“The guys won’t push you. I know that. My pack would never be friends with them if they were the type to take advantage of an omega, or anybody for that matter. Let’s get you the emergency dose now, and then I’ll discreetly grab you some regular weekly ones from the pharmacy. Those work better when you’re around mates, trust me.”
Nodding, I trusted in this small, curvy omega that stood before me. Somehow, she quickly vaulted over my walls and already had a special place in my heart.
I didn’t make friends easily. In fact, it was almost impossible. Only those I found myself with by circumstance or forced proximity seemed to be the ones that wormed their way into my heart.
Must be because they were around me so much I just let them in.
Or, in Alena’s case, because Simon trusted her, I did as well. Then, it was her stunning personality that cemented her as my bestie. Poor Alena. Ha!
“Thank you,” I muttered, unable to accurately voice my emotions.
Feeling and expressing emotions were two very different things.
“I’ve been there, Bridget.” Her eyes grew shiny as tears began to form. “I didn’t have anyone other than the guys. I’ve needed a friend for a long time. I mean, if you want to be, that is.” She looked away, and I did the first thing I could think of.
I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed. I wasn’t always one for showing physical affection, but I needed to hug this woman right now.
We stood in our awkward hug stance for a few moments before I pulled away. “I’d love to be your bestie.”
Alena sniffled and then shook her head. “Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. Pull up your sleeve, and I’ll give you the shot. It doesn’t hurt, just a little pinch.”
I did as she asked and was silently thankful there weren’t any scars on my arms, just my back. She wouldn’t be able to see those, thankfully.
It was over in a matter of seconds, and I felt the slight rush of the medication filtering through my system. The cramps eased, and I was finally able to let out a relieved breath.
“You good?” Alena asked as she smoothed my shirt sleeve down for me.
I nodded and smiled. “Feels way better already.”
“Let’s get back to our guys.” She grinned widely, and I followed her out of the bathroom.
It didn’t escape my notice that I didn’t even try to contradict her.
CHAPTER7
Lucas
Istared at Bridget and Alena as they walked toward the bathroom.
What happened? Was it something I said?
That’s what I get for trying to flirt too much.
I ran my fingers through my hair, holding my hat in my other hand as I resisted the urge to pace along the length of the aisle.
“Hey,” Simon bumped his shoulder into mine. “I can tell by that look on your face you’re freaking out.”
“What happened?” I swallowed and rubbed the back of my neck. “Did I do something wrong?”
Simon smiled at me and shook his head. “Nope. You are doing great. Bridget, uh,” he hesitated, looking for his words. “I think you guys are triggering her heat. Alena took her to give her some emergency suppressants.”
My eyes widened. “But I thought she wasn’t due for a while? How–” I sputtered.
“This is actually a good thing, mate.” He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “It means you’re a compatible pack for her. And we were still here. Alena has plenty of stuff on hand that she carries just in case this happens. I’m sure she’ll already have it planned to get Bridget what she needs.”
“Thank God you guys were still here.” Sweat beaded along my forehead as I thought about what we’d do if she’d gone into a full heat in the middle of a fucking store. While betas could sometimes sense a heat from their mates, they couldn’t smell it at the onset.
Not like an alpha could.