Page 60 of Knotting the Firefighters

Complete and utter bullshit delivered with impressive conviction.

Dr. Winters' lips twitch with a suppressed smile before she continues.

"As of last month, however, Chief Murphy discontinued both medications."

The statement lands like a bomb, detonating confusion across all four faces.

"Why?" I ask, medical concern overriding everything else. "Abrupt cessation of long-term hormonal therapy can trigger severe physiological responses…rebound effects, hormonal crashes, increased vulnerability to…"

"They're no longer covered under mandatory basic healthcare," Dr. Winters interrupts, her tone carrying a bitter edge. "The cost became prohibitive enough that Chief Murphy made the financial decision to discontinue rather than allocate limited resources toward medications she deemed non-essential."

Non-essential.

Suppressants and birth control are classified as luxuries rather than medical necessities.

The political implications make my hands clench against my thighs hard enough that nails dig through denim into skin.

She lets the information settle, watching our reactions with clinical assessment, before delivering the next complication/

"Additionally, the ongoing investigation into her assault…the arson case Officer Martinez is pursuing…would actually put Chief Murphy in legal jeopardy if she continued suppressant therapy without pack affiliation."

Aidric surges to his feet, chair scraping against tile with a harsh sound that makes everyone flinch.

"Why the fuck would taking medication to function in a male-dominated career environment put her in legal trouble with the government?" The words explode across the small space, rage barely contained beneath professional vocabulary.

Dr. Winters remains calm despite his volcanic reaction; her experience with aggressive Alphas apparently extensive enough that outbursts don't faze her.

"Because she's not officially affiliated with a pack," she explains with patience that suggests she's delivered this exact information before.” Her medical records show continued suppressant use, while packless violates the new regulations. The government position is that Omegas should rely on pack support for cycle management rather than artificial hormonal intervention."

Translation: force dependency, eliminate autonomy, ensure Omegas remain controllable through biological vulnerability.

"If she continues taking suppressants without pack affiliation, the government could mandate forced pack placement," Dr. Winters continues, each word landing like an individual assault. "They'd assign her to an available pack that meets their criteria, regardless of her preferences or compatibility."

Bear's growl rumbles through the room, the sound vibrating with barely suppressed rage.

"Well, isn't that fucking inhumane." The statement isn't a question—it's a condemnation, delivered with conviction that makes Dr. Winters nod in agreement.

"I concur completely," she says quietly. "The policy is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and designed specifically to strip Omegas of bodily autonomy under the guise of protection and healthcare access."

Her expression hardens, professional mask slipping enough to reveal personal investment in this fight.

"Which is why I'm invested in finding solutions that work around these restrictions while still providing Chief Murphy the care she needs and deserves."

Bear's attention sharpens, focus shifting from general rage to specific problem-solving.

"Is that why the investigation is also saying if she doesn't have pack affiliation, they won't move forward with prosecuting her ex-pack for attempted murder?"

The question catches me off guard.

I wasn't aware Officer Martinez had communicated those specific details to anyone outside official channels.

Calder's head whips toward Bear, surprise evident.

"Who told you that?"

"Wendolyn," Bear replies simply, like the answer should be obvious. "We talked when she first woke up before the unexpected fire at the heritage building. She explained the situation, mentioned Officer Martinez's concerns about the case stalling without proper pack binding."

He shrugs, massive shoulders moving with casual power.