Page 37 of Heat Hesitation

Air-descenting filters were running at max capacity. Though I could smell people up close, the scents all blended together, so I had to search the many unfamiliar faces, and the more time that passed that I didn't see them, the more I questioned what the fuck I was doing here, pretending to belong.

The high ceilings boasted exposed beams, and the windows were ornately decorated, giving the whole place a real coastal cottage feel. We aren't near the ocean, but we could be dining on Martha's Vineyard for all the popped-collar vibes I was getting.

I keep vacillating between wanting to scream, 'Fuck this place, fuck these people,' and 'Please, Asher, where are you? I need a hug!' My omega's needy, nervous whimper matched my own, and I navigated the ritzy place and people with the confidence of a turtle.

I wasn't imagining the stares and snickers from other omegas who looked like they belonged in a ballroom, not an afternoon charity lunch event. I was underdressed, even in Roxy's beautiful green wrap dress. I hated that I let them get to me, but I couldn't help it, and the longer I wandered around this stupid place alone, the worse I felt.

Just when I was starting to give up, I heard it—Theo's obnoxiously charming laugh. My heart soared. I scurried around packs and servers, zeroing in on his voice, but when I found him, my not-mate was leaning in close to another woman, flirting shamelessly. Hard to hear over the heart-pounding pulse in my ears, but I heard him say her name, the rest of the words disappearing as he whispered into her ear, making her giggle and flutter her giant eyelashes.

The beautiful, gaudy omega from the gala I spilled drinks on. She smelled of peaches, leaning into Theo's space, her perfect, bouncy cleavage on display for him. I'm ashamed I tugged at my dress, feeling inadequate and jealous.

I felt like I was encroaching on her space, her claim, that I was the one who was interrupting. He's mine, I wanted to cry out, but was he? I've been rejecting him all this time, haven't I?

She titters and leans in, her lips so close she could kiss him, with one eye on me because she recognizes me, too—wrapping her long talons around his arm, whispering something into his ear, and there they go, back and forth, in conversation with each other. They look like a couple. My stomach sours, and I turn away.

My heart beats loudly in my chest; I feel like it's racing so fast it's visible, like a cartoon pulsing at my breast. I slip my cold, clammy hand around my neck to try and cool down. The small sip of champagne turns to acid in my stomach, so I set the glass down at the nearest table, not caring there's a group of people chatting and laughing together where I leave it.

I need to find the other guys. Theo's the only one who hasn't been interested in me, maybe he never wanted this, me or an omega in general. It's the damn scent-match that's screwing everything up.

With renewed determination, I steel my nerves and keep searching, dodging leering eyes from packs on the prowl and judgy fake smiles from omegas, trying mightily to keep my eyes from burning with tears. It feels so ridiculous, to be so hurt over something so small. Theo doesn't want me. It's what I wanted, right? Before I made the stupid decision to come here?

Finally, I spot him. His height helps, and he towers over a small group near the back. I hurry over, knowing Sully's been determined since day one that we figure out how to move forward together.

But when I approach, he's there with… another omega.

Well, it is an omega luncheon, right? An excuse for the unbonded to mingle, drop some cash for charity so they can feel good about themselves. But when I approach, their conversation catches me off guard.

Standing behind Sully, I listen, his deep voice greeting the woman at his side, "Imogen, it's good to see you again."

The woman, a gorgeous blonde with big, watery, innocent blue eyes, blinks up at my not-mate. "Oh, Sully, it's so good to see you! I'd hoped we could get together again," she smiles warmly at him, and that's when I recognize her. If I hadn't poured over every picture of them in the magazines, I might not have, but he's gone on a date with her.

Is that what this is? I'm frozen, watching like a voyeur, unable to turn away no matter how much it hurts. "Me too, actually. In fact, I hoped to run into you so we could talk. Maybe we could go somewhere more private?"

The woman leans forward, delighted, the picture perfect image of an OFA graduate. She's everything Alma always wanted to be. "Yes, of course, I'd love that."

Sully takes a step toward her, reaching an arm around her low back, and the shock and hurt are visceral. He's taking her somewhere private? He's touching her?

I must make a noise. A whimper. Several people near me respond. They can't help it; it's instinctual. The omegas react like there's a possible threat; the alphas do the same but drop into protective mode. As does Sully, but when he turns and sees the hurt in my eyes, he steps back, away from me, like I've burned him.

"Ophelia," he rushes to say.

"Don't let me interrupt. I believe you were taking this lovely young omega somewhere more private." I smile tightly, and I probably look pathetic, but whatever. I'm done giving a fuck.

I turn on my heel, not letting my hurt turn into tears. Sully chases after me. I duck and weave around all the people, and it's like a replay from the gala. I'm still the one who doesn't belong.

Only when I near the entrance do I spot Enzo. He's staring at his phone, looking like he'd rather be anywhere—literally anywhere—than here. When I nearly pass him, he glances up, and his bored, irritated expression transforms.

His eyes narrow, taking me in, noticing my dress and my effort, but I don't get a chance to feel stupid for trying to fit in. He takes in Sully's pursuit behind me, the expression on my face, and then steps between us.

I don't know what he says to Sully, but Enzo follows me out, and I gasp in the fresh air. It sure smells nicer outside here than in South Loop. That doesn't really make sense. Could their air be fresher?

Enzo's gripping my arm, guiding me down the street before I can call a cab. I try to shrug him off, but I don't have the mental fortitude. I don't fight when he leads me to their SUV. Only when I climb in and scent the others, the pine and cedar and even Theo's sweet lemon and honey, so goddamn enticing I want to bite into him like he's a petit four, taking in all their scents, do soft tears spill down my cheeks.

It's not a sobbing cry, just the casual feeling of crushing disappointment and heartbreak.

They were never just going to wait around for me to be ready.

Enzo's silent stability beside me makes me feel a little stronger. He's quiet, like usual, while navigating the streets and heading to my apartment. Sully's name pops up on the GPS screen. The ringing stops and then starts up again. Enzo doesn't react, but I feel angry and betrayed.

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