Page 38 of Empty Heat
Stars spread overhead like spilled sugar. I knew they’d go all the way to the horizon if I went to the vista spot out back. They would look as if they all were in the process of dropping into the sea.
My body was wet under the robe and I opened the terrycloth a little to let whatever night breeze was out there cool me. Even in the air conditioning, I wanted that freshness all over me, billowing.
Soon, I saw a figure striding down the late-night path. He wore white. He was tall. I knew immediately who he was even if I couldn’t make out his features.
“Lev,” I called.
He hurried faster, taking the porch steps in one leap and arriving at my front door with his hair windblown and that usual intense gaze I had been thinking about all day.
“Callum?”
I opened the door wider and Lev started to come through. “Are you all right? Is it bad? Where’s Rhodes?”
“Rhodes? I don’t wanthim.” I realized the double entendre of my words only after I’d said them.
Lev turned and gazed at me, and I was back home again in those eyes, worry-free and so glad I’d called. Because he would know everything I needed. He would know what to do.
12
Lev –Pure and Honest
Callum shut the door behind me and turned, staring at me.
“Rhodes isn’t here?” I asked to confirm. I already knew the answer. He’d just told me.
Callum shook his head.
He looked—wet. His hair was damp and not combed back as usual. He’d loosely belted his robe, exposing his chest down to his navel. Intent blue eyes, wide awake, shone with worry and maybe a little fear.
I smelled his heat. Like cherries and vanilla ice cream. My body responded with a wave of desire, but I’d been trained to control that. I was used to being an alpha around omegas in heat. I noticed, yes, but I was able to keep that to myself. When I serviced them for healing, everything was at their pace, not mine, and it was always about them learning all they could about their situation.
But Callum—so sweet. I would have been lying if I said I didn’t immediately want him.
“What do you need? Or want?” I kept my tone neutral.
He crossed his arms in front of his chest, a pained look wrenching his face. His robe spread more. I could see the tent of his erection poking the cloth.
“The herbs made me feel so restless. And it was such a bad day. Lev, you were the person, even more than Rhodes, who made me finally feel the most relaxed. I barely know you. Why that is, I have no clue. But I asked Rhodes for your number. Please don’t be upset.”
“I would never be upset with you, Callum. I’m very glad you called.”
“You are?” His eyebrows drew a line between them, tight and almost painful-looking.
“I assure, I am.”
“What can I do?” he asked. “The suppressants don’t work.”
“Are you comfortable on the couch?”
“I slept there until I woke in full heat.” He stared as if in agony toward the couch.
I followed his gaze, noticing pillows strewn about the floor.
“What would calm you?” I asked. “We can talk wherever you’re most comfortable.”
“I want to lie down.”
I nodded. “Let’s go, then. You feel safe enough?”
