I stumble back into my quarters, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Lennox, the Alpha of our pack.
The flurry of questions from my fellow pack members about the Alpha's whereabouts echoes in my ears, but I am too stunned to respond. The intensity of our interaction has left me speechless, my heart racing with a mixture of fear and desire.
Seeking solace, I decided to take a moment for myself during the lunch break. I quietly make my way to the restroom, hoping to find a respite from the chaos that has unfolded.
However, fate seems to have other plans. Just as I am about to enter, I am cornered by the same person who had rejected me earlier. Mason.
His presence makes me uneasy as he crowds me against the cold bathroom walls, but I try to keep my composure.
"W-what do you want, Mason?" I manage to get out as I try to push him away from my body.
"You have a nice scent," he says, his voice dripping with a mixture of desire and arrogance. "I couldn't get over it yesterday."
My instincts kick in, and I feel a surge of anger. I know I can't let him intimidate me again. As he leans closer, attempting to sniff me, I muster all my strength and push him away, my eyes blazing with defiance.
But the confrontation takes an unexpected turn. As I fight back, I can feel the strange signs of the heat starting to consume me once more. The scent that captivated Marcus now fills the restroom, intensifying the tension between us. Panic washes over me as I realise I am losing control.
In the midst of my desperation, a sudden commotion erupts outside the restroom. The sound of scuffling and raised voices fills the air, momentarily distracting me from my anguish. Then, the door swings open, and there stands Lenox, his expression cold and distant.
Without a word, he swiftly intervenes, forcefully removing Mason from my presence. There is no warmth in Marcus's eyes, no tenderness in his actions. It is as if he is merely fulfilling his duty, devoid of any personal connection.
I watch as Marcus's piercing gaze briefly meets mine, but there is no solace in his presence. I can't help but feel a pang of disappointment, as if the fragile hope I have clung to has been shattered.
"Are you alright?" he asks, his voice void of emotion, as if he is asking out of obligation rather than genuine concern.
I nod, my voice barely a whisper. "Thank you," I manage to say, my gratitude tinged with a touch of bitterness.
Without another word, Marcus turns and leaves the restroom, leaving me alone with my shattered illusions.
I realise then that the vast disparity in our positions makes any possibility of a connection seem impossible, and my heart aches with the weight of that realisation.
I know this can't wait any longer and dash towards the medical centre designated for Omega wolves.
Soon, I arrive at the hospital, my heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The rarity of Omega wolves allowed for the excuses of limited facilities available to cater to our unique needs. As I step through the entrance, the sterile scent of disinfectant fills my nostrils, and the bright lights overhead seem to intensify my nervousness.
I make my way to the waiting room, my eyes darting nervously from person to person. The room is filled with a hushed tension, as if everyone present shares a common unease. I find an empty chair in the corner, my fingers tapping restlessly against my thighs as I wait.
The minutes stretch into what feels like an eternity, each passing second amplifying my restlessness. I watch as patients are called one by one, disappearing through the doors to face their own medical challenges. The sound of whispered conversations and the occasional cry of a child fills the air, adding to my growing sense of unease.
My mind races with a cascade of worries. What if the doctor can't help me? What if my condition worsens? The uncertainty gnaws at me, and I feel a knot forming in the pit of my stomach.
Finally, after what feels like hours, a nurse emerges from behind the doors, her voice cutting through the silence. " Miss Nika" she calls, her tone brisk and professional.
My heart skips a beat as I stand up, my legs feeling weak beneath me. I follow the nurse down the sterile corridor, my footsteps echoing loudly in my ears. The white walls seem to close in around me, intensifying my feelings of vulnerability.
We reach a small examination room, and the nurse motions for me to take a seat on the examination table. I comply, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, my gaze fixed on the doctor's door.
Seconds turn into minutes, and my anxiety grows with each passing moment. I bite my lip nervously, my mind filled with a whirlwind of thoughts. Will the doctor understand my condition? Will they dismiss my concerns?
The door finally opens, and a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a warm smile enters the room. She introduces herself as Dr. Reynolds and takes a seat across from me. Her calm demeanour offers a glimmer of reassurance in the midst of my unease.
"Hello, Nika. How can I help you today?" Dr. Reynolds asks, her voice gentle and inviting.
I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking. "I... I've been struggling." I manage to say, my voice quivering slightly.
"Yes?." She asks, face expecting. I flush deeper. "Well, i-i've been feeling really-hot." I stammer.
Dr. Reynolds nodded, their expression understanding. "I see. What you're going through is heat."
"Heat?." Nika parroted with a look of realisation.
The doctor nodded. "Yes, heat. You're at the age for it to start happening although you're a little late but it's perfectly normal for Omegas. Heat cycles can be challenging, especially for Omega wolves. I'm here to help you find some relief and explore potential solutions." she replies, her tone comforting.
Relief washes over me as I realise that she understands my situation. It's the first time I've encountered someone who doesn't dismiss my experiences as insignificant.
Dr. Reynolds continues, "There are a few treatment options we can explore to help manage your symptoms. One option is hormone therapy, which can regulate your hormone levels and reduce the intensity of your heats. Additionally, we can work on developing coping strategies to help you regain control during these episodes. But It's crucial for Omega wolves to find a compatible mate," the doctor advised, her tone sympathetic.
"Though it may be rare, it can provide stability and support during these challenging times." She continues.
My mind buzzed with a mix of hope and apprehension. The thought of finding some respite from this relentless feeling was enticing, but the idea of relying on medication felt daunting.
Dr. Reynolds continues, their voice reassuring. "I understand that this may feel overwhelming, but I want you to know that we'll work together to find the best solution for you. Your well-being is our priority."
Nika nodded. "Thank you."
As the appointment came to a close, Dr. Reynolds outlined a plan for further tests and consultations, assuring Nika that they would explore all possible avenues to help manage her condition.
As I left, the memory of Marcus's intervention resurfaced.
I can't help but consider the idea of him becoming my mate. However, the reality of our differing positions reminded me of the countless obstacles that stood in our way.
***
It's been three months since I began my medicination, I'm not sure if I'm getting any better.
Bang! Bang!! Bang!!!
"Open up dear, rest assured, we're not trying to harm you," the voice of an unknown man echoes from outside as he bangs repeatedly at the toilet door.
With great fear, I gulp down the pills, hoping that it would reduce the intensity of my heat.
But the pain and longing only grows stronger. I sob uncontrollably, agony wracking through my body, the banging increase and my pills spill.
I'm scared, I just want to go home!
"*#!
Outside the bathroom, a clamour erupts, accompanied by the sound of fighting.
I place my ear upon the door as I listen carefully.
Are they fighting? What is going on?!
Silence fills the place after a few minutes, and I hear the footsteps of a man slowly fade. I wait a few more minutes before opening the door and before my eyes is a mountain of bodies, all the men about ten of them beaten to a pulp.
Confusion mingles with my relief as I sense my inner wolf calling out to someone, someone I had never considered before.
"Mate?" I whisper, my voice barely audible.