Page 220 of Kingdoms of Night

I would need more linens. Water. And maybe a leash. Without restraints, I’d probably end up leaving the house to find Jonas. Or another Alpha.

Or anything that could fuck me.

This is why I hate being an Omega.

But rather than sit around and brood over it, I needed to prepare for it.

I was a renowned infectious disease physician.

I could handle a heat cycle.

I just needed to find the right supplies and barricade myself in a room.

I’ve got this.

CHAPTERNINE

RILEY

Somewhere in North Carolina

Isoooo do not have this.

I’m going to die.

Because I’m currently on fire.

I curled into a ball in the closet, shivering despite the heat surrounding me.

I’d chosen this small space for my nest because it’d made me feel safe. At least initially. But as the tremors had continued to rock my core, I’d begun to feel restless and claustrophobic.

A soft mewling sound slipped from my lips, my inner wolf begging for relief. Not necessarily sex, justsomething.Even an ice cube would do.

Because it was so damn hot in here.

Suffocating.

Lonely.

This was the path I’d chosen, though. The path I deserved.

A tear betrayed my inner sadness, making me want to growl.I am not this pathetic being. I’m Doctor Riley Campbell. I don’t need an Alpha. I don’t need anyone.

Except that didn’t stop me from craving company.

And not just any company, but Jonas.

I inhaled deeply, longing for his woodsy scent. His inherent protection. His domineering presence.

He’d been there for months, always staring at me, always guarding me. I’d taken him for granted. It seemed only fitting that he’d left me to fend for myself during my strongest moment of need.

Because I’d never respected him.

I’d never properly thanked him.

I’d never even been nice to him.

My knees touched my chest, the summer dress sticking to my skin. I whimpered again, the dampness between my legs sticky andhot.

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