“Now eat.” I hand her back the plate. “Hale will murder me if you don’t have a full stomach by the time he returns.”
She pouts before begrudgingly biting into a soft, poppy-seed pretzel filled with cream cheese. “Mm, delicious.”
Since when was watching someone eat such a turn-on? Knowing that she’s enjoying the food I bought gives me a real sense of pride. I guess what they say about alphas wanting to spoil omegas has some truth after all.
“Thank you.” She smiles when she comes up for air between bites. “These pretzels are amazing. I’ve never tasted anything like them before!”
“Pearl’s husband makes them. He’s from Germany.” I pass her a bottle of water. “Next time you’re in heat, I’ll make sure to order a massive shipment of pretzels in advance.”
She picks at the label on the bottle. “You said next time.”
“Who knew that I could think so far ahead?”
“Maybe we could get some fresh air?” Kady shakes the fabric of her top. “It’s kinda stuffy in here.”
I hesitate, gaze lingering on her damp hair. “It’s cold outside.”
“And I’m running hot right now.” She crosses her arms in a posture that says she won’t take no for an answer. “Please?” She bats her eyelashes. When she looks at me like that, it’s difficult not to do anything she says.
“Fine.” Relenting, I stand up. “But only for a minute, and only if I carry you. You’re not going out there with bare feet, and my body heat will keep you warm.”
“But—”
“You’re learning to let other people care for you, remember?”
She mutters under her breath but doesn’t complain when I scoop her up into my arms and head through the sliding doors into our spacious backyard. Well, it’s more of an open field really. We own the land for miles around.
Despite the chilly wind, her body feels like a furnace.
Suddenly, her shoulders tense.
“Are you okay?” Concerned, my question comes out sounding harsh.
“I’m fine.” She waves her wrist then points at the glass roof poking out from behind a cluster of trees. “Is that your greenhouse?”
“I’ll show you another time.” I look forward to taking her there. In fact, if I had taken Kady on a date this weekend, I would’ve shown her all my favorite places to explore.
Really, we should get back inside. Judging by her temperature, it won’t be long until she needs a knot again. She should be in her nest, not roaming around outside with me.
“No!” Her small fist punches my shoulder. Although she’s petite, there’s a surprising amount of power behind it. “Show me!”
“Fine,” I cave. “But quickly. Otherwise, the others will send out a search party looking for us.”
After denying her—and my own instincts—for so long, how can I say no?
FORTY-ONE
Kady
The humidity hits us as soon as Ezra pushes open the glass doors. The air feels sticky, like we’ve entered a rain forest, causing my shirt to cling to my skin. Thick leaves press up against the glass, obscuring most of the view to the outside. The greenhouse’s earthy smell reminds me of Ezra, but there are hints of other things too—damp moss, fragrant rosemary, and wet blooms. We’re surrounded by growing plants, many I don’t even recognize, with bizarre flowers and strange-shaped petals in dazzling colors.
Some plants are in pots, while others come straight out of the ground or are neatly lined in beds. A work bench on one side is covered with various objects and seeds. It’s chaotic, but there seems to be some order to it, like I’ve entered some mad plant scientist’s lair.
He carefully places me down on the only clear space on the workbench
“It’s incredible,” I comment, attempting to ignore the rising need that’s growing within me again.
Maybe Ezra was right. It probably wasn’t a good idea to be so far from the nest. I try to pay attention to what Ezra’s saying while digging my fingers into my knees to center myself. Fromthe look of joy on his face, it’s obvious that this place is special and holds great meaning to him.
