He pulls out a blood pressure cuff. A thermometer. Stethoscope.
"I thought you were an omega mind doctor," I say.
He smiles. "The mind and the body are connected. It's easier to understand both than only one."
He checks my vitals and takes notes. His movements are efficient but not rushed.
"Physically you're okay," he says finally. "A little dehydrated, probably. Some muscle strain, but nothing concerning."
"Okay."
He sits in the chair across from me. "How's your mental state?"
I laugh. It sounds broken. "My head hurts. There's too much at once. I can't sort any of it."
"Then do nothing."
I blink at him. "What?"
"Do nothing, Vee." He leans forward. Elbows on his knees. "Let the cards fall for a while. Trust the pack to keep you safe."
"But Ragon—"
"Let Chase handle Ragon."
"I don't—"
"Things will come together." He sounds calm. Certain. "And if you never want to go back, we will find a way to make that happen."
The tears start again.
I'm so tired of crying.
"I still love them," I whisper. "My pack. Ragon. Drake. Eli. I still love them. I know I shouldn't. Not after everything. For a while there... I thought I didn't. I thought I was done. But now—I'm just so confused."
"Of course you still love them." Arden's expression softens. "Five years is a long time to build a home with people. Love doesn't just disappear because you're hurt. And for a while there you were numb, Vee. A lot of those suppressed instincts have probably come back with your heat. You're feeling more like your true self again."
"But how do I—"
"You grieve."
The word sits heavy between us.
"You grieve your pack," he says. "You remember the good and the bad. You feel everything. The love. The anger. The betrayal. The loss. All of it. Let yourself feel it Vee."
"I don't want to feel it."
"I know. But it's the only way to heal."
I wipe my face. "I don't want to talk anymore. Not today."
He nods. Stands. "That's okay. I'll be back soon. We can talk more then."
"Thank you."
He pulls out a shirt from his bag and hands it to me. I frown at it, then at him. "Why do you keep giving me shirts?"
Arden just smiles, tired but gentle. "I told you. I'll explain later, when you're ready. But I know they help. Take it, Vee."
