I nod, as he drives through the open gate and continues down the driveway toward the house.
“Who else has it?” I ask.
“No one does yet. When we call Heatwave that’s when we’ll give them the address and the code. They’ve already been made aware of your demands as far as the heat goes and have signed a contract stating they are aware.” He pauses for a moment, and I go to ask another question, but I never get to. He already knew to expect it. “And yes, they had both packs sign it.”
I give him a thumbs up as he comes to a stop in the driveway. We sit there for a minute in silence before he turns the car off and opens his door. He moves to the driver side passenger door and takes out my bags, before making his way over to my side.
“Come on, River, you can’t hide in the car forever.”
“Wanna make a bet?” I snap at him, before giving in and opening the door.
“Just keep an open mind about this, River. You might find that you enjoy it. Heats are amazing.” He gets this starry, far off look in his eyes before I swat him on the chest.
“Don’t count on it. Let’s go, I have a nest to organize.”
He smiles as we turn and walk along the pathway leading to the porch. He takes out his keys and opens the door, stepping back for me to enter first. The house is nice. But it smells sterile, like I’ve stepped into a hospital that reeks of disinfectant. Did they have the house sterilized for me?
“So where’s my nest? My boxes to unpack?”
He leads me down the hallway; prefabricated pictures of a happy family line the wall. At the very end is a stack of boxes and double doors.
“Here it is.” He turns to me and smiles, setting my bags beside the boxes. “There’s an ensuite bathroom and mini kitchen area that is stocked with food and plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated."
“Wonderful,” I mutter under my breath.
“I’m not going into the room so I don’t mess with any scents. But if you need any help just call. My bedroom is down the other hallway.” He pulls me into his arms, hugging me tightly. “Fuck, River, you’re even hotter than you were this morning.”
“Guess it’s almost time. I need to get to work then. I’ll come find you when I’m done.”
“Okay.” He kisses the top of my forehead before letting go. “I’m going to go make us something to eat.”
Taking hold of the knob, I open the door and step inside. It’s almost like a mini apartment. When I walk in, I step into the nest area. It’s a large round bed, piled with pillows and a sage green blanket. Off to the right is a small kitchen area, and to the left is a door that I assume leads to the bathroom. There are no windows, and fairy lights are hanging around the room, giving it a soft glow. The room smells just as sterile as the rest of the house, with only my cherry and vanilla scent present.
I quickly use the restroom, my bladder begging for a release. When I’m done, I step back outside the room and begin moving the boxes and my bags inside. My plan is to make the room feel like home by adding my treasures from the guys to the nest. Then I’ll add the pillows and blankets from the boxes.
Satisfied, I stand back and gaze at my handiwork. As far as nests go this is pretty nice.
Chapter 31
River
After Torin and I ate I decide to go back to the nest. I’d say my nest, but it’s not mine. If it were, I’d be in my apartment and my whole body wouldn’t be tied up in knots about—well, getting knots. I’ve moved the pillows around a hundred times, but nothing feels right. Nothing smells right.
As the day progresses I continue to get hotter. The cramps are becoming worse, and I know my heat is spiking. It’s not going to be long now, but I need to do as much as I can alone before Torin calls the pack and lets the guys know they’re on the way so they can get here too. Something about not having them all here protecting me has me uneasy.
Another cramp hits me, and I curl into myself, pressing my palm against my abdomen trying to alleviate the pain. But it doesn’t help. Sweat coats my body and my breathing quickens. A familiar ache builds in my core. One that I’ve tried to forget for two years, but now I can’t. Not with the heat haze clawing at me, begging me to relent so it can take control of me.
Longer. I need to wait longer.
I shut my eyes tight, forcing my mind anywhere else, desperate to forget—just for a little while.
Eventually, sleep overtakes me. But it doesn’t last long.
Sometime during the early hours of the morning, I wake and I know it’s time. At least I think it’s morning. There’s no clock, no windows for me to check. Standing up from my nest, I slowly walk toward the door, my arm wrapped around myself as I try to control my breathing.
Gripping the knob, I turn and pull the door open. “Torin,” I shout, my voice hoarse. He was in the living room the last time I saw him but I don’t know how long ago that was. I wait at the door, bracing myself against the wall, waiting for his response, but nothing. “Torin.” This time my voice is louder, and I start to move down the hallway to find him.
Has something happened? Why isn’t he answering?
