The reflection still shows the fear, but behind it, something shifts. A bit of hope.
“I think so. It’s crazy, but they don’t feel dangerous. They feel... right.”
“I know scent-matches,” Monica murmurs, voice gentler now. “If they’re yours, there’s no talking you back to Pueblo, is there?”
“I don’t know.” Truth sits heavy in my chest. Part of me wants to run. The rest thinks maybe I’m done running.
“I know the evidence is important, but I can’t go back. Sergio’s guys could find me. I don’t want to risk more Alphas. Might be safer if a doctor comes here.”
“Okay. That makes sense. Hang on.” Keys click in the background. “We’ve got a doc in Willowside. Dr. Ramirez. She’s on-call for emergencies. I’ll have her come to you. She’s discreet.”
Relief crashes into me. “Thank you. I don’t want the Haven to worry. I know this isn’t normal.”
“Where are you?”
Fingers tighten around the phone. “I’m at the Lucky Road Bar.”
Monica breathes out a short laugh. “Unconventional is one word for it. But we’ll figure it out. Be careful, Sandra. Trust your gut. And call me after you talk to the doctor, okay?”
“I will. Thanks, Monica. For everything.”
“You’re family, Sandra. We take care of our own. Try to stay safe.”
I lick my lips. “I will.”
We hang up, and the silence of the bathroom rushes back in. I stare at my reflection a moment longer, then take a deep breath and unlock the door. Jethro’s phone feels heavy in my hand. I need to return it. And then... I have no idea. But for the first time in weeks, something stirs in me that isn’t fear. A sliver of hope, fragile but real, grows in my chest.
I step out of the bathroom.
The bar looks the same. The food smell has mostly faded. Jethro, Ross, and Oli sit at the same table, their quiet conversation halting when they see me. All three look up, concern etched into their faces. Jethro rises, his height casting a long shadow in the dim light.
He meets my gaze and steps forward.
I hold out the phone. My fingers brush his when he takes it, the brief contact sparking a tremble in my spine.
“I talked to Monica. At the Safe Haven.”
Ross leans in, elbows on the table, eyes sharp.
“And?”
I draw in a breath. “She’s calling a doctor. Dr. Ramirez. She’s on call and part of the network. She’s going to come here.”
Caleb pushes his glasses up, skepticism flickering in his eyes.“Here? Why here?”
The words land heavy. “Because I need a rape kit. And molds taken of the bite marks. For evidence. I didn’t want to go to the hospital. Not yet. The closest one’s over an hour away.”
Silence settles over the group. Jethro’s jaw ticks. Ross releases a low growl. Even Caleb looks thrown.
Oli gives a small nod, his eyes soft. “Dr. Ramirez is good. I know her. She’s discreet and solid. You’ll be in good hands.”
“Monica said she’s with the Safe Haven Network of trusted providers.”
“She is,” Oli confirms. “She’s helped others here who’ve needed the same kind of care.”
My gaze shifts to Jethro. “So, she’ll come here? Is that okay?”
He hesitates, thinking. “We could take you to her clinic. It’s not far from here. It might be more professional, more comfortable for that kind of thing.”
