Page 22 of Omega's Fire

“We’re close now, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from Leo’s skin. Close enough to see the perfect amber flecks in his dark eyes, the subtle movement of his throat as he swallows.

“Then what explains this?” I ask softly, gesturing to the invisible current between us. “This pull. This recognition. What is it?”

Leo’s gaze doesn’t waver, though his pupils have dilated visibly. “I’m not denying there’s attraction.”

My stomach flips at his admission. I know he’s attracted to me. I can smell it on him, but hearing it makes me weak at the knees. “This is more than just attraction.”

“You need it to be more.” A flicker of something vulnerable crosses Leo’s face before he controls it. “Because if it’s just chemistry, your entire argument falls apart.”

The verbal blow lands with surprising force. “My work is based on the evidence.”

“Your evidence,” Leo finishes, his voice lower now, intimate despite the challenge in his words. “You can’t see how wrong you are because you’ve built your life around believing you’re right.”

The accusation stings because it contains a kernel of truth. “Maybe you’re right,” I say, the admission surprising us both.

Leo blinks, clearly not expecting me to concede anything.

“But I’ve seen it work,” I continue. “I’ve seen what happens when barriers fall away.”

“Barriers like consent?” Leo’s voice has a dangerous edge.

“That’s not what I meant.” I run a hand through my hair,frustrated by my inability to articulate what feels so clear to me. “The system isn’t perfect, but it does help people.”

“Then let people find each other naturally,” Leo says, his passion evident in every line of his body. “If they want to, without coercion.”

“And if they never find each other?” I can hear the intensity in my own voice.

“That’s the price of freedom,” Leo says simply.

We stand in silence for a moment. I’m struck by a realization: I respect Leo’s position. Disagree with it, yes, but I respect it.

“Your heat is coming,” I say finally, changing the subject. “Probably within the next forty-eight hours, judging by your scent.”

Leo flinches and an expression of wariness crosses his face. “I’m aware.” His jaw tightens. “Did you check the medicine cabinet when we arrived? For suppressants?”

The question catches me off guard. “No? There wouldn’t be.”

“And there we have it,” Leo cuts in, fire returning to his eyes. “If this was really about compatibility—about us getting to know each other naturally—they’d provide suppressants.”

He takes a step closer, righteous anger rolling off him in waves. “But they don’t, do they? Why is that?”

“That’s not...” I start, then pause. Is he wrong?

“Not what?” Leo challenges. “Not the goal? Then explain the lack of suppressants. Explain why I’m going to be forced to go through a heat cycle without suppressants. Explain the single bed in that bedroom.”

I have no ready answer that doesn’t sound hollow, even to myself.

“I’d never force you.”

“How generous,” Leo says, sarcasm sharp enough to draw blood.

“It’s not generosity. It’s basic respect.” I hold his gazesteadily. “I want you to want me, Leo. Not just need me. There’s a difference.”

Something flashes in Leo’s eyes. We stare at each other. We’ve hit a stalemate. My gaze drops to his lips. I want to kiss him so badly, but he needs to ask for it. He takes a single step towards me then stops and frowns. He takes a step back.

“I should...” Leo gestures vaguely toward the bedroom.

“Of course.” I step back further, giving him a clear path.

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