Page 23 of Pack Apollo

"I'm so sorry, love," he says with a shake of his head as he looks down at his untouched plate.

There's a moment where my muscles freeze and I can'teven think to breathe. I'm not sure he even knows that he's called me a pet name. Let alone that one.

It's another few seconds before I break out of my stupor. "It's okay, honestly. It took me a while to understand that she is completely biased and jaded. That's part of the reason why I ignored her and came here anyway against her pushing me not to."

"I'm glad you have a mind of your own," he says, that smile coming back out to play and lighten the mood.

"Me, too," I tell him.

Glancing down at his watch, his expression turns morose. "I wish I could stay and spend the day with you, but I've got class in a few minutes."

"So do I," I remind him.

"Want to do something later?" he asks.

I nod. "Sure."

He hands me his phone. "Want to put your number in so we can figure out what we want to do. Or should we just wing it?"

"Normally, I'd say wing it, because you never know the fun to be had that way," I reply. "But, it would be nice to have your number."

He beams as he watches me type in and then press call. Once I'm certain I have it to save, I end the call and hand it back to him.

"Talk to you soon," he says, standing with his tray.

"I hope so, professor," I tell him, watching his smile grow even as he has to walk away.

Right after my classes, I skip lunch and head over to the other side of campus where I've not dared to set foot. I've had no use for the omega center or their mingling of pack ways, so I've avoided this entire side at all costs. Almost out of fear that I'll get sucked in as soon as I walk by and be forced into a pack. Yet, here I am willingly going inside to check on a friend. It helps ease mymind a little knowing I can use Pack Apollo as my shield if I have to.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out, I make my way inside. I am prepared for sterile white walls like a hospital, but that's so far from what I get. As soon as I walk in, soft, muted colors of the main waiting area greet me. It's gentle on my eyes, and immediately makes me feel comfortable. Even the lady behind the desk against the wall is in a soft-lilac-colored dress.

I'm not surprised that her voice matches as she speaks in a gentle tone. "Can I help you, Ms?"

"I'm not sure," I answer her honestly. "I was hoping to find contact information for another omega."

"Are you requiring assistance? We have someone here that can speak with you," she tells me.

I shake my head. "No, it's not for me. I met someone last week and haven't seen her since. I just wanted to check and make sure that she was okay, but I don't have any of her contact info."

"Unfortunately, we aren't able to give any of that out for privacy reasons," she says sadly. "However, if you give me her name, we'd be more than happy to go check on her."

"Great," I say, walking over to her desk. I'm just about to give her a name when I realize I only know the first half of it. I don't know her last name. I really suck at this friend thing.

About the time I go to tell the lady as much, here comes Millie-Jane strolling out the main door that leads into the rest of the building. Her face lights up the second her eyes land on me.

"Billie!"

"Hey," I say, throwing my hand up in a small wave. I glance at the lady. "That's my friend. Thank you for your help."

She nods with a smile as I meet Millie-Jane halfway across the room.

"Hey," I call out to my friend. "I was worried about youwhen I didn't see you at breakfast for the past week."

"Ohhhh, I got my first heat since being here," she says, not bothering to keep her voice down like we normally would anywhere else on campus. "They have the absolute best suppressants here, and the rooms are like being in a luxury hotel. Honestly, it was the easiest heat I've ever had in my life. Is that why you're here, too?"

Her expression is sympathetic as she asks, but I stop her before she can get carried away. "No, no. I really was just checking on you to make sure that you were okay. I thought the center might be able to reach out and I don't know, do a welfare check on you or something. It sounds pretty stupid now, I guess."

"It's not stupid," she coos, eyes filled with unshed tears. "That's just the sweetest thing. Thank you."

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