Page 58 of Power Shift

There’s a cautious touch on my wrist, and I snap my eyes down to stare at it. When I see they’re Sadie’s fingers pressing against my skin, I offer her a smile, warmth blossoming in my chest.

“What about the other alpha? The other one who’s causing problems?” she asks softly.

“I think Landon is closest with Dash, our beta. That could be what’s causing so many issues with our bond, but I can’t be sure. At least not yet. I’m supposed to go to their house for dinner, and maybe then I’ll get more answers.”

“Pack bonds are . . . intense. Loyalty is something that can be both a blessing and a curse. I don’t have any experience with betas, though,” Sadie says.

Clover tugs open a drawer to grab a spatula before attacking the casserole. “All I know is that with or without a knot, they can keep up just fine with what an alpha can offer.”

“I’m in the same boat as you, Sadie. Dash would be the first beta I’ve been with before.” I take a long pull of my drink and try and cool my temperature before it can spike. “If that even happens.”

Sadie squeezes my wrist before pulling her hand away. “If it doesn’t, he would be a fool. The entire pack would be to let you slip away.”

“Thank you. That’s sweet.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Okay, how hungry are you? Tell me before I pile too much food on your plates,” Clover says.

From what I see when I look at the three plates on the counter beside her, she’s asking a bit too late. The tower of food on the furthest plate is intimidating.

“I’m pretty sure I could eat a value-size box of Lucky Charms at this point,” Sadie states while rubbing her belly.

The stretched material of her shirt shows the outline of her belly button. But it’s the movement happening above that tiny swell that steals my breath.

“I think baby likes the idea of that,” I murmur.

Sadie follows my gaze and pokes the top of her belly. “Oh, I’d say so. They’ve been one of my cravings. Well, Lucky Charms and strawberry milk.”

“Clove, the baby’s dancing right now,” I tell her.

“Ah!” She whips around so fast the spatula in her hand falls back into the casserole dish with a splat. “Let me see!”

“You can feel if you want,” Sadie offers once Clover’s dropped to a crouch beside her. “I think we’re past that stage by now. You too, Briar.”

Tears prick my eyes as I nod and join Clover. I set a hand beside my best friend’s on the area of Sadie’s belly currently rippling with movement.

“This is their foot,” Clover explains, slowly prodding down the side of Sadie’s stomach and to the bottom curve before settling. “So active. Do they do this all the time?”

“Pretty much. It’s usually more when I’ve had something sugary.”

“Like Lucky Charms,” I note, cracking a smile.

Sadie laughs, light filling her eyes. “And a watermelon mocktail.”

“Well, I can’t say that they’ll be my biggest fan once I’ve gotten some real food into you. I guess I’ll have to be the buzzkill aunt,” Clover teases.

Sadie looks at the two of us, something like hope sparking. “I don’t think they’ll mind. At least, I won’t.”

A rush of excitement shoots through me. It’s probably too early to be making plans with a new friend, but something tells me that Sadie won’t be going anywhere. At least not if we have anything to do about it.

She may not have come to Harbour of Hope in search of more than healthcare, but oops. We’re more than happy to give her more than that, and soon, baby too.

A night like this makes it hard to worry about my romantic life. It’s relieving and exciting and exactly what I needed.

20

JASPER

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