She actually winks at me while talking about sex with the three Alphas currently brooding in her waiting room.
I feel my entire face go nuclear. "I'll... try to be good in that department?"
Oh my god. Did I just imply I'm going to have sex with all three of them? To my doctor? Why am I like this?
"But this is all temporary," I add quickly, trying to salvage some dignity. "For work purposes. Social media stuff. The pack thing isn't... we're not..."
I don't even know how to finish that sentence. What are we? Fake pack? Temporary arrangement? Business transaction? Friends with benefits times three?
Dr. Chen's expression softens. "Well, temporary or not, it'll be a good break for your body. And if the pack life isn't permanent, you can always go back on suppressants after three months. Say, into the new year? What do you think?"
Three months. It's already late November—almost December. Being off suppressants until February would give me enough time to save up money for the prescription. Maybe even get a partial payout from that twenty-five thousand dollar deal Charlotte mentioned if that's actually real and not some fever dream.
And honestly? The idea of not having to worry about affording suppressants for a few months is appealing. One less bill. One less source of anxiety. And if being around Alphas helps my body regulate naturally like she's suggesting...
"Okay," I say slowly. "I'll go with it. No suppressants until February."
She beams at me like I just made the best decision ever. "Wonderful! I think you'll feel much better. Just remember—ifyou notice any concerning symptoms, call me immediately. And try to keep stress levels down. Stress can trigger Heats too."
Keep stress levels down. Sure. I'll just ignore my flooded apartment, my financial situation, my complete confusion about what's happening with these Alphas, and the fact that I apparently have a contract I don't remember signing. Easy.
I stand up, clutching the medicine bag like a lifeline. "Thank you, Dr. Chen. Really. I appreciate everything."
She stands too, walking me toward the door. "You're very welcome, Reverie. Good luck with your new pack. And remember—it's the holidays. Live a little. Have fun. You haven't experienced a merry holiday in Oakridge Hollow with a pack before, so really indulge in the festivities. You deserve it."
Indulge in the festivities. When was the last time I did that? Actually enjoyed Christmas instead of just surviving it? With Kael's pack, holidays were just another reminder that I didn't belong. This year could be different. Even if it's fake. Even if it's temporary. Maybe I can actually enjoy myself.
"Thank you," I say again, meaning it more than she probably realizes. "I'll try."
I reach for the door handle, steeling myself for whatever chaos is waiting in that hallway.
The door swings open and I'm already planning what I'm going to say to whichever Alpha is lurking in the hallway.
And standing right there—like he was about to knock or maybe just lurking outside like a worried mother hen with separation anxiety—is Grayson.
Oh. Oh no. My heart does this stupid fluttery thing that I'm going to pretend isn't happening because I don't have time to analyze whatever feelings are developing. He's standing there in dark jeans that fit him way too well and a flannel shirt in deep green that makes him look like he walked straight out of a romance novel cover.
His hazel eyes are warm and concerned and locked on me like I'm the only person in this entire medical building. His maple-honey scent immediately wraps around me like the world's most comfortable blanket—sweet and safe and home in a way that makes my hindbrain purr with contentment.
There's stubble on his jaw that wasn't there yesterday. He probably didn't sleep well—too busy monitoring me all night to make sure I didn't die from a head injury. His hair is slightly mussed like he's been running his hands through it with worry. He looks tired but relieved to see me upright and conscious.
I feel heat creep up my neck and into my cheeks. "You know, out of the three of you, I assumed you'd be last to ambush me outside a doctor's office."
Theo seems like the type to stand guard at doors. Nash seems like he'd barge in demanding updates regardless of privacy laws or common courtesy. But Grayson? Sweet, gentle Grayson who blushes when I tease him and stammers when he's nervous? I thought he'd be too polite to hover. Too respectful of boundaries. Shows what I know.
He smirks—actually smirks, which is unfairly attractive on him and makes my stomach do somersaults. "I bribed Nash to get drinks from the vending machine down the hall. Told him you'd want orange juice or something when you came out. And Theo went to the bathroom about five minutes ago."
Sneaky. He's actually sneaky. Who knew? The sweet book buying Alpha has tactical planning skills. He orchestrated this moment. Deliberately got rid of the other two so he could be the one waiting when I came out. That's... actually really smooth. And kind of hot? When did I start finding premeditated door-lurking hot?
I need to get my priorities in order. Maybe the head injury affected my judgment more than I thought.
I'm about to say something witty—or at least attempt wit—when Dr. Chen's voice comes from behind me.
"Would you look at that." Her tone is absolutely gleeful—like a kid on Christmas morning discovering the best present under the tree. "Mistletoe."
Mistletoe? What mistletoe? There definitely wasn't any mistletoe when I came in here thirty minutes ago. I specifically looked at this doorframe because I was nervous about the appointment and was distracting myself by examining the architecture. Where the actual hell did that come from?
I look up, craning my neck. And sure enough, hanging from the doorframe directly above Grayson's head like it's been there forever, is a sprig of mistletoe tied with a red velvet ribbon that matches the Christmas decorations in her office.
