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We were both digging in when Tammy entered the living room, observing us as we snacked.
“I know neither of you have made appointments yet. And it’s past time for both of you.”
April glances at me, then back at her mother sheepishly. “I know,” she says. “I’ve reached out to some providers, but I haven’t heard anything yet.”
April’s been out of the hospital for almost two months, and her first few weeks were spent regaining her health. A healthy flush has returned to her cheeks, and she’s not as frail as before, but she’s still on the mend.
Her situation was a lot like mine. John Briggs handed her off to another O dealer, where she was kept like me.
After the press conference aired, the dealer became spooked and abandoned her in an industrial park.
She went through suppressant withdrawal as well, but didn’t have the violent reaction I did. She was kept on a heavy dose of suppressants at the hospital, and her body responded well.
My pack just happened to trigger my Heat.
After April was rescued, Vincent, River, and Landon paid another visit to John Briggs, who was willing to help them this time.
I didn’t ask how they convinced him.
But they were able to find April’s captor, and with another arrest, almost all the cases are closed.
But the effects of what April went through remain.
She’s jumpy. She startles at loud noises, and flinches if someone moves too fast.
I do the same thing, and everyone has started to notice.
Including Tammy.
“Reaching out isn’t enough,” she says to both of us. “There are plenty of resources for you.”
Part of me wants to tell her I’m almost thirty years old and she can’t bully me into seeing a therapist, but she’s right.
April and I had discussed me going to therapy even before we were taken.
And if she does it too, I won’t be alone.
“Alright,” April says softly, reaching for her phone. “I’ll make some more calls today. For both of us.”
“Good,” Tammy adds gently. “I’m not trying to be an overprotective mother, but…”
I smile at her. “I appreciate it,” I say earnestly.
I appreciate when someone is willing to fight for me.
“Also, the boys are coming over for dinner,” Tammy adds.
I snort. “They’re not boys, Tammy,” I say, and April chuckles. “They’re grown men.”
I don’t mention that Vincent is barely ten years younger than her.
“Still, they’re my boys. They helped bring you both back.” Her smile widens, and I grin back.
Sunday dinners at Tammy’s started once April was well enough to eat full meals. I was nervous the first time we all visited Tammy, but seeing my pack interact with her and April assuaged my worries.
They’re my family. Landon always brings flowers for Tammy, while River and Vincent bring either drinks or food.
It’s so wholesome and surreal that I have to remind myself that this is my life.
