“Are you joking? You and Piper gave me a chance, and I have the best job I’ve ever had in my life.”
Maeve started off as a volunteer, but after Piper’s packmate, Poe, purchased the building and signed it over to Piper and me, we were able to offer Maeve a salary.
Poe is quietly wealthy. Piper never wants for anything anymore and she uses it to help the people she cares about.
“But, if youreallyfeel bad about it,” Maeve continues, “you could tell me when your next Heat is.” She waggles her eyebrows, and I burst out laughing.
“That,” I tell her, “isnotyour business.”
My hormones have been out of whack since I kissed Travis. I can’t get his wood and smoke scent out of my mind, and every day, I’m growing more antsy.
I have a whole nest prepared in my apartment, and the cats keep depositing their cat toys in it.
I overnighted high-thread-count nesting sheets, and a backup set for when those inevitably get dirty.
My womb has started to cramp, and my scent has grown more potent and sugary.
My Heat is coming, soon.
I have maybe a week left, if I’m lucky.
Going to the packhouse tonight is like playing with fire—my body could burst into flames when I’m alone with the brothers.
“Okay, well, if you need anything, I’ve got you!” Maeve chirps. “I have a humidifier, scent-blocking gummies, extra blankets, anything! Oh, and I have some amazing bath bombs to use during your Heat! They help with cramps.”
“They make Heat bath bombs?” I ask.
“Yeah! I have a whole bunch. I can bring you some.”
Maeve looks so excited that I don’t want to deny her request.
“I don’t even know if I’m going to spend my Heat with them,” I say.
Maeve raises an eyebrow. “You’re not going to spend your Heat with your scent matches?”
My mouth opens and closes as I try to find a response.
I haven’t actually decided ]what to do.
My inner Omega wants to, desperately.
Why should I be alone in my apartment with just toys and meds to get me through it?
But the last time I spent my Heat with a pack…
Well, they’re not here anymore.
My stomach churns.
“You have time to figure it out,” Maeve adds softly. “I didn’t mean to sound like I was judging you.”
“No, it’s okay,” I say. “You’re right. I think you’ve been right this whole time, Maeve.”
Maeve has always been supportive of what’s best for me. She’s a cheerleader for both me and Piper, and she’s happy at the idea ofusbeing happy.
“I mean, do youwantto spend your Heat with them?” she asks carefully. “If you could just listen to your heart, not your head, would you spend your Heat with them?”
Alvin plops across the keyboard, and I stroke the top of his head.
