Swallowing hard, I nodded and quickly changed from my safety clogs into my shoes before Ty led me to his car.
As we drove in silence, my mind worked overtime. What had happened? Why had Bryce looked like I’d transformed into a demon in front of him? I curled my hands into fists, nails digging half-moons into my palms as I tried to make sense of it all.
“Where are we going?” I finally managed to ask, barely above a whisper.
“Remember the specialist your doctor mentioned?” Ty said, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. “I sent her a message and got a last-minute appointment. We’re going there. We can’t risk your anger flaring up like that again.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your anger… it’s... different,” he explained, keeping his eyes on the road ahead. “You basically tried to force Bryce to submit to you, Liza. One more little push, and he might have actually done it.”
The air left my lungs in a rush. Was that even possible? I didn’t know anyone had the ability to force their influence over other shifters like that. Despair settled heavily in my stomach, nauseating me.
“Is that... is that why everyone was so scared?” I said, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
“I’m afraid so.” Ty’s jaw was set firmly. “But we’ll figure this out. Whatever’s going on, we’ll get to the bottom of it.”
I groaned and buried my face in my hands, a thousand questions racing through my mind. What was happening to me? How much worse could this possibly get? And what would it mean for my relationships? How would I face my friends again? If I didn’t get control of this anger, I’d never leave the house again.
“Ty.” My voice was muffled by my hands, but I couldn’t bring myself to uncover my face. “What if I can’t control it? What if this doctor can’t help me?”
“Then, we’ll find another solution. Together.”
Ty’s support was a lifeline, pulling me back from the brink of despair. It wasn’t hard to imagine that most mates wouldn’t be as determined as Ty. How many would just throw up their hands and sayfuck it? Another wave of terror crashed over me as I imagined myself having an anger flare directed at Ty, and him deciding I was too much trouble, then choosing to leave me.
The thought terrified me.
We pulled up at the address, and a woman wearing a pair of black pants, a red shirt, and a white physician’s coat stood by the door, awaiting our arrival. “I’m Anna Anderson.” Her warm smile was directed at me. “I’m Jim’s sister. Doctor Anderson,” she explained at my puzzled look. “When you spoke to him and asked for someone with my skills, he thought we would work well together. Jim gave me some background information, and Ty has briefed me on the current situation. Iassure you, Liza, you have my utmost discretion.” I sensed an air of professionalism and kindness, which immediately put me at ease.
She turned to Ty, her gaze firm. “I’m sorry, but you won’t be allowed in the room during our session.”
Ty frowned, and I thought he’d argue, but Anna lifted an eyebrow in a gesture so like his, it nearly made me smile.
“I’m not pushing you out to be cruel, Mr. Keller. Hearing Liza’s unfiltered thoughts is crucial, so I need to speak with her directly. I’ll make sure you know what you need to do to help her,” Anna assured him. “Just give me some time alone to chat with her. You can wait in the room down the corridor on the left.”
“All right. I’ll be right outside if you need me.” His eyes, filled with such love and concern, met mine.
I nodded in response.
Anna led me into her office, and I took a moment to gather myself. I hadn’t had a moment to myself since the kitchen, and I needed to understand my own thoughts before I could share anything with her. So I stood there, silently observing the room, trying to take it all in. The walls were adorned with abstract paintings that seemed to evoke emotions rather than clear images. They reminded me of a modern version of those old inkblot tests. Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting a soft glow on the various plants placed around the space. Opposite the large mahogany desk stood a bookcase filled with leather-bound volumes, some well-worn from use.
Anna gestured toward the seating options. “Please, take a seat.”
There was a hammock chair hanging in one corner, a typical psychiatrist’s leather sofa against the wall, and a pair of regular armchairs. I opted for the chair, hoping I’d be more grounded in a chair than suspended or lying down.
“So, you’ve been having some anger flares?” Her gaze was piercing, yet it held a certain warmth that made me feel safe. I liked that she was direct and didn’t waste any time.
I nodded, my gaze drawn to the framed degrees displayed proudly above her head.
“Would you care to share what has happened?”
I chewed on the inside of my cheek, then let out a sigh. “When I get angry, something comes over me. I assume it’s my omega powers, but it’s almost like I blackout. When I come back to myself, I’m overwhelmed by the horror of what I have done.”
“Such as?” Anna probed.
“Making the ground shake, levitating objects, or forcing someone to submit completely to me.” I shuddered as I remembered the terrified expression on Bryce’s face.
“Interesting.” Anna took in the information with an air of calm that helped to soothe my nerves. “That must be frightening and confusing.”
