The observation lands with uncomfortable accuracy, explaining so much about Wendolyn's behavior over the past weeks which Calder had briefly explained for Dr. Winters ’ report; the volunteer work, the ranch responsibilities, the running into burning buildings despite being off-duty.
She's been filling time rather than living life.
Surviving rather than thriving.
Existing in carefully constructed isolation rather than risking connection that might hurt.
Dr. Winters finishes her documentation with a decisive tap, then looks up at each of us in turn.
"I'll approve whatever's necessary to ensure she receives the best possible aftercare and that Officer Martinez's investigation moves forward efficiently."
She stands, extending her hand across the desk in a gesture of partnership rather than dismissal.
"Now you need to do your part in being the pack she's never gotten to experience."
The words hang in the air—challenge, invitation, responsibility we're apparently accepting whether we're prepared or not.
The pack she's never gotten to experience.
I glance at my packmates—Aidric still radiating territorial tension, Bear looking thoughtful rather than concerned, Calder hovering between protective and possessive.
Can we actually do this?
Provide stability, safety, courtship, connection?
Overcome our own complications to give her what she needs?
Dr. Winters is already moving toward the door, clearly considering the consultation concluded.
"She's cleared for discharge once she wakes, probably another hour or two. I've provided written instructions for burn care, medication schedule, activity restrictions, and warning signs that would require immediate return for assessment."
She pauses at the threshold, glancing back with an expression that carries both challenge and hope.
"Don't make me regret facilitating this arrangement. Chief Murphy deserves better than another pack that fails to appreciate or protect her properly."
Understood.
Message received loud and clear.
We file out of her office in silence, each processing implications of what we've just committed to, what complications we've invited into carefully balanced pack dynamics, what possibilities exist if we can somehow make this work.
The pack she's never gotten to experience.
Dr. Winters' parting words echo through my mind as we navigate toward Wendolyn's recovery room.
Time to figure out what that actually means.
And whether four Alphas, two of whom can barely occupy the same space without fighting, can somehow provide it.
HOUSE ARREST AND HARD TRUTHS
~WENDOLYN~
"Can't I just be discharged now?"
The question emerges with hopeful optimism I don't actually feel, already knowing the answer before four simultaneous responses crash over me like synchronized wave.
"No."
