Page 50 of Sweet Whiskey
Maverick is beside me as we head to the parking lot, and as soon as we get to my car, I turn to facehim. His stoic eyes stare back into mine before he glances away, uncertainty shining in them.
“I always wanted a brother.”
His lips twitch, and he turns back to me. “Me too, but I guess a sister is alright.”
I smile. “Are you sure? I—uh, I don’t want to intrude.”
Maverick scoffs, then starts laughing. “Kinsey, even if that test came back negative, you have my ranch manager and two of my best ranch hands wrapped around your pinky.”
Blushing, I shove at his arm. “Stop. You know what I mean.”
His smile dims and then he nods. “Yeah, I know. I’m gonna be honest, I don’t know if I’ll make the best brother. Pops was a little too busy with the ranch to really bother with me. Mom found her scent matches when I was two and ran off with them. The guys are the guys, and I’d consider them family, but at the end of the day we’re all doing our own thing.” He shrugs at the end, as if he didn’t say some of the most heartbreaking things.
I lean against my car and shrug back. “My mom basically worked herself to death to put a roof over our head and me through the omega academy. I didn’t get as much time with her as I would have liked. Brielle is like the sister I never had.”
Maverick’s expression brightens at the mention of Brielle, but he doesn’t say anything. “Well, I know Levi will want to see you. Just let me know anytime you want to come. I’ll go with you if you want company.”
“I’d like that. Thank you.”
I’m halfway to town when a cramp has me gasping and pulling over to the side of the road. My arm wraps around my stomach and my eyes water. My shirt feels sticky, like I’ve been sweating profusely.
Groaning, I sit up straight as the pain lessens, and I blow out a long breath. My knuckles tighten over the steering wheel, and I glance around. I’m close to the house that Colt showed me, but I doubt anyone is home. My body tenses as ifpreparing for the next cramp, and I make my decision. I won’t make it to town.
When I pull down the driveway, ducking under the trees again, I nearly cry in relief when I see a parked truck. A blond head pops out from the front door as I pull in closer, and Brooks watches me with a confused look. I almost start drooling at his bare, glistening chest and formfitting jeans as he walks toward me.
“Kinsey?”
My legs tremble as I climb out of the car, and he hurries to my side, catching me around the waist. “You okay?”
I shake my head. “Heat spike. I was going to pull over and get off, but I’m really glad to see you.”
A conceited smirk pulls on his mouth. “You just want me for my body, huh?”
I laugh a little breathlessly as I lean closer, inhaling his scent with a moan. He chuckles, picking me up effortlessly and carrying me toward the house.
“Let’s get you inside and see where you’re at,” hesays as my hands explore his shoulders and my legs wrap around his hips.
When we get through the door, he sets me on the kitchen counter and grabs water from the fridge. It’s amazing how different it already looks from when Colt brought me. They must be working hard to get this done, and it tugs at my heart. It’s meant for all of us if we choose to become a pack, but I know they’re building it for me.
I take the bottle from him, gulping down the cold ice water before tipping the rest of it over my chest.
“Woah, Kins,” Brooks says, jumping away from the splashes.
Pulling the wet shirt stuck to my skin off, I fan my face. “I’m really hot. Like, I’m burning up.”
His eyes flash and then he leans closer, inhaling sharply. Brooks staggers back the next second, covering his nose with his hand. My eyebrows furrow, and a whine escapes my throat.
He shakes his head. “No, no. Sweet girl, it's because you smell so good. I’m trying to stop myself from going into a rut.”
Tears sting the back of my eyes and I groan, clutching at my stomach when a cramp has me doubling over. “I think I’m in heat, b-but it’s like a month early.”
Brooks comes closer, rubbing my back, and I breathe a little easier at his touch. “It’s okay, we’ll figure it out. Do you—uh do you want to see if I can ease some of the pain?”
I lean into his chest, dragging his scent into my lungs with deep sniffs. My core flutters, slick gushing into my leggings. His hand pauses and then curls into a fist.
“Okay, sweet girl. I’m going to help,” he says gently. Brooks grabs me around my waist, lifting me onto the counter before stepping between my legs. I lean back, my fingers curling around the tile as Brooks tugs my pants off.
His throat bobs as his eyes drop to the apex of my thighs. “Tell me you’re okay with this, Kinsey.”
