“Omegas reach a point in our heats where we’re not quite lucid. Let’s get her the injections now before she’s too far gone. These do need to be injected into your buttocks, so I’ll need you to get out of the tub.”
I dreaded having to move. Angie grasped my forearm to help me keep my balance, my other hand resting on Ben’s shoulder. Theo was at my side immediately with a huge towel and helped pull me out of the tub. Cam was still standing near the doorway and I frowned, wondering why he was so far away.
Angie was quick with the injections, but they still burned, and I clung to Theo for support. Once it was over, Theo gently guided me onto a stool and I leaned on Ben.
“I need a moment alone with Josie,” Angie said firmly. Ben growled, the vibration rocking through my chest and sending a burst of slick into my cold, wet underwear. “This is non-negotiable—it will just be a few minutes,” she continued, not remotely deterred by the three territorial alphas.
“It’s okay,” I whispered, patting Ben on the arm. “I’ll talk with her.”
After a long hesitation, Theo spoke. “We will be right outside the door, love.” He caressed my face and reluctantly walked out of the room, taking Ben and Cam with him.
Once they were gone, Angie lowered herself to the floor so our faces were level. “Josie, I’m sure this has been completely overwhelming, and I’m so sorry you didn’t get the care you needed earlier. You are my patient now, and I will ensure you get through this heat as comfortably as possible.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience you.”
“You are absolutely not. Us omegas have to stick together, right?” she said with a smile. “I know Amirah helped set you up with this pack. Do you feel safe with them? If not, we can send someone to stay here with you if you feel you need protection.”
“I… I feel safe. Or safe enough. I just feel like I’m such a burden to them and everyone.” I swiped at the tears falling down my cheek.
“You are not burdening anyone. You have people who care about you and want to make sure you’re okay. I can say with confidence that you are certainly not a burden to these alphas.” Her lips quirked into a smile.
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
“Those three overprotective alphas out there are clearly completely taken with you. Being an omega is hard, but we have great instincts. So, Josie, what are your instincts telling you?”
“They feel safe to be around,” I whispered, still convinced a reality TV show host was going to burst out of the walls at any moment to tell me I’d been pranked and none of this was real.
“Have you felt unsafe around alphas before?” she asked gently.
“Most alphas are unsafe.”
“I’m so sorry that’s been your experience. It shouldn’t be that way. All you need to focus on right now is getting through the next couple of days comfortably and safely.”
I was nervous about revealing too much to Angie, but this might be my only opportunity. “I have a question.”
She nodded reassuringly.
“They told me we’re mates, but I can’t feel it. I mean, I felt comfortable around them pretty much from the start and I’m attracted to them.” I felt like my face was on fire. Why was this so hard to talk about? “But I’m not sure what else I’m supposed to be feeling.”
“There’s no test we can run to see if you’re mates. We do know that taking suppressants will suppress some of that instinctual reaction. That blocking effect will wear off after you stop suppressant use. Unfortunately, there’s no way for you to know for sure until then.”
I appreciated her straightforward answer. The knot in my chest loosened at the confirmation that the guys hadn’t lied to me about suppressants blocking my ability to recognize them as mates.
Angie gently placed her hand on mine, holding my gaze for a few long moments. “I know what it’s like to be hurt by alphas and how scary it is to let go and trust. Those three out there have to earn your trust. I also know how easy it is to hold yourself back from something good out of fear… or because you don’t think you deserve it. You deserve goodness, Josie. I hope you’ll let yourself have it.”
My throat tightened. I couldn’t believe how kind this stranger was being.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“Remember, I live right around the corner. You have my number. Reach out if you need anything. I’ll call tomorrow to check in on you and see how you’re doing.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“But I’m going to. You’re not alone in this, Josie. I’m part of your team now.”
“Okay,” I said, smiling. I still wasn’t sure this magical take-charge omega wasn’t a figment of my imagination, but it was safe to say I was obsessed.
“Alright, I’m sure those alphas are about to break down the door. Let’s bring them back in so they can take care of you, and I can return to my grumpy alpha, who is currently very irritated I made him stay downstairs.”
