Page 59 of Shattered Trinket
“That’ll do it. Do you think they’d be willing to help you through this? I’m sure everything is still new, but it would make this a lot easier on you if they could. The only other option is for us to sedate you until the heat breaks, but I can tell you that it’s not exactly a pleasant experience, and it’s possible the next heat will be even worse if this one isn’t fulfilled.”
“Oh, um…” Cozy glances at Valley, who’s frowning in concern, before she looks at me and flushes, her scent picking back up until she looks away.
“I-I don’t know if I’m ready for all of that just yet. We’re all still getting to know each other, but…” she pauses, biting her lip and closing her eyes briefly before looking worriedly over at Valley again.
“There is one alpha that’s not so new to me that I trust. And one other person who’s not a match that I’d feel comfortable with.”
Valley’s brows raise in surprise, but she says nothing.
“That’s good. Do you think they could make it to you soon?”
As Cozy looks at me with a helpless expression, I clear my throat, and the other women in the room shoot me curious glances with raised eyebrows.
“I need to call and reschedule a few of my appointments, but I can be quick.”
Dr. Reeves looks at me in surprise before turning back to Cozy.
“Is Dr. Tate one of your scent matches?”
“No. I just really trust him,” Cozy says, her voice soft as she looks up at me with a sweet smile that makes my heart trip over itself.
“Well, then. Good. It’s good to have people you trust around you when you’re in such a vulnerable state. I’ll have the nurse bring in your discharge paperwork so we can get you out of here.”
With Dr. Reeves gone, it’s just me, Cozy, and Valley left in the room. Valley moves over to the bed and takes a seat beside Cozy, who’s engrossed in her own thoughts, staring down at her lap and anxiously picking at her nails.
“Are you mad at me?” Cozy asks, her voice small and fragile, making my chest ache.
My alpha instincts urge me to scoop her up and cuddle her, to make her feel better and reassure her, but Valley beats me to it.
“Of course not! Why on earth would I be mad at you?”
“Because I’m not ready for Ridge and the others to help me through this yet. Because I have another scent match I didn’t tell anyone about.”
Valley grabs Cozy’s cheeks and makes her look at her, motherly love and concern shining out of her eyes as she takes in Cozy’s glassy eyes.
“Oh, sweet girl. Why would I be upset over you having another scent match out there? I think it’s wonderful news that you’ll eventually have so many people to care for you, and I’m just glad there’s at least someone you trust enough to help you through this. I don’t think my heart could handle leaving you here to be sedated for however long this lasts.”
Shuffling on my feet, I can’t help but feel like I’m intruding on their private moment. My bones tingle with urgency, pushing me to organize my affairs so I can rush back to the omega before me, unable to stand the thought of being away from her for too long when she’s in the state she’s in. When Valley glances over and smiles at me, something about the look in her eye helps me relax slightly, and I step forward, crouching in front of Cozy as I grab her hand.
“I’m going to go get my appointments rescheduled and run home to get some things. I’ll be as quick as I can, okay?”
Cozy’s lower lip trembles, causing her to hold my hand even tighter, and a wave of emotion washes over me, making my throat feel constricted. I have to quickly avert my gaze and focus on Valley, so I don’t give in to the temptation to abandon my patients and leave them to manage on their own.
“I assume we’ll be doing this at your house? Cozy mentioned you all built her a nest at one of our sessions.”
Valley pets Cozy’s hair, rocking her side to side in a soothing manner as she nods at me.
“Yes, if that’s where she’d feel most comfortable. Is that okay, Cozy?”
Nestling deeper into Valley’s embrace, Cozy whimpers, embarrassment coloring her freckled cheeks.
“I don’t want to make things awkward for you or the dads, but I love my nest and it’s where I really want to be right now.”
“You’re not going to make anything awkward. The dads and I can stay in the little loft they put in when they built their gym while you ride this out. Besides, I’d feel more comfortable knowing you’re at home since I’m not too familiar with these new alphas of yours.” Valley stops and looks at me apologetically with a shrug. “No offense.”
A soft chuckle escapes my lips as I shake my head in amusement.
“No offense taken. It’s good she has so many people that care about her and want to make sure she’s safe.” I stand, bending to kiss the top of Cozy’s head. “I promise I won’t be long.”