“I’m not sure Dr. Klinkhart would appreciate that.”
“Probably not,” Kai agrees cheerfully. “Noah has been extra grumpy lately. Even by his normal standards.”
As I finish writing notes in Kai’s chart, I realize I feel more relaxed than I have in days. Between Grayson’s steadfast presence and Kai’s lighthearted banter, the constant tension I carry in my shoulders has eased slightly. It’s strange—back home, I avoid alphas at all costs, knowing how easily my carefully constructed facade could crumble around them.
Yet here I am, comfortable enough to joke with one and relax into the other’s silence. Maybe it’s because I’m thinking too much about my omega side lately, with my suppressants running low. Like I’ve given it permission to rear its ugly head by acknowledging it exists.
I send a silent prayer into the universe that I can get through this rotation without making a fool of myself in front of all the alphas in town.
“So, what does Dr. Chang do when she’s not saving lives and diagnosing fake injuries?” Kai asks, hopping off the examination table with no signs of being injured.
I should be upset at having my time so outrageously wasted, but Kai is charming in spite of himself. Enough that I know I’m hesitating to leave the room even though I have other patients to see.
“I’m a medical resident. That doesn’t give me a lot of free time.”
“Come on,” he persists, leaning against the counter. “Everyone has something. I like to barrel down snow-covered mountains with enough speed that you would genuinely be surprised to know I’ve never actually broken a bone before. Noah likes to meditate, not that it actually works to calm him down. Grayson has his...” He glances at the silent man in the corner. “Well, whatever Ghost does when he disappears into the woods for weeks. What’s your thing?”
I hesitate, my default response being to deflect. But I realize I’ll be living here for almost two months, and any of these people could end up as my patients. Professional distance doesn’t have to mean complete isolation, especially in a community this small.
“Rock climbing,” I admit. “Whenever I can squeeze it in. Something about being on the wall—having to be completely present in your body, focused only on the next move—it’s the one place my mind actually shuts up.”
Kai’s face lights up. “No way! What a coincidence. Ghost here went big-wall climbing in the Dolomites last year.”
I turn toward the silent man, genuinely impressed. “The Dolomites? That’s incredible. I’ve only seen pictures, but those limestone formations look unreal. I’d love the chance to get out there myself.“
Grayson doesn’t respond verbally, but something shifts in his posture. His eyes, previously watchful but detached, now lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. The weight of his attention feels almost physical.
“I’ve mostly climbed in California and Nevada,” I continue, oddly compelled to fill his silence. “Red Rock Canyon was my favorite—something about that Aztec sandstone just feels right under your hands. I lead up to 5.11a on sport routes, though I’m better at technical face climbing than cracks.”
I’m babbling now, using climber jargon I’m not sure they understand, but Grayson’s gaze hasn’t wavered. There’s something in those gray eyes that recognizes the language I’m speaking—not just the words, but the underlying passion.
“I haven’t been on a wall in months,” I confess, suddenly aware of how much I miss it. “Between residency rotations and moving here, there hasn’t been time.”
“Heat Mountain has some decent limestone crags on the north face,” Kai offers. “Nothing like the Dolomites, but enough to scratch the itch.”
Grayson shifts slightly, and though his facial expression remains mostly hidden behind his bandana, I swear I can feel his interest radiating across the room. It’s unnerving how clearly I can sense his reaction without seeing his face or hearing his voice.
“Maybe I’ll check them out,” I say, trying to sound casual despite the strange awareness humming between us. “I think even Dr. Klinkhart will give me some time off from the clinic eventually.”
His smile is still flirtatious, but Kai appears genuine. “If you ever want advice on good spots to check out nearby, all you have to do is ask.”
“Thanks, you’re all done,” I announce, stepping back. “Feel free to go traumatize the next unsuspecting doctor.”
“But you’re my favorite already,” Kai protests. “Isn’t she great, Ghost?”
Grayson’s eyes meet mine for a long moment. He gives a single, almost imperceptible nod before turning toward the door.
“High praise,” Kai stage-whispers to me. “He usually just glares.”
As they leave—Kai walking perfectly normally while keeping up a stream of chatter, Grayson a silent shadow behind him—I find myself smiling.
The alphas here aren’t anything like the ones I’ve met back home.
I blink, startled by the warmth spreading through me. What is wrong with me? I’ve been around plenty of alphas before without this...this flutter in my stomach. It must be the stress of my dwindling suppressants making me hypersensitive to their presence.
That’s it. Just biology. Nothing more.
I straighten the exam room with quick, clinical movements, mentally scolding myself. This is exactly what I was afraid of—spending too much time around those heat products at Caro’s must have planted suggestions in my subconscious. Now my omega side thinks it has permission to react.
