Page 131 of The Ecstasy of Sin
When her tears finally stop, she turns in my lap to face the doctor. She tries to slip off me and back into the seat beside mine, but I stop her with a shake of my head and a firmer grip on her hips.
“What’s our next step, then?” Wren asks.
Dr. Everly lifts her clipboard and flips through the first few sheets. “Your current preventative medication is working moderately well, but given the persistent side effects, I’d like to try a different option. I’d also recommend introducing an abortive medication for acute attacks, and implementing dietary and supplement supports to better protect your neurological health.”
She pauses, scanning the paper again. “I assume medication costs aren’t a limiting factor?” Her eyes flick to mine.
Wren tenses where she sits in my lap, and I can tell she’s forcing her muscles to relax by sheer force of will.
Good girl.
“Of course not. Whatever treatments she needs, including anything else you think could help, we’ll pursue.”
The doctor nods, scribbling more notes, before flipping to the next page.
“The usual recommendations still stand,” Dr. Everly says, scanning through her paperwork. “Low stress, consistent physical activity, a nutrient-rich diet, and plenty of hydration.”
I make a mental note of every word.
Low stress is definitely my top priority. With Wren living here, safe and cared for, I’ll see to it that her chronic stress becomes a distant memory.
“What about a service dog?” I ask, glancing at Wren as she turns toward me, a look of surprise on her face. “I have a dog with all of the foundational obedience, and the right temperament to accompany her in public. Are there things I can teach him to help with her migraines?”
The doctor smiles. “Yes, of course. That’s an excellent idea. I have another patient who uses a service dog for migraine management. The dog guides her in public during the aura phase when she loses her vision, and assists with household tasks. She’s been working on training a medical alert to warn of an incoming migraine, so she can dose her abortive medication more accurately.”
“That’s incredible,” Wren breathes, before turning toward me again. “But I can’t take Hunter away from you.”
I offer her a smile. “You’re not taking anything away. We’re always together. If he enjoys working and wants to help you, we should let him. I’ll take care of his training.”
Wren’s eyes are glassy again, and my chest aches at the sight. She’s so soft, so vulnerable, but she’s stronger than she’ll ever admit. She has a quiet, resilient strength that I want to nurture and protect with everything that I am.
Dr. Everly nods and sets the clipboard aside. “Perfect. Wren, dear, you can get some rest while I finish writing up your treatment plan. I’ll send the prescriptions to the nearest pharmacy so you can begin tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much, Dr. Everly,” Wren says with a tired but sincere smile.
I nod as well. “Yes. We appreciate everything. We’ll be in touch.”
Dr. Everly rises, gathering the scans and her notes. “Be sure to track any new side effects. We’ll review everything together in two weeks. If the medication causes any serious issues, call me immediately.”
Wren and I rise and head for the door, while the doctor returns to her desk. Neither of them know it yet, but I’ve already decided to make her a permanent offer—an obscene salary, a research grant, and a lifetime of freedom to focus on new migraine research, all in exchange for her continued care of Wren and my brothers.
Now that I think of it, I should hire an on-site veterinarian, too.
As soon as we step into the hallway, Wren heads toward the elevator. I catch her hand and gently tug her to a stop.
“No pressure, but my brothers are here. Do you want to go upstairs and rest, or do you want to sit in on our meeting?” My thumb brushes along the inside of her wrist.
She hesitates, a yawn catching her off guard. She covers her mouth with one hand, blinking through the haze of exhaustion.
“I don’t want to wander the house alone… or go to bed without you,” she admits softly. “But are you sure it’s okay if I’m there while you guys…” Her voice fades, the rest implied.
“While we talk about disturbing, criminal-level shit?” I supply helpfully.
Her eyes widen slightly, then she gives a small nod.
“Of course you can be there. My brothers and I don’t keep secrets from each other, and I sure as hell won’t keep secrets from you.”
She gives my hand a squeeze, and I redirect us towards the gym doors.
