She smiles, kind and genuine. “I’m Dr. Ramirez. Monica gave me a little context. Why don’t you come back with me? We’ll talk in private.” Her eyes flick to the others in a silent question.
“I step forward, shoulders straightening. “They’re with me. They make my inner Omega feel safe. I want them here.”
Jethro steps closer. “We’re her protection. And we’re scent-matched.”
Dr. Ramirez lifts a brow but doesn’t comment. “Alright, come on back.”
She leads us to an exam room. The room holds the usual setup: an exam table, a counter, a sink, and various pieces of medical equipment. The faint, sharp scent of antiseptic lingers in the air.
“Have a seat.” She gestures to the table. “Tell me everything in your own words. Take your time. Nothing you say will leave this room.”
I lower myself onto the exam table, gripping the paper lining so tightly it crackles beneath my fingers. My heart pounds as I sit. Jethro stands close, a steady presence. Ross and Caleb hold positions near the door while Oli leans against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he offers me a soft smile.
“Okay. Where do I start?”
Dr. Ramirez’s expression stays soft. “Wherever you want to.”
“My father sold me.” The words are bitter on my tongue. “To cover his gambling debt. To a man named Sergio. He’s dangerous.”
She nods.
“Sergio didn’t want me. He already had a bonded mate. So he gave me to his second and third, Nero, and Emilio. They claimed me without my consent and left their marks.” I raise a hand to my neck, my fingertips grazing the inflamed bites.
“How long ago were you taken?”
“Three weeks. They marked me two weeks ago.”
She types the information into her laptop. “And you escaped today?”
I nod. “This morning. I took a car and drove until I ended up here.”
“You said you’re scent-matched with these men?”
Looking at the others, I nod again. “Yes. But I don’t understand. They already have an Omega. It shouldn’t be possible.”
Her brows draw together. “It’s rare. But scent matches aren’t fully understood, so not impossible. Have you had any symptoms besides the pain from the bites?”
“I’ve been sore and tired. My neck burns.” I look down. “I know my body’s rejecting the marks. I didn’t want them.”
“Understood. We’ll check them in a moment. First, I have to ask you some questions for the rape kit. Were you penetrated, vaginally or anally, by any of these men?” She gestures toward the others.
“No.” I shake my head. “Just the ones who took me.”
“That’s important. Thank you.” She lifts a thin paper gown from a drawer. “I’ll need you to change into this for the exam. Would you like them to step out while you change?”
I glance at Jethro.
He nods. “We’ll be right outside.”
He touches my arm, and it gives me a bit of bravery for what’s coming next. Then he, Ross, Caleb, and Oli file out, leaving me alone with Dr. Ramirez.
The exam is over. My body aches and everything feels exposed, but Dr. Ramirez stayed professional. The swabs, the molds, the cold instruments against already sore skin—done. She applies ointment to the bite marks on my neck. It stings, but it’s nothing compared to how it’s felt the past few days.
Dr. Ramirez peels off her gloves and tosses them into the bin. “That’s it for the physical exam. I just need to draw some blood. Then you can change.”
Before she grabs the supplies, the door creaks open. A familiar voice follows. “Everything alright in there?”
She looks at me. I nod.
