Chapter 26
Wren
This is the life.
Cozy pajamas in the middle of the day, a good book, and a soft pillow on my lap so I don’t have to hold my e-reader in my hands like some sort of peasant.
It’s been a few days since our run-in with the police officers, and finding out that we had successfully tipped off the feds to my parent’s dealings. The guys have made sure to fill every moment of free time with cuddles, kisses, house hunting, and quality “pack time”.
I’ve loved every single second of it, but it’s way more social interaction than I’m accustomed to.
The guys had been super understanding when I explained that being around them for so long when I’m so used to not being around anyone makes me really need some alone time.
It gives them time to work on building the evidence against my parents, and it lets me recharge my social battery.
I’m sure that over time, my need for alone time will go down, but for now I’m feeling very much overwhelmed.
My phone buzzes once, and my brows furrow as I pick it up from next to me. There’s a message from Teddy.
Teddy
Anyone need anything from the store while I’m out? Dove?
I tilt my head. Why would he need to specify the question to me if he’s texting me?
My phone buzzes again—this time it’s a text from Ethan…but it shows up right under Teddy’s.
Ethan
We need ricotta. I’m making lasagna tonight.
Teddy
Your name’s not Dove, fuckwad.
Ethan
Technically, our omega’s name isn’t “Dove” either.
Ohhhh. This must be the “group chat” Teddy said he was going to start.
Biting my lip, my fingers type across the screen as another message from Teddy pops up.
Teddy
I’d like to hear from our omega if she needs anything before I worry about you.
Me
I’d like some ricotta please *heart emoji*
Ethan
Thanks, Little Bird.
Teddy
Well played, Dove. Well played. Anything else?
I frown, staring down at the screen as I think about it.
When will small things like this stop making my heart flip inside my chest?
I’ve never been asked if I “need anything from the store”.
I’m sure it’s something people ask each other all the time, but my parents never cared if I “needed” anything.
The phone buzzes.
Maverick
Teddy, why did you make a group chat if you were asking Wren specifically?
Teddy
I just wanted her to answer *first*. What's wrong with wanting to make sure my omega’s needs are met before any of you fuckers?
Brennan
Nothing, but you could have just texted her separately first, and then sent out the group text.
Maverick
I need more razors.
I kind of want a different body wash. The one here is fine, but it smells too much like the one I had at my parents house.
Me
Also, could you please grab me some body wash? I know there’s some here and I’m very grateful, but maybe a different scent?
Teddy
You bet, Dove.
Smiling, I stare down at the screen. It’s amazing how simple that was.
As I reread the exchange, the messages disappear, and in their place is a screen that says “incoming call”.
The words immediately send my heart racing, because I have no idea who would be calling me, but then, at the top of the screen, it says “Maggie Petrov”.
My shoulders immediately relax.
Maverick’s sister, and my doctor.
I guess when Ethan programmed all their numbers in the phone, he added Maggie’s as well.
“Hello?” My voice is unsure as I answer, and I mentally curse myself. I want to become friends with the alpha, not make her feel sorry for me.
“Wren! It’s Maggie. How are you feeling?” Her voice is chipper, and so, so kind.
My very first girl-friend phone call.
“Maggie,” I smile, leaning back into my pillows, “I’m doing great, what about you?”
“Oh, same-old, same-old,” she laughs, and I can hear the rustling of papers behind her. “I just wanted to check in on you, given your impending heat situation. Do you have a sec to chat?”
I try not to let my heart fall. Of course, she’s calling because she’s technically my doctor right now. She’s not going to automatically want to be friends with me just because I’m scent matched to her brother.
“Oh, yes.” My voice remains even as I sit up. “I’m just in my nest…I mean, I’m just…hanging out. Chillin’.”
I cringe.
Chillin’?
Even I know that’s not a cool thing to say.
Maggie lets out a small chuckle and I want to die. She’s for sure not going to be my friend now. “Alright, so first things first. Keep doing whatever you’re doing nutrition-wise. Your numbers are well on the way to being a perfectly healthy omega, and I’m not worried about your weight.”
“Okay.” I nod. Should I be writing this down?
“And now for the more pressing issue—how many heat spikes have you had since I saw you? It’ll help give me a better picture of a heat timeline.”
I frown. “Oh. Um…none?”
There’s a beat of silence. “None?” The shock is clear in her voice. “Are you sure?”
Scratching the back of my neck, my face heats. “Um…pretty sure?” I mean, I was ridiculously horny last night, but ninety percent sure it wasn’t a heat spike.
“You haven’t gotten unbearably hot, followed by an instinctive need to be knotted? Or at least to have an orgasm?”
I can’t believe she’s just…saying it.
“Not that I know of…I mean, I haven’t even…been knotted yet.” And I can’t believe I’m answering her questions so frankly.
“Like…ever?” Her tone has switched from medical professional to something way more casual.
“Is that a medical question?” I can’t help the little laugh that leaves me.
“Shit. No. Sorry, that was just my unprofessional curiosity. I apologize.”
“Don’t apologize,” I shake my head, “I’m actually way out of my depth with this. Up until about two days ago, I was a virgin. Could…could that affect anything?”
I can hear the frown in Maggie’s voice. “It shouldn’t…but based on your numbers from before, Wren, I wouldn’t be surprised if you hit your heat tomorrow. You should have at least had a heat spike by now.”
“Is…” I clear my throat, shifting uncomfortably. “Is there something wrong with me?”
“Oh, Wren, no,” Maggie says quickly. “Everything looks completely normal on my side for an omega who’s met her true scent matches.
But…there’s no one-size-fits-all for omegas.
Some omegas don’t get heat spikes. It’s a low number, and their heats are generally longer, but they’re out there.
It’s a condition we call SOHS—Sudden Onset Heat Syndrome.
I can’t formally diagnose you until you actually go into heat without a spike, but it’s just a medical way of saying there’s no lead-up to your heat.
You’ll just need to keep track of your cycle to know when you’re due for another one so you’re prepared. They even have apps for it.”
Oh. That’s not horrible then, I guess.
I could just…fall into a state of mindless horniness at literally any moment. No biggie.
“Okay…” My brain kicks into overdrive. What if…what if it happens and I still haven’t done anything with Brennan or Maverick? I want to be fully present when it happens. I can only have first-time experiences with them once.
Panic starts to overtake me. Fuck. I haven’t had a panic attack since I passed out in the bathroom at Pack Caruso’s house. But my breathing is becoming shallow, my blood rushing in my ears as a feeling of inescapable dread takes over.
“What do I do now then?” My voice sounds far away to my ears.
“I’d give it a week, and if nothing changes, I’ll come do another hormone panel…”
Her voice fades as my mind races. What if I go into heat tomorrow? What if I’m reduced to a helpless pile of need before I have a chance to have a first time with Ethan, Brennan, and Maverick?
“Wren?” Maggie’s voice has me jumping. “Are you okay?”
“Oh…yeah, I’m fine,” I choke, my vision turning blurry. “Thanks for calling…I’ve got to go.”
“Wren—” Maggie’s voice cuts off when I hang up the phone. I need…I need…
My feet are moving without my permission, going to the alpha I know will make me feel like everything will be okay.
I can feel my chest heaving as I walk down the hallway, and open the door to Maverick’s office.