Page 104 of Sunshine

Theoretically, betas should be part of every heat, to balance things out and make sure everyone was eating and hydrating properly. It made sense from a biology standpoint, but it had always seemed like nature made us destined to be helpers. Standing on the sidelines, not the actual reason for the event.

“What’s wrong?” Julian squeezed my hand. When I looked up, I could see he was starting to get worried again.

“Nothing.” I licked my lips. “I’ve been wondering…I know every omega is different. I was wondering how lucid you are.”

Some omegas stayed lucid through most of their heat, only going into a semi-feral state of need when their hormones peaked. On the other end of the spectrum, some omegas basically operated on needs-based instincts and didn’t do much but have sex, sleep, and eat.

“I don’t care either way,” I added quickly. “I’m just curious.”

Julian perked up. “That’s a good question. I would say I’m semi-lucid most of the time. Sort of like when I’m about to fall asleep. I can carry on a simple conversation, but more complicated thinking is harder.”

I nodded, gently withdrawing my hand so I could start loading up our plates again.

“I’m usually in heat around a week, including the day or so of warming up and a day or so after to make sure I’m not going to have a hormone spike again.”

“Sounds good.” The thought of Julian, in heat and needy, sent a flush of yearning coursing through me.

He grinned. “Only good?”

“Sounds great.” I put a scone on his plate. “You better fill up if you’re a brat about eating during your heat.”

“Yes ma’am.” Julian smirked. “Also—don’t answer now—think about if there’s anything sexual you don’t want to do. Heats have a way of making everything feel intense and exciting.”

“I can’t think of anything.” I eyed the blueberry and lemon scone, wondering if Logan could make us some more.

Julian raised an eyebrow. “Bondage? Breath play? Double or triple penetration?”

“Oh.” More of that syrupy desire spread through me at the thought of all those exciting possibilities. “Oh, I should look at a list or something.”

“That’s right, babe.” Julian grabbed two more scones, handing me the blueberry and lemon. “Your sister, cousin—whatever Holly is—has two omegas in her pack right?”

“Oh, duh.” I shook my head. “I should ask her for tips.”

Julian grinned. “Didn’t she deal with two omegas without an alpha during their first heat with her? Before they packed up?”

“She did.” I laughed. “I’ll ask her for advice.”

“Good.” He patted my hand, looking calmer. “I don’t want to break you the first heat.”

It was really sweet, knowing he was worrying about me as much as I worried about him.

We talked about video games and movies the rest of the time, eating our way through all of the tiers of the cake stand. Well, Julian did most of the eating, but I still managed to eat more than usual.

Now that we’d had the chance to talk, I was equal parts excited and nervous. Maybe Holly wouldn’t mind if I asked her prying questions.

We drove back to Julian’s house. I spent the evening making some appointments and carrying out research, and by the end of the night I was exhausted.

It was like my brain had already checked out and had gone straight into ‘waiting-for-heat’ mode. I needed it to get back online long enough for me to update Holly on all my events, so she could handle things while I was gone.

I could ask her about Noah’s heat then.

Chapter 28

Sunshine

Under the shade of the pavilion in the middle of the North Meadow, I sat down and set out my notes, laptop, and planner on the table in front of me, ready for my meeting with Holly. I also had some random sticky notes, and some napkins.

I was not organized. Lucky for me, Holly knew what sort of person I was.

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