I’m reaching for the hem of his shirt when someone knocks on the door.
A loud knock on the door might as well be a bomb going off.
Judah’s voice comes muffled through the heavy wood. “Just checking if you need anything else. Dominic’s about to head into town for groceries.”
Mason jerks back like he’s been burned.
For a moment, we just stare at each other—both of us breathing hard, both of us flushed, both of us acutely aware that Judah is standing three feet away on the other side of that door.
“I’m fine,” I manage, my voice coming out rougher than intended. “Thank you.”
A pause.
“Alright. Let one of us know if you need anything.”
Footsteps recede down the hallway.
Mason is already standing, already putting distance between us. He runs both hands through his hair, leaving it disheveled in a way that’s completely at odds with his usual careful presentation.
“I can’t—“ He stops. Starts again. “If you don’t want to be alone through this, you need an alpha.”
The words hit like ice water.
“What?”
“You need someone who can—who can actually—” He makes a frustrated sound. “I’m an omega, Phoenix. I can comfort youthrough this, but I can’t give you what your body actually needs to—to?—“
“I needyou.”
“You need someone who can help you through a proper heat. That’s not me.” His voice cracks on the last word. “I’ll send Atticus up to be with you.”
“Mason—”
“His whole playboy thing is an act. Despite all appearances, I don’t think he’ll take advantage.”
“I don’t want Atticus. I want you.”
“I’m not saying I don’t want this, Phoenix.” His voice drops, raw and wounded. “God help me, I’ve wanted this for longer than I can remember. But you have no idea how bad of an idea this is.”
“Then explain it to me.”
But he’s already moving toward the door, his hand reaching for the handle.
“Mason, wait?—”
“I’m sorry.” The words come out broken, jagged-edged. “I’ll send Atticus up. Just… try to rest.”
The door closes behind him.
I’m left alone in the unfamiliar room, my body burning from the inside out, the taste of him still on my lips and the echo of his words ringing in my ears.
You have no idea how bad of an idea this is.
What could possibly be so terrible? We want each other. We’ve wanted each other for years. Yes, I’m his employer and that’s complicated, but people navigate power dynamics in relationships all the time. We could figure it out. We could?—
Another wave of heat crashes through me, stealing my thoughts. I curl forward on the bed, arms wrapped around my stomach, and try to breathe through the sudden ache.
The symptoms are getting worse. Faster than I expected. Faster than any heat I’ve experienced before.
