Her eyes soften, and she nods her head. “Thank you. I know everything has been a lot, but that did hurt me. Thank you for apologizing.”
“The regular season ends in a month and a half. The Foxes have done well, and I have high hopes for the playoffs. But I need this, Piper. I need to finish this season out. I feel like if I don’t, I’ll live the rest of my life with regrets. I’ve pushed my body so far, and I can’t have it be for nothing.”
She nods, and I have a feeling that Piper truly understands what I mean. I know she’s having struggles of her own, ones I wish she would confide in me, but I guess I lost that privilege.
“Okay, then let’s just take it one day at a time.”
I nod my head, and every inch of me wants to slide off of this chair and wrap my arms around her, but I refrain. Piper goes back to her pamphlet when the doctor walks in the room.
“Mr. Bandnin, nice to meet you,” he says, looking at Piper first to make sure it’s okay to shake my hand. I like it more than I should. Piper gives him a look of understanding and stands up to greet him.
“Dr. Blake,” she says, shaking his hand.
“I’m Dr. Horngale. It’s a pleasure meeting you both.” Piper sits back down in her seat as the doctor looks me over and pulls out his tablet going over all my results.
“It says here you had a vasectomy?” he questions me, and I swallow. Piper's eyes widen, but she stays quiet.
“I did.”
“May I ask why?”
I take a deep breath and know that honesty is the only way I’m going to be able to get guidance. “I’ve been hiding my designation so that I can be a professional athlete.” Piper rubs her hand down her face like I’m a fucking idiot.
“I see, and you thought that a vasectomy would help tamper down your need?”
“Part of it, along with the suppressants, deodorizers, Alpha scent blockers, and exhausting my body to the point of not feeling much.” I chance a glance at Piper and immediately turn back to the doctor when I see the sadness in her eyes.
“Everything you say here is protected not only by HIPAA, but also the Omega Rights Act. Anything you tell me about your designation stays between these walls. I’m assuming you used an alias.” My cheeks heat, and the doctor waves me off. “It happens all the time. Now let’s get into it.”
The amount of time I spend with Doctor Horngale is longer than any appointment I’ve ever had. He’s thorough, understanding, and it’s clear I’m not the only one in awe as Piper listens to every word he says.
“So the goal is what?” he asks plainly.
“I need to finish this season.”
“Okay, and your heats?” he asks.Fuck.I swallow.
“I’ve never had one.”
His eyebrows rise, and he rubs the back of his neck. “And you live with your scent match?” he asks, and Piper rubs her arm.
“That's recent.” He hums, tapping away on the tablet.
“I think we can put you on medications that won’t be so hard on your body, but with the caveat that once the season is over you need to make some serious changes. This is not a permanent solution by any means. We will have virtual appointments every week to make sure that you’re doing alright and nothing happens like they did at your last game. Your body is overwhelmed. You’ve pushed it to the max, and the suppressants you were on are not for long term use. I am concerned about your heat in the long-term. But what I’m putting you on is FDA approved and has less side effects.”
“What changes will I need to make after the season?”
“I suggest a vasectomy reversal, complete removal of all suppressants and deodorizers from your life. I wouldn’t be surprised if the first time you go into heat is extremely intense, and it’s something you both need to prepare yourselves for. I understand you're both unbonded currently. I don’t see how, as scent matches, with an Omega who is nearly twenty-five going into heat for the first time how you will be able to keep the bond at bay.”
“Why the vasectomy reversal?” I ask, and he clicks on his tablet before looking up at me.
“There’s still research being done, but from what we’ve seen, male Omegas who have a vasectomy tend to have hormonal imbalances. Having it reversed can help significantly with your mood, heat frequency, libido, and general wellness. We can discuss other forms of birth control within your pack if that is the main concern.”
Well, I guess that helps with why I’ve had such a hard time getting hard, except with Alexi.
His nurse brings in my prescriptions. “These are set for weekly refills. I’m not sending you out of this office floundering. Just because you’re an Omega doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be given every opportunity, but you need to be smart with your health.”
“Thank you,” I say, and for the first time I truly feel seen by a doctor.
