Page 100 of In Doubt

Holding my thumb down on the button, I watch as it lights up, chirping in my hand.

Several messages spring up. A conversation between Sia and Jake, with him giving her updates. Those stopped a day ago and there’s a string of anxious messages from Sia as well as missed calls.

Guilt swims through my stomach making me sicker than I already am. I need to let her know I’m OK, but first I need to talk to my brother.

I dial his number, wondering how he’s going to take this news.

But it’s not Ric who answers the call, it’s his mate, Connie.

“Giorgie,” she squeals down the line. “Is that you?”

“Hi Connie. It’s me.”

“Oh my god, I’m so glad you called. Ric’s been driving us mad here because you haven’t been in touch for like, what, two day’s or something ridiculous. I’ve told him you’re too busy having fun but you know how he is.” I can practically hear her rolling her eyes. “So are you? Having fun?”

“I’m …” I try to keep it together, to keep my voice calm and collected. I don’t want her to worry. But the sound of her kind voice has my bottom lip trembling and a sob breaks free from my throat.

“Giorgie?” she gasps, her voice suddenly alert with tension. “Giorgie is everything alright? What’s going on?”

“I want to come home.” I’m properly crying now and I’m sure she can tell. I know I’m cutting short a trip of a lifetime, blowing off my chance to claim that research place I’ve been working hard for. Throwing away the future I’ve been dreaming of. But right now none of that matters to me. I just want to be home.

“Oh sweetie, what’s happened?”

I meant to be vague about the whole thing. I know Ric and his pack already worry about me as it is. I’m also sure no matter how many times I reassure them otherwise, they’re going to hold Jake and the others responsible for this mess and things could turn ugly. The truth comes tumbling out anyway. It’s hard to lie to Connie.

“I got my heat.”

“Your heat? Ahhh shit! Sweetie. You poor thing. Is it over? Are you OK?”

“No,” I say, sniffing. “It all went horribly wrong. I’m such an idiot, Connie, such a giant idiot. Do you think Ric could change my ticket so I can come home early?”

“Shit, Giorgie, you know your brother would move heaven and earth to get you home if that’s what you want.” She pauses, clearly picking her words. “Did something bad happen? Did someone hurt you?”

“No,” I shake my head. “No it wasn’t like that. I thought I could handle more than I could. I had … I had some kind of flash back I guess and it triggered a panic attack.”

“You were with an alpha then?”

“Hmmm.” I can’t bring myself to tell her I was experimenting with a pack.

“Did he push you too far?”

“No, I pushed myself too far.” Nausea swims through my gut and panic bubbles there too. “Connie, I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to get home as quickly as possible.”

“Of course you do. I’m just … when I tell your brother you know he’s going to have questions–”

“Please don’t tell him the truth!”

“Giorgie, seriously? Why? This isn’t your–”

“He already thinks I’m some pathetic baby who can’t take care of herself.” And maybe he is right.

“Giorgie, he thinks nothing of the fucking sort. You’re smart and brave and amazing, Giorgie. Do you know how intimidating you are to us mere mortals?”

I smile despite myself, wanting nothing but a hug from my brother’s omega.

“Please, Connie. Just for now. Tell him I got food poisoning or something and want to come home.”

“I’m sending him over there to fetch you, Giorgie.”