“Let me do this for you,” I say quietly. “Please. It’s my honour to see you through a heat, or even if you don’t want me, I just want you to have what you deserve.”
“No, I couldn’t-”
“I have way too much money, and so does Katsu. Let me spend it on you, Omega.”
She shudders and shakes her head, but I think she’s just overwhelmed and isn’t actually protesting.
I purse my lips and move closer, catching the bitter scent of a stressed omega. Has anyone ever taken care of her? She does so much for everyone else. Has everyone just accepted this from her? No, she lets Sebastian do things for her. I frown, thinking it over. But he bullies her, goads her into accepting his gifts. Huh.
“Talk to me,” I murmur and reach out, tangling our fingers. She inhales deeply, her eyes landing on my face before jumping away. She glances around, and I look up, catching people watching us. I’m used to it; I have grown used to it; first, with who my family is, then Katsu’s family. I hate it, but I can deal with the stares as long as they stay over there. Her cheeks burn, and she shuffles her feet; unease fills her scent, and she lets out an unhappy sound that stokes my protective instincts.
“I see. So, let’s go to the next town over. It’s time for us to go meet Lorelei and Milton, anyway. It will be better; no one knows us. Just you and me and a room full of materials that you can take your time to enjoy. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
With a frown, I take a photo of the satin and the squishy pillow, send it to Katsu, and then we leave it there, walking out and standing on the sidewalk. She relaxes but not all the way.
Milton Sol pulls up in a white landcruiser, pushing his glasses up his nose and waving out the open window. “Let’s go, kids.”
We climb in the back, and minute by minute, Cordelia relaxes until she looks almost normal. My hand is resting just above her knee, over the jeans, and I just stroke my thumb in circles, round and round. A small touch, an anchoring to bring her back. It works. She edges closer to me until she unconsciously wraps her hand over mine.
“Tell me about building a nest, Omega Sol,” I say cheerfully, ignoring the way Cordelia sits up straight, her scent flaring with panic.
“Ew, don’t call me that, you make me feel old. Call me Lorelei.”
“Okay, Lorelei.”
“Now, nests are fun. You never saw the time-out rooms, did you, Cordelia?”
“I didn’t need to,” she says hesitantly.
There’s a pause where Milton and Lorelei exchange a guilty look.
“Okay, so in the communal nest, there’s a bit of everything because different omegas like different things. Though some of us need a freaking bath.”
I cock my head to the side. “A bath?”
“Asher likes water. I swear, that girl was born with a tail.” Lorelei sighs and turns around so she can look at us. “It’s really different with every omega. Some like lots of fabric and clutter. Some like minimal spaces. You go into the shop, and you just have an open mind. See what feels right and makes you want to purr.”
“Purr?” Cordelia asks.
But I’m lost in visions of her lying on white faux fur, naked and purring for me.
“True contentment and happiness is an omega purr,” Lorelei says, reaching out and putting her hand on Milton’s thigh.
“The day I earned Lore’s purr was one of the happiest of my life,” he says.
I make a promise to myself that I will do whatever it takes to get Cordelia to purr. As often as possible.
“So, who do you think Lynn Marino is?” I ask, changing the subject.
I sit back with my arms crossed, watching the plan unfold. We will flush this author out; it’s only a matter of time now. The whole town is gossiping.
“I read the books, I’m not sure about this Bastion Sun character,” Lorelei mutters. “He’s a bit of a player, isn’t he?”
I glance sideways at Cordie, but she’s looking out the window watching the…cows? I lean towards her so I can see them, too.They are all walking in the same direction. Do all animals do this, or is it a farm thing? I'll make a note to ask Sebastian when we get back.
“I’m not sure. I thought it might be Yolanda. But there are a lot of people in town. Hmm, it’s a conundrum,” Milton says and bursts out with a laugh. “It’s exciting, though. Our very own celebrity author. I wonder why they are hiding.”
Lorelei turns around and studies me. I can almost see the connections she’s making in her head.
