“Even without having the results of her blood test back, it’s clear she’ll be going into heat soon.”
“Then why bother with the test to begin with?” Kole frowns, crossing his arms.
Surprisingly, it’s West who answers. “Because it’ll give us a better idea of her hormone levels and how close her heat actually is.”
Doctor McFadden nods. “Exactly.”
“And there’s nothin’ lingerin’ in my system from what those whack-jobs dosed me with?” I ask, nodding to the bright pink vial on the coffee table. The first thing the doctor did when he got here was prick my finger and put the blood on a swab. Thenhe dipped it into the vial of originally clear liquid. If the liquid turns blue, it means you have a foreign substance lingering in your bloodstream. If it turns pink, that means you’re in the clear. Lucky that I haven’t taken my heat suppressants in two days, otherwise the test wouldn’t have been of any use.
“There’s nothing lingering, no. It seems that your theory about the venom of a bonding bite burning it out of your system has merit.” He stands, moving to pack his briefcase up. “I’ll run the blood samples I pulled when I get back to the office, and I should have an answer on your impending heat by later tonight.”
With that, he closes his suitcase and starts to let himself out of the house. But then, I can’t help myself—I have to ask. “Doctor McFadden?”
He pauses, his hand on the door, and looks back at me in question.
“Are you the one who’s been treatin’ my sister? Mabel?” He nods once. “I don’t want any details, just…she seems like she’s doing a lot better.”
He sighs thoughtfully. “It’s a miracle, really. None of the other omegas seem to be recovering at a fraction of the rate she has. Nearly two weeks ago, you could see her ribs with how malnourished she was. Now, you can’t even tell she was unwell. If I didn’t know any better…” he trails off, lost in thought.
“If you didn’t know any better…?” I push, trying to get him to finish his sentence.
“Well, I’ve only seen this speed of recovery in omegas that have found their true scent matches—like you. But Mabel…all the omegas, really…with all the drugs in their systems, they’re effectively betas. So it would be impossible.”
Shit. Maybe it’s time I pay Mabel a visit.
six
Jo
Sitting in the kitchen of employee housing while Mabel makes me a glass of sweet iced tea is only mildly perturbing.
I convinced the guys to stay behind, explaining that I need time alone with Mabel after so long apart. She’s wearing a sweatshirt again, even though it’s pretty warm in the house, but hopefully her shorts help her cool off.
“You didn’t have to move for me, you know,” I tell her, taking the glass from her hand.
“Oh don’t be silly, Jojo.” She waves me off, taking a seat across the kitchen island. “You guys need the space, and gods know that Maeve and Helaena don’t need this house all to themselves.There’s still three empty rooms after everyone gets their own space—three!” She shakes her head as if she can’t believe the luxury we’re sitting in, then looks around the kitchen as she sips her own glass. “Besides, you saved us all. The least we can do is give you and your pack some privacy.”
“Well, I’m not gonna lie and say it ain’t appreciated,” I grin as I take a sip of my iced tea. At the familiar, delicious taste, my head falls back as I groan. “Oh, good lordy, Mabel! I’ve missed your iced tea!” Throughout everything, she always made sure we had a pitcher in the fridge after Mama died.
She gives a genuine smile. “Good, ain’t it? Better stuff than we used to be able to pinch pennies for down at the Supermart.”
“Yeah,” I laugh, “Dec always makes sure to buy the good stuff, even if it costs more.”
“Must be nice,” Mabel mutters, her expression going dark. “Bein’ able to just do whatever you want.”
My brows shoot up in surprise. There’s genuine disdain in her voice, and I can’t figure out what Declan possibly could have done to deserve it.
“...Mabel-cakes?” I ask slowly, putting my glass down.
“What?”
“Did…did Declandosomethin’? Did he say somethin’?” I shake my head. “I just…I just can’t figure out why you hate him so much.”
She scoffs. “I don’thatehim. I just…”
“...You justwhat?”
Her face screws up, and she lets out a frustrated huff. “Alright, fine. He gets right on my nerves. I can’t stand him.”
