Page 10 of Omega Island
“Yes. But I can’t say what specifically.”
“Nothing new has been going on in my life.”
“Maybe your body just wasn’t finished.”
“You mean I’ve been in a holding pattern for two years?”
“Yes. You’re healthy. Still young. We have patients here who have all sorts of changes happening in their bodies they don’t understand. And we’re still trying to understand them.”
“I know that.” I dealt with them every day. Why was I surprised when something odd happened to me?
Maxim leaned back on the padded chair. “It’s just a blip. It will be gone in a few days. Come back for more blood tests afterward and I may be able to determine if it’s only a one-time thing or a resurge of your cycle.”
“A resurge? I can’t grow eggs I don’t have.”
“That is true, but your body doesn’t know that.”
“You make it sound like it’s all in my head.”
Maxim smiled. “It is. But there is no one to blame. The brain gets a false signal, that’s all. Your tests show no disease and that’s the best result you could have hoped for.”
I bowed my head. “Yes. Of course, you’re right.” I sank back into the cushions and focused on the distant greens of the jungle.
“You were asking for suppressants. I have decided not to prescribe them for you. I don’t see a need.”
I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to still my thoughts.
“You said you are experiencing some cramping, though?” he added.
“Yes. A very strong, quick heat wave. It lasts about a minute, maybe less. But I’ve never felt anything like it in my life leading up to a heat.”
“Some omegas experience pain during heats. Some are here in our care learning to deal with it.”
“I realize that.”
“If it worsens and becomes prolonged, come back and see me. I can give you something for the pain. It’s not a suppressant, but it helps alleviate tension. For now, if you need it, take Tylenol. And exercise can help. Take some time off. Swimming is great for heats. You know that. If you’re here, take advantage of what your very own island offers. If you need a surrogate, let me know and I’ll set it up.”
I already knew all these things he was telling me. But sometimes it helped to hear it from another. This disruption to my routine had been unexpected and disoriented me.
Maxim was a friend and we sat for another few minutes, chatting. I was glad for the company. It relaxed me. When I was ready to leave, he hugged me and walked me to the front doors.
I took my time wandering through the pathways of the rain forest and parkland. I texted my assistant and told him I’d be out for the afternoon.
I wore padded undergarments and the slick still managed to soak through them as I walked. This was yet another intermittent pre-heat symptom I was experiencing, not even full-fledged, yet the inconvenience to me was overwhelming.
I’d always hated padded underwear. I was never ashamed of being an omega, but that part I’d resented.
When I saw Raimi sitting by the volleyball courts, a strange sensation came over me and all the tension left my body.
“Hello, Raimi.”
“Senta. Hi.”
I sat beside him on the bench and all my thoughts turned toward him. I instantly forgot myself. This alpha, who had been in pain for so long, was all I cared about at the moment. I wanted him to feel welcome. It hurt me to think he had been hurt. I wanted to do something about it. More than just giving him a place to stay for a while.
I moved closer to him, enjoying his nearness.
My mind was very clear now that he was beside me. A protective instinct rose in me that was stronger than usual empathy. My body felt drawn to him like he was my purpose.
