“And you’re her pack?” She glances at me, assessing.
“Yes.”
“Good. She’ll need you close. Are all of you here? I assume, given this is a pack suite?”
“Yes. They’re on their way.”
Dr. Reeves moves to the bedside, setting her bag down carefully. “I need to talk to her.”
“Willa?” I touch her shoulder gently. “Wills, can you open your eyes for me? There’s a doctor here.”
Her eyes flutter open—gray and hazy but aware. She looks at me first, then at Dr. Reeves, and I see confusion and fear flash across her face.
“It’s okay,” I assure her. “This is Dr. Reeves. She’s here to help. Is that okay?”
Willa nods weakly, and Dr. Reeves gives her a kind smile.
“Hello, Willa. I’m going to check your vitals, and then we’ll talk about what’s happening, alright? I won’t do anything without your permission.”
Another small nod.
Dr. Reeves works efficiently but gently—checking temperature, pulse, pupil response. Willa flinches slightly at each touch, and I keep my hand on hers, grounding her.
“Alright.” Dr. Reeves sits back. “Willa, I need you to listen carefully. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes,” Willa whispers, her voice hoarse.
“You’re in the early stages of heat—pre-heat transitioning to full heat. From what I understand, the onset was sudden and traumatic. Is that correct?”
Willa’s hand tightens on mine. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry that happened to you. It happens like that sometimes. What I can do now is help manage the symptoms, but I need to be clear—the heat is too far along to stop with medication. You’re going to go through this regardless. Do you understand?”
“How long?” Willa’s voice cracks.
“Normally, a heat can last twenty-four to forty-eight hours for the acute phase. Probably longer, given the circumstances. But I can help with the discomfort.” Dr. Reeves pulls a small packet from her bag. “This is a hormone patch. It won’t stop the heat, but it will help with the cramping and some of the fever. It’ll make it more manageable. Would you like it?”
“Yes. Please.”
“Good. I’m going to give it to your Alpha, have him put it on you after you’ve had a bath or shower—it needs clean, dry skin to adhere properly. You’ll feel some relief within thirty minutes of application.” She hands me the patch, then turns back to Willa. “Now, here’s what you need to know. The first wave will likely hit in about ten hours, maybe sooner. Right now, you need three things: sleep, warmth, and comforting touch. Your body is going to reserve its strength for the heat itself, which means you’re going to be exceptionally weak. Less coherent. That’s normal, but it can be frightening if you’re not prepared for it.”
Willa nods. “I’ve been through a heat before—this one just feels different.” I don’t miss the subtle way her eyes meet mine, questioning… offering. It’s such a vulnerable look that my heart cracks wide open.
“Hey.” I squeeze her hand. “We’ve got you. All of us. You won’t be alone.”
“Jake’s right,” Dr. Reeves says gently. “You have your pack here—the last thing you want is to navigate this alone. Let them take care of you.”
She pauses, giving Willa—and then me—a long, considering look. I get the distinct impression she knows we’re not really pack, at least not in the way she’s assuming.
With another glance, she starts packing up her things. “But I need you to try to eat and drink as much as you can now, before the waves start. Once you’re in active heat, you probably won’t want food, but your body will need the energy. Can you do that?”
“I’ll try.”
“Good girl.” Dr. Reeves stands, pulling a card from her bag. “This is my direct number. Call me immediately if her fever spikes above 104, if she becomes unresponsive for more than a few minutes, or if anything feels wrong. And Willa?” She waits until Willa meets her eyes. “More than anything else, you needtouch and comfort. That’s not optional. Your Omega needs to feel safe and protected. Okay?”
“Okay,” Willa whispers.
Dr. Reeves nods at me. “Get her in the bath. Get that patch on her. Get some food in her if you can. And then get her in bed. Skin-to-skin contact is best—it helps regulate temperature and provides the most comfort.”
