Chapter 11
Madi
Shit.
This week is going to be very hard on all of us, especially them, and I need to be more careful. I don’t need to be making sex noises in front of them. I hate that I’m going to have to be walking on eggshells all week long.
“I’m sorry,” I stutter.
Hunter chuckles, breaking the awkward tension. “It’s okay, it’s not like it’s a sound that we haven’t heard before,” he says with a sly smile towards Alric and Zachary. “Unless I was the only one getting laid?”
“You wish your dick game was that good.” Zachary throws a walnut at Hunter’s chest.
“It is!” he exclaims in mock offense.
Everything about this moment is ridiculous. The fact that I’ve dated all three of these alphas for a year, that we’re scent matches trapped on a private island in a storm. The pressure releases in my chest, and I start laughing. Not a cute delicate laugh, but something wilder that bursts out of me.
To my surprise, they start laughing with me. Okay, maybe not Alric, but he’s definitely kind of smiling at his friends, and that’s an improvement.
“I think the only way to settle this is to rank our performances, babycakes,” Hunter adds dramatically. “It’s okay to be honest. I know Alric is last.”
Alric sips his wine with quiet confidence before smoothly saying, “And why exactly would I be last?”
“’Cause you’re a giant grump. The ladies like a little passion, a little finesse.”
Alric’s eyes slide to me. “I’ve never had any complaints.”
My face warms, but it has nothing to do with my faux heat, and there’s a satisfied glint in his eyes at the blush that blooms there.
I keep my eyes down and start to eat again. The guys seem to pick up on the fact that I just want to finish my food and hide again without scoring them in the sack, so they discuss the app’s launch.
My skin is burning up and a headache starts about halfway through dinner. I rub at the tightness in my chest. The motion doesn’t go undetected and they’re all watching me, so I slip my hand away. I try to drink as much water as possible, hoping that the extra hydration will help.
How can I avoid them asking me what’s wrong?
Explaining my faux heat now sounds mortifying, and I certainly don’t want to confess that the only reason I’m even here is because I knew I was going to feel either sick or horny, and I wanted to be taken care of like Hunter promised, before ending things with him, too.
I can’t have them feel obligated to help me, either.
Somehow, I’ll survive this week on my own. When I can’t eat anymore, I stand up, and their conversation instantly dies.
Unfortunately, my attempt to keep whatever is going on with me hidden falls away when I sway slightly upon standing. They all surge from their seats with a chorus of concern and rush to my side. I have to put both of my hands up to block them from touching me and they all freeze where they are.
I can’t let them touch me—my omega side will demand they never stop if they do.
“I’m not feeling very well. I’ll be turning in for the evening.
Thank you for the lovely meal.” I steady myself as much as possible, hoping my legs don’t give out as I take the short walk back to Alric’s room.
I can hear them whisper-arguing as I leave, but I feel too shitty to try and make out the words.
All I want is the bed and sleep for the next twenty-four hours, assuming my pussy lets me sleep.
I fall into bed face first on top of the blankets, the world spinning around me. My body once again protests that my scent matches are here but I’m not with them, making things worse.
How am I going to hide this for a week? They can probably smell how ridiculously horny I am. Even though my body is calling out for my scent matches, I refuse to seek safety when I’m choosing to walk away from it.
I lie there miserable for a few minutes, face smushed into the blankets, pussy throbbing, before there’s a knock on the door.
I knew they couldn’t stay away and I don’t blame them.
My omega side, however, is absolutely delighted that they’ve come to me.
They smell so fucking good. Their scents fill the room so much I become lightheaded.
Alric rolls me over on the bed and demands, “What’s wrong with you?”
I glare up at him. If he had asked politely, I might be more willing to talk, but he can’t demand anything from me, scent match or not.
“Let’s all stay calm. She’s gone through a lot today.” Hunter pulls Alric’s forearms to move him away from me.
Zachary helps me sit up before turning on his friends. “Stop it! Both of you!”
They all face each other, arguing. The shouting and their scents are overwhelming.
My skin prickles with a horrid stabbing sensation that I know would subside if they were in this bed, too.
Fuck, I need them before the longing and lust I’m suddenly burning with takes over me.
All I want is to be left alone, but my body rages that my fated mates aren’t touching me, fucking me, wrapping their arms around me.
Breathing becomes difficult. I’m going to burst.
“EVERYONE TAKE OFF YOUR SHIRTS!”
They all whip around to stare at me. Hunter immediately listens, his shirt halfway off by the time I finish the sentence.
“Give it to me,” I growl like the little feral omega they have turned me into. Now it’s my turn to make demands.
Hunter gently throws it at me and I shove it in my face, inhaling as if I just broke the surface after nearly drowning. Glazed donut and creamy coffee scent. I want to lick the material.
I need more.
Alric and Zachary are quick to follow. I grab at theirs, too, taking turns to sniff each one.
The pain in my head lessens, the fire under my skin reducing to cinders at their scent.
Sweet and tart with swirls of caramel, mixed with the coffee and donut scent, steadies me.
Add in the dark chocolate and tempting orange blossom, followed by irresistible caramel and tart apples, and I can finally breathe again.
I know if this had been my real heat, their scents alone wouldn’t have been enough, I would have needed them physically, but for now, this helps to simmer whatever is raging inside of me.
It’s embarrassing, but I rub the shirts all over me so it mixes with my scent.
The combination is beautiful. Sweet and tempting.
They stand before me in their shirtless glory. All taut muscles and strong arms I want to sink my teeth into.
“Are you going into heat?” Zachary asks gently. They seem to be holding their breath waiting for my answer.
I lower the shirts to my lap but I keep my iron grip on the fabric. “No, I got a heat delay shot this past Friday.”
“So you’re having a faux heat?”
I nod, thankful that he knows what it is. Maybe I won’t have to explain it.
“What’s that?” Alric says, whipping out his phone to search it.
Hunter reads over his shoulder. “A fake heat?”
Zachary answers for me. “When omegas have been on heat suppressants for a long time, their bodies sort of revolt. It’s a biological way to ensure a heat happens as soon as possible.
A killer combo of a terrible flu and a neediness one normally requires several shots of tequila to experience.
Basically, she’s going to be miserable this week. ”
“Why did you get a heat delay shot?” Hunter appears confused. “We would have helped you through it.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m very aware of that. It wasn’t a good time.” And just so they don’t get their hopes up, I add. “I’ll be having an alpha-free, medically assisted heat at Omega’s Comfort when the shot wears off next Saturday.”
I wait for them to demand my heat.
To say that I owe it to them, that they’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on me, to claim that space in my bed when the time comes for my heat.
To call me a liar for promising something I was never going to give them.
I expect them to try and convince me that they would be a better option, maybe question my mental health if I’m choosing a painful medical heat alone when they’re right here, willing and able. Cocks at my service, hips at the ready.
That as my scent matches, they have some sort of fated mate claim to me.
“My mom is an omega specialist, she’s always had really good things to say about Omega’s Comfort,” Zachary says with a small smile.
“I’ll send over some protein shakes and supplements for when you wake up,” Hunter adds helpfully.
“It’s expensive,” Alric adds. “I’ll have my assistant call with my card information tomorrow and pay for it.”
I know these are wonderful alphas, but I still find myself a little shocked at their response. “You aren’t going to try and stop me?”
“It’s your body, your heat, Madeline.” Alric looks deeply offended I even asked. “Only a monster would try to force you to have your heat with them. We’ll ensure you have the best care possible.”
“That takes care of your real heat, but what about this week? We can’t have you miserable around us. It hurts us, too,” Hunter says softly.
Alric steps close. “We’re your scent matches. Like it or not, we’re in tune with you. If you’re miserable, then we’re miserable. I’m not saying that to guilt you, I’m trying to be honest.”
I don’t want that for all of us. “I understand that, and I’m sorry we’re all in this situation.”
“You don’t want a pack, correct?” Zachary confirms.
“Yes, I’ve worked very hard to ensure my independence.
I don’t want bondmates or boyfriends or marriage or children.
That’s why sugar babying was perfect. No close ties, no relationships.
I could have had any pack or alpha I wanted since I presented.
I may be an omega, but don’t assume I want an omega’s life. ”
It’s harsh, but it’s the truth and something they need to accept very quickly.