The Light in Us

37. Fallon

37

Fallon

I t starts with a sudden, heavy tug in my abdomen.

I’m lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Ellis, Rory and Shaun came home from work late enough that I wrapped up their dinner and went to bed, grateful for the distance as I curled myself into the bedding.

The usual dull ache feels a little sharper tonight. A little more bite to it.

I turn onto my side, kicking off the covers.

I’m too damn hot . Sweat dampens the back of my neck, soaking into the pillow behind me as I press my arm against my forehead, feeling the heat before I even touch it.

I’m burning up.

I twist around again, drawing up my knees. My scent feels heavier, too. It soaks into the air, musky orange with the sweet, spicy scent of nutmeg.

My hips rotate. And my eyes fly open, as I hear voices coming from the kitchen.

No.

I drag the bedding over me, trying to ignore the heat as I curl up, gripping my stomach.

Just a spike. That’s all it is. A precursor to the heat I’ve been putting off for seven years.

Every year, the pain gets worse.

There’s a knock on the door. “Fallon?”

Rory.

Another twist digs into my abdomen as I fold over, my teeth snapping together to hold back my moan. My scent hasn’t reached the hall yet. But if he comes in here—

I’m panting when the door opens. Flinching back, I scrabble against the headboard, shaking my head.

“Fallon.” Hands on my face. “It’s me.”

Blearily, I peer at Shaun. “I… I need—,”

The strain of my perfume shows on his face. “What do you want to do?”

I bang my head back. “Meds.”

I need them. Shaun shifts in place, his eyes darting to the door when I whine. “I’ll get them, okay?”

He disappears, the door closing behind him. It feels like hours before he appears again. I cower beneath the covers as he comes closer, my legs shaking. “ Please .”

I slide my bare arm out in silent request.

I don’t want it. Don’t want it here, in this house. Not with them .

The faint prick of the needle is nothing compared to the need dragging my body down. “It takes a few minutes.”

I’m shivering. I’m so hot , but I can’t shake the cold that settles into my bones. A cool cloth covers my forehead, and I push against it with a sigh. “Helps.”

“You’re going to feel like shit for a few days.” Shaun stands, his eyes sliding over my swaddled body as I poke my head out from beneath the covers.

I wet my lips, my voice rasping. “Don’t tell Rory.”

He’s never pushed me before. But this time… I don’t think he’ll be happy. Shaun glances around the room, grimacing. “Hard to hide it. But… I won’t say anything.”

“Thank you.”

After he leaves, I wait for the pain to subside. Slowly, my scent begins to lessen, the hormone blockers getting to work.

But the pain doesn’t stop.

It never stops.