Page 5 of With A Little Luck
Tossing my purse over my shoulder, I head for the door and let myself out as my hands shake.
God, what a mess.
I pull the phone to my ear and take off down the hallway as my panic intensifies.
Donna is a great nurse.
We lucked out finding her.
I’ve already been struggling, even with her coming five days a week.
How in the world will I manage until we can find a replacement? The interviews last time were a nightmare. There’s no way I’ll find anyone who clicks with Gran as well as she does.
I never should have left the house last night, but I did, and now I have to live with the repercussions of my actions.
Pete’s office, the bar, and the hotel are all within a few blocks of each other, meaning my car isn’t far away. I was going to take a cab or rideshare last night, since I had been drinking, but I’m fine to drive myself now. Hopefully I can find the way to the parking lot without much trouble.
“Quincy?” Donna answers the call when I’m halfway down the hallway, and her tone says it all.
“What’s wrong?” I choke out, stopping to pull on my heels.
“Just get home safely. We’ll talk once you’re here.”
Chapter One
Quincy
Almost Eight and a Half Months Later
I’m not a morning person under the best of circumstances, but I had to be up for an early morning shift that I’ll have to head back to once I’m done here.
My lower back throbs, and I plaster on a fake smile as Dr. Lindsay continues stressing me out. I’m doing my best to stay upbeat, but she seems to have made it her life’s mission to give me anxiety.
I understand she’s trying to be helpful. It’s just not information that I want to hear.
“I can already tell you’re anxious by your scent, but Quincy, the goal is to have a healthy baby. We can’t put a price on that,” Dr. Lindsay says.
And of course, she’s right.
Having a healthy baby is priceless.
But she must not understand the severity of my financial situation.
“The Alpha Pheromone Therapy is pricey,” she says. “But it’s worth it. The risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, and even severematernal complications all go up exponentially when a female omega isn’t exposed to alpha pheromones regularly during the pregnancy.”
She’s told me the same thing at my last two appointments, but I wasn’t having any concerning symptoms.
The last few weeks, I’ve felt rundown in a way I haven’t been able to shake, no matter how much sleep I get. On top of that, I’ve been having cramps and running a fever the last three days, which is why I called and came in early for my checkup.
“It’s new, and some insurance companies don’t cover it, but we know it works,” Dr. Lindsay says, meeting my gaze. “It’s a twofold process. A vaginal suppository used three times a week that simulates alpha semen and a daily packet of a simulated pheromone solution. You apply that to your neck or wrist. When using these in combination, it lowers your risk factor to almost that of a bonded omega with regular access to alphas.”
“I checked into it last time you mentioned it,” I admit. “I’m not being purposely stubborn, I swear I’m not. I don’t have insurance. Do you know that medication is like three grandfor a month’s supply? I can’t afford that.” Even I can hear how hysterical I sound by the time I finish my sentence.
“That is highway robbery.” Dr. Lindsay grimaces. “Okay, if the APT is off the table, let’s discuss sending you to one of the omega sanctuaries. There’s an Omega Exchange location less than an hour away. They have a volunteer program. You can ask to be matched to alphas. Even three visits a week for half an hour would be sufficient. I’m worried the symptoms you’re having are your body’s early warning system. We need to pay attention to those signs.”
She’s trying to look after the baby, but my eyes still ache.
My stomach bounces as the baby rolls or stretches, and I run my hand over the movement.
