Page 5 of Talk About… Trouble

I hoped to find something that brought that passion out of me again. Maybe here in Rockwood Valley I’d get the chance.

“Then this folder is all yours and if you’re ready, I can lead you back to the doctor’s office,” she offered. I swallowed hard, but nodded. This was something I had to do. My omega side was a mess and maybe a second opinion could change things.

Thirty minutes later, I was sitting with a kind, older alpha. After my initial exam he brought me to his office to go over his findings.

“I’m so sorry you had to endure all of this, Wren,” he started, the compassion in his voice making my eyes burn with tears. I fought hard to not let them fall and simply nodded, knowing no words were necessary. “But, I do think that your omega will recover given time. You need time to relax and heal. This townhas a knack for bringing out the best in people, I hope it’ll give you a place to find yourself again.”

There was something in his eyes, a soft understanding and sadness that told me he was intimately familiar with needing to start over in life. Trauma always recognizes trauma.

“That’s my hope as well,” I said, meeting his eyes. They crinkled around the edges as he beamed at me.

“I don’t recommend starting any sort of medication such as suppressors or even birth control. Anything that affects your hormones and your omega side won’t help. If you find yourself in need of something like that, you give us a call and we can find solutions,” he said, glancing at me over his glasses to gauge my reaction.

“That’s fine with me,” I admitted. At this point, I felt like half a person. Without my omega, I was hollow, empty, and I was willing to do just about anything to wake her up again.

“You may have a dulled sense of smell or even attraction at this point. Nesting might be the same. Be gentle with her and try to do what makes you happy. I think balancing your life will do wonders. We’re here to help in any way we can. You’re not alone.”

How could everyone here be so nice? The last clinic I went to was an absolute nightmare. It was overcrowded, underfunded, and everyone was more than a little jaded.

As soon as he walked me out of his office, Hailey was waiting for me. It was kind of nice knowing I had someone here I was comfortable enough with to come to if anything went wrong. Maybe I was being paranoid, but having an escape route if things went south was one of my coping mechanisms.

“Do you need any help with moving in?” she asked as she led me back to the front of the building. It was a nice offer, but unnecessary.

“No. I didn’t come with much. I’ll just order in or find whatever else I need later. I’ve got the basics,” I reassured her.

“We have a list at the desk of local omega shops and boutiques,” she reassured me. “Nesting, clothes, we’ve got a little bit of everything around here and the neighboring cities.”

Grace was waiting for me in the lobby. She jumped up, then froze awkwardly in place, biting her lip and clenching her fists as if she were physically restraining her excitement.

“I hear we’re going to be roomies,” she said, trying to sound casual and failing.

“Please don’t censor yourself for me,” I said, hating that she seemed so uncomfortable. The breath that blew out of her had Hailey snorting out a laugh. I couldn’t help but join in as Grace did a little happy dance.

“See, I knew we’d be a good fit,” she grinned. “I know the way to the building if you want to follow behind my car. I’m excited to go meet our other roommate. Maybe we can all go to dinner or out to the bar tonight for bonding.”

My heart slammed at the mention of going to a bar. I wanted to protest, to say I wasn’t ready, but this wasn’t the city and those alphas that put the fear in me were behind bars.

This was a new beginning and I couldn’t live in the past.

I found my answer slipping out of me before I could overthink it again.

“Sounds like fun.”

Nash

The look on Avery’s face as she stalked into Whitaker Brews told me I was in trouble. The issue was, I had no idea what I’d done.

One glance on either side of me to my brothers told me they were just as confused as I was.

“It wasn’t me,” Cameron hissed, both of us turning to Maverick.

“What the hell would she be mad at me for?” he demanded, glaring at us both.

“Family chat. Now.”

Avery’s words were sharp and she sat down at one of the empty tables. At least we had a few hours before opening and at least one hour before staff started to show up for their shifts. This seemed big.

“What’s going on?” Maverick asked. “Are the babies alright?”

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