My throat tightens. “My father,” I say. “He…he was my owner.” The word tastes bitter.
“And how did you come to be separated from him?”
I hesitate just long enough that I’m afraid she’ll notice. “I left the apartment building,” I say carefully. “I only wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining, and I got turned around. I accidentally got lost.”
It’s a lie, but I don’t want to admit that I ran away. I don’t know how much trouble he’d get into if they askedwhyI ran.
I mean, as much as I hate my father, I don’t want to get him in trouble.
“Okay.” Dr. Whitaker studies me for a long second, but she doesn’t push. “Has your new mate abused you?” she asks next. “Has he threatened you or made you feel unsafe in any way?”
“No,” I say immediately. “Pace is wonderful.” My answer is easy this time. “He hasn’t hurt me,” I add quietly. “I feel…safe.” I swallow. “I feel loved.” The words sound strange coming out of my mouth, especially since I haven’t known him very long.
Dr. Whitaker’s expression softens. “That’s very sweet.”
“It feels weird,” I admit. “I didn’t even know him before my heat.”
“That happens,” she says calmly. “Especially in heat-induced matings. The bond forms quickly. It can beverystrong.” She steps a little closer, lowering her voice. “And now that you’re mated, you’ll be able to feel your alpha’s intentions through the bond. It won’t be perfect, but it will be honest. If you feel safe, Jude, then you are safe.”
Something in my chest loosens at that.
My bond hums again, warm and steady, like it’s agreeing with her.
“Alright, Jude,” she says, her voice professional again. “May I examine you now?”
I hesitate, my stomach clenching. The thought of being touched by a stranger makes me want to run, but I really want to be registered as Pace’s mate, so I nod. “Okay.”
“Good.” The doctor smiles. “Will you lie back for me?”
I do as she asks, the paper crinkling beneath me as the nurse sets up the table, bringing out stirrups for my feet to rest in.
“I…I was rutted this morning,” I admit, my face flaming hot once again as the nurse guides my feet into place. “I might be a little messy.”
Dr. Whitaker doesn’t seem fazed in the least as she pulls on a pair of medical gloves. “That’s perfectly normal,” she says. “I’m used to alphas marking their omegas with their scent before bringing them in.” She settles on a little stool between my legs.
Her touch is clinical as she lifts my penis, then examines my testicles. “Were you a virgin?” she asks, her eyes focused as she checks around my butt hole.
“Yes,” I whisper, mortified.
The doctor stays professional, her expression unchanged. “You have no tearing around your entrance, which is good.” She glances up at me. “It means your alpha prepped you well.”
A weird bloom of pride swells in my stomach at her words.
“I’m going to do an internal examination now, but it’ll be quick,” she explains. “I’m just going to feel inside your rectumto make sure there’s no damage, and then I’ll feel to make sure your uterus isn’t too swollen after being bred.”
I swallow hard, wishing like hell this was all over. Then I turn and look up at the camera, wondering how my alpha is doing.
Chapter Eight
Pace
Istare at the flat computer monitor mounted on the wall. The image is grainy, but it’s clear enough. I watch as a mid-aged beta doctor talks to my omega. I see Jude shake his head a few times, but I can’t hear his voice through the thick walls.
I hate it.
My sweet boy looks so scared and tiny in that flimsy hospital gown, his shoulders hunched and his arms crossed over his chest like he’s trying to disappear.
I should be in there.
