Page 63 of The Drama King

"Good. Take care of yourself, and call if your symptoms become concerning."

After hanging up, I dragged myself out of bed, wincing at the sensitivity of my skin against the cool air. My heat-management routine was down to a science by now—five years of managing my cycles had taught me exactly what I needed.

First, hydration. I chugged a bottle of electrolyte water, knowing I'd need to stay ahead of the inevitable dehydration. Next, I swallowed my emergency heat management pills—not suppressants, which were useless once pre-heat began, but medications to reduce fever, cramps, and some of the more debilitating symptoms.

Moving methodically despite my increasing discomfort, I set up my room for what was coming. Waterproof mattress cover. Extra sheets. Towels within easy reach. My collection of Omega comfort aids—including several expensive toys specifically designed for heats—arranged discreetly on the nightstand. Protein bars, more electrolyte drinks, and easy snacks stacked beside the bed.

A knock at my door made me jump.

"Ves? It's me." Stephanie's voice was muffled through the wood.

I cracked the door, keeping the security chain engaged. It was a precaution I never used to take before Northwood, before the Alphas, before everything changed.

Stephanie's concerned face appeared in the gap, her blue-streaked hair pulled back in a messy bun. She was carrying an overnight bag and looked apologetic.

"Hey. Got your text. How bad?"

"Pre-heat now. Full heat probably by this afternoon." I tried to keep my voice steady, but another cramp made me wince mid-sentence.

Her expression softened with understanding. "I brought emergency supplies." She held up a cloth shopping bag from some upscale grocery store. "Chocolate, those spicy chips you're always eating, more Gatorade, and the good pain meds from the campus pharmacy—my parents' insurance covers the premium stuff."

"You're a lifesaver," I said, meaning it. "But you should go. My scent will be changing soon."

"Beta, remember?" She tapped her nose. "I can smell the change, but it doesn't affect me like it would Alphas or other Omegas. Let me in for five minutes to help you set up, then I'll head to my parents' house to give you space and privacy."

I hesitated, then unlatched the chain. Stephanie slipped inside quickly, her eyes widening as she took in my already-feverish appearance.

"Jesus, Ves. You look like you're already halfway there." She set the bag on my desk and moved toward the window, opening it a crack despite the December chill. "Ventilation. Your room already smells like an Omega bakery."

I laughed weakly, the sound turning into a groan as another cramp hit. "Early and intense. Lucky me."

"It's the stress," she said, efficiently unpacking her supplies. "After what those assholes did at the theater, your body's in survival mode."

She arranged the snacks and premium medications within easy reach of my bed. "I hate leaving you alone for this, but you need complete privacy and space. I'll be at my parents' place—twenty minutes away if you need anything emergency-wise, but far enough that my presence won't interfere with your heat."

I felt a mixture of relief and terror at the thought of being completely alone. "What if something happens?"

"Then you call me immediately. Mom and Dad are both home this weekend, and they know about... well, they know you might need help if things get bad. They're prepared to call campus security or drive over themselves if necessary."

The fact that her wealthy parents were aware of my situation and willing to intervene felt like a safety net, even if it was embarrassing to need it.

Tears pricked my eyes, the emotion intensified by my hormonal state. The reality of facing this completely alone was starting to sink in.

My phone buzzed with a text from Robbie. Stephanie glanced at the screen.

"He's downstairs with more supplies," I said, showing her the message.

She nodded, grabbing her overnight bag. "Good. I'll send him up, get out of your hair, and head to my parents'. I'll be back Sunday evening when this is over. Call me if you need anything—anything at all, okay?"

After she left, I sank onto the edge of my bed, another wave of pre-heat symptoms washing through me. The cramps intensified, and my skin felt increasingly fevered. My scent was changing too—I could smell it myself now, the sweet jasmine notes deepening into something richer, headier, designed by evolution to attract potential mates.

A soft knock announced Robbie's arrival.

Unlike Stephanie, Robbie wouldn't be coming inside. As a fellow Omega, he was too susceptible to pheromonal influence, even through suppressants.

I cracked the door, keeping the chain on.

"Hey, warrior queen." His gentle smile was visible through the gap. "Got your emergency medical package."