Page 44 of Feeling the Heat: Part Two
I groan into the pillow, eyes unwilling to open, even as arms scoop underneath me and haul me up. Another feeble groan of protest escapes me as I sink into my alpha’s hold, his dusting of chest hair and soft stomach perfect for cuddling, and bright citrus scent making my mouth water.
“You can stay like this,” he murmurs against my hair. “Just rest and we’ll take care of you.”
I nod against his shoulder. Even if I wanted to be set down, my body is so limp and noodly that I doubt I’d be able to stay upright. But why would I ever want to stop having him hold me? I could live in Ambrose’s arms.
He carries me into his bathroom, or at least I assume that from the sound of a shower running since I still can’t open my eyes. The thought of washing off all the perfect scents coating my body makes me whine, and a low chuckle reverberates against me.
“I know. I don’t want you to wash it off either, but you’ll be uncomfortable if you go to bed all sticky with cum and sweat.”
I sigh dejectedly, and he chuckles again, stepping us into the shower and under the blissfully warm stream of water. “I promise we’ll get our scents all over you again. Whenever you want.”
“We’re yours, angel,” River’s voice rumbles as he joins us in the shower.
Something tense in my chest that I hadn’t even noticed was hurting eases a fraction knowing he’s in here, too.
“Where’s Jackson?” I ask, my voice a raspy croak.
“Changing the sheets and checking on Dolly,” Ambrose replies, soothing a hand down my back.
I whine again at the thought of the pheromone-soaked bedding not being there when I return.
River steps in behind us and presses a kiss to my shoulder, soapy hands running down my arms. “He’s also getting lots of our laundry to make it smell good for you, omega.”
“Oh…okay,” I sigh, relaxing again. I guess it wouldn’t make sense to get clean and then go back into a soiled bed…
Drifting in and out as my alphas wash me, I barely register when we get out of the shower and dry off. The next thing I know, I’m back in bed, and there’s something wet snuffling against my cheek. A smile curls my lips as I crack my heavy eyelids open to find a little dachshund right in front of my face.
“Dolly, no honey, let her rest,” Jackson huffs, his hands wrapping around her long torso to move her away.
I shake my head and reach out to pet her. Unexpected tears well in my eyes. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” I croak to the dog as she circles on the bed and then settles right on the pillow next to my head. Her subtle, sunshiny smell mingles with the warm, soothing scent of Jackson’s t-shirt balled up next to me, and my eyes fall shut again.
As the bed dips and everyone finds a spot tosnuggle close to me, and the comforting blend of pack washes over me, I drift off to sleep.
Too hot.
I stir awake, sweaty and overheated, trying to kick off the blanket, but it’s stuck under something. I tug, and there’s a corresponding groan from beside me that makes my eyes flash open.
Oh god. I’m not at home. In my sleepy stupor, I’d forgotten but…
I roll over and come face-to-face with River, suppressing a gasp so I don’t wake him up. It’s still mostly dark in the room, with only a hint of the rising sun coming in through the window, but it’s enough for me to drink in his features while he’s not watching.
My chest aches at how beautiful he is when he’s not frowning. He looks so much younger in this relaxed state, like the version of who he’d be if he didn’t have the weight of his past and anxieties constantly on his shoulders.
The urge to stroke his hair from his brow rises, but I don’t want to disturb him.
Something shifts beside him, and River’s lips curve into a sleepy smile.
Ambrose lets out a contented sigh, and the blanket tugs as he pulls his mate in closer to his chest.
I wait until they both settle again, Ambrose’s soft snoring filling the air. With each moment that passes, panic settles deeper into my chest.
My heat spike, or whatever it was, has clearly ended, because my anxiety is back in full-force. Sure, my omega protests a little when I realize I can slip out of the bed on theother side, but the need to get the hell out of here and process what happened is too strong.
Guilt swells inside me to match the urge to run as I look down at the pair of sleeping alphas. They’re so happy and relaxed right now. If I leave without saying goodbye, I’ll ruin that.
Fuck, I don’t know what to do. Last night, it all made sense. It was simple to let go of my worries when my omega’s needs were at the forefront and they were saying all the right things. Now…
I don’t know how to feel. I resigned myself to being on my own when I cut them out of my life. I’ve been alone for so long that, as much as it hurts, it’s easier than opening my heart again. Relying on myself is safe, or it was before I became an omega. Decades of life experience that’ve proved it’s better for me to go it alone war with my omega’s needs.
