Page 12 of Follow Your Instincts

We turned and walked back into the courtyard. Steffi led us to the detached building.

“Is this where you live?” I asked.

“Oh, no, I don’t live on the property, dear. I have a pack that would miss me terribly if I never came home from the job,” she laughed. “I was so glad I’d been working late yesterday so I could be there to greet you myself.”

We entered the low-slung building that might have been a converted stable. “These are the nesting suites,” she said. “No one is currently having their heat, so I’m free to show you what they look like.” The whole building smelled like the chemical nothingness of descenting spray.

There were four doors leading off the hallway. Steffi opened the first one. “They are all basically the same,” she said, showing me a room even smaller than the one back at the main house. It was decorated in calming grays and light blues. Most of the floor was a sunken mattress, and the walls and interior of the door were lined with soft, padded fabric.

“Each suite is completely soundproof, of course, and equipped with a call button for the Omega or their heat partner to ask for anything they might need during their heat. If there’s no partner, we can provide you with toys and props to help you. There’s a bathroom through that door with a walk-in shower as well,” Steffi said, pointing to the far corner of the room. “And our cleaners are very thorough.”

It felt very… sterile. And honestly reminded me of my room at the Rosen’s house where Kira and I had lived. My room had been this same nondescript gray. I shuddered. I hadn’t had time to consider the prospect of my first heat, but I didn’t find the idea of riding it out here very appealing.

Steffi must have noticed the look on my face. “Of course, we encourage Omegas to customize the suite as their heat approaches and add the personal touches they desire.” Steffi stopped and touched my arm. “Sorry,” she said softly. “I got into tour guide mode. What questions do you have, dear?”

“It’s okay,” I said. “I just… I hadn’t thought about going through a heat yet. And this room doesn’t seem like the most comfortable place to do it.”

“I understand,” she replied. “By nature, Center nesting suites have to be a little bit clinical. But I assure you, we will be there every step of the way to get whatever you need to be comfortable. Jess is very fond of twinkly lights, and Elizabeth likes lava lamps. Some Omegas want loads and loads of pillows so they can cover the whole floor with them. But there’s still plenty of time before we get there.” Steffi closed the door gently. “I think it might be time to meet with Dr. Kimber.”

Dr. Kimber was a beautiful Asian Beta woman who made me feel at ease immediately. Her scent was subtle and reminded me of the chamomile tea Steffi had given me the night before, but a little sweeter.

“I imagine you have a million questions for me,” she said once we’d finished the physical examination. She’d given me more pain medication for my throat as well.

“Maybe not that many,” I said. “But yes, a fuckton.”

Dr. Kimber laughed. “Okay, well, let’s get started then.”

“How does something like this even happen?” I asked, gesturing to myself. “I mean, I’m twenty-six. Doesn’t an Omega usually present at like eighteen?”

“It’s a range, from sixteen at the very low end and, in very rare cases, into the late twenties. I’ve read a case study of an Omega presenting at twenty-nine. He was also a male Omega, which was doubly rare. So, to answer your question, we don’t know why it happens later for some Omegas,” she said. “Usually, Omegas are prepared to present since it’s largely an inherited trait. Cases like yours, where it truly feels like it’s out of the blue, are definitely tough.”

I nodded, considering my next question. “What’s different now? I mean, obviously my scent is stronger, but my mood has been wild lately.”

“That’s just the sudden influx of Omega hormones. Themood swings should calm down, especially after your first heat. But you’ll also notice some lasting differences: higher sex drive and increased vaginal lubrication being the most obvious, in addition to changes in your menstrual cycle,” she replied.

“Will I stop having periods? That would at least be a silver lining.”

Dr. Kimber laughed, and Steffi gave me a sad smile. “Yes, and no. The normal processes still exist, they’re just… enhanced, and your cycle is longer now, about three months instead of monthly. Rather than standard ovulation, you’ll have a heat, and if you don’t conceive during it, then you’ll have a period. Unfortunately, those are somewhat enhanced as well.”

“They’re bloody torture, dear, or they used to be back when I was still having them,” Steffi said. “Now they have all sorts to make it more comfortable.”

“Fantastic,” I said flatly. “What about male Omegas?”

“Well, as usual, men get off easy. They get all the perks of the designation without any of the biological drawbacks,” Dr. Kimber said.

“I’m failing to see any perks so far,” I said. “I don’t know anything about heats either, except for what I’ve seen in movies, and that can hardly be realistic. I’ve heard about suppressants, though. Could that be an option? Like, just never having a heat?” I asked.

“Unfortunately, no. Suppressants are only used in cases when Omegas present very young and aren’t ready to safely consent to anything regarding their heats, or if there’s a medical issue. The side effects are serious, especially as you get older. Infertility, bone density loss, early onset of menopause, and ovarian cancers are all risks when taking suppressants. I couldn’t in good conscience recommend them in your situation,” Dr. Kimber replied.

“Great,” I said.

“Heats usually last two to four days and are characterized by heightened body temperature and arousal. Omegas in heatrequire very regular sexual stimulation to avoid discomfort, which can sometimes be extreme. For female Omegas, this is usually best sated by their Alphas.”

“Can we please cut the doctor speak?” I said. “I’ve watched A/O porn before. Am I going to want… that?”

“If by ‘that’, you mean a knot, then yes, you will. Badly. Omegas can ride out their heats with the use of toys or with Beta partners, but it’s a lot harder and more uncomfortable,” Dr. Kimber said. “As you know if you’ve seen A/O porn, an Alpha’s knot is uniquely designed for your anatomy.” She smiled at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Right,” I said, still unsure.

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