Page 71 of Knot Convenient

I sat dutifully for a few minutes while she listened to my chest, looked in my ears, shone a light in my eyes, prodded at my abdomen, and even pricked my finger to test my iron levels.

“Are you under any stress?” she asked as she listened to my chest.

I thought for a moment before answering. “Umm, I was until recently, I guess. My stress is starting to ease considerably.”

That was true. I no longer had to worry about the roof over my head or making sure I had enough money to feed myself and Milo. It was a huge weight off my shoulders. Comparatively, the new stress of dealing with four mates seemed insignificant.

“Can you explain?” She tipped her head, face neutral.

“Well, I was in a stressful housing situation, money was really tight, and things…were hard. But now that’s better. I also have help to take care of my son. I have mates now.”

Dr. Lopez nodded. “I see. Okay. You could do with getting your heart rate down a little and think about a more nutritious diet. You’re just a tad underweight. That’s in general, though. When it comes to your heat cycle, have you ever taken this brand of suppressants before?”

I shook my head. “I was pretty loyal to one certain brand—if I’m honest, it was because it was the cheapest.”

“Ah, I think I know the one you mean. That particular brand is one of the most popular in general for that very reason.” Dr. Lopez nodded in understanding. “The problem is, not all the brands are the same. There are generic versions of branded ones, naturally, but there are some variations when it comes to the dosage and makeup of the medications. It’s like painkillers; not every kind works for every person.”

“Is that what’s happening to me?” I asked, chewing on my lip with my brows deeply furrowed.

“Yes, I think so.”

Nervousness made my heart rate accelerate even more. “Can I take a different suppressant?”

The grimace that flitted across the doctor's face told me all I needed to know.

“I wouldn’t recommend it. Mixing suppressants is a recipe for disaster. It can be problematic for your overall health because of interactions. I would suggest going off the ones you are currently taking and going through your next heat cycle, then returning to a familiar suppressant.”

“There’s nothing else I can do?” I asked desperately.

Doctor Lopez sighed. “There are extreme options, but they are invasive. Your best bet is injected suppressants, but they can have long-term side effects. Some omegas take weeks to get over the flu-like symptoms and general disorientation. While that may be doable for some, I understand that it’s not an option for everyone.”

“Oh…” I sagged on the table.

She gave me a serious look. “If you need them for your own safety, let me know, and I will prescribe them⁠—”

“No, no. It’s not that. I assure you, I’m perfectly safe. My pack and I… It’s all rather new, is all. I thought I had more time before I experienced a heat, you know?”

She nodded, her brows up as the understanding played on her features. “That makes sense. I’m sorry this happened. As I said, I recommend going off the suppressants for one heat cycle, and then I can make sure your typical brand is the suppressant you receive for the next one. We can have it shipped, if necessary.”

I stared down at my hands. This was moving a lot faster than I expected. Yes, I had been thinking about being with the guys, and I did want to, but… it was something else to have the timing decided for me.

“Okay. I understand.” Milo chose that moment to gurgle in his stroller, the beginnings of his hungry cry. “I’ll talk to my mates, then, I guess.”

“If you need any extra help, or if riding out the cycle isn’t an option, don’t hesitate to follow up with me. We’ll make this work.”

I smiled gratefully. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

For the entire walk home, I couldn't focus. I drifted along in an almost zombie-like state, doing my best to figure out what on earth I needed to do. Thankfully, Milo happily babbled away in his stroller, blissfully unaware that I was wrestling with a mental conundrum.

Dr. Lopez had made it clear that I needed to let this heat happen. There was no chance that I was going to risk taking extra suppressants, especially if they were going to make me sicker in the long term. I had Milo to look after; I couldn’t be ill for weeks.

But who would look after Milo during my heat? I wouldn’t be lucid for up to seven days. Did I trust anyone to take care of my son for that long?

The thought made me sick to my stomach as I got back to the house. I had been so distracted I hadn’t noticed Marshall’s truck sitting in the driveway. I’d parked the stroller outside and brought Milo into the house without making a sound.

Marshall met me in the hallway, a concerned look on his face. “Is everything okay?” he asked, his eyes filled with concern. “You’re white as a sheet.”

“Uh… yeah… I…” I took a deep breath, running a hand through my hair.