She looks so damn small and fragile.
Finally, the doctor glides the wand away from the wound to the smooth, healed skin on the other side.
“How many alphas were in your old pack?” Mara asks as she stares at the screen.
“Two,” Skyla says, and the doctor freezes.
Mara’s eyes go wide as she looks up at Skyla’s pretty face. “Onlytwoalphas?” The doctor’s tone is incredulous, like she can’t wrap her head around the number of marks she’s seeing and the number of alphas that actually did this.
“Twoalphas bit you this many times?” Mara gestures to Skyla’s neck.
“No,” Skyla whispers, so soft I almost don’t catch it. Her shoulders curl inward like she’s trying to fold herself out of sight. She won’t meet any of our eyes, and for a second, I think she might cry as she forces out the words, “Just the pack alpha.”
Suddenly, all I can smell is Knox and Alex’s pure rage filling the room. Their bodies are stiff, muscles flexingbeneath their fitted T-shirts. For some reason, it brings me comfort to know they’re as enraged as I am.
“Well, then.” The doctor glances at Knox, the pair sharing a tense, knowing look, before she slides the wand carefully along Skyla’s neck again. A beat passes, then Mara’s brow furrows. “That’s interesting.”
“What?” Knox asks. He’s trying so damn hard to sound calm, but his voice edges sharp, making Skyla frown.
“Her scent glands are sitting a little low.” The doctor presses the wand to the juncture of Skyla’s neck and shoulder. “It’s here.”
“That’sreallylow,” Alex blurts, his voice cutting into the quiet. Skyla clearly catches the words, and her brows pull together. Dakota smacks the side of Alex’s thigh, shooting him a hard glare. The alpha’s expression falters. He clears his throat, fumbling to repair the damage. “I mean—low, but in a way that’s…different. Unique. Because she’s really fucking special.”
Dakota stares at Alex, exasperated. “Really?”
“It's not uncommon,” Mara says, “but it’s definitely not an excuse for this mess.” She eyes Skyla's neck before looking the omega right in the eyes. “Your old pack was very sloppy. I mean, even with all these bites, he still didn’t even hit your gland.”
Skyla’s breath hitches a little, and I can see the relief flooding her. “Really?” Her shoulders lift as she raises a hand, grazing the collarbone near her healed mating bites. “He didn’t actually mark me?”
“Not on this side,” Mara says. “But this side…” She moves the wand back over the wound, and Skyla’s body stiffens again. “Yeah. This gland has been punctured,” the doctor says, and Skyla’s face falls. “See, right there?” Mara turns the screen so Skyla can look. “That’s scar tissue from the puncture.”
And abruptly, Skyla completely deflates, her smile vanishing.
I hate it. I want to scream at this woman for taking that little bit of joy away from her.
“How’s your mental bond with your old pack?” Mara asks, back to business. “Has it sealed off yet, or are you having any lingering emotions from them?” The doctor lowers the device, and Skyla’s lips press into a thin line.
“No,” the omega finally says. “I don’t feel him.”
“That’s good,” Mara nods. “And when was the last time you felt their bond?”
And I swear, all the color drains from Skyla’s pretty face.
Knox reaches forward, slipping his hand around hers, mimicking her soft voice. “It’s okay, Sky. Tell the doctor.”
Skyla draws in a trembling breath and whispers, “I…I can’t remember.”
Knox’s hand squeezes hers, a whisper of reassurance. “That’s okay, baby.” He looks at the doctor, his gaze sharp like he’s daring her to push the matter.
“Okay.” Mara lets out a long sigh. She sets the little device on the counter, then looks at Knox head-on. “Let me start by saying that you did the right thing by bringing her in. This is definitely infected, but it’s nothing we can’t fix. We’ll get the tetanus shot done today, then we’ll get you the antibiotics, as well as the wound care instructions.” She pulls off her gloves, tossing them into a nearby bin. “Keep her from heavy activity, no rough sex, and if anyone involved in her placement can provide a medical history, that could help.” Her eyes linger on Skyla with something quieter—sympathetic, human. “We’ll get her fixedup.”
Knox exhales a small, dangerous sound, but he nods. “You didn’t answer my question.” His hand drops to the counter, a fist barely clenched. “Will we be able to mark her?”
“Yes. But I don’t recommend marking her on the injured side.” Mara motions to Skyla’s wound. “The scar tissue will likely be too thick to fully penetrate. You’ll just end up causing her more pain without reaching the gland.” She stands and pats Skyla on the arm. “You did great today, Skyla.” She gives our omega a practiced smile. “I’m going to put in those orders and give your alpha all the paperwork. Oh,” she turns toward the cabinet, “I can also give you the care package we have for omegas.”
“Care package?” Dakota asks.
“Yes.” She opens a bottom cabinet door and pulls out a plain white box. “Most of the contents are standard for a newly presented omega.” She sets the box next to Skyla, then flips the lid open. “We’ve included heat-care basics—hydration capsules, a mild slick-regulating balm, and post-heat ointment for gland irritation.”
