Page 16 of Unhinged Alphas

"Thank you," I murmur, the words muffled against my palms.

I feel Plague's presence beside me, a solid warmth radiating comfort. He doesn't touch me, doesn't try to offer physical reassurance. But his voice is gentle when he speaks.

"I'm glad I could give you good news," he says. "And I want you to know that we can take steps to prevent this kind of scare in the future, if you'd like."

I look up at him, my brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"

He shifts slightly, and I get the impression he's choosing his words carefully. "There are ways toprevent pregnancy even during a heat. Methods that are safe and effective."

"Birth control," I say flatly. Even mentioning it at the Center would land you in solitary for a week. "Isn't that illegal?"

"Very," he says in a dry tone. "But I should warn you, it won't stop your heats from happening. In fact, they may be more intense. It'll only keep you from getting pregnant."

I can't help the dry chuckle that escapes me. "Are you assuming I want to sleep with any of you again?"

Even with the mask covering his face, I can sense his amusement. "No, that's not my assumption at all. That decision is entirely up to you, Ivy. I'm simply offering you a way to protect yourself, regardless of what choices you make in the future."

I consider his words, turning them over in my mind. It's a tempting offer. The idea of having control over my own body, of not being at the mercy of my biology... it's more than I ever dared to hope for.

"What does it involve?" I ask cautiously. "This birth control?"

Plague leans against the counter across from the bed, his posture open and relaxed. "There are a fewoptions. The most effective type is an implant that goes in your arm. It lasts for several years before it will need to be removed."

I flinch at the word 'implant', memories of the Refinement Center's tracking devices flashing through my mind. Plague seems to sense my discomfort.

"There's also an injection," he continues smoothly. "It's slightly less effective than the implant, but it's less invasive. You'd need to get it every few months to maintain protection."

I nod slowly, processing the information. "And the implant... what exactly does that involve?"

"It's a small procedure," Plague explains. "I'd make a tiny incision in your upper arm and insert a small rod about the size of a matchstick. It releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. The procedure is quick, relatively painless, and leaves only a small scar."

I chew on my lower lip, considering. The idea of having something foreign in my body makes my skin crawl. "I think I'll stick with the shot for now."

Plague nods, his posture relaxing slightly. "The shot it is, then."

I watch as he moves around the infirmary with practiced ease, gathering supplies. My eyestrack his movements, taking in the fluid grace of his body. He moves like a big cat.

Plague returns with the injection, his movements careful and precise as he swabs my upper arm with an alcohol wipe. "This might sting a bit," he warns, his voice low and soothing.

I nod, steeling myself for the pinch. But when his gloved fingers brush against my skin, positioning the needle, an unexpected shiver runs through me. It's not pain or fear that makes me tremble, but something else entirely. Something I thought I'd left behind with the last vestiges of my heat.

The needle slides in with barely a twinge, but I'm acutely aware of Plague's proximity, of the warmth radiating from his body. Even through the layers of his tactical gear and mask, I can smell him. A complex blend of antiseptic, citrus, leather, andhimthat makes my pulse quicken.

"There," he says, pressing a small bandage over the injection site. "All done."

His fingers linger for a moment longer than necessary, and I find myself leaning into the touch before I can stop myself. Heat blooms in my cheeks as I realize what I'm doing, and I jerk away.

"Thanks," I mutter, not meeting his gaze. I'mfurious with myself for this weakness, this traitorous longing for connection.

"Any time, Ivy," Plague replies, his voice soft and filled with an emotion I can't quite place. "I mean that. If you ever need anything—medical or otherwise—I'm here."

I nod jerkily, sliding off the examination table. My mind is a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and desires. Part of me wants to run, to put as much distance between myself and these dangerous, intoxicating alphas as possible.

But another part—a part I've tried so hard to silence—whispers of possibilities. Of what it might be like to be with them without the haze of heat clouding my judgment.

The thought sends a jolt of heat through my body, and I clamp down on it ruthlessly. I can't afford to indulge in these fantasies. Can't allow myself to be seduced by false promises of safety and belonging.

"I should go," I say, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears.