Page 54 of Power Shift

Clover nods as I blink past the pathetic burn in my eyes. The warm scent of brown sugar fills the office, meant to calm Sadie but doing the same to me. If it’s unprofessional to feel so strongly for the omegas we help here, then I’m as bad as they come. That’s who I am, and I won’t change for anything. I like to think my compassion makes me a better doula and human being.

There’s a lack of empathy in the world right now. Too many people have become afraid to care for others and instead fill their hearts with cruelty. It might be easier to feel nothing, but if that’s the kind of person someone chooses to be, I pity the day they seek help from others and are met with the same disregard they offer to those who deserve better.

Caring deeply for others isn’t a flaw in your molecular makeup. It’s the opposite.

“We’ll take care of it, Sadie. You can put your trust in us here. We won’t take it for granted,” Clover swears.

Sadie smiles slightly. “That’s why my brother sought you out.”

“Are you safe right now? Have there been any breaks in the restraining order?” I ask.

“No. They’ve stayed away for the most part.”

“What falls into the ‘most part’ category?” Clover asks, shifting forward slightly on the stool.

“I’ve seen Thorne lingering across the street from my place, but he hasn’t crossed the road or attempted to contact me.”

Clover hides her concern behind a well-crafted mask of calm, but I know her better than to fall for it. “Would you mind sending over a picture of the restraining order when you get home? I’ll pass it to the security team and have them read over the details for their plans. Starting today, they’ll be monitoring the clinic off and on until you go into labour.”

If Sadie’s alpha is already stalking her outside of her home, it makes me nervous that he’ll escalate once she goes into labour. Keeping an alpha from his offspring isn’t an easy task, let alone one who’s legally required to keep his distance. Add in his tendency for violence, and we need to make sure we’re prepared.

“Yeah, of course. I’m going straight home from here anyway,” Sadie says.

Clover drops her leg to the ground and leans over her knees, holding Sadie’s timid gaze. “I’ll have my phone on me every day. I’m serious, if you need anything, you let me know.”

“So will I,” I add.

“Every day but Saturday,” Clover corrects me with a stern look.

Despite my best efforts, my stomach erupts with butterflies at the reminder of my plans. In just two days, I’ll be having dinner with my potential pack. The first of what I hope can be a million more to come.

Clearing my throat, I nod, knowing this isn’t the time to give details. Looking at Sadie, I say, “Every day but Saturday.However, if it’s an emergency, Clover will let me know, and we’ll both be there no matter what.”

“I appreciate both of you being so dedicated. Truthfully, I didn’t know what I was expecting when my brother told me that he’d made me an appointment,” Sadie admits, rubbing soothing circles over her belly.

Clover beams. “It’s what we do. And I’m grateful he knew that.”

“Still. I’ve never been great with putting my faith in other people.”

“We’re excited to prove ourselves to you, Sadie. You deserve a support system,” I say.

“What about a friend? Or two?” Clover asks.

Sadie’s eyes widen, betraying her surprise. “I don’t expect anything like that.”

“I know. That doesn’t mean we can’t give it a try, anyway. Do you have dinner plans tonight? I can make a mean and clean chicken casserole. Baby girl will love it,” Clover says, going completely off book.

I don’t remember the last time we invited a client for dinner. It’s not a bad thing, just unexpected. Clover has a heart ten times too big for her tiny frame, but she guards it from those she doesn’t know well.

“You’re sure?” Sadie asks cautiously.

I laugh. “Trust me, she wouldn’t offer if she wasn’t sure. But she is overselling the casserole.”

“Ignore her. I even have a few mocktail mixes I’ve been needing an opportunity to use,” Clover muses.

Sadie keeps a hand on her belly. “Well, in that case, I’m sold.”

“Perfect! I have two more appointments this afternoon, so how does seven sound?”

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