The screaming in pleasure is a close second, though.
“Since we’re on the subject,” she adds, “I wanted to tell you something. I think my Heat is coming earlier than I expect.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Yes. And I want to have it here, in the packhouse.”
I kiss the top of her head. “I’m all of us can figure out our schedules. We will make it work and be here for you.”
“I know it’s a lot of resources and energy,” she says softly. “I kind of feel bad, after how I behaved, to ask for your help again.”
“We’re your pack,” I say. “If you wanted to be in Heat every day for the rest of your life, I would happily be there, nesting blankets and super absorbent towels on standby.”
She laughs again and buries her face in my neck. “When did you get so funny?” she asks.
“You bring it out in me,” I admit. “You make everything lighter, if that makes sense.”
I’m not sure how to explain it to her exactly. But with Maeve, I’m the best version of myself that I can be.
“It does make sense,” she says quietly, pressing a light kiss to my neck. “I wasn’t lying earlier, either. I’m serious about the mating bite, if you are.”
I squeeze her tightly. “Of course I am,” I murmur.
She hums. “Good,” she says, yawning.
I want to pry her for more information, but we’ve already shared so much today. I’ll take whatever she’s willing to give me, but I’ll never push.
I still have a hard time believing she’s real, even when she’s asleep in my arms.
With a chirp, Stella jumps on the bed, toy mouse in her mouth, and drops it next to Maeve’s sleeping form. Then, she curls up and falls asleep right next to my Omega.
Right before I close my eyes, Trooper does the same. He announces his arrival with a low whine, a toy fish in his mouth, and drops it next to me.
Then, I fall asleep, surrounded by my cats and my Omega.
I’ve never been more at peace.
27
MAEVE
“This is a great idea,”Blair says, nodding. “A really great idea. I’d be happy to lead it, too.”
I nod, pleased at her sign off on the animal support group.
I spent the night at the packhouse, and now, feeling refreshed, I’m back to my shift at work.
“I like the idea of meeting maybe once every two weeks, depending on who signs up,” Piper adds. “That’s a great way to build community.”
“I know some ladies that would love to come just to offer up some advice,” Mari adds. “Oh, this was such a lovely idea, Maeve.”
“And, yes to the cat stress balls, too,” Piper adds. “In our signature teal and white colors.”
“Yeah, these are all great ideas,” Blair adds, holding a purring, healthy Alvin in her arms. “But you know whatisn’ta great idea? Showing up to work when you’re about to start your Heat.” She looks at me pointedly, glaring daggers.
“Uh…excuse me?” I laugh awkwardly. I chowed down on scent blockers and took my suppressants like I was supposed to.
“You heard me,” Blair says. Then, she turns to Piper. “I swear, this is the third time this has happened here. Each one of us does it.”
