Claiming His Black Mate by Laisha Lax Page A

that she could do in that moment except to be a shoulder to cry on.
    “You know, that is not that unusual. Give yourself credit for going through all this stress.”
    “I don’t know how I will continue. Up until you came, all I could do was lie down and sob. I was too afraid of going anywhere. And I can’t keep you here forever, just because I’m afraid. I need help…professional help. Is there somewhere I can go? I just don’t want to be alone. I don’t know what I’ll do if I see that animal again,” Pauline said before bursting into tears again.
    “Yes, there is a great ‘burn-out’ clinic where you can spend a week to relax. I’ll organize it for you. Start packing your clothes; we’re going there tomorrow morning. And there’s one more thing,” Julia replied. “There is a specialist in manic-depression with transpersonal elements there. I can arrange for you to see him. He came into town a few months back, and I’ve heard good stories about him.”
    “Oh, good stories?”
    “He is a psychiatrist, but he is also very open to real therapeutic work. He won’t just fill you with pills. Only thing is, I’ve also heard weird rumors about him.”
    “Like what?”
    “Well, you won’t believe it… I don’t believe it.”
    “Tell me!”
    “Some people said he is a monster. Like... that he’s really a werebear. And, they also said he is known for having sexual relationships with his female patients.”
    “And you’re sending me to a guy like that?” Pauline asked with a tinge of bitterness.
    “Don’t worry, he’s not a monster! People always make up stories when somebody is doing a good job. I think plenty of other psychiatrists are just jealous of him. He’s a good-looking and very successful man. People love him, and as it always happens, some old grumpy docs didn’t like that. Also, he is seen as controversial because he takes a transpersonal approach to his therapies. I recalled he was in town when you mentioned hallucinations. I think sessions with him could be a great way for you to see that men are not monsters or animals who are preparing to attack you.”
    “After that cheating asshole, I don’t like any of them,” she replied as she punched the tear-soaked pillow.
    She sighed and hugged her friend tightly as a sign of appreciation. She was always there for her, and this time was no exception.
     
    The next day, Pauline settled down in the clinic specialized for crisis situations. She felt safe and comfortable knowing that even if the hallucinations appeared again, there was a nurse who could spend time with her until the animal created by her imagination went away. She had ambiguous feelings when the flashbacks of the hunting images crossed her mind. On one side, she was terrified by the fact that they could jump out at anytime, beyond her control; and on another, she was fascinated with the source of her fears and the respect she felt they shared for each other while standing face to face, gazing into each other’s souls.
    Her mind was also preoccupied with thoughts about the psychiatrist she was scheduled to visit that day. Placing hopes in somebody is an act of trust. How much I can trust a psychiatrist with a ‘monster’ reputation? She made it clear to herself that she wouldn’t let anybody treat her in a disrespectful way; even if that meant declining therapy that could help her overcome the insanity.
    At around three o’clock, after Julia’s last words of support and a promise that she would pick her up in an hour, Pauline stood in front of Dr. Damian Lang’s practice.
    “It’s time to ring and ask for help,” she murmured to herself.
    His secretary opened the doors and welcomed Pauline.
    “He’s expecting you, just knock once and go right in,” she said.
     
    ***
    Pauline knocked, and then turned the doorknob with shaky hesitation.
    “Yes? Don’t be afraid, come in. I won’t bite, I promise.” Dr. Lang said.
    Pauline took a deep breath and walked into the