Page 16 of Pack Baby for the Silver Foxes

I put the phone on speaker and carried it into the bathroom, where the tiles were blessedly cold underfoot. I ran the bath, first the cold water, then the hot, having no idea what I was doing beyond wanting my body to become less aware of itself.

I sat on the closed lid of the toilet and peeled off my tights, which had become a challenge. My fingers caught in the fabric. I swore. The hold music continued to be cheerful, and I understood why people became villains.

The next cramp was worse. I bent over my knees and breathed through it while the room lights got too bright and my breasts ached inside my bra. I hated what my body had become.

The music clicked off.

“Hello, this is Boston Omega Health. Are you currently in danger?”

I nearly wept at the sound of an actual human answering.

“No. Not unless you count poor planning.”

“Are you alone?”

I looked at the bath, the steam, the discarded tights, and the two tiny wrapped soaps by the sink. Thought of my life in Boston away from my sister.

Then the lady repeated, “Are you alone, ma’am?”

“Yes.”

“Are you already in heat?”

“Pre-heat, I think. Possibly heat with a flair for suspense.”

“Do you have suppressants?”

“Not with me. And I forgot to take a couple.”

“Okay. Have you taken any medication to stop the heat in the last twenty-four hours?”

“No.”

“Do you have a safe alpha or a registered beta support person with you?”

My mind offered me Damien. Then, with deeply unhelpful enthusiasm, it offered me the two men three doors down.

“No,” I said. I couldn’t take them up on their offer, could I?

“I can book you for an intake tomorrow morning at nine-fifteen. If your heat breaks overnight and you feel unsafe, call emergency services or come to our urgent entrance directly. Do you have self-soothing aids?”

I looked at my reflection. “I have a bathtub and a level of hope that this is a false alarm.”

She hesitated. “Do you have toys, ma’am?”

My face went hot for reasons unconnected to the heat. “Yes. Two, or perhaps three. I bought a new one but I can’t remember if I put it in my emergency bag.”

“Very good planning. Two should be enough, three is perfect.”

“That’s the first time anyone has congratulated me on that.”

“You’d be surprised how many omegas get caught out in a hotel in town with nothing but that hope.”

“Well—“

I decided to stay quiet as keys clicked. “Use what helps. And keep hydrated. Keep the room cool. Avoid alpha contact unless that alpha is trusted and chosen, and don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know.”

“And if my heat comes on quickly?”