Page 86 of Feeling the Heat: Part Two
I’ve taken her vitals every few days, and I estimate we’ve got two weeks at best before it starts. Probably sooner. We’re scrambling to prepare, and it’ll be a miracle if things come together the way we were hoping. Because yes, we’re havingsecret meetings without Camille to figure out a plan to make her heat something more than a biological necessity. We want to use it as an opportunity to show her for certain that we’ll care for her, protect her, and cherish her. A declaration of our love and commitment.
A few weeks ago, I would’ve thought we were coming on too strong, but it’s clear that Camille’s omega wants her to be claimed and her heart is open to us. This thing we’re building together is solid, and her heat will reinforce what we already know.
She’s part of our pack.
Watchingmy mate and my scent match argue over the merits of fictional characters as prospective packmates makes an absurd amount of love bubble up inside me. It’s a delight to take in their flushed cheeks and the little dance they always seem to do where they start on opposite ends of the couch, but as things get heated scoot closer and closer together until their thighs are touching. Camille scowls at River and pretends to shove him away. He catches her hand and brings it to his lips. Her flush deepens, and when her purr starts, so does River’s.
“Whatcha looking at?” Jackson appears beside me, his head peeking over my shoulder.
I startle, stumbling back and colliding with the solid wall of beta behind me. He grabs my shoulders to steady me, and the firm grip of his fingers feels good.
Too good, considering I’m not supposed to be giving him any indication of how attracted I am to him until after things settle down. Unlike River, I’m terrible at hiding my feelings. I’m worried my expression when I turn to face Jackson will be a big neon sign advertising how I enjoy his touch.
“Ah. Perving on our packmates. Nice.”
“I’m not perving!” I huff far too loudly, and wince as the pair shoot apart like opposing magnets when they hear my voice.
Ducking back into the kitchen, I grab Jackson and yank him after me before they look over and catch us.
Not that I was doing anything wrong! I was just appreciating them. I’m allowed to watch.
Jackson’s gremlin-like laugh at my scowl is enough to cool any heat caused by his hands on me. “Sorry, dude, but you went to check and see what they felt like eating for dinner tonight almost ten minutes ago.”
“I didn’t want to interrupt them,” I protest feebly. “They looked so…”
“Hot?” Jackson finishes for me.
I shake my head. They’re always hot. “Comfortable.”
Camille has been staying with us for almost a month now, and every day, the tension between her and River eases a bit more. Every day I can feel his adoration for the omega grow in the bond, and I may not have her bond, but I can tell from the way she looks at him, she’s falling for him, too.
“Oh.” Jackson’s teasing grin softens. “That’s awesome.”
There’s an ocean of emotion behind his simple words. Jackson wants this pack to work as much as I do, but he’s been more guarded with River, like he’s worried it’ll only take one wrong move, and his best friend will be out the door. He’s trying so hard to trust that it won’t happen, but I can sense his worry through the bond.
“You should have a game night again,” I blurt.
Jackson’s brow furrows at the sudden shift in topic. “Huh?”
“With River. Camille and I have our dinner plans next week, so it’d be the perfect time for you two to…reconnect.” Hopefully the third time’s a charm for taking my omega out on aproper date. My alpha loves taking care of her in the comfort of our home, but he’s eager to wine and dine her. Show her how much she deserves to be spoiled. I’ve gotten us a private table, thanks to the head chef at the restaurant being Bradley’s uncle, so she won’t even need to worry about others recognizing her and bothering us.
“We don’t need to reconnect. We’re fine.” The set of Jackson’s jaw very much indicates otherwise.
I’m unsure whether I should push him on this or not, but I don’t end up needing to say anything because Jackson sighs and shakes his head.
“Ugh, we’re not fine. I still feel awkward as fuck with him. I hate it. I wish I could be like you and snuggle up with him and let him kiss away my worries, but that’s not an option.”
A beat passes. Jackson’s eyes widen as he registers the way I’m gaping at him. “You know what I mean! He’s your mate, so it’s easier for him to get back in your good graces. Not that…” He coughs, clearing his throat. “Anyway, game night. I’ll ask him.”
I place my hand on his arm to help calm down the spike of agitation I get through our bond. I can’t help it. His eyes flick down to where we’re connected, then back up to my face, cheeks burnishing.
“If you ever want to talk about your connection with River, I’m here. Or about any of our connections.” It takes all my willpower to stay vague and not betray River’s confidence or reveal exactly what kind of connection I mean.
He shakes his head. “Nah, man, I’m good. Just being a baby about things.”
I frown. “You’re not being a baby. He hurt you. Just because you’re not lovers doesn’t mean it didn’t matter, or that he doesn’t need to work to make amends with you.”
“Yeah, but we need to focus on Camille.”
