Page 27 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“Not only do you have your pack, but once you have a gamma or omega designation in your file, you can go to the Omega Center and have full access to all their services. Including medical services, counseling, and an advocate to help you through this,” she assured.
Oh. I hadn’t even thought of that. Dean had gotten legal help from them after he’d been outed. He also had an advocate, who was basically a personal counselor and caseworker.
“One thing to think about–quickly–because your hormone levels are rising, is what would you rather have your official designation listed as–gamma or omega? It looks like you’re going to push back over to omega pretty soon, which is rare but happens. I don’t understand enough about hockey to know which would be better. At this moment, it is an option,” she said. “Obviously, if you pushed over to omega, you could get retested and have the new designation put in your file if you wished.”
Once a designation was in your file, it stayed there, unless you got retested and had it changed, which was part of how I could hide as a beta. Though, if you had enough money, you could pay someone to change it for you.
Dr. Arya turned her tablet so I could see some tables I didn’t understand, showing genetics and hormones.
If Verity were here would she be able to help me understand it?
I stared at the chart as her words soaked into my brain.
“Wait, I actually did something to my omega after I overdosed and made myself a gamma?” I hadn’t even realized one could become a gammaafterawakening as an omega. I’d never gone back for a follow-up after I overdosed, out of fear.
“You didn’t know? Yes. When you’re fully tested, you register as a gamma. Though barely.” She rubbed her forehead.
Oh. Wow. The basic prick test only registered the three main designations. A full test was required for other designations, such as gammas, kappas, and iotas. Though it didn’t pick up illegal designations. That was a separate and highly regulated test.
Dr. Arya continued, “Every gamma is different, but generally the closer you are to awakening as an omega when you become a gamma, the more omega-like you are. Given you were already omega when it happened, it makes sense it would push back into place when your situation changed.”
“That’s something to think about,” I told her, slowly. Not that I knew which would be better.
I’ll always love you. No matter what. Even if you’re a gamma.
Verity was right. How did she even know? I yearned to ask. But it wasn’t a text message conversation. I’d wait until she returned.
“Thank you, Doc.” Tonight, I’d have to talk to the guys about all this. Hopefully, they’d have some good ideas.
First, I had to get ready for the game.
“Are you okay, Grif Graf? While you played great, there was something off.” Coach Atkins came up to me in the locker room after the game with a worried look on his face.
It had everything to do with how heavily everything weighed on me. Though the teamhadwon, 2-1, and I’d scored a goal.
“I’m not feeling good,” I told him. It was all nerves. I was still reeling from the information I’d gotten from Dr. Arya.
“Well, rest up. We’ve got another game tomorrow.” He patted me on the shoulder. “Congrats on making it to the All-Star team. While it’s a thrill to be selected, I always thought it was extra special when the fans chose you.”
“Good game.” Carlos smacked me on the ass with a towel.
Everyone was in a good mood as we listened to the coaches give their rundown, hit the bikes and ice baths, showered, and got dressed. A lot of them were making plans to head to Tito’s.
Finding a quiet place in the corner, I called Verity. She’d texted me while I was playing.
“Please tell me they caught whoever wrecked your greenhouse?” I blurted. The idea of them out there still made me nervous. Also, I felt terrible. They went after her because of us.
“We identified her. I haven’t heard if she’s officially been caught yet. The university is going to give me funding to help cover the costs of the damage, which is nice. They said I can go after external funding–and I’m considering it. It’s short term. Don’t worry, I won’t sign a long-term contract without talking to you, since well, it could affect our future,” Verity told me.
Our future.That settled my nerves a little.
“How so?” I wasn’t sure what she was talking about.
“It would be with Spencer. If I did anything with him long-term, I’d need to make sure I can stay with you,” she told me.
She wanted to stay with me after everything that happened? Relief sluiced over me.
“Thank you. Though, Rockland doesn’t seem that bad. You know that rumor hasn’t died down at all,” I laughed. “Someone said he’s renaming the team theTheorems.”
