I don’t know how we’ll survive it.
6
BLAIR
I call out of Scents.
It’s probably a dumb thing to do, given that I’ll likely miss out on a couple hundred dollars in tips.
But I just…can’ttoday.
This should be a joyous time.
I found a scent match.
A handsome Alpha at that, who was gentle with the cats.
Instead, I left the rescue early like a coward, tears stinging my eyes as I drove home.
I ran away from him.
From Ryland.
Ryland, who was all easy smiles and confidence when I approached him.
Who smelled like everything I’ve ever wanted.
Marlin and Mervin don’t leave my side while I comb through my apartment, yanking open every closet and cabinet door that could possibly contain a blanket.
I’m on autopilot. I have to make a nest,now.
My tidied bedroom becomes chaotic with the number of pillows, blankets, and comforters that I toss onto my bed. Some stay discarded on the floor when I deem them not soft enough for my use. I dim my lights, close the curtains, and crawl into bed, wrapping myself in the soft fabrics.
I brought out my best nesting blankets, ones I haven’t used in more than a year.
The thought only makes me tear up as I reflect on how screwed up this entire situation is.
Piper and Maeve think I have it together, but inside, every day is a struggle.
It’s difficult to get in my car and drive, to show up on time to work, and to act like everything is fine.
I thought I could do it. In fact, I was doing a decent job of pretending.
But this scent match?
I’m not sure I can handle it.
I clutch a cream blanket tightly, my fingers digging into the fabric as the tears begin to fall. My womb cramps, lonely and desperate for an Alpha, which only makes me feel worse.
It’s been almost two years since the accident, but today, it feels like it just happened.
Having a scent match means I need to face what’s happened. I knew I would have to process everything and move on eventually, but I didn’t think it would be this soon.
The nesting blanket smells like laundry soap and the slightest hint of cinnamon.
Even after all this time, my old pack’s scents linger on the blanket wrapped around my body.
I knew we weren’t scent matches. We ended on amicable terms and agreed to just be friends.
