Page 101 of Hidden Fates

“Caleb,” Skye whispers, tears welling in her eyes.

“Well, I have to admit, there is no precedent for your illness. None of my colleagues have ever encountered bond sickness that set in without a complete bond. That doesn’t mean there isn’t anything we can do. Almost everything you’ve described today is something we see in our other cases.”

A breath saws out of me, relief easing the ache between my shoulders. Despite the correlations between the two, we were still concerned that the doctor wouldn’t have a plan to help Skye or Caleb move forward.

Onyx scoops Skye off her chair and into his lap, finally giving in to his need to hold her and soothe the worry in her bond.

“The first step, for both of you, is going to be therapy. Separately and together. Understanding your reactions and normalizing them will help build a foundation for healing.”

As soon as Doctor Koch suggests it, I feel silly for not considering it myself. Part of their struggle is directly related to their self-images, of course seeing a therapist could help with that.

“I would like to run blood tests. These will act as a baseline for how you are healing on a biological level. What we’ve seen with bond sickness cases is that the longer the pair is separated, the longer it takes for their bond to be satisfied after they’re reunited. So, this will take time. For now, keep doing what you’ve already been trying. Scent marking, physical touch, tending your bond. Those things will help.”

Turning to Onyx and me, she says, “My only concern right now is regarding Skye’s heat cycle. It is likely that catching her heat scent will send Caleb into a rut. Every time.”

“Which will lead to heats like the one she recently experienced or extended mini-heats,” I confirm, dropping my hands to my knees to prevent myself from stealing Skye from Onyx’s arms.

“Yes. So, Mr. Michaels, I would like to go on a prolonged rut blocker. We’ll use your blood work to monitor how your body reacts to taking them on a regular basis, but you shouldn’t have any adverse effects.”

Caleb nods. I’m fairly certain he would agree to anything if it meant making Skye safer and healthier. Regardless of how he views himself, he’s an excellent Alpha mate to her.

“Do any of you have any other questions or concerns?” When we say we don’t, she leaves us, sending in a nurse to do a blood draw on both Skye and Caleb.

The air has somehow gotten chillier, so I rush ahead of the others to start the SUV and get it heating, wanting Skye to stay toasty and relaxed after a stressful week.

My phone pings when I unmute the volume, another email from the label waiting in my inbox. I haven’t told Skye about the repercussions of her going into heat on stage. To say the executives were not happy would be an understatement.

Not that they’re upset she went into heat, accidents are bound to happen. No, they’re furious that she continued to perform instead of ending the concert early.

“Q?”

Locking my screen, I drop my phone into the cup holder and face Skye. “Sorry, darling, I did not hear what you asked me.”

“Can we stop at a store on the way home? Keeping journals of what helps and what doesn’t might make it easier.” She darts her eyes between mine, searching for some hint of what I’m thinking.

Work issues are mine to deal with, that is my job as her manager. I will involve her only when it is necessary. Why worry her further when she has enough on her plate?

“That’s a splendid idea. Sterling and Bellamy planned to grab groceries, but there is a certain Alpha who needs his bedroom redecorated. Perhaps you’d like to help him with that?”

Her smile is glorious, excitement flowing through our bond as she bobs her head. “What do you think, babe?”

“Sure, bunny. As long as you keep smiling like this,” he says, thumb brushing along her jaw.

“Let’s grab dinner,” Onyx adds. He’s in the back with Skye, having given up on riding in the front with me. “Is anyone hungry for anything specific?”

Caleb and I both shake our heads, but Skye bites her bottom lip, her head tilted in thought. “Soup? There has to be somewhere that specializes in it, right?”

I guide us out of the parking lot and back into traffic while they search up restaurants closer to home where my Omega can find soup.

Snow starts to fall as we’re driving into Starburgh. The pretty flakes stick to the windshield and coat the road in small patches. It doesn’t pose a danger to us or worsen the road conditions yet, but I glance at Onyx in the rearview mirror and silently request he keep an eye on it.

Better that we leave early than risk being in an accident if it gets bad out.

Chapter Thirty-Three

The soup shop Onyx found was the perfect fit for my sudden craving. Their menu rotates every week, attempting to lure me into regular visits. I ordered a white bean soup that was delicious and filling. The fresh baked bread paired with it was to die for.

“So we’re definitely coming back next week, right?” Caleb jokes, his arm around my shoulders as we walk back to the car.