Page 126 of Knot Their Safe Haven

"What?"

"Alessandro's been investigating since the moment you went into surgery. He'll tell you everything, but he wanted to secure your position in our pack first."

"Why?"

"Because when he reveals who's responsible, it's going to shatter some foundations in the world of Alphas and Omegas I guess. He wants you protected, legally and emotionally, before that storm hits."

She's quiet for long moments, processing implications with that brilliant mind that never stops working.

"It's someone I know."

Not a question, but I confirm anyway.

"Yes."

"Someone I trust?"

"Trusted, I guess. Not sure about how rooted the connection you guys carried but it’s not a light matter for you in the slightest, but we’re here with you now, and we’re ready to protect you in all aspects in your life, no matter the hills and valleys.”

More silence, then she settles back against my chest with a sigh that carries exhaustion beyond the physical.

"You're all so confident about loving me," she whispers. "About protecting me. Like it's easy."

"It is easy. The logistics might be complex, but the choice? Simple as breathing."

"I can actually envision a future now." Her voice carries wonder. "With your pack. With adventures and racing and apparently food fights with whipped cream. Twenty years of existing, and suddenly I want to live."

"We'll give you every adventure you can handle."

"Promise?"

"Vow."

She's quiet again, but I can feel her thinking, parsing through something difficult.

"Can I ask you something medical?" I end up asking her.

"Always."

"When did I last have a heat?" I wanted to know, well me and Dante wanted to know because there wasn’t really anything in her records emphasizing heats.

The question surprises me.

"According to Malcolm's records, you haven't had one in six years but I assume that’s just a decoy so eyes aren’t on you, right?."

She shakes her head, which encourages a pout from my lips.

"Suppressants," she confirms. "Been taking them religiously since thirty-three. Made life simpler when I couldn't afford to be vulnerable for a week."

"And now?"

"Now I have a pack who'd protect me during vulnerability." She traces those patterns again, nervous energy seeking outlet. "Alexis encouraged me to stop them earlier. That you guys got me, so now that I had a bit to think about it during our date and us confronting it now, I think I’ll stop tonight and see what happens? But I don't know if my body even remembers how. If the suppressants have done permanent damage or anything."

"They haven't." I capture her hand, stilling the anxious movement. "Your recent bloodwork shows everything functioning normally. Whenever you're ready to stop taking them, your body will remember what to do."

"And you'd... the pack would want that? A forty-year-old omega in heat isn't exactly?—"

"Stop." I tighten my arms around her. "You're our omega. Every part of you, every age you'll ever be. When you're ready, if you're ready,we'll help you through a heat like you've never experienced."