Page 28 of The Knotheads Next Door
This is the third night in a row. Ever since that weird moment with Wells in the car on the way to the flower wholesaler, my body has been acting like it's possessed. Hot flashes. Sensitivity to smells. And dreams—vivid, embarrassing dreams that leave me aching, confused, and dripping wet when I wake.
Back in my room, I grab my phone, pulling up the search bar with trembling fingers.
latent adult sudden hot flashes increased arousal
The results make my stomach clench. "Heat spike episodes in latent adults." "Pre-presentation symptoms in late bloomers." "Hormone fluctuations preceding omega presentation."
No. No, no, no.
I try again.
stress symptoms similar to heat
Better. "Stress-induced thermoregulation issues." "Anxiety and body temperature fluctuations." "How stress can mimic secondary gender symptoms."
That's it. It's just stress. I'm living with three strangers, starting a new job, abandoning my entire support system. Of course my body is freaking out. It has nothing to do with the fact that I'm living with three unmated alphas whose scents sometimes make me want to bury my face in their necks.
My gaze can't help but flash to my overflowing hamper where I know that a few…ehem.. clothing items that are not mine are buried.
Nope. Not thinking about that.
I close the search app and open my meditation timer instead. Ten minutes of focused breathing. I can handle this. I've been handling life for twenty-eight years. Just because my life has changed doesn't mean my biology has to follow suit.
When morning comes, I've barely slept, but I've fortified my resolve. Extra blockers applied. Loose, comfortable clothes that won't make me overheat. Hair up off my neck. I can do this.
"Morning," Theo says cheerfully as I enter the kitchen. He's at the stove, flipping pancakes with surprising dexterity. "Hungry?"
I nod, careful to keep extra distance between us as I reach for the coffee. "Thanks."
Jasper grunts from his position at the table, eyes fixed on his plate. He hasn't looked directly at me in days. Fine by me.
Wells enters a moment later, already dressed for work in crisp chinos and a button-down, his tablet tucked under his arm. His eyes flick to me, then away. "Coffee?"
"Fresh pot," Theo says, sliding a stack of pancakes onto a plate. "Rowan, these are for you. I added blueberries."
The pancakes look delicious, but my stomach churns with anxiety. "Thanks," I say again, taking the plate and retreating to the far end of the table, away from Jasper.
"Gerald ate well this morning," Theo continues, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the room. "I think that eye infection is clearing up."
I latch onto the subject gratefully. "I noticed that too. And he's getting more active. He actually batted at my finger yesterday."
"Menace in training," Jasper mutters, the first words he's spoken all morning.
Theo rolls his eyes. "Says the man who lets him sleep on his chest."
Jasper's head snaps up, eyes narrowing at me. "You told them?"
I shrug, focusing on cutting my pancakes into perfectly even squares.
"They're our roommates. No secrets in pack—I mean, in house-sharing situations."
Jasper's jaw tightens at my slip. Theo looks between us, a slight crease between his brows.
Wells says nothing, but I feel his attention like a physical weight.
"I need to get to work," I announce, abandoning my half-eaten breakfast. "Crystal's training me on wedding consultations today."
"I'll walk you out," Theo offers. "I'm heading to the clinic anyway."
