Page 45 of Threads of Fate

His dick didn’t fall off

5:06 PM - from Leo

Thank the Goddess for that

They’re moving Nix!

Second floor, Room 2713

5:09 PM - from Finn

Way to bury the lede

Be there in an hour

Ten minutes later, Kyle supervises Nix’s transport from the ICU. They have cleared the hall and are taking the staff elevator. No one comments about Nix’s scent during transport, and so far, the staff have been consummate professionals. But when thedoors slide open, the sound and scent of babies is the first sign that this is about to be FUBAR in less than thirty minutes.

Weres love babies, especially given how rare they are, and most Were families are blessed if they have even one child. Leo’s a rare second child, the first of three generations.

But Weres with a new child experience a rush of primitive instincts; protectiveness dialed up to a million. It’s because infants smellvulnerable. Avoiding skirmishes between new parents and anyone who might be perceived as a threat is at the core of the belief that families should isolate for a short period after birth.

Sweet-scented Nix wouldn’t be a problem on the ward, but his five alphas—who are already in an elevated hormone output—sure would. They’d likely cause a protective instinct circuit if they could smell the vulnerable new infantandtheir vulnerable new mate. Jay, especially, is feeling protective of Nix, and Leo does not want a repeat of the Tranq Episode™.

He pulls out his phone and dials Gideon.

“Mmm.” Gideon is walking and not driving; he hopes that means he’s still got some time.

“They’re trying to put him on the maternity floor. You gotta keep Ro and Jay out.” Leo has put a hand up to show that they shouldn’t start unpacking Nix’s shit.

“Well, Fuck. We’ll see Gray first. Text when you’ve got this worked out.” At least that’s one disaster averted. He turns to Kyle, who’s doing his best, but the charge nurse looks like they’re about to cause a scene. Leo doesn’t move from his position in the doorway.

“Look, you can’t put Nix in here. He’s unbonded and newly transitioned, and I’ve got five alphas who will visit regularly. Babies are great, but unless you’re looking to cause a riot, you need to put him somewhere else.”

Her eyes pop wide. “Why didn’t you say so? Out! Out! It’ll have to be the third floor, Geriatrics. I’ll call ahead. There’s a suite up there. But it’s in…palliative.” She checks her tablet. “No?” At Leo’s vehement shake of his head, she redirects. “Okay. Peds it is. Fourth floor. It’s the best we can do. Everywhere else is full-up.”

Leo sighs in relief. Palliative would have been worse than Maternity; if Jay had stepped off the elevator to smell dying wolves, he definitely would have lost his shit.

Turns out the pediatric ward is a good choice. Leo texts Gideon to update him as they settle into a family-friendly suite. The double bed means Luca can cuddle Nix without falling off, and Jay will have a proper place to crash. Bright decor, a couch, a TV, and a private washroom make it clear the room was designed for parents staying with their sick children—perfect for their pack’s needs.

They transfer Nix to the new bed, and the IV stand holds only his bag of nutrients, his antibiotic, and his low-dose pain meds. The medication that kept him in a coma through his injuries and the transition is gone. He’s still got his catheter, but the fluid looks good.

“Thanks, man. Hey, when will he wake up, do you know?”

“The meds aren’t something that we wean off, so once it’s done, it’s done. It’ll clear his system in twelve to twenty-four hours, and then it could be any time.” Kyle smiles, and he makes sure Leo knows how to reach him in real life before he heads back up to the ICU. Again, he’s glad to have made a new friend.

“One more question,” and Leo is surprised no one has mentioned it. “Do you think Nix should be wearing a scent blocker patch?”

“It’s contraindicated for newly presented Weres. They’re getting a sense of the world as a Were, and being able to scent themselves and the others in their new pack is essential.”

“Makes sense, thanks. Take care, eh?” He settles into the chair beside the bed, talking to Nix about work as he checks his phone for emails and types a few lyrics. He even hums a few bars of a melody that won’t leave him alone. It’s about an hour later and the nurse has been in and out to check Nix’s vitals and turn on the lamps (it’s very homey) when Jay and Finn arrive.

Jay looks terrible, maybe even worse, for all that he spent time at home. Coming off the suppressants is taking its toll. Leo moves out of the way so his alpha can climb into the bed with Nix. The alpha closes his eyes and sticks his nose into Nix’s neck with a sigh of relief. Soon after, he starts a low-pitched grumble.

Finn looks unworried, so Leo digs into the bags of food Gideon sent, crowing when he sees his favorite pasta and discovers it’s still warm.

“How’s Gray?” Leo asks, his mouth full and sauce on his chin.

“Awake. Horny but refusing all assistance. He wants out, but until the suppressants kick in fully and the first words out of his mouth don’t include ‘Nix,’ he’s on lockdown. Gideon and Rowan are trying to strong-arm him into some clothes and food.” Finn finally takes the fork from him and begins putting noodles in Leo’s mouth himself.

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