After this appointment, I’m going to ask her to be in her heat. It’s not how I wanted to start something with her. But not being there—not making sure she is safe—will eat me alive.
“I quite enjoy dirty talk. I know some Alphas think it doesn’t matter when an Omega is in heat, but it’s something that puts me over the edge.”
“Noted,” he says, smiling at her, and she smiles widely back. “Now, about the big guy sitting behind you.”
“That’s Smith, he’s my personal security. He might be in and out during my heat. Does the idea of that bother you?”
“No, I have no problem sharing, and if his job is to keep you safe, then I imagine he isn’t so bad.”
“No, he’s actually pretty great,” Cami replies, and I see Efrems’ face soften as he gives me a polite smile. Fuck him for being so nice. I don’t speak and just give a nod.
“I would really like to be considered, Cami. I think I could give you the heat experience you are looking for. I promise to protect you and make you feel good.”
That’s the promise I should be giving her.
“I will definitely be in touch,” Cami promises. Efrem stands and rounds the table and gives her a quick hug. I can’t tell for sure, but I swear Cami stiffens as she hugs him. She’s never tense when she hugs me. She gives him a tight smile, her fingertips grab the collar of her shirt, and she inhales, grimacing as he walks out the door.
“How many more interviews do you have?” I ask her.
“Four,” she replies.
“Fuck,” I mumble and sit back in my chair.
For two more hours, I sit in torment as Alphas flirt withmy girland make her promises that I should be giving her. Brody, by far, was the biggest douchebag of the bunch. The other guy, Chad, wasn’t a winner either. The other Alphas were nice enough. I couldn’t tell if Cami was being polite or if she truly was into them or not.
Tonight, I need to lay everything out on the table for her. Tell her about why I’m so scared to commit and let her have my heart. She means so much to me, it’s definitely worth it. If I don’t, she will ride off into the sunset with someone like Efrem, and I’ll just be alone and as unhappy as before. She makes me happy, and I need to tell her that.
Cami looks exhausted after the interviews. She’s been nesting like crazy, and I know she will want a nap before dinner tonight. Tim comes in after the last guy and sits down across from Cami.
“Ms. Jenson, any idea who you would like to extend an invitation for your heat? So we can notify them as soon as possible.”
She looks at me like she wishes I would speak up right here and now, but this isn’t the place. “I would like Efrem, Nathan, and Phillip. Maybe Brody as an alternate.”
“Excellent choices. We will contact them to make sure they are interested. I will notify you if any of them are not willing to take part, so you can make changes if needed. Please call us if you feel your heat is nearing. We will handle the rest.”
“Thank you, Tim.”
Tim nods and holds the door for us to leave. Cami and I are both quiet as we collect our phones and exit the Heat Haven building.
My nerves are shot and I’m amping myself up to have this conversation. To be completely vulnerable to her. I need to lay out my insecurities and tell her why I’ve been acting the way I have. I also need to make it clear that I want her for more than her looks or the scent marking. It’s all her, the smiles she gives me, how comfortable she makes me feel. Hell, I even like it when she talks back or gives me shit. Everything about her makes her special, and I need to verbalize it. My hands are sweaty as we make our way down the sidewalk to the car.
I place my palm on her lower back as we walk down the street to meet Franklin.
“Oh my God, Smith, is that you?” I hear and turn to my left.
This terrible fucking day just gets fucking worse. I drop my hand from Cami’s back and she looks at me, confused.
“Hannah,” I reply and look over to see Oscar, Anthony, and Jasper standing behind her.
“What are you doing in New York?” she asks. She’s still beautiful. Someone with a black heart shouldn’t be so pretty. Bonding with rich Alphas hasn’t hurt her ability to dress nicely and maintain her appearance. Her blonde hair is long and wavy and her makeup is perfect. I’m sure she’s wearing some ostentatious brand I’ve never heard of.
“I’m working,” I reply. I just want to get out of here. I don’t want to be around her smug dickhead Alphas or standing in front of the woman who ruined me. Her Alphas are smug behind her. They always hated me, thought I was beneath them. That I was beneath Hannah.
“Shame that you couldn’t be more than a human shield,” she says, and I exhale.
“Excuse me?” Cami replies, grabbing my forearm. “What the fuck did you say?”
“And who are you?” Hannah asks.
