Page 56 of Feeling the Heat: Part One
Jackson: Oh shit. What kind of problem? Are you okay? Please tell me you’re not dying.
River: He wouldn’t tell us he’s dying via text.
I hurry to finish my reply before Jackson gets impatient and asks more ridiculous questions, opening up the bond I usually keep muted during work to let them know I’m not upset about the problem,just anxious.
Ambrose: Camille came into the clinic for an appointment. I tried to play it cool, but it was intense seeing her again. She had the same reaction to me. Nothing happened, but we talked. I told her about both of you, and how we want to court her. She agreed to try.
There’s a burst of excitement through the bond from Jackson that matches the high that I’m still riding after Camille said she was interested in us. It’s hard to feel past the beta’s intense emotion, but I push through to find the undercurrent of River’s reaction. He keeps his bond locked down during the workday too, but he’s letting us in.
River’s happiness is so faint that one wrong move could extinguish it. But it’s there. I beam down at the phone screen, hoping he can sense how proud I am of him for allowing himself that sliver of hope.
Jackson: HOLY SHIT DUDE!!!
Jackson: I just squealed so loud I woke Dolly up.
Jackson: And got paint all over my arms, but it’s fine.
Jackson: Fuck yeah, man. I knew you had it in you! Why didn’t you tell me you had an appointment with her today?
River: Probably because he didn’t want you to be way too excited and psych him out.
Jackson: I wouldn’t do that!
There’s a brief pause before Jackson’s next message.
Jackson: Okay, fine, I would’ve.
River: That’s amazing news, babe. I’m proud of you for being brave and talking to her about this. I would’ve been too terrified to bring it up if I’d were in your shoes.
River’s pride skates across my skin like a gentle caress, and I send my love and appreciation back to him.
Jackson: Yeah, tbh I would’ve fucked it up by coming on way too strong.
I snort at his assessment. Maybe I would’ve assumed the same thing, but I saw how good he was with Camille during her heat. Even though they were strangers when the heat began, they had such an easy rapport that surely will extend to outside it.
Besides, it’s impossible to dislike Jackson. That doesn’t keep me from seizing the opportunity to tease him.
Ambrose: You? Come on too strong?
River: Impossible.
Jackson: Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want. All I care about is that I get to see her again without risking my job to steal her phone number.
The nerves in my stomach flare back to life at his mention of seeing Camille.
Ambrose: That’s the problem. I may have panicked and invited her over tonight after work.
I only work half days on Fridays, so I’ll be able to head back home after my next appointment, but I’m sure River can’t leave work to come help, and it sounds like Jackson is busy painting.
Ambrose: I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’ll call her and reschedule.
Jackson: NO
River: Don’t do that.
There’s a spike of alarm from both my packmates, and I shake my head in amusement at their adamance.
Ambrose: Are you sure? I’ll be home in about an hour, but I know you both have things to do.
