There’s a firm knock on the door. “Come in,” I say loudly.
The door squeaks as it opens, and Nash, Holden, Roman, Tav and Torin step inside. Suddenly, the exam room doesn’t seem so big anymore.
“How are you doing?” Storm’s voice filters into the room as Tav turns to show me Storm’s smiling face on his phone. Should’ve known he’d find a way to be here.
“Good. Anxious. Nervous,” I rattle off, unsure how to say what exact feelings I’m having at the moment.
“It’s going to be okay,” Storm tells me as Nash, Holden and Roman move to my side.
“I know. I’m just scared… about being pregnant. About what to do.” I can feel the tears sliding down my cheeks, and Roman reaches out and wipes them away.
“If you are, then you have us. We’ll be by your side no matter what you choose. If a baby is in your future, then it’s ours too.” Roman takes my hand, giving it a squeeze. I look at Nash and then Holden, who are both nodding in agreement.
These men are breaking down every barrier I have, to the point I feel at home with them. I feel safe. When I’m with them, everything else falls to the side. I smile, feeling a little awkward having three men who aren’t my family nor have they bonded with me in the room waiting to hear the results.
There’s a knock before the door opens and the doctor steps back inside.
“Well, it seems like it’s standing room only here,” the doctor jokes.
I smile, but I can’t laugh. I’m too nervous.
“So let’s get straight to it. First, we will start with the thing you’re most concerned about. I’m happy to say that you are not pregnant.”
A gasp escapes me as my hand flies to my mouth, as I become overwhelmed with emotions. There’s no baby. I don't have tochoose between an abortion or having a living reminder of what happened to me.
“That’s great news,” Storm says, catching the doctor off guard.
“Next, your blood work did show that you are having heat spikes. Since you were on suppressants for so long, it will take a while for the time between your heats to level out. I’d recommend staying off them if you can, as they are not for long-term use.”
I look over at Roman, chewing on my lower lip. I’m not sure if he told the others that I plan to have my heat with them, but now seems like a fitting time.
“I’m not going back on them. At least that’s the plan. I’ve found my Kismet bonds, and they are going to help me with my next heat.” I glance over at Tav, Torin and Storm’s image on the phone, not one of them seems surprised by my decision. “I haven’t decided whether to bond yet, however, and I was hoping that I could have something to take to keep from becoming pregnant.”
For some reason, I expect the doctor to judge me, but he doesn’t.
“We can give you a shot before you leave. If you want to continue taking it, you’d just need to come in every three months for a booster shot.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, as I feel everyone’s eyes on me.
Chapter 47
River
One week later
I’m burning up. I need more. A whimper escapes me as I wrap myself up in the blanket that smells of Roman. I nestle into the pillow that Nash used when he slept on the couch last night. With my heat so near, none of them wanted to be far away, so they’ve been camping out in the living room.
I felt bad and weird at the same time. I’m about to be with them for my heat, but I wasn’t ready for them to sleep in my bed.
It’s not enough. I need them. Sitting up, a cramp takes hold of me, causing me to double over. A whimper slips from my lips.
“Roman,” I call, needing him, needing all of them to be here with me to ease this ache that’s burning a hole through me.
“River,” he calls as I hear the sound of his feet slapping on the wood floor. “Are you okay? Do you need something?” He stops just outside my nest, gazing in through the open door at me.
“Yes,” I whine. “Please,” I beg.
“Okay, baby, let me get the others.” He pulls out his phone, his fingers dancing over the keyboard.
