“Language, Laurel. And I just said you were sweet…I take it back.”
I grinned at him, but then looked down and picked at my pastry. Hugo had told me that Jewel was ‘severely supressed’ as an omega (in his opinion), and I wasn’t sure how to broach the topic with him.
“Were you around a lot of other omegas?” I asked. He shrugged.
“A little bit, before I got sentenced to solitary confinement. We didn’t really do a lot of bonding, though. It was a vicious competition to stay relevant in the club, or you’d end up as Madison’s newest chewtoy.”
My eyes widened, but he continued as if it were nothing.
“It didn’t really matter that I was an omega, honestly. Scent changed, eyes changed. Sex got way easier, but other than that…”
“What about nesting and heats?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He shrugged again.
“Yeah, I still haven’t had a natural heat.”
He wouldn’t meet my eyes as he said it, and I felt a flicker of rage. Did that mean he’d had anunnaturalone? A forced heat?
“And nesting, purring, all that. Just never really felt it, you know? And as for alphas… I make a fuss about your guys, but really it’s all alpha scents.”
I bit my lip.
“You should probably go to a doctor,” I said. He huffed in annoyance. “I mean it! You should have had your first heat by now, and nesting and alpha pheromones regulate us. You could get sick if you’re not in balance.”
“Okay, fine, if you’re going to nag me about it. But I promise there’s nothing wrong.”
I gave him an unimpressed look, and he downed the rest of his coffee and leapt to his feet.
“Hurry up, slowpoke. Time to go shopping.”
Jewel knew exactly where he wanted to go, so we charted a map through all the designer locations in downtown New Oxford.
He was charming with the staff, and gave lots of direction on clothes untilwe were ready to buy.
“I'm a bit broke, I'm afraid,” Jewel said as we approached the checkout counter. “I’m hoping to mooch off you.”
“Mooch away,” I told him, handing over a black credit card. “It's my private account. Though it won't be long before you get your inheritance.”
“I doubt I'm included in Thaddeus’s will,” Jewel scoffed.
“I’m sure you can contest it. You’re his eldest son. But seriously, whatever is mine is yours. You're free now to dress however you want, and I'll happily bankroll that for you.”
“You may live to regret that.” Jewel reached the counter, presenting his selection of clothes.
“No way,” I said firmly, going on tiptoe to peck him on the cheek. Kaos followed us as we walked down the street.
We kept getting funny looks, but I didn’t fully register why until we stopped outside a tattoo and piercing shop.
“You remember that night?” Jewel asked quietly.
“Yes,” I answered. “You said the first thing we were gonna do when we were free was get your ears pierced.”
“What are we waiting for, then?” he said, walking up and opening the door. A bell signalled our arrival, and a person looked up from the counter. Their eyes narrowed.
“Didn't you see the sign?” they asked, irritated. “We don't serve gold packs here.”
“Right,” Jewel said, his face darkening. “Your loss.”
