Page 38 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"The babies appear to be developing at an accelerated rate, even faster than we initially projected for a shifter pregnancy."
"How much faster?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Based on these markers, I'd estimate you're effectively at eighteen weeks of gestation, not fourteen." She holds up a chart that I can barely make out on the small screen. "Your hormone levels are... well, frankly, they're off the charts."
"That explains why I'm showing more than expected," I muse, looking down at my bump.
"Indeed. But the hormonal changes have other implications we need to discuss." She clears her throat. "The unprecedented levels you're producing will likely affect your cognitive function and emotional stability in the coming weeks."
"What exactly does that mean? Am I going to start forgetting things? Having mood swings?"
"Both are possible," she confirms. "You may experience memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and yes, significant emotional volatility. This is your body's way of prioritizing the pregnancy over other functions."
I frown, not liking the sound of this at all. "So, I'm going to turn into some emotional, forgetful mess?"
"I wouldn't put it quite that way," Dr. Marianna says gently. "Think of it as your body reallocating resources. Your brilliant mind requires significant energy to function at its usual capacity. Some of that energy is now being diverted to support four growing fetuses."
"Great," I mutter. "Just what I need when everything else is going to hell."
"There's more," she continues. "While analyzing your genetic samples, I discovered something remarkable. Your DNA is actively rewriting itself to accommodate multiple pregnancies."
That gets my full attention. "Rewriting itself? That's not possible."
"I thought the same thing," she admits. "But I've run the tests three times now. Your Omega genes are expressing in ways we've never seen before, adapting to support the unique combination of Alpha DNA in each baby."
"Is that dangerous?" I ask
"Not dangerous, but certainly unprecedented." She leans closer to the camera. "Dahlia, your body is evolving in real time to support these babies. It's fascinating from a scientific perspective, but it will have significant physiological effects on you."
"Like what?"
"Your senses will become even more heightened. Your connection to your Alphas will intensify. And..." she hesitates.
"And what?" I prompt.
"You're going to experience a heat cycle soon. A strong one."
"A heat?" I repeat, my voice rising. "I thought that only happened when I first bonded with them."
"Normally, yes. But your hormone levels indicate your body is preparing for another cycle. It's likely a biological response to ensure continued bonding with your Alphas during this critical development phase."
I groan, remembering my first heat, the overwhelming need, the desperation, and the complete loss of control. "When?"
"Within the next week, possibly sooner. The signs will be similar to what you experienced before. You'll have increased body temperature, heightened sensitivity, intense cravings for your mates."
"Fantastic," I mutter. "So, on top of being locked in this room, I'm going to turn into a hormonal mess who can't think straight and wants to jump her mates constantly."
Dr. Marianna's lips twitch. "I wouldn't have phrased it quite that way, but essentially, yes."
I run a hand through my hair. "Is there anything I can do to prepare? Or to... I don't know, mitigate the effects?"
"Your Alphas' presence will help stabilize you. Physical contact with them, and yes, sexual bonding, will regulate your hormone levels and ease the discomfort." She makes a note on her tablet. "I'm sending you a list of supplements that may help manage the symptoms. And I recommend you prepare a comfortable space with plenty of water, high-protein snacks, and comfortable bedding."
"So basically, build a nest," I say flatly.
"Your Omega instincts will likely drive you to do that anyway," she points out. "Working with them rather than fighting them will make this easier."
I sigh, looking around the safe room. "At least I'm already in a secure location."
