Page 11 of His Problem Alpha
"Omega Health Assistance Line, this is Tara. How can I help you today?"
I step into the hallway, keeping Devon's door open so I can see him. "I need advice. My—" I hesitate, the word 'roommate' feeling inadequate, 'friend' a lie. "Someone I know is in unexpected heat. Severe. First full heat. His suppressants failed completely."
"I understand," Tara says, her voice steady. "Is the omega in distress? Are they experiencing any symptoms beyond standard heat presentation?"
I glance at Devon, who's writhing slightly on the bed, his face flushed, eyes glazed. "He's in a lot of pain. Feverish. He can barely stand. It came on suddenly—he was fine yesterday."
"That sounds like a suppressant crash," she says. "Sometimes when long-term suppressants fail, they fail catastrophically,resulting in an intense rebound heat. How long has he been on suppressants?"
"I don't know. Years, I think."
"And how long has he been showing symptoms?"
"A few hours, maybe? It's getting worse fast."
There's a pause, the sound of typing in the background. "Is the omega alone right now?"
I swallow hard. "No—I'm with him—I'm an alpha." I feel like I'm confessing a crime.
"I see." Her tone shifts slightly, becoming more direct. "In cases of suppressant crash, emergency suppressants are not recommended. They can cause a dangerous hormonal imbalance and potentially permanent damage to the omega's endocrine system."
My heart sinks. "So what are the options?"
"There are three standard protocols," Tara explains. "First, hospitalization with medical intervention to manage symptoms. This is invasive and can be traumatic, especially for a first-time heat, but it's sometimes necessary in severe cases."
I glance at Devon again. He's watching me, his eyes clearer for a moment, fear evident in his expression.
"Second option?" I ask.
"A supervised heat ward. The omega would be placed in a secure, private room to ride out the heat naturally. Staff would provide hydration and basic care, but no direct intervention. For a first-time heat after suppressant crash, this can be... challenging. The isolation can increase stress, which intensifies symptoms and prolongs the heat."
Devon is shaking his head frantically, his scent spiking with panic at the mere suggestion.
"And the third option?" I already know the answer, but I need to hear it from someone official, someone who isn't me.
"The third option is alpha assistance," Tara says matter-of-factly. "A compatible alpha helping the omega through the heat. This is typically the most effective approach biologically speaking, especially for intense heats. The alpha's presence naturally regulates the omega's hormones and can significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms."
My throat tightens. "And if there's no... compatible alpha available?"
There's a slight pause. "Is that the case here?"
I look at Devon, who's watching me with an intensity that makes my skin burn. "No," I admit quietly. "I'm here. I'm... compatible."
"Then that would be my professional recommendation," Tara says. "Especially for a first heat of this intensity. The omega's body is already under extreme stress from the suppressant crash. Adding the trauma of hospitalization or isolation could have lasting psychological and physical consequences."
"I understand," I say, the words feeling heavy on my tongue.
"Do you have any other questions?" she asks. "About safety protocols or consent procedures?"
"No. Thank you." I end the call, staring at my phone for a long moment before turning back to Devon.
He's worse. In the few minutes I've been on the phone, his condition has deteriorated visibly. His skin is flushed red—like a bad sunburn—hair stuck to his forehead in dark, sweaty streaks. His heat scent has gotten stronger—thick, sweet, making my head spin.
"What did they say?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
I move back into the room, keeping a careful distance from the bed. "They said emergency suppressants aren't an option. They could make things worse."
"And the other options?" His eyes are clearer now, focused on me with an intensity that's almost painful.
