Dr. McMillan takes over, saying, “When a heat is medically suppressed, it can have all sorts of consequences. Depression, anxiety, and migraines are just a few of the side effects that we see when suppressants are used for longer than twenty-four months.”
Dr. Francis nods. “But seeing her system fight the suppressants is actually a good sign, even if it’s inconvenient under the circumstances. It’s her body’s way of saying it’s healthy enough to support a heat, so there’s no need to continue the medication.” She walks around the hospital bed, coming to a stop at Cove’s side. “Being in close proximity to pheromones from compatible alphas can also decrease the efficacy of the suppressants.”
“Wait, so being around us is what caused this?” Damian asks, leaning forward in his chair.
“Not the negative side effects, no. Those came from her body’s reaction to going too long without a heat. The overall effectiveness of the suppressants preventing a heat? Possibility.” Dr. Francis gives him a soft smile. “Don’t let that confuse you. You’ve done nothing to harm Cove, and having you close will actually make what comes next easier.”
“What comes next?” Ravvi asks, shoving his curls back from his face. They immediately fall back into place.
“We’re going to continue to give her fluids to help flush her system,” Dr. Francis says. “It should take about twelve hours.We’ll monitor her heart and kidneys during the process, but I’m not worried. Cove is young and healthy. There may be a few side effects as she detoxes from the suppressants. The most likely are fever and vomiting. We’ll manage those as they arise, but the worst should be over within a few days.”
“What does that mean? How long are we here for?” I ask Cove. She’s supposedly heard all of this, but I want to be sure she’s not agreeing with the doctors because she feels like she has to. If she wants a second opinion, I’ll take her wherever she wants to go.
“I should only be in here for a day or two,” Cove says, running her fingers over my chest. “But they want me to stay in the facility for at least a few days more than that. It’s a precaution in case anything else pops up.”
“Will your heat start immediately?” Ravvi asks.
“I can answer that one, but it won’t be a clear-cut answer,” Dr. McMillan says. “We’ll know more once the labs that we sent out for processing come back. Some omegas have an immediate heat. Others have erratic waves as their body learns to regulate its new normal. I’m going to recommend at least a month-long hiatus before you even consider stepping foot back on tour.”
“Jesus,” Damian whispers. “Are you saying she’s going to be sick for that long?”
“No.” McMillan laughs. “But her first heat following such a long period of suppressant usage is unlikely to follow the normal pattern of things. She could have a full-blown heat, followed by another in only a few weeks. Or she might have a heat and go six months without another. She also might not have one at all for several months. I’ve seen it all. That’s why we’re going to give Cove a real chance to recuperate. Once she’s feeling better, we’ll take a look at her blood work and reassess from there.”
I pat Cove’s back and study her face. “And you’re okay with all of this?”
“I really am.” She nods. “I don’t want to go through anything like what I went through tonight. Not ever again. I’m going to take the doctors’ advice.”
“Just remember what I said.” McMillan smiles, giving Cove a thumbs-up. “It’s illegal for any employer to penalize you for taking medical time off, as long as it’s recommended by a doctor and thoroughly documented. Don’t fret. You’ll be back on stage in no time.” He crosses the room, stopping to pat her shin as he heads for the door.
“The nurse will be in to check on you every two hours. If you need anything, press the button.” Dr. Francis claps her hands together, nods, and heads for the door too. Only, she stops in her tracks and turns back to us. “I’ll send in someone from registration to get you settled in a suite.”
The door closes behind the doctor, and Cove sighs.
“I’m so sorry, you guys. I feel like the biggest idiot on the planet.”
I shake my head. “No apologies. All we want you to do is to focus on getting better.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cove
Being trapped in a hospital bed with nurses coming in and out every hour or two isn’t my idea of a vacation. Calling my family is an emotional roller coaster. Ravvi spoke to them earlier, so luckily, they weren’t on a flight out here. If I took much longer to let them know that I’m okay, I don’t think that was far off.
Lily tells me not to search my name or watch the videos fans got of the show tonight. I know she’s probably right—I don’t want to see that.
My messed-up head still thinks it’s the first thing I should do after hanging up the phone.
Ravvi unceremoniously pries the device from my hands under the guise of wanting me to rest and recuperate without staring at my phone screen.
That must mean it’s embarrassing.
Ravvi and Damian eventually leave to check out the suite we’ve been given. I would love it if all four of us could cuddle up in there together. I’m sure it has a nest. Unfortunately, I’m stuck here, but it’s not so bad.
Declan keeps me company into the early morning hours, even helping me to the bathroom and holding my hair back when I get pukey.
“I’m not sure how you can find me sexy after all of that.” I groan, rinsing my mouth and spitting in the sink following my most recent bout of vomiting bile. My hands fall to rest on the cool sink, and I grimace as the IV site on top of my hand pinches. “I won’t blame you if you want to run. I’m sure this place has solid security.”
If I were in better shape, I’d be really embarrassed that I peed in front of him. I have to take my IV pole with me every time I get out of bed, and I’m feeling unattractive and wimpy.
