Courting is supposed to be the prelude to bonding, so it seems a little pointless.
“You haven’t bonded with all of them yet,” Faye adds.
“I guess we are then.” I nod slowly. “I haven’t been able to be apart from Adler for long, but Luca asked me to go on a date with him as soon as I can, so that’s a start.”
“And you like them?” Kady’s eyes twinkle.
“I’m not one of your interviewees!” I throw a cushion at her. “But yes, Ilikethem. I like them a lot, if you must know. Who knows where they’ve been hiding; if I knew an available pack like them was on campus, I’d have come off my suppressants long ago.”
Delilah’s eyebrows shoot up. “You already came off your suppressants?”
“I spoke to my doctor, and she recommended it.” I push a strand of hair behind my ear. “She said going cold turkey can help with the aftereffects from bonding sickness, so I guess that makes me a ticking heat time bomb.” I shrug like it’s nothing, stuffing a handful of potato chips into my mouth. “I half-expected it to happen already, but I haven’t had any of the usual warning signs.”
In fact, I haven’t even discussed my inevitable upcoming heat or coming off suppressants with the guys. Something I should probably do soon…
“As long as you’re prepared and your nest is ready for when it happens.” Delilah doesn’t sound concerned.
“Your cycle will level out in time,” Faye tells me knowingly. “I had a few surprise… episodes…” Her cheeks get rosy. “Especially in the first few months after bonding, while my body adjusted. Not that the guys complained.” She giggles gleefully. “My heat cycle seems to have returned to a normal three-month cycle, which is probably a good thing because I don’t know how I’d ever get any studying done with heats happening all the time.”
“It’s been similar for me,” Delilah shares. “I’ve had a few heat spikes here and there, but none of them lasted for too long. Hopefully, my cycle will become more regular soon. Although, heat or not, it’s pretty hard to leave the nest most days.”
“What’s the famous phrase?” I tap a finger on my chin. “Five orgasms a day keeps the doctor away? Jagger should be giving you at least ten to make up for that year apart.”
Kady gives a firm dip of her chin in agreement. “Maybe more.”
Although we’re both so happy that Delilah and Jagger have worked things out, Jagger still has plenty of making up to do in our eyes.
“Don’t say that to him, or he’ll take it as a real challenge, then he’d never finish his new album.” Delilah turns to Kady. “Howare you getting on with your new suppressants? I remember you saying that you had to reduce your dose.”
“Much better. The switch has helped with my morning brain fog. Although, I’ll stop taking them over spring break.”
While suppressants are great, it’s healthy to take a break and allow your body to go through a true heat every now and again, if you can. The longer you’re on them, the less effective they usually become and more serious the side effects are.
“I’m sure the Valen Pack is already counting down the days,” I tease.
Faye snorts, the motion accidentally making her hand wobble and nudge a chocolate-dipped marshmallow onto her nose, leaving a brown blob behind.
“The decreased dose has also meant I haven’t even needed my morning coffee to wake up.” Kady continues, not acknowledging what I said.
“I’ll let Tae know that the Tea House will be out of business soon,” Delilah teases.
Her sweet beta barista’s place of work is usually our first stop on campus for a morning coffee.
“No way!” Kady looks horrified. “Just because I don’t need it to feel awake doesn’t mean that I don’t want it. Tae always has my order waiting, ready for me to pick up when I arrive.”
Delilah smiles. “I think he’s enjoying having Kady Sinclair on his good side.”
“Or he’s just afraid of you,” I snicker.
The Ward Pack went through a pretty heavy interrogation from us when they made it clear that they wanted to be in Delilah’s life. I think all of them are still a little wary of Kady after that. I can’t say I blame them. She’s an unstoppable badass, a law student and the daughter of one of the most powerful alphas in the country. Definitely not someone you want to make an enemy of.
“Come in,” I call in a singsong voice when a gentle knock sounds at the door.
Adler shuffles into the room. “I have bad news.”
“What is it?” I whip my feet out of the foot spa, creating a massive splash. “Did you and Drax get into a fight? Is he okay?”
“What…?” His confusion turns to amusement. “Oh, Drax is fine.” Adler smirks. “Just busy licking his wounds after I kicked his ass at foosball.”
