Page 34 of Empty Heat
It was from Callum.
11
Callum –Fever in the Night
Soren was nice to look at, but any hope I had with him ended there. He was kind to me. He got me lemonade as I sat in the shallow end of the pool, keeping cool. He had lovely skin and beads of water stuck all over his muscular thighs and barrel chest.
Alphas who were big were fun to look at in pictures, fun to read about in books. In reality, I balked. I couldn’t tell him the truth—that I was absolutely terrified of him as a potential surrogate. I loved the idea of him walking around with me as my own permanent mountain of shade, but beyond that I felt only nervousness and tension. I couldn’t imagine sexual healing from that alpha.
Rhodes already knew. Of course, he did. That had been part of the initial plan, to show me Soren so I would cringe and ask why I couldn’t have Lev.
Later, on the way to dinner, Rhodes said, voice low, “We have more surrogates you can meet.”
“I have my heat tomorrow,” I reminded him.
“I know. I can introduce you tonight at dinner. Some will be there.”
“No.” I didn’t want to sound mean, but I needed to stand my ground. “I’ve decided I’m taking my heat alone.”
Rhodes nodded, as if expecting my answer. “What about the heat suppressant herbs? I can have them ready for you, doses all set up and in your fridge. And there are sexual aids in the bottom drawer of the bureau in your bedroom.”
“Yes, please. To the herbs.” I didn’t mind natural herbs. Anything to help me through this heat.
I didn’t want to seem expectant and needy even though Iwashere for healing, and now I wondered why I had agreed to come when my cycle would arrive.
I was frustrated with rules right now. Done with people-pleasing. It was supposedly an omega trait—to want to make everyone around you happy in lieu of the self. That was not why I’d come here.
Senta was already seated at his table when we arrived. He had three other guests. One was an alpha. I assumed the three were a triad with the alpha being the surrogate and the regular therapist and patient both omegas.
Rhodes and I sat and Senta introduced us all around.
Being close to my heat, I couldn’t help but notice the alpha. Another beauty. I wondered if that was part of the requirement for the job. But some careers simply attracted fit, strong men. Like firemen.
I usually ate light before a heat, but after swimming all afternoon, I was starving. I ordered the steak and shrimp meal but could not finish the huge portions.
The conversations were polite. We talked about where we were from and how beautiful the Caribbean was. No one talked about why they were here or anything work-related. We discussed swimming and badminton and beachball volleyball.
Senta talked a little about the history of the island and how he’d invested in expanding the place and took it on himself after the old owner died. He described the older sections and newer sections and how before the landing strip had been constructed, people had to arrive and leave by boat.
Dessert was a frosty orange sherbet. I had no room left, but in this climate, I couldn’t pass up the coolness on my tongue and melting down my throat.
After dinner, Rhodes wanted to sit with me and talk as the sun went down. He was great at being friendly and asking good questions, but I needed a break. I had already talked to him about my feelings regarding him and Lev. About my heat. Aboutallmy feelings from today.
I sent him off, feeling slightly guilty, and watched a couple of movies instead. Every movie you could name seemed to be available on the island’s private streaming service.
I shut out the real world and let the time pass, falling asleep on the comfy couch surrounded by colorful pillows.
When I woke, my kimono, which I’d unbelted during movie time, had fallen back from my body and was rucked up behind my back. Pillows scattered on the floor. I was very hot.
As I pushed myself up on one elbow, I felt it, then saw it. My cock stretched rock-hard over my abdomen. Slick dampened my crease.
My heat was upon me.
I got up and headed for the shower. Cool water always helped my discomfort.
In the shower, I stroked myself to orgasm, taking the edge off so I could breathe again. It was nothing more than that. Mechanical. My euphoria lasted only seconds.
I suddenly regretted declining a surrogate for this time. It would have been nice to at least have been touched. I could have let go easier. My inhibitions were nearly gone, like being drunk.
