Page 54 of Into the Fire: After

An omega’s dreamboat, truly.

But Brea insisted that his enabling my newfound agoraphobia was counterproductive to healing.

I loved my almost-therapist with my whole damn chest.

All too soon, the daily tension of wondering if and when the men with guns and lab coats would show up for me had faded into everyday monotony, and I had to force myself away from just trailing after Caine or hiding out in the apartment.

So, here I sat on the bus, wheels going round and round, dragging me along for the ride. Technically, I wasn’t doing anything much different than I had been with Caine in the apartment. Sitting in one place. But with the city passing by outside the window, and at least a modicum of breathing room from my well-meaning but suffocating pack, I had the illusion of moving forward.

I checked my phone again. Twelve minutes past three. Brooks had to be physically restraining himself from picking up his phone, calling or texting to ask why I was late to my appointment.

Such valiance deserved a reward.

Taryn

On my way, don’t start the party without me

Brooks

Babe, there is no party without you.

Which is both me flirting with you. But also reality, because until you and your veins arrive, I have nothing to poke with needles.

A small shiver ran down my spine. I ignored it.

Just fluids.

Just meds to help recalibrate my system post-hormone experimentation.

Just my devoted beta taking the absolute best care of me that he could.

Brooks

Bus running behind?

Taryn

No, I actually arrived on time. Nurse Anderson whisked me away and is wooing me via hormone stabilizers.

Brooks

Ha! Joke’s on you. He’s on dooty duty today.

. . .

Taryn

No further elaboration, I beg you.

Brooks Arceneaux, the king of making me grin.

I tried not to think too hard about the what and why of my tri-weekly appointments at Brooks’ clinic. It wasn’t dissimilar from those hangover hydration places, so I usually just pretended that was the deal.

No potentially long-lasting health effects from induced heat. No possible damage caused by nearly a week of said heat without assistance. No question regarding whether my body or heat cycles going forward would be impacted.

Just me and my favorite beta and a “hangover cure.”

I hear De-Nile is quite lovely this time of year.