Chapter 11 Medical Revelations and Pack Politics #2
"They're no longer covered under mandatory basic healthcare," Dr. Winters interrupts, her tone carrying a bitter edge.
"The cost became prohibitive enough that Chief Murphy made the financial decision to discontinue rather than allocate limited resources toward medications she deemed non-essential. "
Non-essential.
Suppressants and birth control are classified as luxuries rather than medical necessities.
The political implications make my hands clench against my thighs hard enough that nails dig through denim into skin.
She lets the information settle, watching our reactions with clinical assessment, before delivering the next complication/
"Additionally, the ongoing investigation into her assault…the arson case Officer Martinez is pursuing…would actually put Chief Murphy in legal jeopardy if she continued suppressant therapy without pack affiliation."
Aidric surges to his feet, chair scraping against tile with a harsh sound that makes everyone flinch.
"Why the fuck would taking medication to function in a male-dominated career environment put her in legal trouble with the government?" The words explode across the small space, rage barely contained beneath professional vocabulary.
Dr. Winters remains calm despite his volcanic reaction; her experience with aggressive Alphas apparently extensive enough that outbursts don't faze her.
"Because she's not officially affiliated with a pack," she explains with patience that suggests she's delivered this exact information before.” Her medical records show continued suppressant use, while packless violates the new regulations.
The government position is that Omegas should rely on pack support for cycle management rather than artificial hormonal intervention. "
Translation: force dependency, eliminate autonomy, ensure Omegas remain controllable through biological vulnerability.
"If she continues taking suppressants without pack affiliation, the government could mandate forced pack placement," Dr. Winters continues, each word landing like an individual assault.
"They'd assign her to an available pack that meets their criteria, regardless of her preferences or compatibility. "
Bear's growl rumbles through the room, the sound vibrating with barely suppressed rage.
"Well, isn't that fucking inhumane." The statement isn't a question—it's a condemnation, delivered with conviction that makes Dr. Winters nod in agreement.
"I concur completely," she says quietly. "The policy is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and designed specifically to strip Omegas of bodily autonomy under the guise of protection and healthcare access."
Her expression hardens, professional mask slipping enough to reveal personal investment in this fight.
"Which is why I'm invested in finding solutions that work around these restrictions while still providing Chief Murphy the care she needs and deserves."
Bear's attention sharpens, focus shifting from general rage to specific problem-solving.
"Is that why the investigation is also saying if she doesn't have pack affiliation, they won't move forward with prosecuting her ex-pack for attempted murder?"
The question catches me off guard.
I wasn't aware Officer Martinez had communicated those specific details to anyone outside official channels.
Calder's head whips toward Bear, surprise evident.
"Who told you that?"
"Wendolyn," Bear replies simply, like the answer should be obvious. "We talked when she first woke up before the unexpected fire at the heritage building. She explained the situation, mentioned Officer Martinez's concerns about the case stalling without proper pack binding."
He shrugs, massive shoulders moving with casual power.
"I offered that our pack could step in temporarily. Provide the affiliation needed to move the investigation forward, and I guess now, access proper medical care."
What.
Aidric's expression shifts through several emotions too quickly to track, landing somewhere between shock and fury.
"Excuse me?" The words emerge dangerously quiet. "You offered our pack without discussing with me first? Without consulting pack Alpha about a major decision affecting our entire dynamic?"
Bear rolls his eyes with theatrical exasperation.
"No shit, Captain. You weren't there when the conversation happened, and I was planning to bring it up once we handled the immediate medical crisis. Obviously, we got busy with exploding buildings and unconscious Omegas, so the discussion got delayed."
Fair point, actually.
Bear tends toward impulsive generosity, but his instincts are usually sound regarding pack needs and compatible additions.
I step forward before their argument escalates into something physical, drawing attention with deliberate movement.
"It's actually a strategically sound plan," I observe, my medical mind already calculating logistics. "Addressing multiple problems simultaneously with a single solution."
All eyes turn toward me, with various expressions of surprise at my endorsement.
I direct my next question to Dr. Winters.
"If we…hypothetically…claim pack affiliation with Chief Murphy for a temporary period, would that qualify her for the treatment needed to address the fainting spells?"
Dr. Winters nods immediately, relief evident that someone's focusing on practical solutions rather than political outrage.
"Yes. With documented pack affiliation, I could provide comprehensive care, including alternative suppressant options that might better suit her current circumstances and physiological needs."
She taps her tablet, pulling up what appears to be treatment protocols.
"The fainting stems from hormonal instability caused by abrupt medication cessation combined with stress, repeated trauma exposure, and inadequate recovery time between incidents. With proper medication and pack support, we could stabilize her within weeks rather than months."
Good.
Manageable timeline with clear intervention path.
"It would also strengthen Officer Martinez's case," I continue, working through implications.
"Demonstrate that Chief Murphy has a support system, make it harder for opposing counsel to paint her as an unstable or unreliable witness.
Pack affiliation provides social and legal legitimacy that independent Omegas don't receive in the current political climate. "
Both Calder and Aidric open their mouths—presumably to object, to argue, to establish territorial boundaries about who gets to make decisions regarding Wendolyn Murphy's pack status.
But I'm faster, cutting through their impending conflict with clinical assessment.
"However, Dr. Winters, you mentioned potential complications with this arrangement?"
Her expression shifts, sympathy mixing with medical pragmatism.
"Suppressants will help prevent her from reacting to random Alphas in public spaces, maintain her professional composure in work environments," she explains carefully.
"But if you officially accept her as pack Omega, even temporarily, her body will begin responding to you specifically by biological default. "
Calder and Aidric exchange glares that could ignite fires, but both remain silent, waiting for elaboration.
I provide it, because someone needs to speak the medical truth they're both avoiding.
"Her hormones will recognize pack bonds, begin producing pheromones and physiological responses designed to strengthen those connections. Which could trigger a heat cycle."
Dr. Winters nods in confirmation.
"Potentially significantly stronger than what she might have experienced with the previous pack, depending on biological compatibility and the nature of her sexual relationships with them."
Ah.
That complication.
Calder straightens, attention laser-focused on Dr. Winters with intensity that suggests this information carries personal significance.
"She never had heat with the other pack," he states flatly, delivering information like a bomb he's been waiting to detonate.
The silence that follows is profound.
What?
Bear voices the collective disbelief.
"That's not possible. Omegas in pack situations automatically cycle unless actively suppressed, and you just said she was taking medication—"
"I'm being completely serious," Calder interrupts, jaw set with stubborn certainty. "Wendolyn hasn't experienced heat with a pack. Not because she didn't want to, or because she was avoiding it. It simply never happened."
Dr. Winters leans forward, professional interest clearly piqued.
"That suggests biological incompatibility with her previous pack," she observes, already typing notes.
"Pheromonal mismatch preventing the hormonal cascade necessary for heat initiation.
It's rare but not unheard of—essentially her body recognized on an instinctive level that those Alphas weren't suitable mates, refused to enter a vulnerable state around them. "
Protective mechanism.
Biological wisdom overriding conscious choice.
"If you're compatible with her," Dr. Winters continues, addressing all four of us collectively, "her body will respond very differently. Can you describe your reactions to her scent?"
The question hangs there, an invitation to reveal vulnerability none of us are comfortable admitting.
Aidric speaks first, his voice carrying a rough edge.
"Captivating. Like cedar and vanilla shouldn't work together, but somehow create something that makes rational thought nearly impossible."
Bear nods in agreement.
"First time I've ever reacted to an Omega. Usually their scents are pleasant but ignorable—hers makes me want to bury my face in her hair and just breathe for hours."
Calder's admission is quieter, more personal.
"Like home. Like everything safe and dangerous combined into a single perfect combination that I'd kill to protect."
They all turn to me, waiting for my contribution to this increasingly uncomfortable conversation.
Fine.