Page 164 of Toxic

"Well, you can’t change on a genetic level, of course—you’re still a beta. But the change goes deeper than in the case of Omega Awakening triggered by frequent sex. Betas change depending on the subgender of their partner. For example, there are cases of betas having growth spurts that bring them into the alpha height range if they are with an omega. And those betas who are with alphas can display omega-typical behaviors. Their hearing, sense of smell, and other physiological traits also become similar to those of AOs. This is not the case with a basic Omega Awakening, which only affects fertility."

We were both listening with our mouths agape.

"I only care about one thing," Soren finally choked out, "Do I really have even a small chance to carry this pregnancy to term? Like REALLY?" I could see he was struggling to breathe, barely managing to get the words out.

"If these hormone levels remain stable, then I believe you have a good chance."

I watched Soren’s face—it was as pale as I had ever seen it. Then I realized what was happening. Soren suddenly went limp, collapsing into my arms as he fainted.

"Oh, fuck!"

I stood up quickly and laid him on the examination table. Dr. Jim rushed over, checking Soren’s pulse.

"This really means a lot to him, doesn’t it?" Dr. Delgado said, gently stroking Soren’s chalk white cheek.

"Yes, I think even more than he lets on. He’s tried to numb himself to what happened in the past, but now it’s hitting him full force, even the slightest chance is… so much."

Dr. Jim lifted Soren’s legs and placed a plastic roller under them, which he pulled out from beneath the table. I leaned over Soren, brought my lips close to his ear, kissed his cheek, and whispered, "Wake up, baby, it’s not time to sleep now."

That seemed to help, or maybe it was the elevated legs. Soren slowly opened his eyes, though he was still very pale.

"Take me home, Skye," he managed to blurt out, his voice trembling.

"Of course, my love. I'll take you home right away, but the doctor—"

"Take me home now. I want to go home!"

I looked at Dr. Delgado, and he gave me a nod.

"I encourage you to come back for a check-up in two weeks. Every week is crucial; we need to monitor the hormone levels closely."

I nodded too, slipping my arm under Soren’s back and legs before lifting him up. Dr. Jim Delgado opened the door, so I could carry my boyfriend into the hallway.

Soren lay almost limp in my arms, pressing his head against my shoulder and hiding his face, as if he were ashamed to be seen by the people in the waiting room. I carried him down the stairs to the parking lot and to my car. As I prepared to open thedoor with one hand while holding him, he stirred and managed to stand, though he was still unsteady. Once I got the door open, he slid inside and collapsed onto the seat.

He remained silent. I walked around the car, got in, and started the engine, merging into traffic without delay. Soren stared out the window, his head resting against the headrest.

I was afraid to say anything; I knew he still had trouble believing it was real. Just like he didn’t believe our relationship would last. On some level, he was pushing away the thought that this pregnancy would end well. It was just unfathomable to him. He was even a little angry that he’d been given a sliver of hope and now had to live with it—caught between ‘no chance’ and ‘maybe’, which was draining him.

The reaction was so Soren-typical. This extreme pessimism and resistance to any chance of a positive outcome.

But something else happened that shocked me. One moment he pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and then… he froze, fixed his eyes on the box and then suddenly threw it in the back of the car! My heart fluttered with happiness because it could mean that he took Jim's word more seriously than it seemed.

When we arrived at our house, I rushed out of the car and opened his door. I offered him my hand, and his was cold and trembling.

As he got out, I could see he was still barely able to stand. The emotional shock was stronger than I’d expected. Without a word, I bent down and scooped him up again. He didn’t protest—in fact, I sensed his gratitude.

Also feeling quite emotional, I carried him inside, thankful the door opened with a code I could punch in with one hand, the one supporting his back.

I brought him to our bedroom and laid him on the bed, then took off his shoes and the sweatshirt he was wearing and covered him with a blanket.

"I’ll get you something warm to drink—"

"No. I just want you to stay with me."

Soren so clingy? It was so uncharacteristic—beyond sex, he was never snuggly. I blinked, but nodded. I took off my shoes and slid into bed beside him. Then Soren… climbed onto me in a way he’d never done before. I was sitting up, leaning against the headboard, and he sat on my lap, almost identical to how I had carried him home. His head rested on my shoulder. I held him close, and we stayed like that in silence for a long time.

Eventually, Soren fell asleep. His face, which had been tense with stress, finally relaxed, and I took the chance to gaze at him without interruption. As usual, I admired the length of his eyelashes and the sweet curve of his full lips. He looked so innocent, so vulnerable. Despite everything that had happened between us, my feelings for him hadn’t faded—they hadn’t even lessened.

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