27. Chapter 27
Normal
“Actually,” Timothy speaks up for the first time. “I would love to do some baseline tests, basically a Shifter checkup, just to see if you’re showing any abnormalities as a Chosen Omega.”
“Jesus, Timmy! I just said she isn’t a goddamn experiment!” Charles is red faced again. He is genuinely upset that they want to run tests.
I don’t really see anything wrong with it.
I mean, I don’t want them to be too invasive, but I’m sure I could do some physical things and allow them to get a sample of my blood.
I’m already giving August some, so it shouldn’t be any different.
I think about it more, trying to see what my limits to this testing would be.
My mates throw suggestions at me in my mind and I smile everytime I hear one of them in my head.
“They may want to monitor the heat.”
Even in my mind I can hear the growl in Skylar’s words. He isn’t happy about that train of thought and I have to admit that it makes me a lot uncomfortable to think they may ask that of me. So I decided to ask them what they are wanting before I agree to it.
“What tests? What would I have to do?”
Charles cuts his gaze my way and silently asks me if I’m sure.
His eyes are blazing with anger, and I feel a swell of emotion.
I’ve never had someone step up and defend my well being like he is, and I’m not sure how to express my gratitude to him for doing it.
This whole situation is uncomfortable, but having my mates, and the wolves I’m starting to think of as parents, here makes it so much easier.
“It wouldn’t be too much, Rebecca.” Sandra speaks up now.
Her icy glare lands on the male Alphas behind her and they all look down at the floor.
“You’re already doing a blood test, so really, we would take baseline measurements like height and weight.
We’d also like to have you do a stress and speed test, maybe a strength test. We’d never ask to see the heat, but maybe, if you're comfortable with it, you could start tracking when your heat starts, how long it lasts, and how often you get it, along with signs and symptoms you experience before and after. Again, that is only if you and your mates are comfortable with that.”
My mates and I all share a look and I can tell the heat thing is something we will have to talk about before I agree to do it.
The rest of it doesn’t sound bad at all.
Honestly, it’s not that different from the annual health check I did as a human.
And I really do want to help if I can. Abigail explained that with the limited number of Alphas and Omega born and the family connections, the Shifter population is declining more and more every year.
She said that eventually, there won’t be enough Omegas, that Alphas will start to go insane without a mate to ground them and not long after that, the Shifter race would stop producing altogether.
The Shifters born already would live for a long time, because that is in our genetics, but no new Lycan would be born and once the existing Shifters pass on, the race will die.
Just thinking about this beautiful race being gone forever is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
“If August does the tests, I’m willing to participate. I’ll have to let you know about the heat thing after I discuss it with my mates though.”
The Council Alphas all nodded, smiling at me as if I just gave them the holy grail.
I want to roll my eyes at how excited they all seem, but I'm not sure that will go over well with this bunch. They seem to be the ‘no disrespect will be tolerated’ type. I keep my thoughts to myself, but my mates all snicker and remind me that my thoughts aren’t just my own anymore.
A smile creeps across my face knowing they will be there, even in my mind, anytime I need them.
Skylar tightens his hold on me and CJ leans down and kisses my head.
“Well, it’s too late to do any of that tonight and you guys,” August gestures to the Council before continuing in his icy tone.
I get the distinct impression that August isn’t happy with the Council right now, but it isn’t my business unless he decides to talk to me about it, so I let the thought fizzle away.
“are here until Friday. The test will wait until tomorrow.”
The council immediately agrees then Charles heads to the kitchen to pull dinner out of the oven.
The table is large enough to fit everyone, but Skylar refuses to let me go to my own seat.
CJ makes a huge plate and sits it down in front of us, then Skylar starts to feed me.
While I’m chewing, he takes bites for himself.
We eat the whole dinner that way while everyone makes small talk.
Now that the conversation is no longer on me and my Omega status, the Council is pleasant company.
Tandy is full of knowledge about the other Omegas around the world, even the ones that aren’t shifters, and even tells me about an Omega retreat she runs once a year.
I’m really excited to hear more about it, and Mandy says she loves going every year and looks forward to bringing me with her this year.
The rest of the evening is so nice and calm.
My mates sneak half of James’s chocolate cake back to my room.
Although, when I hugged the parents goodnight, James does tell me to enjoy the cake, so I guess they didn’t really sneak it.
We stay up later than we should just talking and getting to know one another.
Skylar and CJ talk a bit about putting in a request with the Council for a formal Lead switch.
I didn’t even know that was something packs could do, but apparently it is.
Hutch regales me with stories of high school with the other Alphas and Erik tells me all about his home Community.
He gets really excited when I agree to go with him this winter to visit his family.
When we finally settle down to sleep, I have a smile on my face.
My mates are amazing and I couldn’t ask for better.
The next morning, I’m woken up by a knock at the door.
I grumble and roll out of Hutch’s arms to answer it, but Erik just pats my head and gets up.
He opens the door enough to speak to whoever is knocking, but makes sure they can’t see inside.
I appreciate his thoughtfulness, but I’m curious about who it is.
Suddenly, a picture of August pops into my mind and Erik’s essence, or wolf, or whatever it is, rubs against mine.
Obviously, he is telling me what I want to know without letting August see into the room.
After speaking to the Alpha for a while, Erik closes the door and walks back to the bed. “Sorry, Red, but August says we need to get up and get ready to head to the hospital so you can complete your tests for the Council. He said it shouldn’t take long and you should dress comfortably.”
I scowl at the door, and sit up, not ready to leave the soft bed or the comfort of my mates’ arms. However, grumpy as I may be, I did agree to do it.
So reluctantly, I climb over Hutch and make my way to the closet to get dressed.
I decide on wearing jean shorts and a loose Howl University tank top, along with a brand new pair of sneakers that feel like clouds on my feet.
After brushing out my long hair, noting that it is almost to the middle of my back now and I should probably get it cut soon, I put it up in a high pony like I used to wear for cheer.
Walking out, I see that all of my mates are ready to leave.
I take in what each of them is wearing and giggle.
We all match. They are wearing blue jeans and different colored Howl University tank tops.
Hutch and CJ have on their baseball caps backwards again and Erik’s hair is flowing down the left side of his head, loose for the first time since I’ve met him.
Skylar seems to have opted to leave his glasses off for the day and his eyes are stunning, even without the thick black frames emphasizing their emerald color.
They all turn to look at me when they hear my giggles, the confusion on their faces telling me they haven’t noticed our matching attire yet.
I don’t clue them in, wanting to see how long it’ll take them to notice.
“Come on guys. Let's get this over with so I can con CJ’s dads into taking me shopping.” I head out the door and almost make it to the stairs before Hutch has me slung over his shoulder.
These Alphas have a serious aversion to me walking down the stairs by myself, but I love being in their arms, or over their shoulders it seems, so I don’t complain.
Mandy and her mates are waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs and she smiles when she sees me over Hutch’s shoulder.
Charles, August, and James all share a look and a grin between them, but I seem to be the only one who noticed it.
Looking around, I don’t see any of the Council but Charles is rushing us out the door before I can ask.
Mandy and her mates climb into their Infinity while CJ opens the door for Hutch to set me in the SUV they drove me home in on Friday.
Skylar hops in the back seat before Erik can and smiles at him when Erik growls.
Hutch and CJ laugh at their antics when Erik climbs in over Skylar and my laps and steals Hutch’s seat, quickly shutting the door in his face and locking it when he tries to open it again.
Hutch grumbles, but walks around to get in the open front seat anyways.
Erik hands me a granola bar with a smile and I take it before kissing him to express my gratitude.
This whole morning has felt so normal and amazing.
I know that I’ll probably be grumpy by the time the tests are done, but for now, I’m so happy to just be with my mates.
They make my day seem so much brighter and I wonder if it’s normal to feel so close and attached to your mates so soon after forming the bond.
I feel like pieces of me have been missing my whole life and now, with them, I am complete.
They make my soul sing and all the negative thoughts melt away.
I love how caring and playful they are, love how each of them is so different but caring.
I love … them. Oh Gods, I’m in love with all of them.
“I shouldn't be so aggravated that Skylar taught her how to shield her thoughts.” Hutch is staring at me, turned completely around in his chair, knees in the seat with his arms hugging the head rest. “Look at her face, she looks like she’s seen a ghost and I want to know what it is. Red!” Now he is leaning down into my face, his back brushing the top of the car and his broad chest taking up most of the center console.
“Drop your shields and let us hear what’s going on in there. ”
“Leave her alone and sit your ass down.” Skylar thumps his forehead and shoves his shoulder until he sits back in his seat pouting.
The boys spend the rest of the day joking around and distracting me from the uncomfortable test the Council has August run.
When we first get to the hospital, he takes my blood before any of the Council shows up.
Once they get there, I’m getting my blood pressure taken, running on treadmills, and lifting weights I never dreamed I’d be able to.
They even have August do a pelvic exam on me, though my mates force the Council to stay outside of the room for that test, even the female members.
By the time all the tests are done, I feel like I’ve run a triathlon.
I’m so tired I don’t even want to go shopping anymore, so August promises me we’ll go tomorrow.
My mates take me home and we spend the rest of the night cuddled up watching movies.