“I think…” I grit my teeth, battling to get my words out. “I think I’m going into heat.”
I’m sixteen. A common age for a designation to naturally present itself. Mom was an omega too, but initial designations are never guaranteed. Scientists still argue over which genes and environmental factors have an influence on how a person presents. Although it hasn’t come as a surprise, a wave of dread still sweeps through me at the confirmation.
“Remember what I taught you, Hedgey,” Gram coaches. She’s prepared me for this moment. “Do those breathing techniques.”
“We’re not far now, Faye.” Ren’s voice pulls me from my memories.
I can tell he’s concerned by how tightly he’s holding me.
Another alpha bolts in our direction, his wild mop of red hair bobbing around in the breeze. Holy hell, Laz can move.
His eyes widen when he sees me.
“Fuck.” Laz stops in front of us. “I could smell her from down the street. It’s a good thing it’s the middle of the day and most alphas aren’t home.”
I shiver at the thought. Although SVU have very strict policies around omega safety, alphas can be unpredictable. One scent of an omegas perfume (especially when it’s so potent during heat) could be enough to send an alpha into a rut, where they’d lose all sense of reason and be driven by their innate desire to claim, which can have dangerous consequences for everyone.
“Not helping, Laz,” Ren utters through gritted teeth. “Just get on her other side to mask her scent, okay?”
Laz puts his arm around my shoulder, trapping me between them.
“Do you always smell so good, Faye, or are you just pleased to see me?” Laz jokes.
He’s only trying to lighten the mood, but it’s not helping. My eyes well up with tears, both from embarrassment and the pain.
“Shit!” Laz obviously notices. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Faye. I was only joking.”
I snivel. As well as being embarrassed, I feel pathetic for being emotional and not having a handle on things. I never prepared for this, and every time I see my housemate’s brother, I’m in a mess.
“Stop talking before you put your foot in your mouth again,” Ren snaps at him while I swipe at my wet cheeks.
“I really am sorry, Faye.” Laz’s amber eyes blaze with sincerity. “I don’t know when to shut up sometimes?—”
“I said, stop talking!” Ren growls.
They steer me past countless pack houses. It’s not as inviting as OV. Although they are equally big, the houses here are uniform and white, cookie-cutter with no personality. Some have basketball hoops or soccer nets in the driveway. If Sabs were here, she’d come up with a witty quip about how stereotypically alpha it is. Which reminds me…
“The Stellas,” I murmur. “I need to text them.”
I quickly send a few fire emoji’s to our Stella group chat to let them know.
“We need to hurry,” Ren reminds me. “You can text them properly when we’re inside.”
Panic grips my chest. “Where’s my purse?”
“Don’t worry, Damon’s already on his way to the library fetch it,” Ren says. “We’ll have everything you need at our place.”
“Including snacks.” Clearly, Laz is incapable of not talking. “Lots of snacks.” He waits for my reaction, his fearful expression telling me he’s afraid of saying the wrong thing again.
“Snacks sound good,” I agree. “Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.”
Laz grins, showcasing the laugh lines around his mouth. “Chocolate it is, then, honeybee!”
I’m not sure why he’s given me that nickname, but I kinda like it.
“We’re here.” Passing two flashy sports cars, Ren guides me up the steps of the biggest mansion on the street. There’s a plaque on the door that says, “Silverwood” and a steel wolf's head knocker on the massive door.
I inhale deeply as soon as we’re over the threshold. The Silverwood Pack house smells better than anything I’ve ever smelled before.
