“In a literal sense, I suppose it would be possible. But painful.”
Laurie rolled her eyes. “That’s got to be a wives’ tale. Have you ever known anyone to really suffer from such a loss?”
Her mother shook her head. “But only because I’ve never known anyone to leave their mate.”
“Well, now you have.” Laurie smiled, but her body started shaking again. Maybe she had the flu? “I think I’m coming down with something. I don’t feel well. See if I have a fever.”
Her mother hesitated. “You don’t have a fever.”
“How would you know? Touch my forehead.”
“Sweetie, I don’t need to. Your body is reacting to the separation.”
“From my mates?” She rolled her eyes. This again?
“Of course.” Her mother stood. “Let me make a few calls. I’ll see if I can find out what to expect.” She headed for the door. “Have you connected with them at least? Let them know where you are?”
“No.”
“You better. Any minute now, my phone is going to ring, and I’m not going to lie.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t ask you to.” Half of her thought it might be best if she let her mother tell them.
“Laurie Hamilton. If you leave it up to me to tell your mates about your defection, I will make your life a living hell. Do your own dirty work.” She left the room.
Laurie closed her eyes. She rolled back onto her side, thinking that position was more comfortable. She really did think she had the flu. Hell, she’d been extraordinarily cold outside the other night and had been battling hot flashes mixed with chills since then.
“Laurie.” Corbin’s voice nearly screamed into her head. She’d stopped blocking him from reaching her she realized.
With a deep breath, she responded. “I’m fine.”
“Where are you?” Both of her mates asked at once.
“Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m not there.”
“What are you talking about?” Corbin asked. She could feel his stress and confusion through the connection.
“How is the weather?” she responded.
“The weather?” Zach’s voice rose through their bond. “Why the hell are you asking about the weather?”
“Just answer me. Has it improved?”
Corbin took over. “If you’re asking about the temperature, it’s normal. And no, it isn’t snowing.”
“Any other weird natural phenomena?”
“Laurie…” Zach sounded exasperated. “What is this about?”
“It’s about me and my effects on nature.”
“What do you mean?” Corbin asked.
“You can’t possibly not have noticed all the weird shit that has happened since I arrived in town. Don’t even try.”
Zach spoke again. “And you think you caused it?”
“What else am I supposed to think? Every single step of the way a fucking black shadowy substance has made itself known to me, nearly shouting at me to get the hell out of town to prevent any further destruction.”
“That’s crazy,” Corbin said. “Laurie, you’re our mate. You can’t walk away. Tell us where you are.”
“My parents’ house.”
“You mean you’re like two hours away?”
“Yes, and I want you to respect this decision and let me be.”
“What decision?” There was a hesitation before Zach continued. “Please don’t tell me you’ve decided to leave us.”
“I don’t know,” she muttered into their minds. “I need some time.”
“Time?” Corbin shouted. “I haven’t set eyes on you for almost two days, babe. That’s too long. We just mated last week. I need you. I need my hands on you. I need to breathe you in, touch your hair, kiss your lips. I’m shaking. Like a drug addict who quit crack cold turkey.”
Was he?
Was that what was happening to her? Maybe her mother was right. Withdrawal from drugs would have flu-like symptoms.
This couldn’t be happening. She refused to believe it. “I’m sure people separate. It happens. I’m not saying it’s forever. I just need to prove my point.”
Zach laughed sardonically. “I’m sure people do leave their relationships, but shifters do not. We can’t, baby. It’s physically impossible.”
“It can’t be that bad. I don’t believe it.” She hoped they couldn’t sense her teeth chattering through the connection. She’d begun to shake again. And now her breasts hurt. They were sore like they sometimes got right before her period or when she ovulated. Heavy. And her nipples puckered against the sheets.