Page 59 of Knotting the Firefighters

"Omegas now require pack affiliation to receive medical treatment beyond basic life-saving services."

The silence that follows is profound, heavy with implications none of us are prepared to process.

What?

Bear voices the collective confusion.

"What do you mean by 'require pack affiliation'? That's not…that wasn't policy six months ago when I last reviewed healthcare regulations."

I step forward, medical training overriding personal confusion because someone needs to take the lead in extracting relevant information, and apparently, that responsibility falls to me.

"When did this policy implementation occur?" The question emerges clinical, professional, stripped of the rage building in my chest. "And what specifically triggers the requirement…formal pack bonding, cohabitation, registered partnership?"

Dr. Winters' expression softens slightly, appreciation flickering across her features at encountering someone who understands the right questions to ask.

"The policy rolled out approximately four months ago," she explains, pulling up documentation on her tablet to reference specific dates. "Initially, it was presented as a protection measure, ensuring Omegas had support systems, supposedly reducing healthcare burden by encouraging preventive care through pack stability."

Her tone carries skepticism that mirrors my own suspicions about political motivations.

"But the practical application has been discriminatory," she continues. "Only Omegas presenting with injuries or requiring ongoing treatment beyond emergency intervention face these restrictions. Which conveniently means not everyone knowsabout the policy change. It affects only those already in vulnerable positions."

Brilliant political strategy.

Target those least able to fight back, minimize public awareness, and implement gradually enough that outrage never reaches critical mass.

"So Chief Murphy's situation qualifies as 'requiring ongoing treatment'?" I ask, already knowing the answer but needing explicit confirmation.

"Yes." Dr. Winters' jaw tightens, professional frustration evident. "Physically, she's remarkably healthy aside from the burns sustained during her kitten rescue mission. Those are healing beautifully, actually, second-degree primarily, with excellent granulation tissue formation suggesting minimal scarring if proper care continues."

She gestures to her tablet, presumably displaying medical imaging or wound documentation.

"The heat exposure today did compromise some healing progress, reopened a few areas that had begun to close. I've applied specialized ointment and will provide a generous supply for application three times daily, minimum. That's manageable with basic instruction…doesn't require ongoing medical supervision."

But—

The unspoken conjunction hangs in the air, heavy with implication.

"The fainting spells, however, stem directly from her Omega status and current circumstances," Dr. Winters finishes. "That's where pack affiliation becomes medically necessary rather than just a bureaucratic requirement."

Calder crosses the room in three strides, positioning himself directly in front of her desk with intensity that would probably alarm someone less familiar with agitated Alphas.

"Elaborate," he demands, the single word carrying volumes of concern and poorly suppressed panic.

Dr. Winters meets his gaze steadily, unbothered by his aggressive proximity.

"Normally, Chief Murphy maintains a suppressant regimen. Hormonal medication that regulates her Omega cycles, prevents heat emergence, and minimizes biological responses to Alpha pheromones. Standard practice for Omegas working in male-dominated fields where designation politics could compromise professional standing."

She pauses, attention shifting to Calder with pointed significance.

"She also maintains a birth control prescription, though I understand the sexual health component is particularly important for maintaining biological balance."

The knowing look she gives him makes Bear snort with poorly suppressed amusement, because we're all aware that Calder's investment in Wendolyn's birth control has less to do with general health principles and more to do with very specific activities requiring pregnancy prevention.

Calder crosses his arms, completely unrepentant.

"An Omega's sexual health is critically important for overall physical and mental balance," he declares with a straight face. "Responsible Alphas ensure their partners have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare."

Bullshit.