Page 61 of Heat Lightning

“Fucking hell,” she said between chuckles. “No wonder you’re a disaster. I’m surprised I didn’t find you churning your own butter.”

I wiped my eyes. “I can’t afford the hospital visit. Culturing at home freaks me out.”

She laughed harder. “So what are you going to do?”

“What do you mean?”

Dabbing at the corners of her eyes where tears had formed, she continued, “Are you really going to find some other alpha when he’s clearly into you, or are you going to spend your heat together like you both want?”

My eyes bugged out. “He literally begged me to help him break this bond. He’s not into me.”

“Oh, Max,” she said, shaking her head.

“Don’t, oh, Max, me,” I huffed. “He only feels a forced biological obligation; that’s it.”

She shot me a deadpan look. “You’re both idiots.”

My mouth popped open. “Hey!”

Rolling her eyes, she snatched another cookie. “First, an unclaimed bond is horrific to manage. Most alphas go insane. I’ve seen it at the clinic before. Honestly, I don’t even know how he’s alive. It makes sense he would want that over with, regardless of how he actually feels about you. Second, do I need to narrate the list of things he’s done for you again? I’m not even sure I’d be able to, a second time. It’s as long as my arm. He wants you. Things are just… complicated.”

“Complicated? And the part where he slept with other omegas before giving up and coming to me? How about that?”

“Is that what he actually said?”

I blinked. “Yes. I think so.” I couldn’t remember the specifics, but that was the gist. “He didn’t deny it when I confronted him.”

“How exactly did you confront him?”

You aren’t my first choice either, you know. I cringed, remembering it only went downhill from there. “I said… some things.”

“Mmhmm. I’m sure you remained rational and level-headed while he gave a full explanation.”

“He left before explaining anything,” I sniffed.

She sighed. “You could call him and ask. Or just tell him you don’t want anyone else.”

“You mean actually express out loud, with words, what I want?” I shook my head. “No, I won’t be doing that.”

“Of course, because the alternative, where you’re both miserable, is so much better.”

“There’s a million reasons why it wouldn't work to be together.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Did I say anything about being together? No. I said ask him to spend your heat with you, and see where it goes. You deserve to have an enjoyable experience, Max. Don’t deprive yourself of that. Besides, none of his behavior is giving ‘temporary hookup’ anyway. Which should concern you, given the circumstances, but you do seem to be a bit of a hopeless romantic.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I see what you read. I’ve been afraid for years that you’ll imprint on the first man you allow close enough to give you any kind of attention, but this…”

I cringed again, preparing for her judgment.

“This… makes sense, I think.”

I coughed. “What?”

She grinned. “I just mean, I get it. He saved you and cared for you when you were feeling vulnerable. Plus, and this is selfish of me, but he’d make holidays so much more interesting. Please invite him to our Friendsgiving. You make too much food, anyway.”

Right. We were going to skip over most of that for now. “Why do I have to be the one to fix this? He could reach out, too. It’s been three days.”