“Don’t touch me,” I whimpered, jerking away from Theo’s touch and pushing against Cam’s body. I moved to the opposite side of the bathtub.
Cam reached out towards me, and in that moment, his arms belonged to someone else. To the alphas I never let myself think about. The ones who had haunted my dreams for years. I cried out and pressed my back against the tub, splashing water onto the floor. Cam’s expression was stricken as he got out of the tub.
Being alone in the bathtub didn’t ease my panic. Even though I’d wanted to be alone, I felt rejected. Now all I wanted was for my alphas to hold me close. I curled into a ball, the water coming up to my shoulders, confused and overwhelmed.
“The doctor just pulled up, love,” Theo said gently, his voice breaking through my panicked fog. “Is it alright if I bring her up? If she gets here and you want her to leave, just say so.”
“Wait, the doctor is a woman?” I asked, startled. Only male alphas could be doctors.
“Yes, I spoke to her. She’s coming here to help you.” He kept his sentences short as if he knew I was floating in and out of lucidity.
I nodded, keeping my eyes closed.
“Josie, this is Dr. Angela Walker. She wants to talk with you for a minute,” Theo said a few moments later. “I’m going to turn on a lamp.”
Standing in the doorway was a woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties with straight black hair, golden skin, and a matching set of hot pink loungewear.
“Are you sure she’s a doctor?” I mumbled, barely able to keep my eyes open.
“Hi, Josie. Yes, I trained in Sol as a doctor before moving here. Please call me Angie. I’ve been out of town and just got back, which is why I’m dressed like this,” she said, gesturing at her outfit. “One of my old colleagues knows your friend Sam, and I’ve been working with Ms. Raven through the Alliance for quite some time. I believe all omegas deserve to make their own choices about their bodies. I want to talk for a few minutes to see how I can best help you.”
Another cramp surged through my body and I did my best to hold in my scream. My alphas moved in closer as if they could do something to protect me from the pain. I finally processed what the doctor had said and sat up a bit with a jolt.
“Did you say… your pack?”
“Yes, I’m an omega and I have a pack of two alphas. We live down the street. One of my alphas is waiting downstairs,” Angie said, sitting down next to the tub.
“Your alphas let you be a doctor?” I whispered, filled with awe at this no-nonsense omega sitting in front of me.
Angie smirked. “They know better than to stop me from doing what I want. They’re very supportive. Omegas are just as capable as any other designation and it’s time the world caught up. Now, I can see you’re in a lot of pain. I haven’t had a chance to fully review your chart, but I understand this is your first heat and you’ve been on suppressants for the past year.”
“Yeah. I ran out a few days ago.”
“When did your heat start?”
“Last night, just after midnight,” Ben responded.
Angie nodded. “I was able to get injectable suppressants, which are stronger than the oral variety. This shot will last three months and will shorten your heat and make it more manageable to get through without being knotted.”
“How much will it shorten and what does manageable mean?” Cam gritted out. I vaguely noted that he was standing further away, closer to the door.
“It’s hard to tell, but suppressants usually stop a heat within two days. You’ll still have cramping, but nothing that will cause permanent damage or require medical care. I also have pain medication that I plan to inject to help with the cramps you’re experiencing since I couldn’t get here earlier. I can also give you a birth control injection.”
I nodded, wondering what the guys thought about babies. Because I was a firmno.
“What else can we do to help her the next couple of days?” Theo asked.
“Baths are great if she feels up to it. She probably won’t want to eat much, so make sure to give her lots of small snacks and plenty of water. Nesting is still critical. Have you been able to make a nest yet, Josie?”
“No,” I whispered. “Don’t know how.” What if everyone had been right that I was defective? What if I made a nest incorrectly? Then my alphas would know something was wrong with me and kick me out. I whimpered at the thought.
“There’s no right or wrong way to make a nest,” Angie said gently. “Your omega will let you know what she likes and what makes her feel safe. Trust her to guide you. I also wanted to mention that even without being knotted, physical touch from alphas can be very soothing. It’s not a requirement if you don’t feel comfortable. Remember, you are in control.”
Angie spoke with such authority I almost believed her.
“I like them touching me,” I slurred out.
“Why is she talking like that?” Ben said, a hint of panic in his voice.
