I’m daring to hope this is a sign that her omega side will win out in the end. For her to desire all that we have for her as a scent match, as a bondmate. As a pack.
I take her hand in mine, locking our fingers. My thumb brushes against her soft skin. We stay like that until whatever she’s feeling passes, and she slowly releases her jaw. Her cheeks are bright pink. “Thanks, that was weird.”
“It’s not. You’re experiencing some unique intersection of normality and an all-consuming biological cycle out of your control. You’re going to have a lot of intense feelings and urges this week, but I assure you, you can trust us with all of them, no matter how strange.”
She nods and appears thoughtful. “I’ll try and keep that in mind. How do you know so much about heats?”
“My mom is an omega specialist and owns an omega-focused health and wellness medical center. She ensured I took some medical classes on omegas. She said as an alpha, it was my sworn duty to knoweverythingon the subject.”
“I wish omega classes for alphas were mandatory. Some of y’all don’t know anything besides fucking.”
“You’re not wrong there. Unfortunately, some alphas believe they belong on a pedestal because they were born with a knot in their pants and a hell of a lot more testosterone than most of the population. They seem to think they can be mediocre at things while still receiving a standing ovation.”
She laughs at that. “Everyone should have the self-confidence of a mediocre alpha. Hey, I brought my Switch. Do you wanna play? There’s not much to do around here.”
“Later, absolutely, but I have a gift for you.”
She leans back a little apprehensively. “I’d really appreciate no gifts right now. It feels unnecessary.”
“Well, I guess I’ll just have to throw this diamond tennis bracelet into the ocean, then.”
“Okay, well, let’s not go that far.”
We both laugh and it’s easier to forget that we’re on some island in the Mediterranean in the middle of pack chaos, and not back at my place in my gaming room, spending our one day of the week together, ordering pizza and playing video games.
“I actually think you’re going to want this gift.” I slip my hand in my pocket and pull out her working cellphone. I’d managed to turn it on again after a night in a bag of rice.
She gasps and takes it from my hand. “Oh,Zach, thank you!” She runs her fingers through her hair when she sees all the missed calls and texts from someone named Harper. “Oh, she’s probably freaking out! I didn’t get a chance to message her yesterday. She hits the call button and a video chat screen pops up, Harper instantly answering.
“What the fuck is going on, babe? Are you okay? You had two more hours before I called the Greek embassy and declared you missing.”
“I’m so sorry, my phone fell in the water yesterday and was broken but”—I’m surprised when she turns the camera towards me—“Zachary fixed it.”
Her friend’s expression shifts from panicked to delighted. “Hi, Zachary, I’ve heard wonderful things about you.” She says that in the tone that women use when they know a secret, telling me that she hasallthe details on me.
I give her a wave, but let them have their conversation.
She looks between the two of us. “Any changes to your plans this week?”
“Yeah, actually a lot. Alric is also here, with Hunter.”
“Ooohhhhhh.”
“It turns out they’re all best friends and starting a pack.”
Harper bursts out laughing. “Fate sure does have a silly sense of humor.”
“Yeah, there’s a lot going on, but I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Are you sure you’re good? Did you still need to borrow mypink purse?”
She intensely says pink purse, as if it’s some sort of cue.
“No, I’m fine. There’s a massive storm here, so I’m not sure when I’ll be able to head home. I’ll keep you updated.”
“You better! Your baby is doing well.” Harper pans the phone over to Bellini, sleeping on a large white bed. The room she’s in is luxurious and brightly colored with every shade of yellow.
“Thanks for watching her.”
