Page 3 of Shattered Trinket
Initially, being around them was really difficult, but I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Ripley’s pack over the course of my time in the hospital. True to her word, the crazy omega hasn’t left my side for a second. And if she’s here, then one or more of her mates is with her.
In the beginning, it was always River or Kian that would come with her, until I felt capable of meeting the others. Her entire pack, as well as her parents, have been incredibly kind to me, and because I trust her wholeheartedly, that trust is being extended to those connected to her as well. I’m making a conscious effort to re-establish my trust in people until I’m given a valid reason to doubt them.
“I… It doesn’t bother me. Her pack is nice, and I trust her. So, if they have her confidence, they have mine,” I tell him resolutely with a nod.
Micah just grins at me, his dimples popping out.
“Good. That’s good. I’m extremely proud of your progress, Cozy. You’ve made excellent strides since we started our talks together. I think you’re going to be just fine out there.”
My brow furrows.
“Will we not have our sessions anymore?”
He pauses, looking unsure at first before he answers me, his tone cautious.
“No, I figured you’d be on the lookout for a more permanent therapist once you left here. I even put together a list of some great beta psychiatrists as well as one who’s an omega in the area, so you can check them out and see who you think you’d have an easier time talking to.”
“But—” I stop, biting my lip.
He raises his brow, but he doesn’t interrupt me, instead waiting for me to say whatever I want to say.
That’s what I really like about Micah. He gives me patience, grace, and the space to get my thoughts out, something I’m not used to.
Victor barely let me speak, preferring not to hear my voice at all unless I was screaming or crying.
I mentally shake that thought away.
We’re moving forward now.
No more looking back.
Victor doesn’t hold all the cards anymore, and he no longer wields any power over you, a voice whispers in the back of my mind.
I don’t want someone else to talk to. I’ve already had to start over when Micah came around, and I’ve shared so much with him. Even still, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Not to mention, I’m already comfortable with him. If I have to start over with someone new, I could backslide or have an even harder time opening up to them than I did with Micah.
During the first few sessions, I barely spoke to him. In fact, he talked during those sessions, giving me the chance to warm up to him. That’s why I could finally open up and talk to him. He made me feel so comfortable by telling me about himself without me having to say anything. He treated me like… a person.
Not property.
Not an omega.
Just… me.
Cozette McClain.
“Can’t I just keep seeing you? I’m comfortable with you, and you already know most of my history.”
My fingers twist together, anxiety over more change flooding through my system.
I hate change so much now. It stresses me out that I don’t know exactly where I’m going from here, other than to Ripley’s parent’s house.
But for how long? When will they get tired of catering to the strange, broken omega their daughter saved and thrust upon them?
I’ve met Valley, Ripley’s mom, and all three of her dads, and they seem like wonderful people, but surely they never thought a random stranger would move in with them. Much less one that’s got a heap of emotional baggage in tow.
Everything is changing again, and it’s terrifying.
I just need consistency somewhere in my life!