Two weeks. I have four pills left. My hands tremble.
“That’s not acceptable,” I say, striving to keep my voice even. “This is a medical necessity.”
“I totally get that.” Aspen leans closer, dropping her voice even lower. “Look, there’s a heat supply store down on Spruce Street. They have some emergency products that can help ease you through until the shipment arrives.”
“I don’t need a heat supply store.” Heat flares in my cheeks. “I’m not an omega.”
“But the prescription is for?—“
“I have a medical condition,” I cut her off, the lie bitter on my tongue. I’m just glad I made a point of requesting my gynecologist’s office redact my designation before faxing the prescription. Medical privacy laws, for the win. “An endocrine disorder that requires these suppressants to manage my hormone levels.”
Aspen’s expression shifts to skepticism. “Really? Because these are specifically formulated for omega heat cycle management.”
“I’m aware of what they’re designed for.” I keep my voice clipped, professional. “My condition mimics certain omega physiological responses, but I assure you, I am a beta.”
She studies me for a moment, head tilted. “That’s...unusual.”
“Yes, well, rare medical conditions exist.” I extend my hand for the prescription paper. “If you can’t fill it, I’ll need to look into other options.”
“The pharmacist is on lunch break right now,” Aspen adds quickly, seeing my distress. “He’ll be back in thirty minutes. We might be able to compound something similar to tide you over until the real prescription arrives.”
Compounding means getting the pharmacist involved. If Jackson isn’t an idiot, he’ll be on to me as soon as he sees the order.
“That won’t work,” I say, trying to keep the panic from my voice. “Switching suppressant formulations is going to give me…side effects. And you must know even omegas aren’t supposed to switch their heat suppressants without discussing it with their provider first, right?”
“Honestly, most of the omegas around here aren’t that interested in suppressing their heats.” Aspen’s eyebrows rise slightly, the question in her gaze before she puts it into words. “You seem to know a lot about omega medication for a beta with an endocrine disorder.”
I swallow hard. “I’m a medical doctor. We study all designations.”
My mind races through increasingly desperate calculations. If I go into heat here, this rotation is over before it’s begun. Back home, I could request medical leave—my residency program director thinks I have chronic migraines—but here, an unexpected week-long absence would destroy any chance at completing my wilderness medicine certification.
And this certification is everything I’ve ever wanted. I can’t put my career at risk this close to the finish line.
“I’ll need to make some calls,” I say, folding the prescription paper carefully. “Thank you for your time.”
The anxiety follows me out the door like a physical presence, constricting my chest with each step. Four pills. Two days to find a solution before my carefully constructed life falls apart completely.
“I really am sorry.” She hands back the paper prescription, genuine regret in her eyes. “The supply chain up here isn’t like in the cities. Sometimes basic medications take weeks to arrive, let alone specialty ones.”
My fingers close around the paper, panic building behind my carefully maintained expression. I need a different plan. Fast.
“The heat supply store,” I sigh. “What exactly do they carry?”
Aspen brightens. “Natural suppressants, like the homeopathic stuff. Not really the same as something prescription, but some people think they help. Comfort items too.” She lowers her voice again. “And toys, if you’re interested in that sort of thing.”
My cheeks burn hotter. “I’m not!”
“Hey, no judgment.” She raises her hands. “Even betas can appreciate a good knot?—“
“Thank you for your help,” I interrupt, turning toward the door before she can finish that sentence. “I’ll look into alternatives.”
“Dr. Chang?”
I turn halfway toward her, itching to leave. “I really need to get back?—“
“Just so you know, there are more omegas per capita in this town than pretty much anywhere else in the country. And we get plenty of bonded packs that come here for vacation. The heat supply store might be the best-stocked one in the world. Even as a beta, you should definitely check it out. There’s a good chance they have something that might help.”
I clear my throat. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”
