Page 87 of Taken By the Pack

I stare at her, horrified. “You’re joking.”

She is very much not joking.

I groan, dragging a hand down my face. “This is a nightmare.”

Dr. Avery grins, clearly enjoying my suffering. “Maybe next time, you’ll think ahead.”

Doubtful. But I nod anyway.

As soon as I leave the clinic, I pull out my phone and open a new group chat.

Me: So, I have good news and bad news.

A few seconds later, Rowan replies.

Rowan: Bad news first.

Jake: I second this.

Ash: Same.

I inhale sharply, then type.

Me: Not pregnant. BUT I had to get a shot. And that means no sex for a month.

There’s a long silence…

Rowan: What the actual fuck.

Jake: A WHOLE MONTH???

Ash: You’re kidding.

Me: I wish I was.

The chat explodes.

Jake: What the hell are we supposed to do for a MONTH?

Rowan: This is cruel and unusual punishment.

Ash: I have never hated modern medicine more.

I bite my lip, grinning.

Me: Y’all are dramatic.

Jake: No, we’re ALPHAS. It’s different.

Rowan: This is basically torture.

Ash: If I get more work done than usual, I’m blaming you.

I laugh, shaking my head. Why did I ever think Alphas were insufferable?

My phone buzzes. Ash.

I answer, already smiling. “Hey.”

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