“They based their testimony on a study that was later withdrawn from theJournal of Designation Sciencesbecause the data was falsified. There’s no evidence that alphas with HA are more dangerous than the average alpha. It’s become a whole political thing—alphas want to use an HA defense in court so they don’t face consequences of their bad behavior while also maintaining their rights to bond and be part of packs. It’s ridiculous.”
Lucy fixed me with a triumphant expression as I tried to make sense of the doctor’s words.
“Many alphas struggle to deal with the new surge of hormones when they first come into their designations,” she continued. “We often see an increase in physical aggression in alpha teenagers and young adults, whether or not they have HA. Suppressants can be one form of treatment, but other things can help, too. Physical activity is one of them, so I’m not surprised firefighting is a good fit for you. But there are actually a lot of other things that can help young alphas regulate themselves, like dance, art, and meditation. For someshockingreason, those aren’t promoted as often.” The doctor’s voice was drenched with sarcasm. “No matter what, there is no excuse for abusive behavior, no matter your designation.”
Lucy wiggled happily on my lap, a satisfied smile on her face. “I’m the perfect omega for you, then. I love crafts. We can do them together.”
My mouth was open, but no words came out as my entire perspective of myself shifted.
“In addition to the lack of evidence around HA being a cause of abuse or violence, there’s another reason I’m not concerned about you and Lucy being together,” Dr.Finch said. “Do I have permission to share about your medical history, Lucy?”
“Yeah, of course.”
“Lucy has a condition called HO, or hyper omestrogen. It means she has higher levels of the hormone omestrogen than the average omega, making her instincts more prominent.”
I tightened my hold on Lucy. “Does it hurt you?”
“No, not at all,” she said, leaning into my chest. “I’m on suppressants—asafedose, since I can’t get mine over the counter like you can.” She rolled her eyes. “They help keep things even. But…” She chewed her lip, her cheeks heating. “I’m still kind of a lot, even for an omega.”
Dr.Finch made a disgruntled noise, and I was in complete agreement.
“Who fucking said you’re a lot?”
Lucy’s scent instantly lost its bitter edge, transforming into a deep, floral sweetness that did not help my hard-on.
“I’m really needy,” she whispered. “And instead of getting better as the relationship goes on, it gets worse.”
My lips twitched. “I think I can handle that.”
Dr.Finch seemed completely unfazed by the drama unfolding before her, but maybe she was used to it, working in designation medicine.
Before I made any promises to Lucy, I had to be sure. “How can you guarantee I won’t hurt Lucy?”
“I can’t.”
My heart stopped, my chest seized, and even though it made no sense, I tightened my hold on Lucy when I should be letting go.
“But,” she continued, “I am very confident that if you hurt her, it won’t be because of your condition.”
A sigh escaped me and I buried my face in the crook of my omega’s neck.
“I’m going to step out for a few minutes, but I’ll be back to address any lingering concerns.” The door shut softly behind her.
Lucy rubbed her cheek against mine, scent-marking me. And then something happened I never expected to experience in my life—she started purring. The sweet vibration filled me from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I was undone and remade in an instant, belonging completely to her.
“I’m so fucking sorry for the pain I’ve caused you this week. Ipromise I’ll do whatever I can to earn your forgiveness. I’ll host a million speed dating nights if it means I get to go home with you.”
“You won’t leave?” Her voice was vulnerable and unsure, the confidence and bravado she’d brought into the appointment melting away.
A responding purr rumbled through my chest. “Never. I don’t deserve you, but I won’t ever let you go. I love you.”
She cupped my face with both hands, and her big blue eyes scanned my face like she was peering into my soul. “I love you, too.”
Our lips met in a tender kiss, and it was almost enough to make me cry. “I never thought I’d get this again,” I murmured between kisses. “To hold you, taste your sweetness.”
She held me tighter, fingers twisting in my hair, and our kiss soon turned hungry. She nipped my lip, I dipped my tongue into her mouth. My fingers dug into her hip and she arched against me.
I groaned when she pulled away.
