Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 75 - Diverted Costs Of Care

Chapter 75: Chapter 75 - Diverted Costs Of Care

Days ago, I was so sure the father was the very man... the ill-tempered wolf that had handled me like particularly stubborn garbage upon my arrival in this world. Even if that has a chance of being untrue?

"No - there is no father involved and I will keep it that way."

Vrika growls softly in alertness... as if ready to defend this decision alongside me. Rather than pressing me one way or another, the other woman simply nodded.

"Understood. I only asked because the full moon is in two weeks. Without a pack structure, you may find it more... difficult to manage the increased hormonal fluctuations of the male wolves."

Of course, this was something I had thought about. Helene knew that werewolf kind was more trouble during the height of lunar activity.

When you are a member of the pack, there is a certain... rule may be the word, but it doesn’t sound quite right, either. Instinct?

An understanding to not just go mad - and do whatever you want with whoever you want.

Marked females were safe in that regard. Werewolf young, as well.

But groups of unmarked wolves? Well, the humans might call it lots of games of ’grab ass’.

> Your last partner really knew strange terms for being stuck in that village. <

Running through the forest, burning off the exciting energy in their bodies while trying to attract each other. Or being bullied for their slow speed with slightly vicious nips at your legs.

In a way, I can see why she was fairly desperate to ’land’ Jace. It put a sort of stop to that potential monthly torture.

> Fleeing it all like I did never seemed like an option to her. Pack was her life, even if they were ’assholes’. <

"By that you mean that I’ll be chased? What are the rules on standing my ground in your city?"

The look I give her as I say this makes her eyes flicker orange. She quickly clears her throat, but doesn’t quite turn away from the challenge.

"No more strict than anywhere the council oversees. But there will be inquests if they force you to take it that far. In short, protect yourself and your child."

"I see. Just no premeditated murders made to look like I was defending myself, is that right?"

More orange glitters brightly - and it calms me down. Flustering such a reaction out of the professional woman makes me smile.

"Sorry, that was a bad joke. I have a problem with pushing buttons I shouldn’t. You’re a very upright person, Dr. Lang."

"...I appreciate the compliment."

A small proof that there is still that commonality between our worlds. The rules of Beasts are different from the rules of Humans, which is again further disparate from the rules of Shifters.

The way of our communities, the expectations among us, and the empathy we share are all different depending on what we are. And what we act like we are.

"Now, about payment..."

I start to reach for the white card in my pocket, the card that has solved so many problems since my arrival. My crutch and lifeline.

"We have several options for uninsured patients. This includes some grant-funded programs specifically for women in difficult situations."

Before the piece of plastic can leave the pocket, I let go of it. The less I use her money, the better.

And there is still a chance that she might not... be told I was here. Dr. Lang looks at me appraisingly as I stand there thinking about what to do.

"In particular, our ’New Beginnings’ program covers initial consultations and basic prenatal care for werewolves who have recently... changed circumstances. The other programs are meant more for the humans and require valid identification and paperwork."

I frown at that - the lack of official paperwork for myself almost getting in my way. But it was also...

"That program sounds like it is almost entirely intended for runaways from other packs."

"Because it is. Our Alpha created the fund for it herself."

My hands clench and shake a little at hearing her brought up.

"How recently was it created?"

"Three years, I believe. Though it has only been used twice since then."

A sigh escapes me... feeling ’safe’ that she doesn’t seem to know yet. I also feel a little sad.

> I just thought, for a small moment, that she might have known and done this for me anyway. What wishful thinking... <

"That doesn’t seem like a lot."

"Believe it or not, we get a lot more visiting patients from outside the city in far more stable situations than the one you seem to be in."

Vrika bristles and I place a hand on its head in my mindscape. I’ve dealt with enough double-speak to understand when I’m being insulted.

> She meant nothing by pointing it out. But thank you for paying attention to threats I might miss. <

"Well, it’s a good thing. That there are not more like me."

"Ms. Lomdi... single parent pregnancy can be an isolating experience. Honestly, it can be isolating even with a spouse, because they are not truly going through the very same experience."

Half the sneer on my face, at her words, is looking back to the past - at the royal family, loyal subjects, and carefully chosen lovers. Which of them ever knew how isolating any of my life then really was?

While the other half looks to the future, where I’d never truly expected there to be anyone other than myself and the wolf spirit I’ve contracted with. My head tilts and I brush one of my twin-tails.

"The point, please?"

"We offer group sessions twice a month. You might find it helpful to connect with others going through similar experiences, even if they are mostly humans."

I hum noncommittally... but the offer lingers in my mind. The idea of a place where I might speak openly about the pregnancy is tempting in ways I hadn’t expected.

The fact that it wasn’t her offering to place me in a room with only a bunch of werewolves to talk about their feelings is even better. My wolf whines softly in my mind and I cave just a little.

"I’ll consider it."

"Good. That’s all I’d ask."

She handed me a slip of paper with her signature and something else scrawled on it. I honestly cannot make any of it out, nor do I understand how anyone possibly could.

"This is for prenatal vitamins specially formulated for our metabolism. Using human ones won’t harm you, but they do lack the right balance for the best effect."

"Okay?"

The doctor points to her tablet before standing up.

"I’ve already sent the order. You can fill this at the attached pharmacy before you go. It’s part of what is covered by the program today, don’t worry."

"...About that. Who will know that I’ve been here?"

"Hm? Just the people that have seen you today."

My jaw tightens down as I feel forced to ask in a very certain way. Just so she can’t misunderstand.

"What about your Alpha?"

"Ah... so that is what you mean. No. The account is completely at my discretion to use, under her orders. I’ve never reported the names or likenesses of the other patients to her."

Again, that same feeling of relief and disappointment. That same fear of her knowing and the hope that when she does, nothing...

> Nothing will change. <