“We’ve got firewood, water, food,” Kai chimes in with his most charming smile. “Even some of Grayson’s famous homemade deer jerky. It’s worth letting us in just for that.”
A ghost of a smile crosses her face, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I appreciate the thought, but I really am prepared. I’ve got everything I need.”
As she speaks, a gust of wind blows a flurry of snow against us, and Holly shivers visibly. The cabin behind her is dimly lit, and I catch a glimpse of blankets piled on the couch. Is she cold? The wood stove should keep the place warm enough.
Unless...
A thought strikes me, and my stomach drops. If she’s been taking suppressants regularly and suddenly stopped, herbody would react quickly. Elevated temperature. Sensitivity to external stimuli. The beginnings of a heat cycle.
“Dr. Chang,” I say, keeping my voice steady, “as your colleague, I need to ask…are you really okay right now?”
Her eyes widen slightly, and I know I’ve hit the mark.
“I’m fine,” she repeats, but her voice lacks conviction. “Just a bit of a headache from the pressure change. Storms always make me a little stuffy.”
“Can I come in and check your cabin’s heating system?” Grayson asks unexpectedly. “These old places can have carbon monoxide issues during storms.”
It’s a transparent excuse, but it gives Holly a reason to let us in without admitting anything is wrong. She hesitates, then steps back, opening the door wider.
“I guess that’s okay,” she concedes. “But really, I don’t need?—“
Her words cut off as she sways suddenly, grabbing the doorframe for support. I move forward instinctively, catching her elbow to steady her.
The moment I make direct contact, it’s like an electric current passes between us. Her skin is burning hot. And her scent—God, her scent. The clinical, antiseptic mask has slipped, revealing something underneath that makes my head swim. Something sweet, rich and undeniably omega.
Holly jerks away from my touch, eyes wide with panic.
“I’m fine,” she insists, voice cracking. “Just stood up too quickly. Low blood sugar, probably.”
But I can see the realization dawning in her eyes. She knows that I know. The game is up.
“Holly,” I say quietly, using her first name deliberately, “how long have you been out of suppressants?”
She stares at me, color draining from her face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do.” I hold up the prescription that Grayson found. “Omegablock. Prescribed to Holly Chang.”
For a moment, she looks like she might deny it again. Then her shoulders slump in defeat.
“A little more than a day,” she whispers. “I was rationing what I have left, but...” She swallows hard. “I ran out last night.”
I keep my voice clinical despite the way my pulse races at the confirmation. “You’re starting a heat cycle. Without proper medical supervision after long-term suppressant use, that could be dangerous.”
A flash of anger breaks through her composure. “I know that. I am also a doctor, in case you’ve forgotten.”
“Then you know you shouldn’t be alone right now. Especially not during a storm when emergency services might not be able to reach you.”
Holly’s eyes dart between the three of us, calculation and fear warring in her expression. “And what exactly are you proposing, Dr. Klinkhart? That I come with you? Three alphas I barely know?”
The implication stings, though I understand her caution. “We’re offering help, not... anything else. You can stay at Kai’s cabin. It has multiple bedrooms, an external generator and we can ensure you have medical attention if needed.”
“And when my heat fully manifests?” she challenges, a flush creeping up her neck. “What then?”
“Then you have a secure room with a lock,” I say firmly. “And three alphas who respect boundaries standing guard outside. Nothing more than that.”
Holly laughs, but it’s a bitter sound. “You say that now. But when an omega in heat is under the same roof?—“
“We’re not animals,” Kai interrupts, his usual joking manner completely gone. “We’re offering help because it’s the right thingto do. Because no one should face a medical crisis alone in a blizzard.”
