Chapter 48 – Riser #2
Apparently Kincaid couldn’t get immediate delivery at one in the morning, so they’ll be taking a trip to the nearest pharmacy. Hopefully one of the security guys can lend them shirts, because I just realized they took off in sweats, tennis shoes, and nothing else.
Oh, well.
They’ll figure it out or buy shirts at the pharmacy if they have to.
I kick the door closed behind us, making sure not to lock it to avoid issues when the guys get back. My phone is in my pocket, weighing down my sweats, and I pull them up before planting that hand on Lumen’s ass.
“Damn, Ry.” She moans, burying her face in my throat. Her warm hand wraps around the back of my neck as she licks and sucks on my skin. “You have the most amazing pheromones.”
“Thanks.” I chuckle, making my way through the living room.
It’s dark, but I would be shocked if Parish, Wren, and Tennyson are asleep. It’s far more likely that they went out.
“How about a shower?” I ask as we hit the bottom of the stairs. If I can get her into the bathroom, I can covertly look for a thermometer. There’s also the hope that a cool shower will help lower her temperature.
Shit.
We’re bonded now.
She’ll be able to sense my emotions like I can sense her distaste for the idea of being forced to shower.
“I’ll make you come while we clean up,” I offer as we hit the top of the landing.
“I guess,” she says, nuzzling her face to mine.
I freeze, missing a step as I spot two distinct body-shaped lumps pushed up against the wall.
Whatever.
I have to get by them to make it to the pack bedroom.
“Just keep walking,” Tennyson mutters, making me grin.
Oh yeah, they’re definitely fucking.
Thank God.
Now we just need them to start liking each other. That way, the bus will be a much more peaceful space once we’re back on it.
“Jesus, I knew she smelled like an omega,” Wren whispers.
I grimace and pick up my pace.
I have no idea why, but I’m fairly certain that we’re going to have to ease Lumen into that realization.
Every aspect of her life just changed. It’s only logical that it will take a little time for her to adapt.
I have no luck finding a thermometer in the primary bathroom. Hell, there’s not even a first-aid kit.
It’s fine.
Based on how combative she is in the shower, now probably isn’t the time to get on her nerves any more than I already have.
She lets me dry her off and towel her hair, but she wants no part of clothing, which is okay.
I just want her to be comfortable.
“You’re going to have to deal with my tits being out,” she grumbles, diving onto the mattress in the pack bedroom.
“That’s perfectly fine with me.” I chuckle.
She grabs the blanket, rolling up like a burrito.
I frown, evaluating the room temperature. I’m a little chilly, but I’m not sure burrowing is going to help with that raging fever of hers.
Her head pokes out the top of the blanket, and she scoots down even farther.
“Come cuddle me,” she says, sounding exasperated. “I need to smell you. The cramps are back.”
I climb onto the bed, but it’s complicated with her all bundled up. “How about we unroll you? Then you can snuggle up to my chest. I can’t make you come if you’re a blanket burrito.”
Her nose scrunches and wrinkles appear on her forehead. Those freckles of hers seem brighter with how red her face is.
“That makes sense, but I want to be confined…” She pauses, and I wait patiently.
Alphas are warned that omegas can get snappy at times leading up to and during a heat. We’re also told they can get downright hateful if they don’t get their way, but that’s due to the hormonal fluctuations and not because they actually don’t like us.
I can’t imagine having to cope with going from having a normal day to being in physical pain any time I go too long without sex.
We’re taught to stay calm and command the situation.
The first part, I can handle with no problem.
The second, I’m working on.
I don’t mind being in control or making the tough calls, but this relationship is still very fresh.
I don’t want her to think I’m a controlling dick.
I also won’t stand by and watch her hurt herself because what she wants contradicts with what she needs to be safe and healthy.
“The room feels too open, and I hate it,” she finally says. “God, Ry. What’s happening to me?”
I roll over and pin her top half to the mattress with my chest. Hopefully it helps give her that secure feeling she’s craving.
“Nothing is wrong with you.” I brush the backs of my fingers over her cheek and offer what I hope is a comforting smile. “We’ll know more once the guys get back with a thermometer.”
“Then we’ll know if I should go to the hospital?” she asks, pulling her hand from under the blanket to cradle my face in her palm. “I should be panicking, but somehow you always manage to put me at ease.”
I grin. “That’s a good thing, considering you’re stuck with me for life.”
“I don’t think stuck is the right word for it,” she says, teasing her thumb over my lower lip. “I heard what Wren said, but I don’t think I’m presenting as an omega. I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
It feels like she tries to block off her emotions in the bond, but I still get hints of what she’s thinking and feeling.
She might want to give me a gentle reminder that nothing is for sure when it comes to her designation.
I just think she’s predominantly trying to keep herself from getting her hopes up.
It makes sense, but based on her temperature, the cramps, the changes to her scent, and the fact she can take a knot without any discomfort, it’s very likely she’s going into heat.