Page 187 of Altius
I woke up alone Friday morning, adrift in a vast bed I didn’t choose, waiting for an appointment I didn’t want, dreading words that would put my recovery in jeopardy.
Curled against my back, Tenny let out a contented mewl and pressed closer, providing sorely needed comfort on a frigid morning.
Stretched out along the top of the headboard, his customary perch since I started having regular bed partners, Kip opened one sleepy eye, yawned, and dozed back off.
Maybe the cats had the right idea.
What was the point of trying to outrun my demons this morning when they’d already caught up to me?
Despite my low mood, I still worked out, if only to quiet my mind for a few precious minutes.
Owen’s companionable silence had never been more welcome.
When we walked out of the gym, Kelsey was assembling large packing boxes at the dining room table. Must be time for her next round of themed starter nest kits to go out.
“Don’t tell me you were up all night?” I asked, pausing at the fridge to get a glass of water.
“No,” she said, almost dropping the box in her hands. “Just wanted to get a jump on things. Have that local business networking thing tonight, and a few of us might go out afterward.”
Owen gave me a parting nod and made a tactful retreat.
Taking a long sip of water, I discreetly watched him leave, admiring the solid planes of his back and toned ass before he slipped through the door.
Returning my attention to my sister, I asked, “Are you making yourself scarce because Wyatt will be here tonight?”
“No, not at all. This has been in the works for a few weeks.” Kelsey ran packing tape along the bottom seam of a box. “But if your social calendar happens to have an opening for lunch tomorrow…”
“It’s got your name on it. I’ll be fully dressed and de-scented by noon.” Giving her a brief but genuine smile, I started toward my suite. “And have fun tonight.”
Because if today’s appointment went the way I thought it would, lunch would be a major disappointment.
***
I stared at the rings on Chantal’s right hand, admiring how the amethyst and jet sparkled. How beautiful they were, despite the devastating words coming out of her mouth.
“The best course of action would be for you and Wyatt to bond during your next heat.”
Cal’s hand moved another inch higher on my leg. As if gripping my thigh was somehow more reassuring than my knee.
The somber intensity of his expression didn’t suit him.
Where had my affable pheromone wizard gone, who could heal me with a single wave of his magic wand?
Or at least inject me with something strong enough to ease the pounding in my head and knock me senseless for the rest of this appointment.
“Since we don’t know your natural heat cycle,” Chantal continued, “I think we should schedule a heat for spring break.”
“No,” Cal said, “that’s the run-up to the gymnastics conference championships. Let’s go with the last full week of April, during exams, just like last time. It works for everyone’s calendars.”
Chantal turned to her computer, almond-shaped nails clacking and rings flashing as she typed. Her mesmerizing efficiency made me feel like a fraud.
“Okay, I’ve got the dates in the system, but I need to make a few tweaks to the mating clauses. I’ll send you a draft to look over later.”
“To the both of us, please.” Cal’s thumb stroked the seam of my joggers.
“Morgan?” Chantal asked.
“It’s fine.”
