“Maybe being around Travis is triggering it?” she asks tentatively. “Have you thought of that? You spend hours with him every week, you two get along…would it be that far-fetched?”
I shake my head. “It wouldn’t,” I admit. “You’re right. I’ll reach out to my doctor if it gets worse.”
But for some reason, an overwhelming sense of loneliness washes over me.
My inner Omega wants Travis.
My body perfumes to make my scent more enticing for him.
With that realization, I’m just…unhappy.
Like I’m mourning something I’ve never had and nevercanhave.
“I’m sorry,” Piper says softly, and I see the guilt etched onto my friend’s face.
“Don’t be, Pipe. I’m okay. I know the decisions I’ve made.”
She chews her lip, and I can tell she wants to argue with me.
Maeve remains silent, observing the both of us with curious eyes. She drums her fingers on the plastic covering of the cat food cans as she stands at the front desk facing us.
“I like your scent, Blair,” she mutters finally. “It’s not distracting or anything, and I’m sure it won’t bother anyone. I didn’t mean to be obnoxious about it.”
I give her a weak smile. “It’s fine, Maeve. Your honesty is appreciated around here.”
“And one day,” she adds, her attention suddenly focused on the cans of cat food, “maybe you can tell me more about why you’re so sad sometimes.”
I tilt my head curiously. “I’m not, Maeve.”
But her eyes meet mine, and she nods slowly. “Okay, Blair.”
I swallow.
Maybe I can share part of my story with her after all this time.
Just a portion, so she’ll understand more about why I’m this way, and why there’s no pack in the cards for me.
But then the front door opens, and a stranger walks in.
A few things hit me at once.
One, the man is attractive. He has a defined structured jaw, full lips, and subtle stubble on his tan skin. His dark hair is slightly mussed, and a lock of hair falls into his dark eyes.
Two, he’s an Alpha. It’s obvious in the way he carries himself, his height, and the way my body thrums with energy when he steps closer.
Three, he’s looking at me, andonlyme, as if everyone else in the building isn’t there.
What the hell?
“Hello,” Maeve chirps. “Welcome to Furs and Purrs.”
At Maeve’s voice, the mystery Alpha breaks his attention from me and gives her a genuine smile. “Hey there. I heard this was the best place to adopt a cat.”
His voice is low and warm, more friendly than Travis’s.
Not that I’m comparing him to Travis.
What the hell is going on in my head?
