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Without consciously deciding to do so, I blurt out, “Is there a bakery nearby?”
The pretty stranger’s eyes widen, and it looks like he’s fighting a laugh. He clears his throat and smooths out his expression before answering. “No, Sugar. There’s no bakery nearby. We’re only a few miles from where we found you. Do you remember anything about last night?”
There’s no judgment in his tone, only gentle curiosity, which is why I feel comfortable answering him truthfully.
Nodding slowly, I murmur, “I remember everything… Please tell me you didn’t call the police. I’m eighteen, I swear!”
I raise my eyes to look at him again. I struggle not to give into the panic threatening to hijack my body and turning the strawberry in my scent sour to the point of being rancid. I’m losing the battle quickly, my breaths coming in little pants now as my heart begins to race. Moving slowly so as not to startle me, he gently pulls my blanket wrapped body into his chest and squeezes tightly, stroking my hair and shushing me softly. A low purr builds in his chest, loosening the tightness in my chest a fraction.
“Shh, it’s okay, Sugar. You’re safe. We didn’t call the police or tell anyone where we found you. I swear you’re safe here with us.”
Trying desperately to calm my breaths, I’m realizing now that one scent I’m smelling ishim.I almost moan when I get my first full hit of his strong Alpha scent. He smells like warm pumpkin pie with lots of cinnamon and whipped cream. Exactly how I like it. I don’t realize I have my face buried in his neck until my cheek vibrates with his soft chuckle. I pull back, embarrassed to be caught sniffing an Alpha I just met on my first day of freedom. I feel strange, almost like my body isn’t my own. I’m not the kind of person who just lets people touch her, especially not men I barely know.
Maybe it’s a side effect of whatever Phil used to drug me? Whatever it was, couldn’t have been good.
Seeing my blush, the Alpha smiles down at me and brushes a lock of sweaty hair off my cheek, still chuckling lightly.
“Please don’t be embarrassed, Sugar. I’m the one who picked you up and touched you not only without your consent, but without even introducing myself first. My mama would tan my hide if she was here right now. My name is Kairo, but you can call me Kai if you’d like. And hopefully you also remember my brother from last night. His name is Kaspian. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, but first, would you like to shower and change?”
My voice is croaky when I try to speak, so I clear my throat before I speak again. “Yes, please. Can I also have some water and maybe something for my headache? It’s really bad and I don’t feel very good.”
His gaze sharpens, and he leans in to sniff near my neck, startling me enough that I rear my head back, nearly falling off the man’s lap.
“Sorry, that was probably really weird, huh? I was just checking your scent. Can I ask you a few questions, Blake? I think I know what you were drugged with, but I’d like to know all of your symptoms, to be sure.” He grips my arm gently above my elbow and guides me to sit in the desk chair when I wobble, trying to keep my balance after moving my head so suddenly.
Shocked, I turn to face Kairo, almost falling out of my chair as I do. “How do you know my name?”
Now it’s the Alpha’s turn to blush. “Uhh, can I explain that after the questions and the shower? I think once you meet my whole pack, things will make a lot more sense.” He flashes a charming grin at me.
Eyeing him suspiciously, I realize I’m too tired to argue with him. So, I mutter, “Fine. Let’s skip the get to know you and move straight to the medical questionnaire, then, shall we?”
Not expecting the booming laugh that showcases his gorgeous smile, I jump in my seat before catching myself. Then I cross my arms, raising one eyebrow at him in question.
“God, I feel like all I’ve done this morning is apologize.” He chuckles. “I’m sorry again, Sugar. I wasn’t expecting you to have so much snark readily available after being out cold for almost a full day. I love it.”
Sucking in a breath, I’m a little surprised to realize Iwasbeing my old, snarky self. Just for a second. And not once did I worry about the consequences of something that came out of my mouth or brace myself to be hit.
Who is this guy, and why am I so comfortable with him?
“Sorry. My foster parents always used to say I had a smart mouth. I guess I just can’t kick the habit, no matter how many times I was punished for it,” I whisper, my eyes trained down on my lap in case he doesn’t want to be looked in the eyes like Phil.
“Blake… Darlin’, look at me.” He uses one finger to pull my face up gently so I can meet his eyes. “Please don’t ever be afraid to be yourself with us. Stare us down, talk back, be snarky, tease us, call us out when we’re wrong. I told you, you’resafehere. We willneverpunish you for something you say or do, okay? I promise.”
He holds out his pinky to promise me, and I suck in a sudden breath, suddenly reminded of another promise someone made me and he broke the very same night. Not wanting to upset this sweet man who’s been so kind to me, I take his pinky and lock it with mine, looking into his amazing honey brown eyes and nod. Being this close to his face, I can see tiny gold flecks that I didn’t notice earlier. The effect is stunning. Letting go of my pinky, he starts back in with his inquisition.
“Great, well, have you noticed any changes in your scent since last night? Even something minor?”
My eyes widen. “Actually, yeah. My scent has been super strong. I know it only just came in fully when I turned eighteen yesterday, but last night just before you found me and today it’s been noticeably stronger.”
He nods. “Alright, and have you noticed any other physical changes? Dry mouth, dizziness, hot flashes or fever?”
Again, I nod at him, getting more concerned by the minute as his expression darkens and a low grumble builds in his chest.
“Okay, last question: how’s your mental status? Are your inhibitions down? Do you feel more open to suggestion? Less guarded and maybe even a little aroused?”
My mouth drops open. “How do you know that? Do you know what he drugged me with?”
With a grimace, he pulls out his phone and turns it around to show me the screen. “This is a drug called Predatocin, but the street name is Heat Fleet, or HF. Blake, he gave you a drug to bring on a heat. I don’t think it was a full dose, or maybe it was a faulty batch, because you’re clearly not in heat, but you are showing symptoms of what’s called pre-heat. Are you familiar with heats at all or how they work?”
