My father looks at the nurse who just called my name and shakes his head in disappointment as he walks away.
“I’m fine, I’m done, thank you.” I hand the clipboard back to the nurse and walk back to his room.
A few months ago, I would have broken down or done something self-destructive after the encounter with my father. But all I feel is a sense of closure, a door I can finally shut.
I no longer seek approval from Peter Blake, and as far as I’m concerned, the only family I have is my pack and Charlotte. Walking away completely from a toxic family isn’t a light decision, and maybe it wasn’t truly my choice. But accepting it and moving forward with my life is my choice.
“You okay?” Alexi asks. I’m sure he’s feeling all the emotions down our shared bond with Owen.
“Yeah, everything is more than okay.” I give him a kiss, and for the first time in my life, it’s not a lie. I really am okay.
* * *
My first day at the Omega Wellness Clinic is like a kid going to Disney for the first time. I’m so in awe of all the physicians here and all the good work they are doing for Omegas and packs alike. It’s so liberating knowing that I made the right choice and all facets of my life seem to be finally clicking together.
My main mentor is Dr. Gwynn, and I couldn’t be more thrilled, his approach to patient care is amazing, and I know that I’ll become a better doctor under his wing. I spend most of the first day learning the lay of the land and meeting everyone at the clinic.
This program will have a lot of hands-on experience as well as studying. There’s so much to learn about Omegas, far more than I ever realized. It’s actually quite shocking that some of what I’m learning isn’t general knowledge. But that’s the clinic's main goal, to spread awareness while also giving exploratory care to Omegas and support for packs.
I’m almost over-excited when Dr. Gwynn tells me that I’m going to be sitting in during a consultation. “I just want you to observe. No notes, this isn’t a test, I just want you to see how we speak to patients and what a standard consultation looks like.”
She holds the iPad in her hands as we walk into the room, and I see none other than Sloane Applegate sitting on the table waiting to be seen.
Her eyes don’t widen, but she does give me a small smile. I’m so thankful that she doesn’t say she knows me as Dr. Gwynn starts the physical.
Mostly everything is standard as she discusses Sloane’s weight, diet, pack status, and how she feels on a daily basis.
“Besides your standard physical, what brings you in today?”
Sloane looks at me and then back to Dr. Gwynn. “Can I get pregnant outside of my heat?”
Dr. Gwynn listens patiently as she responds. “The chances of you getting pregnant outside of your heat are low, but not zero. If you are with a Beta, the chances are extremely slim, but if an Alpha knotted you, the chances are small, but again not zero.”
“Oh, okay then.”
“We also did your blood work, and you’re not pregnant.”
“Oh, yeah, of course not. I haven’t slept with him yet.” I shouldn’t be as curious as I am when it comes to who Sloane is sleeping with, but I am intrigued.
“Would you like to discuss birth control options?”
“No, I don’t want to go on any medications.”
Dr. Gwynn nods and looks over the iPad again. “You’re on no suppressants, deodorizers, or birth control currently?”
“Very low dose of suppressant to be functional, but no to the rest,” Sloane says proudly.
“You’ve also not had your first heat?”
That makes Sloane blush, but she nods her head.
“You’ve just turned twenty-one a few weeks ago, so the likelihood of your heat coming is high, especially not being on a higher dose of suppressants.”
Sloane smiles weakly. “I know.”
“Do you have plans for your heat?”
“I’m working on one right now,” Sloane says.
