I nod.
"The suite is private," she continues, calm and matter-of-fact. "Temperature controlled, comfortable. The door locks from the inside; you control access entirely. It's stocked with water, bland food, clean linens. You can bring personal items if you'd like."
"Okay." They’ve thought of everything.
"You can go through this alone," she says. "Many omegas do. The suite is designed to be safe, private, everything you need."
I wait.
"Or, you can request alpha support," she continues. "If you choose that route, you specify who, when, and for how long. At any point, you can revoke access. The door is always yours."
My pulse ticks faster. Alpha support. It has been there in the back of my mind, and now it’s time to make it reality. But then I hear Gideon’s voice in my head.All post-heat. All newly bonded packs. Olivia got lucky. I know omegas everywhere are bonding with new packs, but this is too close to home to ignore.
"You can also request omega companions,” Ms. Hartley is still talking. “Someone to check on you, bring supplies, sit with you if you want company. Again, entirely your choice."
I think of Lila's offer.Omega to omega. No judgment. No agenda.
"Three alphas have already asked to coordinate," Ms. Hartley says, her expression neutral. "They're aware that your choice isfinal and will be respected."
Three.
Of course.
"What did they say?" I ask, my pulse ticking a little bit faster.
"They are available if you want them. Outside the suite. Nearby." Her gaze is steady. "They didn't request entry. Simply... presence."
Something warm unfolds in my chest. I knew, but I guess I didn’t want to take it for granted. They’ll be there for me without taking that final step. They know I’m scared. They’re giving me the option to use them without fear, and my chest swells with something I’ve not acknowledged. Yet.
"I want to experience it," I say, testing the words that I chose days ago. "I’ve prepared chamomile and fennel for the cramps, but I want to remain aware. I don’t wish to be medicated.”
She nods. "That's brave. And absolutely your choice."
"I'd like them nearby," I continue. "Outside. Not in the room, but... close. And I'd like Lila Chen to check on me. I don’t want to encroach on her time, but I want…" I struggle for words. "Someone who's not them."
"I'll arrange it." She slides a key across the desk. "Suite 3, medical wing. Whenever you're ready. There's no timer on this, you go when your body tells you to go."
I take the key, the metal warm in my palm.
"Elowen," she says gently. "You can change your mind about any of this. At any point. The door is yours. Always."
"Thank you."
I stand, and she stands with me.
"One more thing," she adds. "When this is over, when you're ready, Resident Services has post-heat support. Quiet space, warm food, someone to talk to if you want."
I nod, throat tight.
She sees me to the door. "Be safe. Be kind to yourself. And remember, you're doing this your way. That matters."
12
ELOWEN
The health check is non-invasive.Just some questions and the kind of regular checks you’d get in the hospital. Blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar levels.
By mid-afternoon, the heat has intensified.
