Page 99 of Want It All
‘No, but I’ve had one before, and I haven’t been on heat suppressants for six straight years.’ She poked a finger into my chest. ‘He should have had a heat when he first revealed, Tris. Taking blockers for that long without a breakcan’tbe good for him.’
Which was exactly what the doctors had always said, but I didn’t tell her that. ‘Okay. Seb’s in heat.’ I inhaled slowly, trying to calm my instincts, which were suddenly roaringneed to see him, now. ‘What do we do?’
‘I’ve already done the prep work,’ Rose told me. ‘You’ve got enough food to feed an army, and you’ve already got energy drinks. I asked the kitchens to send meals to your room, and I contacted the first-year student advisor and told her we had the flu and would be out for a few days.’
I dipped my head and kissed her. She froze for a moment, then her lips parted and she returned the kiss with a hunger that warmed my chilled body all the way to the bones. ‘You’re amazing, omega,’ I murmured, gently breaking away. ‘I’m glad you’re his.’ I paused. ‘And mine.’
Rose flushed, trying not to look pleased. ‘Hurry, alpha,’ was all she said.
I didn’t put her down. We were leaving puddles of water all over the waxed wood floor, but I didn’t care.
Sebastian was all that mattered.
‘What will he need?’ My breath was shaky, but it wasn’t from exertion; I was almost trembling with nerves.
‘He’s in preheat, so he’s in pain.’ Rose touched my cheek. ‘You need to be prepared for that. Preheat usually lasts twenty-four hours, but with the length of time he’s been on blockers, I’m not sure if he’ll follow the usual pattern. While he’s in preheat, his skin will be painful to touch. He’ll be aroused, but climaxing feels like pins and needles.’
‘That sounds awful.’
‘It is. But it’s our body’s way of gearing up for the heat haze. Our nerve endings get all messed up, and so does our temperature. Our muscles don’t know what’s going on, so they’ll tense and release randomly, which can lead to cramps. If he can stand being touched, a gentle massage will help. Other than that, he’ll take comfort from your presence.’ She wriggled and I put her down as we reached the apartment door. ‘But you need to stop your blockers and wash off your scent cancellers so he can smell you. He’ll want that more than anything.’ Rose turned to face me, studying my expression. ‘Are you ready?’
‘No,’ I answered honestly. ‘I’m so fucking nervous. I’ve wanted this for so long, but I wanted it to happen in a place of our own, in a beautiful nest full of things Seb had picked out, where I could make sure he was looked after properly. Not in student accommodation.’
Rose smiled at me. ‘You’re such a snob, Tristan,’ she said affectionately. ‘Sebastian doesn’t need all that. And hehasa beautiful nest. All he needs is you.’
‘And you,’ I whispered.
Her smile widened. ‘Come on, alpha.’
I scented Sebastian as soon as Rose opened the door. I pushed her gently inside and slammed it shut behind me;no onewas scenting my omega when he smelled likethat. Like the most decadent cherry pie I’d ever known, with thick, buttery pastryand sweet, tart filling that made my mouth water at the merethoughtof it. ‘Fuck.’
Rose inhaled. ‘Oh,shit.’ She turned and locked the door behind us. ‘Seb, baby? We’re back.’
There was no answer; I strode through the lounge room to the nest, anxious, absently noting the coverlet and cushions tossed on the floor outside the nest.Was he hurt? In pain so severe he couldn’t answer?
Luckily, it was neither of those things.
Sebastian was curled up on the nest-bed, fast asleep. A hectic red flush spread across his cheeks and down his neck and chest. He was entirely naked – another thing that made my mouth water – but for a pair of thick, woolly bed socks. I’d tease him about it mercilessly after the heat, but, in this moment, I found them so endearing that my heart hurt.
‘Oh, Seb,’ Rose murmured, rising on her tiptoes to peek over my shoulder, taking in the ring of pillows. ‘He’s nested properly. Oh, it’s beautiful.’ She tugged me back from the door. ‘This is perfect, actually. Go and have a shower, Tris. Wash off your cancellers.’
I swallowed. I knew she was right, but I glanced back at Sebastian. I didn’t want to leave him, not even for a five-minute shower.
‘Alpha.’ Rose took my chin in hand and tilted it down. Her hair was plastered to her cheeks, her skin still pale from the outside chill. ‘You’re soaking wet and shivering. You need to get warm and dry. I’ll watch your omega while you shower. Go.’
‘Our omega,’ I corrected. ‘And you need to get dry, too.’
She smiled. ‘Ouromega. And I will.’
I glanced at Sebastian again. ‘He won’t wake up?’
Rose shook her head. ‘I think he’s out for a while, Tris. And even if he did, you’re here. He’s safe.’
I gave a curt nod, then tore myself away from them both. It hurt to leave,physicallyhurt, my stomach twisting itself in knots.
I showered as quickly as I could, scrubbing off the scent canceller and rinsing my hair. I took several deep breaths, mentally running through everything I’d ever researched about heats.
Academically, I was prepared for this. But in reality?
