Page 7 of Shattered Soulmates

We've been in the air for a while now, with about 45 minutes left before we reach the hospital. I called ahead as soon as we took off so they could notify Dr. Roberts.

This has to be Cheating Mate Syndrome.

That would mean that Beta Miles cheated on Paisley during his bachelor party. I’m still trying to process it. I know he’s got trust issues. His ex, Marissa, knocked him around like a pinball for years. But he's been with Paisley for over a year now. She's nothing like Marissa. She didn't deserve this.She's really bad off.

All medical personnel, including our small team at Wind Howl Pack, recently attended a meeting to educate us about Cheating Mate Syndrome (CMS). This disorder occurs when a mate cheats, and the severity depends on the type and frequency of the cheating. Hemust be partying hard tonight for her to be in this condition.

During the seminar, we learned that wolf shifters' bodies sync on every level when they meet their other half or true mate. They essentially become one, with their bodies, minds, and souls merging. They can speak to each other, sense each other, find each other, and feel the emotions of the other through the bond, unless blocked.

If you took a DNA sample before and after mating, you would see vast differences even down to the cellular level. I’m no expert on all this, and it’s complicated, but from what I understand, the changes occur at the first meeting of true mates. The connection deepens after physical intimacy. The final sealing of the union is the bonding ceremony where mates exchange claiming marks, typically at the curve of the neck. It’s similar to exchanging wedding rings, but more permanent and much harder to remove.

Once these steps are completed, the consequences are dire if one of the mates cheats.

"We’re fifteen minutes out, Greyson," my pilot informs me. "Dr. Roberts is requesting a status update on the patient."

"Dr. Roberts," I say as I key up on the radio. "This is Greyson North, Chopper One Team Lead. Over.”

“Go ahead, Chopper One, this is Dr. Roberts,” her tinny voice echoes.

“Patient requested sealed records and total anonymity," I explain before continuing.

"I understand, North,” her voice crackles through the headset. "Proceed."

"Unresponsive 23-year-old female, presenting with symptoms of advanced CMS, onset tonight. Deep lesions with significant blood loss. Prior symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and convulsions. Negative stick pregnancy test. Currently catatonic. Blood pressure 50/37. Respirations shallow, pulse thready and weak. Ox Sat is 81%. Over."

"North, get her in here as soon as you possibly can. You have a probable fatality on your hands. Over," she booms.

"10-4," I respond.

"Do you have any blood on board?"

"Negative. We had a few units, but we've already gone through them. The pack medical assistant advised that she took a double dose of Amra when they realized what she was dealing with."

"Thank the goddess for that small miracle. ETA?"

"We've landed. Be inside in two minutes. Over."

Dr. Skye Roberts

Stone Mountain City Hospital

I toss the comm to Ryder and sprint down the hallway, shouting, "Is the team ready in the ER?"

Ryder charges behind me. He moves fast for a big guy. "Yes, Doc. Operating Room Ten is prepped and ready."

"Let's get her straight in, then hook everything up. This one’s going to be close."

I enter the ER just as she's wheeled through the ambulance bay doors. She doesn't look good. Her pallor is gray, her lips are blue, as are her fingernails.

My team immediately takes the gurney from the EMTs. "Thanks, guys," I call as we tear down the corridor at full speed.

Once we’re in the OR, my crew gets to work. They know the drill; unfortunately, this routine happens multiple times a week. With different faces but the same procedures, we get plenty of opportunities to sharpen our skills.

Shifters are naturally social and sensual, lovers of touch. However, their human side can be weak and prone to seeking physical gratification from anyone, with no regard for emotional connections or mate bonds. The wolf side, in contrast, is typically loyal to a fault.

I've had my fill of watching this destroy lives. I’m not here to police lifestyles. On this subject, my hard lines are consent and honesty. Do whatever you want, as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else. If stepping outside your mate bond for physical connection is part of your arrangement and your mate is truly on board, we can medically intervene to make it a safer, painless practice that doesn’t cost lives. Alternatively, you can renounce your mate bonds, cohabitate however you wish, or part ways entirely.

If you truly love your mate but feel the urge to cheat anyway, the most compassionate thing you can do is be truthful and give them the freedom to move on. Don’t subject them to the pain that a cheating spouse causes. It’s a pain that never goes away; I know that intimately.

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