Outside, Jace found Dr Patel in the hallway, going over some paperwork. He was standing with some of the nurses as they pointed at where he should sign. He signed them and gave them some orders.
"Hey, doc," Jace said, his voice quieter now. "How’s Elias doing? Can he leave soon?"
"I’ll visit the patient’s room. Continue to check on her," Dr Patel said to the nurse before looking up, his expression kind.
"Elias is stable, but he should rest a bit longer. The suppressant is working, but his body needs time to adjust. You can take him home in an hour or so, but make sure he takes his suppressants regularly."
Jace nodded, his thoughts still on the test results. "Thanks. I’ll make sure of that. And... about the matching test. Is there really no way to try again? Maybe something went wrong. Maybe there was a glitch or a mix-up,"
Dr Patel sighed, shaking his head.
"I know it’s disappointing, but the test is final. It’s not about you or Elias... It’s about biology. You’re still young, Jace. You’ll find someone else."
Jace’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue.
"Someone... else? Yeah. Maybe." He turned away, his heart heavy.
’How can I be with someone other than Elias? I don’t want anyone else. Elias can only belong to me...’
"What about his heat? What if his heat starts?"
"He’s a dominant Omega, so it’s easy to extend his heat. However, he should find a partner before the next wave. It would be harder to suppress it with just pills,"
"What if I...?"
"I’m sorry, Jace but you can’t be his partner. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure he finds someone with a higher compatibility," Dr Patel said with a smile and turned around when another nurse approached him.
Jace felt his heart shatter for the fifth time today. He wandered back to the waiting room, where his mother was still on her phone, making more arrangements. She hurriedly disconnected the call and looked up as he entered, her expression softening.
"Jace, are you okay?"
He shrugged, sinking into a chair.
"Do I look okay?"
"Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about Elias,"
"Of course, I am. I just... I don’t know what to do now. Elias doesn’t feel the same way, and I can’t force him."
Mrs Voss reached over, squeezing his hand.
"You don’t need to force anything. Just be his friend. That’s what he needs right now."
Jace nodded, but his heart wasn’t in it.
"The doctor said he was going to find a better partner for him. I don’t think I can watch Elias be with someone else,"
"What? He said that?" Mrs Voss asked and Jace nodded.
"He can’t do that without my permission! I’ll go have a chat with him,"
"It doesn’t matter... mom?" He lifted his head, but his mother had already left. He groaned as he stared at the floor, his thoughts a jumble of frustration and longing.
’I’ll be his friend. But I don’t know if I can stop wanting more. We have the school field trip in a few days, maybe I can use that opportunity to get him to change his mind,’
.
After some minutes, Dr Patel returned to the room. He saw Mrs Voss outside talking to the guard that followed her earlier. As soon as she saw Dr Patel, she dismissed them and folded her hands.
"Good day, Mrs Voss. Are you enjoying yourself touring around the facility?"
"I was having fun until I heard the news. What do you mean you’re trying to get a partner for the Omega I brought to you,"
"I also don’t understand what you mean by ’omega I brought to you’. I’m doing something beneficial to his health and safety. If he were a regular omega, I wouldn’t mind your words but you and I know how beneficial and important dominant omegas are,"
Mrs Voss frowned as she stepped closer to Dr Patel.
"Then, let’s forget any of this happened. I’m taking him with me and trust me, I won’t let him get taken away by the government. Partner? Lies. You’re just going to find someone to keep an eye on him and even if the result is low, you’re just going to manipulate it and make sure they get together,"
Dr Patel shook his head but forced a smile.
"I have no idea what you’re talking about but I would never do that to any of my patients. Now, if you would excuse me," he said and pushed the door open.
Mrs Voss frowned as she watched him.
.
Back in the room, Elias was still holding the black card, his thumb brushing over the golden design. Dr Patel entered, carrying a small bottle of suppressants.
"Here," he said, handing them to Elias. "Take one every twelve hours. It’ll keep your pheromones under control until your next heat."
"When would that be?"
"In a few days or maybe a week,"
Elias nodded, tucking the bottle into his bag. "Thanks. And... about the contract. How long do I have to decide?"
"A week," Dr Patel said. "But don’t feel rushed. It’s a big decision. Think about what’s best for you and your sister."
Elias nodded, his mind still spinning. "I will."
"I’ll wait for your call, Elias,"
Dr Patel left, and Elias leaned back, closing his eyes. He wanted to see Lila, to tell her everything, to ask her what to do. But deep down, he knew this was his decision alone. A partner, a house, safety... but at what cost? They were also pulling the sister card just to get him to say yes. He groaned in frustration and slipped his fingers into his dark brown hair.
The door opened again, and Jace stepped inside, his expression softer but still tinged with disappointment.
"The doctor says you can leave in an hour. I’ll drive you back once it’s time,"
Elias nodded, a small smile breaking through. "Sure. Thanks, Jace."
Jace forced a smile, his heart aching.
"No problem. I’ll return once it’s time."
He said, closing the door behind him.