"What happens after the suppressant wears off?" Bo asks the question hanging in the air.
Tyler answers with clinical detachment. "Without proper medication, an Omega in heat requires Alpha assistance to stabilize. Delivered via—"
"We know how it's delivered," Gray cuts him off.
Cameron's gaze locks with mine. "This isn't how it should happen."
"None of this is how it should happen," I reply, another wave of heat washing through me. "But we deal with what we have."
The door opens again, and Eli returns with a small red case. He opens it to reveal a pre-loaded injector.
"This will hurt," he warns, preparing the device with practiced movements that make me wonder about his background. "Emergency suppressants are designed for rapid absorption. The burn is... significant."
I roll up my sleeve without hesitation. "Do it."
The injection burns like fire racing through my veins. I gasp, Gray's hand immediately at my back to steady me. I realize through the haze of the chemicals pumping through my system that it's probably the first time he's touched me since we met. And my traitorous body focuses on the point of contact so hard, all I can think about is the heat of his skin burning through my clothes.
"How long until it takes effect?" Bo asks.
"Ten minutes for initial benefit," Eli responds, carefully disposing of the evidence. "Full efficacy within thirty. Should mask scent and reduce physical symptoms enough to get through public appearances."
"Then we have a plan," Gray says, taking charge with natural authority. "Awards ceremony. Team photos. Minimum public obligations. Then back to the hotel immediately."
His gaze meets mine, something unspoken but powerful passing between us. "After that..."
"I know," I say, forcing myself to face reality. "One of you will need to help me through this. Until my regular prescription arrives on Monday." It takes everything in my power to stop the whimper that threatens to pass my lips. I don't know if it's from the meds or my body latching onto the idea that I'll be having sexwith one of these guys at some point tonight. This is a fucking disaster.
A tense silence falls over the group.
I look up at Cameron, but his expression is conflicted. "I can't," he says quietly. "I want you too badly. I don't think I can hold myself back from the bite. It's already hard enough to—"
"I'll do it," Bo says, cutting him off.
All eyes shift to him.
"I'm her roommate already," he explains practically. "Least complicated option logistically. Fewer questions from staff or other athletes."
"You sure?" Gray's tone carries a weight beyond the simple question.
Bo nods grimly. "I can handle tonight without claiming. But we need to face facts here." He looks around the group. "An Omega in uncontrolled heat for a full week? That's not sustainable for one person. And if she doesn't get proper care..." He doesn't finish the sentence, but we all know what he means. ER visits. Seizures from fever. Potentially life-threatening complications.
"How many days until her prescription arrives?" Gray asks Tyler.
"Friday at the earliest. So six more days minimum."
"Fuck," Cameron breathes.
Gray runs a hand through his hair, the weight of leadership evident. "So we're talking about a rotation. Multiple people."
"That's what it sounds like," Eli confirms quietly.
I feel a rush of gratitude toward him. Bo. Steady, protective, pragmatic. The safest option to start with when everything in me feels unstable.
"Reese?" Gray turns to me. "Your choice. For tonight."
Despite the heat medication beginning to take effect, I appreciate that he's giving me agency in this decision. Not just assuming or deciding for me, even in a situation this serious.
"Bo," I confirm. "For tonight." I look around at the others, the reality sinking in. "But we're going to need to figure out the rest. All of us."
