The realization made me laugh, a broken sound that echoed off the tile. Twelve years of running, of hiding, of convincing myself I was better off alone.
And my body had just called bullshit on all of it.
I pulled myself up using the sink, my legs shaking. I needed to leave. Needed to get out of this city before full heat hit and I did something I couldn't take back.
I could book a flight and pack a bag.
I could run, again…
My knees cracked against the hardwood, pain shooting up my thighs as my phone spun away like a hockey puck across ice. The edges of the room swam and doubled, furniture melting into smears of color. Sweat trickled between my breasts, soaking my thin tank top while my skin pulsed with heat.
Category Red. Aggression-triggering.Dangerous.
But also unmistakably Omega in distress.
And if I could smell it this strongly, every Alpha in the building probably could too.
I needed help.
The thought cut through the haze of fever and fear. I needed help and I needed it now.
But who did I call?
My hand closed around my phone. The screen was cracked from the fall but still working. I pulled up my contacts with shaking fingers.
Shayla was safe and a Beta. She wouldn't be affected by my scent.
Luca, though, he was controlled and protective. He’d definitely know what to do.
Jaxon. With his hazel green eyes taking in everything would be reckless and fierce. I knew he’d burn the world down to keep me safe.
My thumb hovered over the screen, indecision paralyzing me.
I made it to the couch somehow.
My laptop was already there, waiting for me along with the memory cards from yesterday's shoots. Work. I could work. I could focus on something other than the fire consuming me from the inside out.
I plugged in the first card and waited for the files to load.
The screen filled with images of the Frost Kings. Action shots from their practice session. Close-ups of equipment. And then, inevitably,Luca.
My finger hovered over the delete key but I couldn't do it. Couldn't erase the way the camera had captured him mid-stride, all controlled power and deadly grace. The way his eyes had locked onto mine through the lens.
I switched to the second card. Steel Wolves media day. More action shots. Team portraits.
Jaxon.
The camera loved him differently than it loved Luca. Where Luca was all sharp edges and restraint, Jaxon was raw intensity barely contained. Every shot practically vibrated with energy.
My vision blurred.
I blinked hard, trying to focus, but the fever was getting worse. The laptop screen swam in front of me, images bleeding together until I couldn't tell which team was which.
Just rest for a minute,I told myself.Just close your eyes for a minute and then you can finish.
I set the laptop aside and let my head fall back against the couch cushions.
Just a minute…
