Chapter 3 A Necessary Step #2
We enter the clinic. The waiting area holds a few chairs and a counter, behind which sits a woman in scrubs with warm brown skin and a stethoscope looped around her neck.
She glances up from the computer in front of her and offers a polite smile as she stands. “Sandra?”
My throat tightens as I nod. “Hi.”
She smiles, kind and genuine. “I’m Dr. Ramirez. Monica gave me a little context. Why don’t you come back with me? We’ll talk in private.” Her eyes flick to the others in a silent question.
“I step forward, shoulders straightening. “They’re with me. They make my inner Omega feel safe. I want them here.”
Jethro steps closer. “We’re her protection. And we’re scent-matched.”
Dr. Ramirez lifts a brow but doesn’t comment. “Alright, come on back.”
She leads us to an exam room. The room holds the usual setup: an exam table, a counter, a sink, and various pieces of medical equipment. The faint, sharp scent of antiseptic lingers in the air.
“Have a seat.” She gestures to the table. “Tell me everything in your own words. Take your time. Nothing you say will leave this room.”
I lower myself onto the exam table, gripping the paper lining so tightly it crackles beneath my fingers.
My heart pounds as I sit. Jethro stands close, a steady presence.
Ross and Caleb hold positions near the door while Oli leans against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he offers me a soft smile.
“Okay. Where do I start?”
Dr. Ramirez’s expression stays soft. “Wherever you want to.”
“My father sold me.” The words are bitter on my tongue. “To cover his gambling debt. To a man named Sergio. He’s dangerous.”
She nods.
“Sergio didn’t want me. He already had a bonded mate. So he gave me to his second and third, Nero, and Emilio. They claimed me without my consent and left their marks.” I raise a hand to my neck, my fingertips grazing the inflamed bites.
“How long ago were you taken?”
“Three weeks. They marked me two weeks ago.”
She types the information into her laptop. “And you escaped today?”
I nod. “This morning. I took a car and drove until I ended up here.”
“You said you’re scent-matched with these men?”
Looking at the others, I nod again. “Yes. But I don’t understand. They already have an Omega. It shouldn’t be possible.”
Her brows draw together. “It’s rare. But scent matches aren’t fully understood, so not impossible. Have you had any symptoms besides the pain from the bites?”
“I’ve been sore and tired. My neck burns.” I look down. “I know my body’s rejecting the marks. I didn’t want them.”
“Understood. We’ll check them in a moment. First, I have to ask you some questions for the rape kit. Were you penetrated, vaginally or anally, by any of these men?” She gestures toward the others.
“No.” I shake my head. “Just the ones who took me.”
“That’s important. Thank you.” She lifts a thin paper gown from a drawer. “I’ll need you to change into this for the exam. Would you like them to step out while you change?”
I glance at Jethro.
He nods. “We’ll be right outside.”
He touches my arm, and it gives me a bit of bravery for what’s coming next. Then he, Ross, Caleb, and Oli file out, leaving me alone with Dr. Ramirez.
The exam is over. My body aches and everything feels exposed, but Dr. Ramirez stayed professional. The swabs, the molds, the cold instruments against already sore skin—done. She applies ointment to the bite marks on my neck. It stings, but it’s nothing compared to how it’s felt the past few days.
Dr. Ramirez peels off her gloves and tosses them into the bin. “That’s it for the physical exam. I just need to draw some blood. Then you can change.”
Before she grabs the supplies, the door creaks open. A familiar voice follows. “Everything alright in there?”
She looks at me. I nod.
Dr. Ramirez lifts her chin toward the door. “You can come in.”
Jethro steps in first, with Ross, Oli, and Caleb behind him. The room feels smaller with them inside, but not in a bad way. Their scents calm me. Just having them nearby helps.
Jethro stops beside the table and looks at me.
I give him a small smile. “It’s over.”
Dr. Ramirez puts on new gloves and gets the vials ready. She holds up a needle. “Just a quick draw. We’ll test for pregnancy and STIs. It’s routine.”
I glance at the needle. My throat tightens. Jethro places his hand on my arm. My hand drifts to my neck, fingers brushing the bite marks. The skin still throbs, irritated and hot.
Dr. Ramirez notices. “There are medications that can help force those to heal. They won’t erase the marks, but they’ll close them up.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want them healed like that. I didn’t choose these marks. I don’t want them becoming permanent.”
She studies me a moment, then nods. “Since you’re scent-matched with them.” She gestures to the four. “They can bite over the old ones. Their marks would replace the others. The rejection would stop, and you’d heal faster.”
I meet their eyes, landing on Caleb last. I’ve heard about that in the Safe Haven, most Omegas aren’t as lucky as I am. But these Alphas already have an Omega. “I know.”
Dr. Ramirez cleans my arm with an alcohol swab. “Just wanted you to be aware.”
The needle slips in. I tense, but Jethro’s hand keeps me steady. I flick my eyes to vial, watching it fill. What awful truths will it reveal later?
In a swift motion, she pulls the needle from my arm. “All done.” She presses a cotton ball to the spot and tapes it down. “You can get dressed now. Come out when you’re ready.”
She leaves, the door clicking shut behind her.
I look at the stool. My shirt is folded there, but Nero’s rancid clings to it. My stomach turns.
“I can’t wear that again.” My voice barely makes it out. “It smells like them.”
“Do you have anything else you can wear?” Jethro asks, his voice low.
I shake my head. “No. Just that.”
Caleb glances between me and the shirt. “Hang on.” He turns and walks out.
The room goes quiet again. We wait, but the silence isn’t uncomfortable. A few minutes later, a knock sounds against the door. Caleb steps back in, holding a gray hoodie. He crosses the room and holds it out. “Here. It’s clean.”
I take it. My fingers graze his. The fabric is soft and smells like marshmallow and something deeper, sweet. Maybe date. My shoulders drop. Maybe he’s not as closed off as I thought. “Thanks.”
He doesn’t say anything. Just offers a nod, they all turn their backs toward me so I can change. Taking off the paper gown, I pull the hoodie over my head.
Maybe staying wasn’t the wrong call. But I can’t ignore the risk. If Sergio finds me, they’ll be in his crosshairs just for helping me. I can’t let that happen. No matter what I feel, I need to leave before I make this worse for them.