4. Opaline
Opaline
Too hot.
Too hot.
Every turn and movement is like sandpaper against my skin.
The bedding feels smothering and oppressive, trapping heat like a sauna, enough to make me nauseated.
No, no, no. Everything feels wrong. An overwhelming sense of impending doom pulls a shaky gasp from my chest, a bubble of every emotion I've ever felt rising and rising, choking me.
I need…something, help, I don't know. I can't be alone.
Why am I alone? The thought sends panic through me that a part of my brain recognizes as completely illogical.
But the devastating truth of the sentiment sits at the gates of my brain like a guard dog, not letting logic in. It's too much. Everything's wrong.
Whining, I extend my arms around the space near me, feeling for one of my mates.
Vaguely, I remember Adrian and I had fallen asleep together after spending the day in bed with the others watching movies.
Why aren't they here now? Why aren't they here with me?
I need…them. I need…I don't know. I just need.
Another, louder whine spills from my lips, tears spilling from the sides of my eyes.
The sound seems to wake the big alpha next to me, now reaching to pull me closer.
Yes. This is what I need. His woodsy scent is thick enough to send a spark of euphoria through me, starting to replace the panic, doom, and terror.
"Little one? You okay? What's wr—" Throwing the tangled sheet and sandpaper blanket off, I move so my knees are on either side of his waist, wasting no time to press my lips to his.
Mmm, his lips are perfect and so pillowy-soft.
Urging to lick my tongue into his mouth to dance with his, I moan sweetly in contentment, feeling more at ease.
"Oh. Fuck, okay…" he curses, pulling back just long enough to roughly whisper the words. "My omega w— oomphh."
"No, need taste."
Chasing his lips, I grind down, his hardening cock right where I need it. "Mmm, big." My words sound odd, like my voice isn't coming from my own body. The kiss is frantic and desperate, hands roaming and squeezing everywhere. Need him. "Knot."
"Fuck, Opaline! Your skin's burning up. Shit. Shit, you're going into Heat." He stumbles over his words, moving like he wants to get away from me. I'm practically pushed to the side. My mouth downturns, the rejection hitting immediately. He doesn't want me. Again, he doesn't want me.
I can feel myself curling up into a ball, cradling my head against my knees, trying to rock and soothe myself. High-pitched whimpering and whining fill the space. "Doesn't want me." The stupid words slip from my lips and cycle on repeat. It's the only thing I can comprehend in the moment.
"I—shit. No! Omega," he barks, my head whipping to his, proving the desire to obey and listen to my alphas is literally ingrained in my being as an omega.
Huge, rough hands cradle my face and I realize he leapt off the bed to get away from me.
He leans down, thumbs stroking my cheeks with wide eyes, giving the false impression I'm important to him.
Doesn't want me. Doesn't want me. Before my face can crumple with tears, he interrupts.
"I want you more than anything in the universe.
Hell, little one, I want you so much I can't imagine trying to live this life without you anymore.
Fuck. But I can't do this. I can't," he huffs, shaking his head like the words pain him.
"I can't be intimate with you physically.
I know you might not even," he sighs, "fuck.
Might not even be aware enough right now to know what I'm saying.
But I have to do this right. I have to be the alpha you deserve.
And you deserve a mate that will not take advantage of your vulnerable state, being in Heat, because your body is telling you only an alpha can make it better, baby.
I want to give you everything. But it has to be perfect. Not like this."
"Alpha…" The word is a whisper. I'm suddenly overly aware of my breathing, the movement of my chest and the sounds of my exhales.
But it's impossible to wrap my head around what he just said.
I can't even remember a single word. He did say something, right?
The haze and fogginess at the edges of my vision grow more and more heavy, the utter ache blooming in my stomach as the panic sets in again.
Reaching for his arm, he gives me that much of a comfort, yelling more words that don't seem directed at me.
Too loud. Slamming my hands to my ears, I whimper again.
"Your mates are coming, kitten. They'll take care of you." I feel his plush lips press to my temple and on my cheek, my body lifted and maneuvered. The hard planes of his bare chest land under my hands and any whimpering comes to a stop, happy to have him touching us.
Urgent, near frantic voices seem to float and intertwine, one over the other, the door opening to reveal my mates. Mates! Yes. "Alpha?"
The three of them charge into the room, forming a circle around me before I'm pulled to another hard chest, legs wrapped around a thick waist. The sizzle of lightning is oozing out of his pores, filling my nose.
"Yeah, babygirl. We're your alphas. We're here, I've got you.
" Calder. My bonded's love shoots down the connection stronger than ever, easing tension I was carrying amongst the confusion and anxiety.
"Should we take her to her nest?" Everette asks.
"It's not finished yet…will she feel safe enough to have her Heat there?" That's my Sage speaking, now.
"Nest." My tongue slips out, licking up the side of his neck, over my teeth marks, sending shivers through the big alpha, causing him to release a short growl.
"Grab all of our bedding and some dirty laundry. It should be enough, at least this time. If it's not…" His voice and chest rumble against me.
"If it's not, I'll go get everything she'd need. I'll figure it out while you take care of her." That voice is the alpha too far away. Why is he so far away from me?
"No," I whimper, wanting him closer. I want them all closer. Need them. Need their scents. Need their come. Need their… "Knot."
Their voices all seem to run together and I can't decipher who's who or what's being said. I don't care anymore. The ache hits more violently than before, my body trying to physically curl in on itself despite being held. Muttered curses surround me.
I'm being carried away. The last thing I see clearly is my alpha's face…heartbreak and concern pouring heavily from his eyes as he stands in place, watching me go, in silence.
My anguished whimper echoes through the hall as I'm taken away.