Just like she wanted my company at the restaurant, and nothing more.
Then what was with that hug?
“Am I having a panic attack?” I mutter. “Is that what’s happening?”
Never in my forty years on earth have I panicked this hard about a girl—about an Omega.
I never had time.
I was interested in caring for animals, in learning as much as I could about my field of study.
Omegas were always there, and I had opportunities—but I just never took them.
The purple haired, quirky cat-loving girl is the only person I’ve ever pined over.
My inner Alpha, dormant and quiet for so long, has roared to life in ways I never thought possible.
I’ve never stared at someone’s mating gland before, but I imagine that raised bump of skin at night more times than I count.
I’ve shamefully taken my cock in my fist thinking about her, sinking my teeth into a pillow just to mimic the mating bite.
And every time I see Maeve, I swear she knows I’ve done it.
There’s something in the way those amber eyes rake over my face—like she sees through me, notices every concealed depraved thought I’ve had about her.
There’s a playful smirk on her face whenever she says hello to me at the clinic, as if she’s in on some joke I’m not a part of.
Ivan does it, too.
They both look at me like there’s somethingIdon’t know, and it drives me insane.
If Maeve could justtell mewhat she wants, maybe I wouldn’t be doubled over in my bathroom rethinking my life choices while my cats watch me, unbothered.
Maybe if I had the courage to ask her what those little looks mean, I could breathe freely every time she’s in the room.
Perhaps I could switch back to chamomile tea eventually and not glare at the teabags like they’ve done me a disservice.
There’s a possibility if I worked up the courage to tell her how I truly felt about her that I could put this packhouse to good use.
It could be filled with good company, not just lonely meows that echo off the walls.
Maybe, if I walk out my front door and go on this trip, things will change for the better.
Worst case, I build friendships and save some cats.
Best case…
I get another hug from Maeve.
I wouldn’t dare hope for more.
I’mthe last one to arrive at Ivan’s house. He, Maeve, and Fang are chatting animatedly next to Ivan’s black SUV, and when I park against the curb, Maeve waves excitedly at me. Her purple hair is pulled into a high ponytail, and she wears a tealFurs and Purrs sweatshirt with ripped jeans. Her face is bright, and her cheeks are slightly flushed from smiling.
I’m awestruck at her beauty but try to keep a straight face.
“Hey! The doctor is here!” she laughs, then runs toward me. Surprised, I let out anoofwhen she barrels into me, throwing her arms around my waist. “Thanks for coming!”
I’ll never get tired of her scent. Chamomile mixed with brown sugar, practically dancing on my tongue.
