I have a fever.
I can feel the sweat drip down my back as I struggle to finish up the orders for the day. Devyn is busy running the register, and I stay behind the counter, piping icing onto macarons.
I took too many days off, and even though the staff has done a decent job running the café, I notice the disorganized inventory and messy pastry display cases.
Unfortunately, my concussion left me no choice but to stay home.
Now, my skin is hot and flushed, my mating gland itches, and my womb cramps.
My Heat is coming.
I haven’t had one in a year, and it’s about to hit me like a tidal wave.
“Oh, God,” I groan to myself, wiping flour off my apron.
“Are you okay?” Luke asks me, placing a cup of ice water next to me. “You don’t look too great, Skye.”
I close my eyes and breathe slowly in and out.
“Honestly? I haven’t been okay in weeks,” I say, wiping my hair from my forehead. “But I’m hanging in there.”
We finally have a break in the stream of customers, and Devyn comes over to join me. “You could have taken another week off,” she insists, organizing the rose macarons into their Valentine’s Day boxes. “We have it taken care of here.”
“No, I need to be back,” I say, grimacing. My hand goes to my stomach, and I exhale through gritted teeth.
“No, really, Ben’s been working on things for April, and you still have your concussion—”
“Devyn. It’s not my concussion” I say pointedly. “It’s something else.”
“What could—oh? Oh.” Her eyes widen as she figures it out. “Your Heat?” she whispers. “You said you haven’t had a Heat in a year!”
I nod. “Exactly. And Landon is coming over on Sunday. And he’s bringing River.”
She blinks, then a slow, wicked smile forms on her face.
I scowl at her. “No. It’s not for that. They’re going to touch base with me about April. And Landon said he wanted to compare some notes with Ben.”
But her grin only grows, and she waggles her eyebrows at me.
“What?” I snap, but my tone doesn’t deter her.
“You like them, and they like you,” she says in a singsong voice.
I feel my cheeks get redder. “This is stupid,” I mutter, purposely not looking at her as I finish up the Valentine’s Day boxes.
“Wait, they’re coming over on Sunday? That’s Valentine’s Day!” she says.
I groan. “Devyn, I swear to God—”
“I knew you were going to get yourself some hot detectives!” she continues.
I slam a box down and lean my elbows on the counter, sighing. “It’s not about that,” I mutter. “It’s about April. It needs to be about April.”
I’m not sure if I’m reminding myself or Devyn.
“I’ve been selfish,” I say softly, meeting her entertained eyes. “I haven’t been thinking about her as much. It’s like…I have this stupid crush, and I’m distracted. And I feel horrible because of it.”
Devyn’s grin fades. “You’re being human,” she assures me. “Beating yourself up because you’re getting along with them isn’t a bad thing. April would agree with me.”
“I’m doing more than getting along with them,” I mutter to the counter, ashamed to look at her.
I expect an excited squeal or some type of celebration, but Devyn surprises me. “Good,” she says simply. “You needed it.”
I look back up at her. “Huh?”
“You weren’t eating or sleeping. You only drank coffee and never smiled. Now, you have some color to your cheeks, and occasionally you laugh. You’re still not one hundred percent, but you’re functioning like the Skylar I met before all of this. Maybe even better, now that you’re getting out of your dry spell.”
I snort. “I should never have told you that.”
“You’re doing everything you can for April,” Devyn continues gently. “You’re doing more than most people. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice being a complete person.”
I hate that she’s right.
The corner of my lip quirks up. “What would I do without you?” I murmur. “You’re smarter than I was at nineteen.”
Then another cramp hits, and I lean over the counter, exhaling sharply.
“You would still be working and not have someone order you to go home,” she says, playfully pulling on my bun. “This place is like a well-oiled machine. I’ll have it running for you while you’re gone.”
I groan. “I’ve been back for less than a week. I shouldn’t just leave.”
“And we’ll be fine without you,” Devyn insists. “Get your Heat sorted, rest, and enjoy Valentine’s Day.”
“Okay, well what about the special flavors for the charity boxes for April—”
“I have it handled. Go back home and prepare for your monster of a Heat.”
I don’t even argue with her. Devyn has kept the place running since I’ve been gone, and the rest of the staff is great.
I wonder if I have the authority to promote her to assistant manager. She has my store keys already, and she knows how to do everything.
And she’s a great friend.
I mull it over as I make my way back to my car, doing my best not to freak out about Sunday.
It will be fine.
I can handle both River and Landon at the same time, right?
I wake up on Sunday morning, and it’s bad.
I haven’t had to wear slick panties in more than a year, but now I’m digging them out of my closet. They’re extra absorbent and incredibly soft, but it feels foreign to have to use them.
My fever has grown worse, and chills rack my body.
My Heat symptoms have never been this bad.
I’m sensitive to the smallest touch, even when dressing.
My cunt literally aches, desperate to be touched.
I grab my vibrator from the furthest corner of my nightstand, put it on the highest setting, and bite into a pillow as I draw out a pitiful orgasm.
I cannot be this horny when River and Landon show up. What I did with River was…incredible, but I’m not sure if Landon knows.
I have to get the horniness out of my system.
But the silicone isn’t enough, and all I can think about is Alpha.
My inner Omega screams with need, begging to be filled and fucked.
“Not today,” I mutter, downing an extra dose of suppressants, along with over-the-counter medicine for Heat symptoms. “Please, just hold off until tomorrow.”
I brew tea made to alleviate Heat discomfort and take it with an Omega multivitamin.
I even watch a video on Heat Yoga and end up crashing to the floor after attempting an awkward handstand.
Nothing is helping, and both Landon and River are supposed to arrive by noon. Even my softest sweater and lightest lounge pants don’t offer any reprieve for my delicate skin.
Finally, I give up and brew a cup of coffee.
I’ve done my best. At least I won’t smell like Heat pheromones, and my house smells like coffee.
This is fine.
But I’m an overheated, overstimulated wreck by the time my doorbell rings.
I expect to see both of them when I open up the door, but instead, I’m met with only Landon smiling at me. He’s dressed in his usual fitted white button up and dark jeans, polished but still casual.
There’s a bouquet of dark red roses in his hand.
“Hi,” he grins, showing off his dimples. Then, he holds out the roses for me. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
In my delirious state, I forgot what day it was.
I take the roses and my heart stutters.
Alpha cares for us!
I can’t remember the last time someone bought me roses.
Jason always said they were a waste of money.
“Thank you,” I murmur, unable to control my smile. “You didn’t have to do that.”
I bring the roses to my face and inhale. They’re divine.
“It’s Valentine’s Day,” he says simply. “Of course you deserve flowers.”
I fight a sudden urge to cry.
My attraction to Landon is different from my attraction to River. River is wild, unhinged, and accesses my dark side. I’m drawn to Landon because of his kindness, his understanding, and his sweet disposition.
And he’s hot as hell, too, which my inner Omega never forgets.
He’s here to talk about April, I remind myself. The flowers are a nice gesture, but he’s not here because it’s Valentine’s Day.
“Oh! Come in,” I say, stepping back when I realize he’s still standing in my doorway. As he enters, I flit to the kitchen, opening my cupboards to find a glass vase to put the flowers in.
Placing the roses in the center of the kitchen island, I watch as he takes in my front room. “That’s a lot of candles,” he comments amusedly, eyeing the five I have lit throughout the area.
“Oh, yeah,” I mutter as a cramp pierces my abdomen. “I’m a big candle fan,” I chuckle.
Even to my own ears, it sounds like bullshit.
His eyes meet mine and his smile fades. “Is everything all right?” he asks, tilting his head. “You seem a little…off.”
I chew on my lip. I’ve never been a good liar, but I also don’t want him to leave if I admit to him what’s happening.
My nipples pucker through my sweater, and I wince.
“Ah, I’m fine,” I say. “I’m just a little under the weather.”
We stare at each other for a moment until he nods. “I can leave if you want…but I won’t be able to visit for another week,” he adds. “I don’t want to impose if you’re not feeling well.”
“It’s fine,” I blurt out, and he tilts his head.
Does he smell me? Are the sprays, candles, and suppressants not working?
Then, an amused smirk graces his lips. “If you say so,” he says, then motions towards the couch. “Do you mind if I sit? I have a lot to discuss with you.”
I don’t know why it’s so disconcerting that we’re going to sit on a couch together, but I nod overenthusiastically. “Yeah. Uh-huh. Do you want something to drink? I have coffee. Do you want coffee?”
I sound ridiculous. I’m doing everything I can to distract myself from how hot Landon looks and how delicious his scent is.
It’s taking everything in me to not drop to my knees and beg for his cock.
Stop it!
“Coffee sounds great,” he says, giving me a knowing look. “As long as you don’t mind, of course.”
I don’t know what he finds so amusing, but it makes my skin tingle as I refill my mug and pour one for him.
“Anything in it?” I choke out, my hands shaking.
I need to get it together. Now.
Slick drips out of me, and I shift uncomfortably.
This was a bad idea. A bad, bad idea.
But I already told him to stay, and what can I say now?
“Sorry, Landon, but I’m so fucking horny I might die. I’ll see you next week!”
“I’ll take anything you give me,” he murmurs.
I almost drop the mugs.
I don’t miss the double meaning, and I stop myself from whimpering.
Thankfully, I’m able to navigate to the couch without dropping anything and hand Landon his mug. Our fingers brush as he takes it from me, and electricity shoots up my arm.
“Thank you,” he says, keeping eye contact with me as he puts his mouth on the cup.
I fight back a whimper and make my way to the opposite side of the couch, yanking the throw blanket off the top of it. Wrapping myself in it, I lean back against the couch cushions and meet Landon’s smile.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asks again, the dimples reappearing. There’s not as much concern in his tone this time, and my stomach churns with anticipation.
He knows.
“Yeah. I think I’m getting a cold,” I lie, wrapping my arms around my knees and leaning back against the armrest. Thankfully, I deep cleaned the couch after River’s visit, and no more slick stains are visible.
That would make for an awkward conversation with Landon.
He holds my gaze for too long, his eyes searching mine. “If you say so,” he says finally. Then he pulls out his phone and scrolls through his notes.
“Wait. Where’s River?” I ask suddenly. “He was coming too, right?”
“He will be,” Landon assures me. “He’s meeting with Ben right now.”
I frown. “Ben told me River hated him.”
Landon sighs. “River hates everyone, including me. But Ben was able to have the department dust for fingerprints on the car, and he’s meeting with River to discuss it.”
My ears perk up. “Really? They did?”
“River pulled strings on his end, too. We have connections to forensics teams,” he says. “It’s not a lot, but we’re doing what we can.”
Once again, I’m reminded of how lucky I am that they’re helping me.
“I can’t thank you enough,” I say sincerely as my heart beats rapidly in my chest. “Both of you, doing so much for me. It means the world.” I shiver as I finish my sentence, chills wracking my body.
I can only put off my Heat symptoms for so long, and they’re starting to show themselves again.
Landon smiles and pats the space next to him. “Come sit with me,” he says softly. “You’re freezing.”
I don’t realize I’m tearing up until one falls down my cheek. “I…” my voice trails off as a cramp hits me.
“Skylar. Come here.” He doesn’t demand like River does, but I still sense the command in his voice. “I can’t in good conscience let you curl yourself up in a ball to stay warm. Let me take care of you.”
Let me take care of you.
Landon is so kind, so good, that it makes my heart ache.
“I…I could be contagious,” I bite out. “You don’t want to get sick.”
“I have an immune system of steel,” he chuckles. “Whatever you have, I promise I won’t catch it.”
Yeah, because Heats aren’t contagious, and you’re an Alpha.
Still, I stay curled up in the corner, unsure of how I might act if I get any closer to him.
My inner Omega howls in despair, desperate to be touched.
Desperate to be loved.
“Darling,” he says quietly, and my blood pressure spikes. “Come here.”
I stop fighting it.
Slowly, I uncurl myself and make my way over to his side of the couch, where he wraps an arm around me. I bury my face in his side, inhaling everything that is pure Alpha.
Safety. Warmth. Comfort.
Just like it was with River, it’s as if this is the thousandth time he’s held me.
When his chest starts to rumble, I nuzzle my face into him, sighing in pleasure.
“You are a beautiful little liar,” he whispers in my ear, his hand coming to stroke my hair. “You know never to lie to a detective, right?”
His purr increases, and I whimper into his chest.
“The obscene number of candles. The perfume you’re wearing to mask your real scent.” His fingers drift from my hair down to my neck, and I stifle a moan. “You could have told me, and I would have visited another time.”
“Do you want to leave?” I ask, half afraid.
Maybe he doesn’t want to be around me when I’m like this.
“I never want to leave,” he admits quietly, his fingers tracing circles around my throat. “That’s the problem.”
Every touch is a live wire directly to my clit, and I shift my thighs. “Then don’t,” I murmur.
“You don’t understand the effect you have on me,” he sighs, his hand traveling to trace under the top of my sweater. When his fingers brush against my collarbone, my cunt spasms at the sensation. “I don’t do this. I don’t lose control. But with you…all rules are thrown out the window.”
I’m melting at his touch. My cunt aches, fresh slick dripping out of me, and I let out a soft moan.
“Landon,” I gasp as his fingers reach to the side and brush my mating gland. “I’m, you’re going to make me…”
“So sensitive,” he whispers as I jerk my hips at his touch. He keeps me in place on the couch with his arm wrapped around my waist, and I’m helpless as he sends shockwaves of pleasure through my body. “So beautiful.”
It takes one gentle tap at my gland with his mouth at my neck, and my back arches. I let out a cry as my release hits me, and he groans into my skin while I writhe under his hold.
When I finally calm down, he lets go of my waist to turn and cup my face in his hands. His pupils are dilated, so big that there’s almost no brown left to his irises.
“Tell me I can kiss you,” he breathes against my lips. “Tell me I can taste you.”
I nod, letting out a gasp. “Yes,” I whisper. “Please.”
Still cradling my face, he crashes his lips to mine.
It’s different from the way River kisses. Landon kisses me thoroughly but slowly, taking his time. There’s no desperation; just his tongue exploring my mouth and me moaning into the kiss.
It’s incredibly hot. Sweat beads from my forehead, and I’m so overheated I feel as if I might explode.
“Ridiculous girl,” he chides, grinning against my lips. “You’re going to trigger my Rut. No amount of candles will stop it, I promise you.”
I whimper and nip at his full bottom lip.
“Always testing my control,” he breathes, running his mouth down my throat and sucking bruises into the skin.
Despite the fog of lust in my brain, I suddenly remember that he’s not the only Alpha that will be here tonight.
River should be coming over at any moment.
“Wait,” I gasp, struggling to not rip my clothes off and jump on him. “You should know I’ve been with River,” I say quickly, shame coursing through my veins.
They can’t stand each other. What will he say?
Will he leave?
But before I can spiral, he moves his mouth from my neck and meets my gaze. “I know,” he says gently with a slight smile on his face.
“But…doesn’t that bother you?” I stutter, digging my fingers into his shirt and staring at his chest. I start to panic, and my breathing rapidly increases.
My stupid Heat makes me more emotional than usual.
“Skylar,” Landon says, stroking my hair. “Darling. Look at me.”
My eyes snap up to meet his gaze, which is still just as tender. “Why shouldn’t you be tended to at all times? If we both make you happy, I’m fine with it.”
I open and close my mouth. “But—”
“You deserve as many Alphas as you want,” he says firmly. “If you want a pack of twenty, I’ll happily be in it.”
I blink at him. “What—”
“Besides, River and I already talked about it,” he says, chuckling. “We’re more than happy to share you.”
My mind turns to mush.
“Also,” Landon moves his mouth to my ear, and I shiver. “I’d love to watch you get fucked while I take you.”
I short circuit.
The filth that just spewed from his mouth catches me off guard, and I grip at his shirt and pull him closer, kissing him violently.
His scent has changed, too. It’s more powerful than it was when he first came into the house and it’s making my head swim.
All I can breathe is Landon. He’s in my veins, his scent coursing through my bloodstream.
He chuckles against my lips. “Take that blanket off, beautiful. Let me see you.”
Slowly, I start to unwrap the fabric as he lets go of my waist. I feel his gaze on me and I blush, looking down at my chest as I expose myself to the air.
“Look at me, darling.”
Darling. I’ve never been called that in my life, and every time Landon says it, my heart stutters.
I finally meet his gaze, and he’s so handsome I have to kiss him again.
Unlike River, he’s clean shaven, and his lips are fuller.
But they’re both perfect, in their own ways.
“Touch me,” I beg against his lips. “Touch me, Alpha.”
He groans, and his strong arms lift me onto his lap. I straddle him, my thighs on either side of his hips, and his kisses turn deeper.
“That’s right,” he murmurs, pleased at my whimpers. “Such a good Omega for me.”
I cry out at his words and grind myself against his lap. He grips my waist and sucks in a breath as I rub myself on him.
He’s rock hard.
It’s not enough. I want him to see me, to let him have what I gave to River.
“Lift your arms, sweetheart,” he whispers, his gaze turning dark. I don’t even think about it; I obey him instantly. My sweater is off in seconds, and I’m left in just my simple white lace bra. It’s sheer, and my nipples are sensitive against the fabric.
Judging by his dropped jaw, he enjoys the view.
“Perfect,” he breathes, gauging my reaction as his fingers trace over the lace. I scream, overheated and over sensitized, and thrust myself against his clothed erection.
“Fuck,” he hisses, and I almost finish just from hearing him curse.
I want him to lose control completely. I want his Rut to take over, and I want his knot to lock into me.
I lean into the touch and pant against his neck, desperately needing more.
“Please,” I whisper, as his hand continues to caress my breasts, the other holding my waist. “Please, more, Alpha. Make me come again.”
His scent changes, richer than it’s ever been, and suddenly, he’s flipping me onto my back. Landon leans down to kiss me as he leans over me, and I thrust my hips up eagerly, grinding against his hard length.
“Did River take you here?” he whispers into my ear. “Do I get to claim the same spot he did?”
Oh my God.
His hand dips into my pants, pulling down the fabric until I’m only in my underwear. He swipes a finger across my slit and growls.
“You’re soaked,” he whispers as he nips at my earlobe. I yelp and jerk upward, forcing my cunt against his finger. “So, so wet,” he continues. “Such a mess you’re making, Miss Bloom.”
He finds my clit, pressing down and rubbing slowly, and I come apart again.
“Do you know what you do to me?” he growls. “Do you know how hard I’ve worked to not fall to my knees at a pretty smile? But the minute you walked into my office, I wanted to take you on that desk.”
I’ve died, I think to myself. There’s no way this is real.
“You make me irrational, Miss Bloom. And that should terrify you.”
I’m still coming, I realize. My poor couch needs another deep cleaning after this; it’s more slick than cushion by now.
I can’t speak. I’m nothing but white-hot pleasure, my cunt aching and ready to take him.
I reach down to tug at his zipper, but he shakes his head. “Not here,” he says. “You need a nest. You need to be treated like a queen, and we can give that to you.”
I’m halfway between crying and orgasming again. His words speak to my inner Omega, but they also speak to Skylar.
“You’re worth it, darling,” he whispers.
I can barely speak. A hushed please falls from my lips, and then I’m lifted into his arms.
He carries me into my bedroom after turning us down the hall.
You’re worth it. Let us give it to you.
His words replay in my mind as he deposits me on the bed. I luxuriate against the mattress, enjoying the feel of the specialty foam against my aching body.
Landon sits at the edge of the bed, and I reach for him. He’s not close enough.
“My Rut is triggering surprisingly fast,” he says through gritted teeth. “I need to know you want this. If not, I have to leave now.”
He breathes deeply and his fists clench, and I marvel at how sexy it is to watch him lose his composure.
But then I remember River is still coming over, and the thought makes me moan.
“I want this. I want you and River to take me,” I breathe. “I need it, please.”
He swallows, closes his eyes, and groans. “I haven’t done this in a long time,” he says. “I can’t promise I’ll be gentle.”
I’m half convinced I’m dreaming.
“Yes,” I moan, arching my back. “I need this, Alpha.”
My cunt is on full display for him. I’ve soaked through my Heat panties, and my pussy is visible through the damp fabric.
“Fuck,” he whispers to himself as his eyes lock on my cunt. “You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?”
“Landon, please,” I beg, running my hands over my breasts. “It hurts. It hurts.”
He stands up, and for a second, I think he’s going to undress, but instead, he walks away.
Alpha is leaving me. I’m too much for him. I’m too needy…
“Where are your nesting blankets?” he asks gruffly. “I need to know now.”
“No, just, please—”
But he turns to me, his gaze steely. “You need a nest. Only the best for you from now on, remember?”
It’s a non-negotiable, apparently.
Alpha takes care of us!
“Top shelf of the closet,” I moan, desperately trying to not lose my mind and scream.
I’m going to die if I don’t get touched soon.
He pulls every single one of the blankets down and drapes the luxurious fabrics over me. Instantly, I feel relieved, safe, and comforted.
He was right, of course.
Nests make everything better, and I haven’t had one in so long.
He begins to unbutton his shirt, and my mouth waters. A sliver of chiseled abs appear, and I’m more than ready when—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
We both freeze. I peer up at him over the top of the blankets, watching as his hands still.
“River,” he exhales, annoyed.
I tense up. I don’t know how this is going to go—they don’t like each other. What if somehow it becomes weird? What if they—
“Don’t go there,” Landon says. “I can smell your panic from here, Omega. Touch yourself until I come back. That’s an order.”
Bossy Landon makes me feral.
He makes me want to obey.
My hand snakes under the blankets and reaches under my panties to find my swollen, neglected clit.
I lose myself in the sensation.
