Me:Nothing we're going to talk about over text.
Grayson:Fuck me.
Seth:Is Bea okay? Her scent's been getting stronger all week.
Me:She's fine. Better than fine. But yeah, her scent's changing. Getting sweeter, richer. Could be pre-heat? I'm not sure. Never been around an omega going into heat before.
Grayson:You think it's soon?
Me:Could be days. Could be weeks. Could be nothing. I don't know what I'm doing here.
Grayson:We need to talk. All of us. Make a plan just in case.
Me:Yeah. We do.
Chapter 19
Seth
I'm doing a routine patrol down Main Street when her scent hits me.
Cinnamon-apple. Warm and impossibly thick.
But different tonight—darker, headier. Like someone caramelized her usual scent and added honey until it's sticky-sweet and calling to every instinct I have.
I slow the patrol car. The general store—she must be getting off shift soon. The scent is drifting on the cold December air, stronger than it should be from this distance.
Pre-heat.
And if I can smell it this clearly, every unmated alpha who walks past is going to notice too.
I pull into a parking spot where I have a clear view of the store entrance. Through the windows, I can see her wiping down the counter, that dark ponytail swinging as she moves.
Then Jackson Miller slows on the sidewalk. His head turns toward the general store, nose twitching. I watch his pupils dilate.
I'm out of the car before I think about it.
"Evening, Jackson." My voice comes out steadier than I feel. I step into his path, casual but deliberate. The uniform helps.
He blinks, seeming to shake himself. "Oh. Hey, Seth. Didn't see you there."
"Heading somewhere?"
His gaze flicks back to the general store, then to me. Understanding dawns—along with what might be amusement. "Just passing through. You have a good night, Deputy."
He changes direction, heading down Oak Street instead.
Real smooth, Monroe. Territorial posturing on Main Street.
But I can't bring myself to regret it.
I pull out my phone.
Pack Chat
Me:Her scent's changed. Getting stronger. Other alphas are noticing.
River:How bad?
