“Hold still, baby,” Kade murmured, reaching back to release my wrists. “That can’t be comfortable.” He looked back at the other Alpha in the room. “Where are his clothes?”
“He was naked when he opened the door,” the third person, a petite woman with jet black hair spoke for the first time. “This might be a little easier on him if you made some introductions and explained why we’re here?” she suggested pointedly, glaring at Kade. “He really doesn’t need any more stress than he’s already under.”
Kade nodded, his large hands still gently rubbing my wrists as if I’d been handcuffed for hours instead of just minutes.
“Jem,” he spoke, waiting until I looked up to continue. “I’m worried about your physical condition and was pretty sure you didn’t want to go to the hospital.”
I shuddered at the thought.
“Exactly. We wouldn’t have been able to protect your privacy if you were treated there. Sonny is a friend of mine,” he explained, his eyes holding mine. “I asked if he knew anyone who might be able to check you out off the record.”
The sheriff stepped forward, squatting in front of me next to Kade. “Dr. Rodriguez is an emergency room physician with special training in treating pregnant Omegas. She is also an Omega advocate with a local non-profit. She won’t report you.”
I glanced from him to the woman and then to the Omega that had accompanied them.
“That’s Tony,” Kade said, catching the shift of my eyes. “He and Sonny are together.” He snorted. “I’m guessing he’s here to protect Sonny from me.”
“Fuck you,” the Omega snapped, the heat behind the words surprising me. He was clearly not a fan of Kade.
“Hold on, baby,” the sheriff seemed to be trying not to laugh. “Let’s deal with one thing at a time, shall we?” He snickered. “Besides, if Kade was smart, he’d remember he still has your teeth marks in his ass cheek and not push his luck.”
What?
Kade just sighed. “How many times do I have to apologize for one stupid mistake, Tony?”
“One little mistake?” Tony snarled back. “You tried to fucking eat my fiancé!”
There was a brief silence as Kade and Sonny exchanged a look, but the doctor broke it by clearing her throat.
“As fascinating as this all is,” she said firmly. “I have to be at the hospital in a little over an hour.” She walked over, gesturing for the crowd in front of me to disperse. “Are you comfortable with me examining you, Jem?”
“Um, it’s actually Jeremy,” I mumbled, shooting a side glance at Kade. “I’m not sure why he started calling me that.”
“Sorry,” Doctor Rodriguez apologized promptly.
“No problem.” I drew in a deep breath and considered my options. Like I had any. “Yeah, I guess it’s fine.”
The doctor nodded approvingly and offered me her tiny hand. “Why don’t you show me to a more private room?”
Kade grunted as though he was going to protest, but held his tongue when she turned her piercing green eyes on him.
Back in the bedroom, Doctor Rodriguez was the consummate professional. She inspected me gently but thoroughly, asked detailed questions, and made tons of notes on the pad she’d pulled from the backpack she carried. Finally, she had me wrap back up in the soft blanket and sit on the edge of the bed.
“This is just between you and me,” she said softly, her eyes locking with mine. “I need you to tell me if any of the men in the other room are in any way responsible for you being in this condition?”
I shook my head, but she pressed on. “You’re sure? They aren’t the father? They haven’t had you locked up? They weren’t the ones starving you?”
I shook my head again, sighing when the crease in her brow increased. “They aren’t, I swear. I’ve never met the sheriff or Tony before,” I assured her. “I, ah, got pregnant on my last heat cycle and ran away,” I offered, trying to smooth over as many details as possible. “I didn’t think it would be this hard on my own.” I sighed again. “Kade was hired by my clan to find me, but he’s taken good care of me since he did.”
“Who raped you, honey?”
My eyes flew up. “I didn’t say..”
Doctor Rodriguez shook her head sadly. “You didn’t have to. I can see it in your eyes.”
“It’s not that simple,” I tried to explain. “It’s a really long story, but I really don’t want to go back.”
“Okay.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a business card. “If you need help, call me.”
