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I am shaking with the effort not to reach for her.

I will only touch her, however, with her permission.

I lean casually against the elevator wall, assessing her.

Hmm, her breathing is a little fast.

She is rubbing her palms against her velvet blouse to self-soothe. She is nervous but it’s nothing alarming.

I can work with that.

I didn’t know how hard it would be to hold back my instincts, however, when faced with Paige. The difference is that we met outside the service, and now, I am damn invested.

Hope surges through me that I have not only found my temporary Omega but something more.

This is exactly what Rhett warned me not to do.

But since when have I obeyed him?

That’s Luca’s job.

My heart is beating faster than Paige’s is. I wrestle to get myself under control.

Don’t involve emotions, Rhett made me repeat after him, before I left for Dallas this morning. Keep it professional.

“This is a temporary fix.” Rhett sternly gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his eye. “Enjoy the heat and then move on.”

How does Rhett manage to divide his heart from his head?

We’re only volunteering because of my need.

Luca doesn’t need much interaction or touch himself, and Rhett is frightened of introducing an Omega into our lives, although he’d tear out anyone’s throat who implied he felt fear about it.

Rhett and Luca could die any shift that they go on. I’m the one who sees other people die on my shifts.

Why the hell do they reckon it’s fair on me, while believing it’s not fair on an Omega to bring them into our pack?

Why should I be alone simply because I am an Alpha?

I excitedly point the way out into the sleek corridor, as the elevator doors swish open. “After you, beautiful.”

Paige edges out, careful not to touch me.

I don’t miss the quick glance that she sneaks at me, before she flushes.

Adorable.

“I didn’t introduce myself before,” I say. “I’m Angel.”

“Where’s your halo?” Paige strides ahead of me.

“I left it at home. It was too much work to polish it.”

“I’ll just have to imagine it then, Halo.”

I stumble.

Has she just given me a pet name?