Even as the EMT—a young, broad Kiwi who looks like he spends the weekends lifeguarding—approaches, Mylo stays perched on my knee.
If anyone thinks to question that, they swallow it. Perks of an alpha’s aura. I usually take conscious steps to soften it, but not right now. Now, the slightest glance from me is enough to make even a beta tense with wariness.
My omega is in pain, andnobodyis going to relax until that’s fixed.
By the time the EMT checks Mylo’s vitals, his pulse and breathing are back to normal. I know he resents the effect I have on him, but it’s undeniable.
His temperature, on the other hand…
“Thirty-eight-nine,” the EMT reports.
“What’s that in Fahrenheit?” I’m too tense to do the mental math right now.
The EMT clicks a button on the thermometer. “One-oh-two.”
“That can’t be right,” Mylo says. “Are you sure it’s working?”
“I can check it again.” The EMT offers the probe, and Mylo tucks it back under his tongue.
A minute later, the thermometer beeps and the screen flashes102.1.
“Well, there’s your problem,” I say.
Mylo twists toward me, staring daggers, but careful of what he says with so many others around.
“You definitely need to rest,” the EMT says. “Let me just go through the neurological tests…”
The EMT checks all of Mylo’s reflexes, and the surrounding crew noticeably relaxes as the EMT agrees his spine isn’t injured.
“Any other symptoms?” the EMT asks.
“Could it be food poisoning?” I offer with convincing innocence. I’m probably not the only one who heard Mylo dry heaving behind a tree this morning when he thought he was being sneaky.
Mylo glances at me, expression softening as he realizes the angle.
“I have been nauseous,” he admits to the EMT.
“Food poisoning is no joke,” the EMT says. “Best to rest and hydrate. If your fever breaks thirty-nine Celsius, or you have another episode of severe pain, go to the emergency department.”
“I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” Mylo says tightly.
I nod at the EMT. “I—We’ll make sure of it.”
As the EMT heads out, Mylo pushes off my lap.
“I’m just dehydrated,” he mutters, shaking his head. “I’ll cool off in the trailer, then I’ll be fine.”
He takes a step away from me, then draws in a sharp breath, body stiffening as his hand goes to his chest.
The peppercorn in his scent deepens, a distress signal calling for his alpha.
I reach out for his hand, gently taking it and guiding him back to my lap. Mylo’s already shivering violently, but he stills as my warmth surrounds him. He makes a frustrated sound as he leans toward my chest, and my scent lessens the pain.
Bella shakes her head, glancing back at the EMT. “He needs to go to the EDnow.”
“No,” Mylo groans. “No…”
Mylo’s somehow managed to hide his omega status all this time, and a trip to the Emergency Department could easily out him to the crew. A routine blood test, a perceptive nurse, an alpha doctor—all threats to his secret.
