Once Jax was unwrapped from his many layers of clothing and fabric that was everything from torn sheets to old curtains, Karter gaped at the actual size of the man. Not all of him was bulky clothes. About Karter’s height, he actually beat Karter in terms of muscle mass on his arms and legs. The hospital gown hid his torso, but Karter wouldn’t have been surprised to discover a six-pack existed beneath his baby pooch.

Instead of the hospital bed dwarfing him, it almost seemed too small to properly contain Jax. Karter had never met such a large, fit omega. Biologically, omegas tended to be…well, small. Shorter, thinner, needing of protection. Jax looked like he was fully capable of taking someone down with one punch.

So far, Jax had only allowed one beta nurse to touch him, and that was to draw a few vials of blood for testing, and to get a few basic vitals. His blood pressure was low, probably thanks to his diet, but his temperature was normal. Jax had growled the entire brief exam, though, so facing down a doctor was going to be a challenge. Karter stood two feet from the bed, as much a guard to his omega as a constable watching his suspect.

Bloom had left the room a while ago, probably making the proper calls so forensics could sweep the house.

Jax frequently shot Karter annoyed stares that Karter had a hard time interpreting. But his omega was in good hands, getting proper medical care, so he focused on that and not on his intense desire to simply touch Jax. To know what his skin felt like under his palm. To wrap himself up in that delightful floral aroma and exist in it for hours.

If I try to touch him he’ll bolt. Or punch me.

Odds were even he’d bolt from the eventual doctor, but Karter would cross that bridge when necessary.

Jax scribbled a note on the shrinking pad, then held it out to Karter. Karter took it, surprised it hadn’t been beaned at his head like the others.

“Will the doctor be an alpha?”

“Most doctors are alphas,” Karter replied. “But they take pheromone suppressants, so you shouldn’t be affected too badly. I take them too, because of my job.”

“I don’t know if I can let him touch me.”

Karter longed to hug and comfort his omega. “I’m right here. He won’t do anything to hurt you. You’ve been living on the streets for weeks, though, and you need to be examined.”

Jax pouted, and it was the most adorable thing Karter had seen in his life.

“When will Son be back? I need him.”

“When the pediatric specialist is done looking him over. The hospital won’t keep your son from you, I promise. I won’t let them.”

Jax didn’t look pacified. Getting him to release the baby into the hands of others had been a struggle and a half, and Karter hoped the infant was returned before Jax burst out of the room on a wild hunt.

He glanced at the note again. “Why do you call him Son? Is that his name?” Weird choice for one, if so.

“The alpha is supposed to name the child.”

Karter wasn’t sure how to interpret that statement. Jay didn’t know which alphahole had impregnated him? The alphas who bought him didn’t care enough about the child to name him? So many questions, but Jax was selfish with his answers.

He’s protecting himself, of course he isn’t telling the whole truth.

He ached for Jax to trust Karter enough to tell him the truth, to know Karter would protect his omega with his life. But Jax had been abused and hurt by other alphas, and he had no reason beyond their bonding to trust Karter’s word.

Someone knocked and the door opened. A doctor walked in and paused, eyebrows arching. Jax didn’t cower, though; he bristled and postured like an alpha might when met with a perceived threat. Interesting.

“That’s the omega?” the doctor asked. Karter scented the air but the man was very much a beta. That was unusual. He also seemed familiar, but Karter couldn’t remember when they’d met.

Still, Karter growled at his rudeness. “His name is Jax Orris. Who are you?”

“Dr. Troi. My apologies for my reaction, I’ve simply never, ah, seen such a, um, large omega.”

“Same. But he is omega and he’s my bondmate, so tread carefully, Doctor.”

Dr. Troi nodded at Karter. “And you are, sir? You look familiar.”

It clicked. He was the doctor from Kell’s case last month. “Constable Karter Jenks. Jax’s alpha.”

“I understand. I’m assuming this is a new arrangement.”

“Extremely, considering we met less than an hour ago.”

“I see.” Dr Troi approached the bed slowly, his smile comforting in its own way. “Mr. Jax, I pulled your medical history from before your disappearance, and given your difficulty maintaining a pregnancy, I was surprised to see you’ve recently given birth.”

Jax nodded, but made no move to write a more detailed explanation. The news about difficulty maintaining a pregnancy made Karter’s belly swoop in a bad way. Did that mean he’d never carry Karter’s child?

This is a completely inappropriate thought, considering.

“Well, then you’re in luck,” Dr. Troi said. “I specialize in omega obstetrics, so if you’re willing, I’d like to do a full physical exam. After an omega gives birth, their next heat can occur at any time, and I want to make sure you’re physically healthy enough to endure, and also to possibly become pregnant again.”

Jax’s face flushed, and he scribbled a note for Karter.

“No. I’m tired of men seeing my naked body. Make him go away.”

“I can’t,” Karter replied out loud. “This man is here to help you, not hurt you or embarrass you. Don’t you want to make sure you’re healthy, so you can continue looking after your son?”

Jax’s scowl clearly telegraphed “I hate you.”

“Will you let him examine you? Please, my omega?”

The endearment helped. Jax softened a bit, and he nodded his consent.

“He doesn’t speak at all?” Dr. Troi asked.

“No. I don’t know why, but he can write and he’s intelligent. Very much so. Please, be gentle with him.”

Jax looked panicked, and Karter took a chance. He put a hand on Jax’s shoulder, and the man calmed. “I can’t say in the room during your exam,” Karter said. His skin buzzed where he touched Jax, even through the thin cotton gown. “But I will be right outside the door.”

Jax shook his head and pointed at his throat.

It clicked. “You can’t call for help if you need it.” Jax nodded yes. “I don’t know, you’re a lot bigger than Dr. Troi. I think you can take him.”

That familiar look of exasperation nearly made Karter laugh, and he couldn’t help but wonder what Jax looked like under that long, thick beard covering his face and neck. Omegas rarely grew beards, because their biology didn’t usually allow their facial hair to grow to such lengths. Jax was a fascinating mix of omega contradictions, that was for sure.

Seeming amused, Dr. Troi excused himself briefly. When he returned, he had two metal bedpans in his hands. He placed both on the foot of Jax’s bed. “There you go. If I do anything to hurt or alarm you, you can bang those together. I’m certain Constable Jenks will be able to hear that ruckus.”

Jax snatched them up, then stared at the man, his lips twitching.

Dr. Troi had totally earned trust points with that move.

“May I do the exam, please?” Dr. Troi asked.

Jax nodded yes.

“Thank you. Omega biology is my specialty. You’re in good hands, Mr. Orris, I promise.”

Karter hated leaving his omega alone with a stranger, but as he shut the door behind him—cutting off Jax’s perfect floral scent—he reminded himself that Dr. Troi was a beta and a professional. He’d taken care of Kell Iverson last month during his surprise heat. He would take care of Jax.

He wasn’t surprised to find Bloom lingering outside. He was, however, surprised to see Bloom’s omega there, his arm around Bloom’s waist. The pair of them together made sense. Bloom’s height and bulk contrasted with Braun’s short stature and thin build. Karter and Jax would look incredibly bizarre as a mated pair.

I want him anyway. He’s mine.

“How’s Jax?” Braun asked.

“Not very comfortable being examined,” Karter replied, “but overall, he’s…irritated? He doesn’t want to be here, but he understands why it’s important.”

“He doesn’t know me, but maybe having another omega to talk to will help. If that’s okay?”

Karter glanced at Bloom, whose indulgent smile said everything Karter needed to know. “Sure, that’s fine, once Dr. Troi has finished the exam. I’m guessing Bloom told you.”

“That Jax was in the same halfway house? Yes.” Braun’s face went stormy. “I can’t imagine what he went through.”

Those thoughts made Karter want to break furniture, so he ignored them.

“Whoever hurt him will be punished,” Karter snapped.

“We just have to find them first,” Bloom said. “We need him to trust you so he tells you more about where he was kept, what happened to him.”

“I know! Goddess, I know that.” Karter spun around, intent on punching the wall, but he didn’t want to break his fingers. “He’s just…fragile, and he doesn’t trust easily. He barely trusts me, and I’m his alpha.”

“The mating bond doesn’t mean immediate trust,” Braun said. “I didn’t trust Tarek right away. That took getting to know him. And time.”

Now he understood why Bloom had brought his omega to the hospital. The younger man had wisdom beyond his years, and a gentle demeanor that got under your skin.

“I promised I’d keep him and his son safe,” Karter said. “But I’m younger than him. What if I can’t keep that promise?”

“I promised something similar,” Bloom replied. “And we’re going to keep our word. I’ve already called our supervisor, so he knows what’s going on. It’s going to work out.”

“I hope so.”

Metal clanging on metal sent adrenaline jolting through Karter’s system. He shoved the door open and stormed the room, ready to skin Dr. Troi alive for upsetting his omega. The scene made him stop in his tracks. Dr. Troi sat on his ass near the bed. Jax had retreated to the corner of the room, some sort of metal instrument in his hands. The bedpans lay at his feet, and he was glaring at Dr. Troi, his undone gown flapping around him, barely covering skin.

“What happened?” Karter asked, aware of Bloom and Braun behind him.

Jax waved the instrument around—a speculum—and made angry gestures at it.

“I was examining him,” Dr. Troi sputtered from the floor. “I can’t see what I’m examining if I don’t insert the speculum. I thought he’d be more comfortable if I didn’t use the ankle straps, and he kicked me.”

“Did you explain the part about the speculum?” Braun asked.

His voice got Dr. Troi to look over his shoulder at their trio. “Of course, I did. The moment I tried inserting it, he freaked out and shoved me.”

Karter stepped around Dr. Troi, using himself as a shield, but he didn’t approach his angry omega. Angry, not frightened, which pleased him. “Jax, look at me.” He did. “Did the doctor hurt you?”

Jax hesitated, then shook his head no.

“Then why did you shove him?”

He waved the speculum again, then blew a raspberry at it.

Karter was pretty sure Braun snickered. “I know it’s uncomfortable, but Dr. Troi needs to make sure you’re healthy, and that means looking in uncomfortable places. But I promise he’s not trying to cause you harm or pain.”

Jax scowled—an expression Karter was coming to adore—then waved toward the bed. Karter retrieved the notepad and pen, and he traded those for the speculum. He handed that to Dr. Troi, then took Jax’s finished note.

“Can you stay? Please?”

“I can’t stay, that would be inappropriate,” Karter replied.

“What if I stay with him?” Braun asked. “I’m not his alpha, and I’m not family, but I am a concerned omega.” Jax’s attention shifted past Karter. “I was also in Fynn’s halfway house.”

Jax’s eyes widened. Grief passed across his face briefly, and he opened his mouth like he wanted to say something. Something must have silently passed between the two omegas, because Jax looked at Karter and nodded yes.

“Yes, Braun can stay for the exam?” Karter needed to be certain.

Jax nodded again. He pointed at Braun, then mouthed “Stay.”

“Dr. Troi?”

The doctor grunted. “I have no problem with it, if it keeps the boy calm.”

“Excellent, we have a plan then.” He held his hand out and waited. Jax studied it a beat, then tentatively clasped it. Karter’s skin burned where they touched, Jax’s scent surrounding him. So fragrant, so uniquely him. He led Jax back to the bed, then let go. “I’ll be right outside again, but you can trust the doctor. And Braun.”

Jax nodded, his eyes still full of distrust. This close, Karter could finally figure out the color. A pale, icy blue he’d mistaken for hazel. Eyes he felt tracking him the entire way to the door, where he once again left his omega behind.

Why do I keep trusting that alpha?

Because he’s my alpha.

Jax battled the warring thoughts as he resettled on the exam bed. He hated these kind, the ones that adjusted to hold a man’s legs up and apart with stirrups. Good thing he hadn’t been strapped in before Dr. Troi showed off that damned speculum, or Jax didn’t know what he’d have done. He didn’t want that thing inside his body, but his past exams reminded him why it was necessary.

Braun approached slowly, his gentle smile settling some of Jax’s nerves. He was short, with dark brown hair and bright green eyes that telegraphed reassurances. He was also omega and seemed to be with that other alpha, Bloom. They shared a mated scent. His small stature kept Jax’s instinct to react to a potential threat at bay. Braun hadn’t been transformed by drugs and exercise. He was fragile, nothing like Jax or the alphas.

Not a threat at all, and somehow knowing he’d been at Fynn’s mercy too made Jax want to trust him.

“Hi,” Braun said softly. “I’m Braun Etting—crap, Bloom. I only mated a week and a half ago, so it’s still new. I’m Braun Bloom, even though it sounds silly.”

Jax smiled at his self-deprecating tone, then grabbed the notepad. “Jax Orris.”

“Nice to meet you. You really can trust Dr. Troi. He helped save my brother’s life once. He’s a great doctor.”

“Much appreciated, Braun,” Dr. Troi said.

Jax didn’t want the man squatting between his spread legs, but there was nothing to be done about it. He could get through one damned exam if it meant being reunited with Son. He needed his baby back in his arms almost as much as he needed to breathe.

“Now, this is going to be uncomfortable,” Dr. Troi said, “but it shouldn’t hurt. If you feel panic coming on, or any sharp pain, let me know at once.”

He grunted, then nodded okay.

Braun reached out, and Jax willingly took his hand. Somehow that touch with another omega, an omega who maybe understood, kept Jax calm as Dr. Troi inserted the chilly speculum. He struggled not to clench, but he couldn’t stop a few whimpers as he was examined. It didn’t hurt, exactly, but it was uncomfortable and embarrassing as hell.

“You seem to be all healed up from giving birth,” Dr. Troi finally said. “And I don’t see any worrisome scar tissue, so you’ll be physically fine to bear your next heat.” Finally, that damned speculum slid free. Dr. Troi pushed the ends of the bed back together while Jax covered himself with his gown.

“We still have to wait for your blood work to clear before you’re officially one hundred-percent, but I see no reason to admit you to the hospital.”

Jax wasn’t sure if that was good news or bad news. If he wasn’t staying here, where would he go? He’d cut and run with Son before going to another halfway house. But he was also moderately healthy, so that was something. He shoved a note at Braun.

“I want to see my son. Please.”

“I’ll go check on him,” Braun replied. “And I’ll let Constable Jenks know he can come inside.”

Karter replaced Braun in the room, and he spoke with Dr. Troi near the door. Hopefully not about the exam, because that was private, but it was a short conversation. Dr. Troi left, and it was only them.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that,” Karter said.

Jax tilted his head, uncertain until Karter waved at his legs. Oh, the exam. Jax shrugged.

“No, I mean it. I’m really sorry.”

Karter sounded genuinely miserable, so Jax took in the younger man. He hadn’t come any closer, his shoulders were hunched, and he looked kind of pale. As if he thought Jax had gone through some sort of traumatic experience by getting a physical. That was…odd. And kind of endearing.

He waved Karter toward him, then wrote, using two sheets of the small paper this time.

“Please don’t be sorry, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not hurt. I was defensive before, with the doctor. I’m okay now, I promise. Not sick or hurt. I just want my baby back.”

Relief blossomed on Karter’s face as he read the note. “I believe you, thank you. Without knowing what happened to you, I guess I’m a little defensive, too. You’re my omega.”

Jax shivered at the tenderness of Karter’s voice. His green grass scent curled around Jax, inviting him closer, to lean in and touch—which Jax absolutely did not do. Karter didn’t reach for him, either, but he wanted to. It was all over his body language. Not for the first time, Jax cursed the men who’d taken his voice away; he had no words to reassure his alpha.

He could use other parts of his body though, so Jax reached out and squeezed Karter’s wrist. Karter’s eyes widened, then went half-lidded. He twisted his hand so they were palm to palm. Laced their fingers. Warmth spread from Jax’s hand to his shoulder, and then across his entire body. The mating bond. Jax’s lungs hitched but not from fear. From a genuine connection to his alpha. He studied their hands, so similar in size and strength.

“I’m so lucky to have found you,” Karter whispered. “I will protect you, Jax, I swear. My omega.”

Those final two words rolled down Jax’s spine in a way they never had with his first alpha—because Eroch hadn’t been Jax’s bondmate. His intended. Every terrible thing Jax had survived had brought him to this moment. Meeting his true alpha.

The door opened, and Karter pulled his hand away. Jax looked up, annoyed, but Karter’s concern seemed to be for Jax’s comfort. Then he stopped caring when Braun was followed in by a nurse carrying a blanketed bundle.

Son! Give him to me!

Jax held out his arms, heart pounding with joy, and accepted the squirming load. He pressed his nose to Son’s cheek and inhaled deeply. Son smacked his lips, eyes shut, possibly dreaming.

“He’s had two bottles and a diaper change,” the nurse said. “The pediatrician got tied up with an emergency, or he’d be in to speak with you, but overall, your son is healthy.”

He mouthed “thank you” at the nurse.

“You’re welcome.”

After the nurse left, Jax relaxed against the exam bed and soaked in his son. His pink skin glowed from being freshly washed, while Jax desperately needed a shower. Maybe he could take one before he left the hospital. Although it would be dumb to clean up, only to put his grimy old clothes back on.

“Where’s Bloom?” Karter asked.

“On the phone again,” Braun replied. “Answering a lot of questions.”

Jax wanted to ask if those questions pertained to him, but he couldn’t let go of his baby long enough to write them down. The questions could wait. He’d spent most of the last month with Son strapped to his chest in that baby sling, and having him gone for so long was like losing a small piece of himself.

“I know it’s traditional for the alpha sire to name the child,” Karter said, “but don’t you think it’s time your son got a real name? What’s his gender, anyway? I can’t get close enough to tell.”

Genders were determined at birth by small birthmarks located in certain places, that faded as the infant grew, until they disappeared. Alphas could often tell by scent, but he wasn’t giving Karter room to sniff. Jax didn’t want to say, because he didn’t want his son treated differently for his gender. Maybe it was on his son’s hospital records now, but those were private.

Jax shook his head.

Karter frowned. “No for name? Or no for gender?”

He tilted his head at Karter.

“No for gender?”

Nodded.

“We all need to learn signal language,” Braun said. “Even basic hand gestures would make this a lot simpler.”

“For basic questions, we could always use the old classic ‘blink once for yes, twice for no.’”

Jax blew a raspberry to get Karter’s attention, then blinked hard one time.

“Okay, I guess we’re doing that,” Karter replied, smiling brightly. “So, no gender reveal yet. How about naming him?”

Jax blinked once, then studied his beautiful boy’s peaceful face, uncertain what to call him. Even though his alpha sire was long dead, Jax hadn’t really pondered names. For a long time, he’d been scared the boy would be killed outright in a fight via a miscarry, or taken away once he was born. When neither happened, Jax had been too focused on escaping to care his baby was still nameless.

“Do you have any family names you’re fond of?” Braun asked. “My brother told me he used my name as inspiration for his son Branson. He’s nearly four months old, so not much older than your son.”

“Speaking of family,” Karter said. “I’m assuming you were placed in an omega halfway house after your alpha died, because your family lives far away?”

Jax nodded. He hadn’t heard from Father, Omegin, or his brother in over a year. Had they even worried about him? Did they know his first alpha was dead and Jax had been missing for more than half a year?

“We put your name into the constabulary database,” Karter said. “If there are any missing person inquiries, even from outside of the province, we’ll find them. In the meantime, should I contact your family?”

Jax blinked twice. Not yet. First, he needed to know if they’d even cared he was gone, before he put himself through the agony of trying to explain where he’d been. He didn’t even want to admit the truth to Karter. All he wanted was to take his baby somewhere safe and nurture him into a beautiful, loving person.

Someone knocked, and Jax expected to see Bloom again. Instead, another doctor in a white coat entered, and he reeked of alpha. Karter surprised him yet again by moving to the foot of the exam bed and taking a defensive position. Likewise, Braun stepped closer to Jax. The doctor was so busy reading the chart in his hand he nearly walked into Karter.

“Are you responsible for this omega?” the doctor asked.

Jax bristled. He was responsible for his own damned self.

“I am,” Karter said. “Who are you?”

“Dr. Payne. I’m here to complete Mr. Jax’s physical.”

“He’s already seen one doctor.”

“Yes, and Dr. Troi was merely an obstetrician. I’m an attending, and this omega has been left to his own devices for a month. Goddess knows what’s wrong with him.”

Jax tried to growl but the sound came out as a whistling hiss.

“For example,” Dr. Payne continued, “according to his chart, he can’t speak and that’s not due to a birth defect. I’d like to do some scans to determine if the damage is reversible.”

I could get my voice back?

He’d be able to properly soothe Son, to sing to him and be the one to teach him to speak one day. Jax nodded vigorously yes, but the doctor wasn’t paying him any attention. Karter turned around, though, and he caught Jax nodding.

“Yes, all right,” Karter said. Jax pointed at Braun. “He’s requesting his omega friend be present for the exam.”

“That’s fine, as long as the omega stays out of my way.”

“The omega’s name is Braun Bloom,” Braun said. Jax grinned, impressed with Braun’s attitude. He was young and small, but he didn’t take shit from alphas. And he probably had Bloom wrapped around his little finger.

Dr. Payne cast Braun a disdainful look, then addressed Karter again. “These tests may take a little time. I’ll examine Mr. Jax here, and then I’ll have an orderly transfer to him a scan room. There are refreshments in the waiting area.”

“I appreciate it.” Karter moved closer so he could squeeze Jax’s shoulder. “Do you want me to take your son while you’re examined?”

Jax hesitated. He instinctively trusted Karter to watch out for his baby, but he also didn’t want Son out of his sight. So he blinked twice, then pointed at Braun.

“Okay,” Karter said. “I understand. I’ll see you in a while.”

After Karter left, Jax reluctantly handed his sleeping son over to Braun, who held him like a pro—which made perfect sense, since the boy had a nephew. The exam was nowhere near as embarrassing as the OB, because he wasn’t exposing a delicate part of his anatomy. Dr. Payne peered down his throat with a light, then prodded at the scar mostly hidden by his beard.

He took note of what were probably a few dozen scars on his back thanks to the fights. He had scars on his hands, too. At one point, a nurse came in with blood work results, which he did not share with Jax. Son got fussy, but Braun calmed him easily. Being near an omega was probably soothing.

After the physical exam, an orderly got him settled in a wheelchair, and they headed for another part of the hospital without Dr. Payne. The scans were painless, and no one was in his room when Jax was delivered back to his bed. He eagerly accepted Son from Braun and mouthed “thank you” at him.

“You’re welcome,” Braun replied. “He’s a beautiful baby.”

Jax blinked once, because he very much agreed. He still had no name ideas, though, and Karter was right. His son deserved a name. A strong name for a strong baby boy, who’d held on in-utero through fights that could have hurt or killed him. Jax would never, ever understand such a bizarre fetish as getting off watching pregnant omegas fight each other.

For the first time since his escape, Jax’s heart ached for the omegas he’d left behind, still stuck in that violent world, victims of uncaring men. Jax had gotten lucky, but the others might not. They’d fight until they died, or until they were no longer of use to the men who’d bought them. What if Jax could help? What if by taking Karter to the location he’d escaped from, the constabulary somehow managed to find and disband this fighting ring?

Didn’t those omegas deserve the same chance Jax had gotten? A chance to live a happy life with their sons?

What he knew about the fighting ring could be his bargaining chip against the burglary charges he was still facing. He kissed his son’s forehead again. If telling the truth meant staying out of prison and with his baby? He’d tell every single thing he could remember.

But first he needed a lot more paper.