We stood side by side in the elevator. A lump formed in my throat as I locked my knees, stopping myself from throwing myself at him. All I’d been hoping for out of this experience was money and my fill of pheromones, but I’d gotten so much more.
And it was breaking my heart because I doubted I would ever experience anything like it again.
The elevator ride was over too soon. The doors parted, revealing the lobby.
“Did you drive here?” Nox placed a hand on the small of my back as we crossed to the exit.
“I took a taxi.” I glanced up at him.
“I could—” Nox cleared his throat before starting again. “I could drive you home.”
I squeezed my eyes shut against the tears, opening them when my emotions were back under control. “No, but thank you.”
I longed for more time with him, even just the short ride home, but it wasn’t smart to let him know where I lived.
I might invite him to stay forever.
I pulled out my phone and ordered a cab through the omega taxi service. I had plenty of money now for the fare. “They’re four minutes away.”
Nox shifted his weight and ran his hand through his hair. His black t-shirt showed off his biceps. His arms had felt so perfect around me all night long.
“Could I see you again?” he blurted out.
My lips parted and my heart started pounding. Did he mean for a date? Or for another night through Sugar Nest?
Seeing my hesitation, Nox quickly added, “I would pay you for your time. I just… I’d love to see you again.”
Visions of a future with this alpha flashed before my eyes, filling my chest with a bright hopefulness. Then it all came crashing down as I imagined his gentle expression transforming to one of disgust when he discovered my health problems, infertility, and that I was banned from joining a pack. I would let him down, just like I let everyone down.
The taxi pulled up to the curb.
I should have said no, stopped this now and just treasured our night together as a special memory, but I couldn’t make myself do it.
“Miss?” the beta woman taxi driver prompted through the rolled-down window.
“Message me,” I said to Nox as I turned towards the car.
I reached for the door when strong arms surrounded me. I leaned back into Nox’s broad chest.
“Thank you for the most incredible night, sweetheart.” He kissed my temple.
I clenched my teeth to keep from crying and squeezed his hands. Before all my resolve left me, I pulled away.
He took a half-step back.
Perhaps he sensed I was a wreck, just one hug short of turning around and throwing my body against his.
Nox opened the taxi door, gently shutting it behind me and giving me a small wave. I watched him out the window until he disappeared from sight.
12
LIAM
Isat in my parked car, staring at the entrance of my shitty apartment building. Coming back to this place after the most magical fucking night of my life felt like having ice water poured over me.
I still wasn’t convinced Ava wasn’t an actual angel. Her beauty was fucking ethereal, and she had been so sweet. We’d talked for hours while my knot was inside her. She was funny, brilliant, and interesting. We’d both laughed as she’d teased me for the code name I’d chosen, saying it was a romance book stereotype.
They were some of the best hours of my life.
