you—the stress hormones from bond separation can be dangerous for both you and the baby. This pregnancy could significantly strengthen your mate’s case for release, especially given the health implications of prolonged separation. Your alpha’s continued incarceration poses a direct threat to both your health and the pregnancy.”

She picked up her clipboard and scribbled on it. “Make sure his attorney is aware of this. I’ll make a note of it in my official report.”

“Actually,” I said. “His attorney thinks the charges will be dismissed entirely tomorrow. There’s proof the evidence against Dominic was forged.”

Dr. Westfield’s eyes brightened. “That’s wonderful news! The timing couldn’t be better.”

“Is the baby okay, though?” I asked. “With all the stress, I mean?”

“The baby is fine for now, but you need to be very careful about managing your stress levels going forward. The bond separation has elevated your cortisol levels, which isn’t ideal for early pregnancy.” She looked at me seriously. “You should tell Dominic about the pregnancy as soon as he’s released. An alpha’s paternal pheromones can actually help stabilize an omega’s stress hormones during pregnancy.”

“And what about…” I felt heat rise in my cheeks. “I mean, after he comes home, is it safe to…?”

“Physical intimacy isn’t just safe during early pregnancy—it’s actually beneficial for both of you, especially after a stressful separation like this,” Dr. Westfield said gently. “It can help regulate stress hormones for both alpha and omega. Just listen to your body and communicate with your mate about what feels comfortable.”

The relief was overwhelming. I’d been worrying about so many things, and having medical reassurance felt like a weight lifted from my shoulders.

Dr. Westfield smiled understandingly. “I’ll write you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. If you experience any bleeding or severe cramping, you come to me immediately. Promise me.”

“I promise,” I said.

Dr. Westfield left the room, the door clicking shut behind her. My fingers drifted to my belly, tracing across the still-flat surface where a tiny miracle grew.

A baby. Dominic's and mine—a small life we'd created together.

Would he be pleased with the news?

“How’d it go?” Blake asked when Penny and I walked through the penthouse door two hours later.

“Good,” I said honestly. “Dr. Westfield gave me some vitamins.”

“And instructions for activities to destress,” Penny said, his grin unrepentant.

I bit my lip and resisted the urge to roll my eyes. The memory of Dr. Westfield's medical clearance for Dominic and me burned fresh in my mind—something I already regretted sharing with my insufferable best friend.