Wednesday
Hank and Sybil invited Caleb and Wednesday to stay with them until they found a place to live. Their house was big enough that the two couples had plenty of space and privacy. Wednesday tried to convince Caleb they would feel more comfortable after a few more days. Two days was not enough time to form an opinion.
Wednesday liked having Hank and Sybil around. Since coming to their house, Caleb had only been around to sleep a few hours. He refused to talk about Maria or the fire. She didn’t know where he went all the time. The funeral was in an hour and she didn’t know if he was picking her up or meeting her there.
“Are you sure it’s okay if I don’t wear a dress?” Wednesday asked Sybil. “The store had no maternity dresses.”
The older wolf shifter put her arm around Wednesday. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I want to make sure everything is—” A sob cut off the rest of the sentence.
Sybil hugged her tighter.
“I thought I was doing better.”
Sybil pulled away and took a tissue. “I thought I was better too. I’m going to miss her.”
Wednesday sat at the table and hid her face behind her hands. “I still feel like I’ll wake up and this will be a bad dream. After our girls’ night out, Eliza and I talked about a going away party.”
Sybil sat next to her. The two women sobbed quiet tears for almost a half hour.
Hank walked in from his office. “We need to go.”
“Has Caleb talked to you? Is he meeting us there?” Wednesday asked.
“I haven’t talked to him. Do you want me to check with Cameron?”
“No. Cameron sent me a text earlier asking me about him. No one has seen him.”
“Do you want to wait for him?” Sybil asked.
Wednesday shook her head.
“Well then, it’s time.” Hank helped his mate stand and then helped Wednesday.
A twinge raced down her back to her legs. “Humph.” She pushed a hand against her lower muscles.
“Are you okay?” Sybil reached to support her.
“Yeah, it’s passed.”
“Have you had those before?”
“No this is the first one.”
Hank opened the front door. “It’s probably nothing but rest a lot today. This will be a hard day. Also make sure you keep hydrated.”
Sybil slid her arm through Wednesday’s. “Those babies will be here before you know it. I can’t wait to meet them.”
“Did you two have children?” Wednesday waited until Hank unlocked the back car door.
“We have two boys. They joined the Carter pack a long time ago. The old man—” Sybil nodded to Hank, “—and I are good without a pack. But the boys needed that support.”
“Have I ever met them?”
“I don’t know. They work in the oil business. They spend most of their time on rigs in the ocean.”
The ride to Maria’s funeral was somber. Wednesday was glad the other two stopped talking. A heavy rock rested in her stomach. A thick fog swirled in her mind. Her falcon provided as much support as possible though it was more like platonic friends instead of the passionate lovers she was used to. They both understood the need to focus on the twins, but the lack of full connection weighed on them.
Wednesday saw everyone else standing in the parking lot. No Caleb. Her heart ached more watching the others share support. Cameron and Connor had their mates. Eli showed up in his formal kilt and gave Ginger a friendly shoulder to lean on. Wednesday reminded herself to ask Ginger about them.
Damn you Caleb.
With only a few seats left, Cameron insisted that Wednesday needed to sit. Though she appreciated the gesture, her aching back pushed for movement. Cameron wouldn’t listen when she mentioned standing.
“Is Caleb coming?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I woke up a little last night when he came home, but we didn’t talk and he left before I woke up this morning. He needs to be here. It worries me.”
Cameron shrugged. “Caleb is the most mellow person I know. He’ll be here. If anything, he’s trying to figure out the fastest way to rebuild.”
“Do you want to rebuild?” Wednesday asked.
“Sure. Why not? Connor and I talked to the insurance company yesterday. It should be an easy deal. You don’t?”
“I don’t know. The resort consumes Caleb. It’s all he thinks about.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I hope he wants to rebuild.”
The organist stopped playing and everyone settled into their places.
Wednesday focused on the people in the front pew. They must be Maria’s family. The older woman cried quiet tears while the man on her right stared ahead with an empty stare. She rested her hand on her stomach. Her babies were safe for the moment. She controlled everything that happened to them. That changed the minute they joined this world. Could she protect them from pain and hurt? Could she save them from death? Absentmindedly, her hand fell to her side. No Caleb.
After the service, Wednesday followed the crowd through the receiving line. She hugged Maria’s sister and her mother. She nodded to her father. It broke the last piece of her heart to see him struggle with a brave front. He greeted everyone as protocol called for, but Wednesday sensed he also kept a protective stance over his family.
As she walked down the stairs, another sharp pain raced down her back, the intensity buckling her knees. She held onto the banister and made a soft whimper.
Sybil put her hand under her arm, helping her gain balance. “Another one?”
Wednesday gulped a breath and nodded.
“How many have you had?”
“Maybe half a dozen.”
Sybil stepped ahead and whispered to Hank. Hank glanced back and smiled.
“How ya doing, little lady?”
The others in their group noticed her delay. They stopped and stared. She hated being the center of attention.
“I’m fine. These kids are getting on my last nerve, but I feel fine. Don’t worry about me. Let’s get to the reception.” She stopped short. Another pain.
“We need to take you back to my place. It’s a little early, and we may be overreacting, but I’d like to check you out to make sure everything is okay.” Hank headed to his car.
Tatum stepped up and took his place. “That may be for the best. We can always get to the reception later.”
“But Maria’s family. We need to pay our respects.” Wednesday pressed against her lower back to lessen the pain. “I’m sure these are just Braxton Hicks contractions.”
Sybil opened the back door. “Maybe, but better safe than sorry.”
Tatum kissed Connor on the cheek then joined Wednesday in the back seat. “Let’s go Hank.”
Panic filled Wednesday. “Caleb’s not here. He never made it.”
Tatum squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. If it’s time, it doesn’t happen as fast as you think. I told Connor to track him down. If we need him, he’ll be there.”
Fat tears rolled down Wednesday’s face. “Why didn’t he come. I kept thinking he’d join us, but he never showed.”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure he had his reasons. Something more important. You know Caleb. He takes care of everything.”
Wednesday wanted to believe her. Caleb was always there for her before. There was no need to think he wouldn’t be there for her now. A dark idea wedged in her thoughts. They hadn’t talked since the night before the fire. She closed her eyes and reached for her falcon. She was there but disconnected. Without the full link, the connection their birds shared was weak and unreliable.
Where are you?
Tatum and Sybil helped her walk into the house. The three women felt the bed was more comfortable than the couch. They helped her settle in and Tatum examined her.
“I think this may be more than Braxton Hicks.”
“But Caleb—”
Tatum held up her hand. “The boys are looking for him. Don’t worry. Are you comfortable?”
Wednesday tossed back the covers. “Not really. I’m hot.”
“Want to walk around?”
Wednesday nodded. Tatum helped her out of bed.
After a few trips around the upstairs hall, Wednesday said, “Don’t make me get back in bed.”
Tatum chuckled. “This is your show. Do what feels right for you.”
“How long do you think it will take?”
“It depends. I’ve been watching you and I don’t think your labor has a pattern yet. This is only my second shifter delivery. Hank’s here though, so we’re good.”
“How many babies do you think he’s delivered?”
“I lost count.” The old doctor joined them in the hall. “I’ve been doing this longer than both of you have been alive. I’ve delivered shifter babies, human babies, and animal babies. There’s not much I haven’t seen or brought into this world.”
“What’s been the craziest delivery?” Wednesday asked.
“Are you sure you want to hear that story?”
“I need a distraction.”
‘The craziest delivery would be your mate and his twin. Cameron came out in a rush. I swear he was racing to get out. But Caleb, Caleb got stuck with the cord wrapped around his neck. Then suddenly he fought his way out and boom, there he was, stubborn little cuss he is today.”
Wednesday snickered. “My mate? Stubborn?”
The three of them laughed.
Wednesday arched her back as another contraction built intensity. She held her breath and braced herself against the railing.
“Don’t fight it, Wednesday. Breathe through it and listen to what your body wants,” Tatum assured her.
Wednesday inhaled, opening her chakras and focusing on the rolling pain coursing through her. She rotated her hips and swayed as it apexed and then slid away.
“Your yoga should help with this,” Hank said.
Wednesday wanted to believe him, but the prospect of a long delivery pushed its way through her peaceful and calming thoughts.
“That last one was bad, wasn’t it?” Tatum rubbed her back.
Wednesday nodded. “I heard what you said, but shit, that sucked.”
“Aww, honey, just tell yourself it won’t last forever.” Sybil brought her a glass of water. “That’s the only thing that got me through it. I kept telling myself, this will be over soon. It can’t last forever.”
Tatum’s phone dinged.
“Is that Caleb? Did Connor find him?”
Tatum held up a finger showing she needed to check. “It’s Connor. They haven’t found him yet, but they think they know where he is.”
“Where is he?”
“They think he’s at the hospital.” The color drained from Tatum’s face.
“The hospital!” Wednesday dropped to her knees as another contraction seized her back muscles. She moaned and rocked with the pain. Bile filled her mouth and her stomach churned. “I’m going to puke.”
“Hold on, honey.” Sybil ran away and returned with a towel. She put it under Wednesday. “It’s okay, honey.”
Wednesday’s stomach shrank and twisted. Vomiting in front of other people embarrassed her. She gulped air and fought against it. Her eyes watered, and a sour, sick taste twisted her mouth.
Tatum rubbed the other side of her back. “Don’t fight it. If you need to get sick, it’s okay.”
Fear took hold of her heart and as she protested, her stomach flew into her mouth. Her empty stomach churned bile and heaved acid on the towel. The contractions paralyzed her legs and dry heaves twisted the rest of her body.
As one contraction died, another began.
“I think we need to move you to the bedroom,” Hank said.
“I can’t feel my legs. Oh. My. God. I can’t feel my legs. What’s happening?” Wednesday scanned the faces staring at her.
Tatum felt her back and belly. “It’s okay. The babies are moving to make their way out. I think one of them is sitting on your back in a weird way.”
“Where’s Caleb?” Fear and frustration took over Wednesday. “We have to slow this down. Can I just try to relax and make this stop?”
Tatum smiled. “It doesn’t work that way. Don’t worry. Those babies aren’t here yet. There’s still time.” She nodded to Hank.
Hank bent and scooped her off the floor.
“No, no, no. I’m not doing this without him.” Wednesday protested. “Make this stop, Hank.”
“I would if I could. But those little girls of yours are ready with or without their daddy.”
Sybil squeezed her hand. “Get ready. Those little girls will control every part of your life now.”
Wednesday laid on the bed. Another contraction. She detached herself. Another contraction. And no Caleb.
Caleb
After two hours, Caleb didn’t fall asleep. This wasn’t his bed. This wasn’t his room. Hell, it wasn’t even his home. He wanted to be grateful to Hank for sharing his house, but he resented the doctor. It was up to Caleb to provide for his family. That was his main function. And right now, he couldn’t do that living under another man’s roof.
He sat on the edge of the bed, his feet resting on the floor. He spent the whole day before searching for a place he and Wednesday could live. The resort ate so much of his money; he didn’t have the liquid assets to put a down payment, first month’s rent, and all the fees of an apartment. But with the babies coming soon, he needed to find a place.
Caleb dressed in the dark and left the house before anyone awoke. He needed a job. He needed his own place. He needed money. But most importantly he needed coffee.
Tatum swore the all-night diner off the interstate had the best coffee in town. She and Hank went there for lunch every time they made house calls.
He bought a paper and went inside for an early breakfast. Evan and Russell, wolf shifters from the Carter Pack, sat at the counter. Most of the town people went to their mechanic shop at one point or another. They might know of a job opening. He sat down next to them listening to them arguing over basketball.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Evan sneered.
“Care to put your money where your mouth is?” Russell coaxed him.
“You bet. I’ll put twenty on UCLA in tomorrow night’s game.”
“Oh, you’re on.”
The two men shook hands.
The waitress stopped in front of Caleb and asked him what he wanted.
“Coffee and a menu.”
Russell swiveled to face him. “Hey, Caleb. What brings you out this early?”
Evan nudged him, and Russell gave his friend a scrunched-face look. Evan leaned across his friend and said, “Sorry to hear about your place. I hear the fire destroyed everything.”
The waitress poured coffee into a mug. “The whole town’s sorry about that, Caleb.” She handed him a menu and walked away.
“Shit, that’s right,” Russell said. “That sucks, man. What are you going to do?”
Caleb let the dark drink burn his mouth and scorch its way down his throat. It smelled of smoke. Everything still smelled like smoke. “I don’t know. It doesn’t seem real, yet.”
“Well, you’ve got insurance, right? That should help,” Evan said.
“I suppose.” Caleb signaled the waitress and put in his order. “The insurance money won’t be here for a while.”
“That royally sucks, man,” Russell said.
“Yeah, but whatcha going to do?” Evan said.
“I’m glad I ran into you guys. I’ve got to do something now before Wednesday has the babies.”
Russell smacked his shoulder. “That’s right. She’s got those babies. Congratulations, man. How’s she doing?”
“She’s doing great.”
“Are you still at the resort?” Evan finished his last bite and pushed his plate away.
“Nah, we’re staying with Hank, but I want my place. Know what I mean?”
Both men nodded.
“So, hey, do you g
uys know of anyone hiring right now? I’ll take anything.”
Russell shoved the rest of his pancake in his mouth. Caleb cringed as a dollop of syrup ran into his beard. “Have you tried the hospital? They’re always hiring people. In fact, they have a hard time keeping people.”
Caleb arched an eyebrow. “Really? Why’s that?”
“From what I heard, it’s just not the friendliest place to be,” Evan said.
“I don’t need friendly, just a paycheck.” The waitress set his breakfast in front of him.
“Are you sure you want a job there? It’s like janitorial or something. A guy like you needs an office job,” Russell said.
Caleb wasn’t afraid of hard work and took offense that these guys thought he couldn’t handle a labor job. It was a mistake to ask these knuckleheads. “Maybe. Look, never mind.”
Evan got up and sat on the other side of Caleb. “Ignore that asshat. I get it. You’ve got a lot of responsibility right now. I’d be stressing if I was in your shoes. Go to the hospital. If there’s nothing there come by the shop and I’ll talk to the owner about finding something for you.” He sat back, reached behind Caleb, and nudged Russell. “Let’s get out of here.”
Russell knocked off Evan’s hat as he walked to the door.
Evan swore under his breath. “Sorry about my friend. His brain doesn’t always function.” He thrust out his hand. “I’m sorry, you have to go through this. If you need anything, let us know. Talk to the Alpha if nothing works out about a job.”
Caleb shook Evan’s hand. “Thanks, man. Tell your wife I said hi.”
“Will do.” Evan turned, joined his friend at the door, and continued their previous argument about basketball.
Caleb finished and paid for breakfast. The Libre Volare had been his passion for so long, he worried he wouldn’t be qualified to work any place else. He had to try. Hank’s place was not his home.
After stopping by the bank and cashing in some of his investments, he headed to the hospital and now he sat across from a most unpleasant woman.
He waited in the reception area for hours before she finished a meeting. The antiseptic smell made his head hurt, and the uncomfortable metal chair reminded him too much of sitting in a principal’s office. He would not leave this place until he had a job, so he dealt with the other issues.
Shelter For My Mate: Sassy Ever After (Sanctuary for My Mate Book 3) Page 8