Page 37 of A Hal for my Heart

“Mine is full, too, Alpha,” he yawned.

I guess there was time for a quick nap before dinner.

The following morning, we went to see Doctor Aron. He was an elderly omega with bushy white eyebrows and a beard to match. He had kind brown eyes and a voice that sounded like he’d be the perfect storyteller around a campfire.

“Young Briar, good to see you. How can I help you today?” His eyes went huge when he saw me entering his office right behind Briar. “Oh, I see you’ve brought someone with you. Come in, come in.” He waved his hand at us, then gestured at an examination bench and a chair next to it. “So, who’s the patient?”

“I… uhm… we uh…” Briar mumbled.

“We both are,” I took over, tucking Briar against me. “I’m Briar’s mate, and we have some questions we were hoping you could help us with.”

“Of course, I’ll be happy to. Take a seat.”

I lifted Briar onto the examination bench, and he started shivering right away. “I’m right here,” I assured him, not letting go of his hand. I sat down on the chair next to him, then filled Doctor Aron in on our concerns.

When I was done, the old omega nodded in contemplation. Scratching his head, he regarded us. “First of all, congratulations! I’ve known you your entire life, Briar, and I’m delighted to see that you’ve found a… physically impressive alpha, who clearly aims to take care of you.”

“I do,” I agreed. “It is my most important task in life from now on.”

“As it should be,” Doctor Aron nodded. “I think I should start by examining you, Briar—” Briar gasped, then looked ready to jump into my lap. “Don’t worry,” the doctor chuckled. “Hal will be here the entire time, won’t he?” He lifted an eyebrow at me.

“Of course! I’m not going anywhere, sweetness. I promise.”

Briar nodded, still shaking like a leaf.

Doctor Aron slowly eased Briar down on his back, then started probing his stomach carefully. Briar’s huge eyes were locked onto mine the entire time, and I tried to convey as much comfort as I could.

“Is this the first heat you’ve spent with an alpha?”

“Yes.”

“How many heats prior to this one?”

“Three,” Briar whispered, biting his lip. Doctor Aron nodded solemnly. “You can sit up again, Briar.” He patted Briar’s thigh, then went to look something up in a thick book. Briar eyed the doctor, then rushed to climb into my lap, snuggling up against me.

“Ah, yes!” Doctor Aron exclaimed. “Here it is!” I couldn’t tell from his expression if the news was good or bad, and neither could Briar, because he blurted, “Am I doomed?!”

Doctor Aron chuckled. “That depends on whether you view a life filled with many little ones as being doomed.”

“What?” Briar and I both asked at the same time.

“Let me explain,” he continued, sitting down. “Briar, your body has experienced severe trauma during your past heats, since you spent them alone and in pain. Like with any other trauma, your body will remember it for a long time. The fear and the pain.”

Briar sucked in a breath, and I stroked his hair.

“You’ve found your mate now. You’ve experienced a heat together, and your body will slowly heal from that. It will take some time. Your body will need to adjust. Be patient.” The elderly doctor smiled. “Enjoy your time together as mates.”

I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting for the ‘but.’ Briar beat me to it.

“But…” he whispered.

“You are both young and healthy. Depending on how your next heat passes, I don’t see why you can’t try for a baby on your third heat together.”

“Really?” Briar’s voice sounded incredulous. My chest filled with hope and happiness.

“Yes, indeed. I have no reason to believe that your body—and your soul—will not be completely healed by then.”

Briar buried his face against my chest and started crying. But they were good tears. They were tears of relief and happiness.