Page 101 of Pack Scratch Fever
He’s everything I’ve never had in an Alpha.
“Thank you,” he whispers, “for spending your Heat with me.”
His purr grows louder while I snuggle against him, basking in the soothing vibrations. Avery spends a few minutes with his camera, snapping pictures of the animal nightlife. A possum creeps along the top of the fence, startling the grey tabby, and I chuckle while Avery documents it.
“I could get used to this,” he admits. “Photographing your shelter cats with you.”
“You’ve done more than enough for the rescue,” I assure him, snuggling closer. “More than enough forme.I’m grateful for it all.”
“I want to do more for you,” he mumbles. “Ialwayswant to do more for you.” He pauses, then chuckles awkwardly. “I sound ridiculous, don’t I?”
The insecurity in his voice makes me pause. “I’m just not used to it,” I reassure him. “But I appreciate the gesture. You love photography; it makes sense you would want to share it with others. I’d talk about cats all day if I could.”
“It’s not just that,” he whispers. “I want to make you happy, Piper. You specifically.”
A lump forms in my throat. “You do, Avery,” I croak.
He kisses the top of my head, and all is right in the world.
I enjoy every moment of being in Avery’s hold, safe and content.
Maddox joins us a few minutes later, and I cuddle in between them, breathing in their delicious, comforting scents.
I hold on to that feeling of safety and security as long as I can.
I findPoe in the front room, hunched over his laptop on the couch. I tiptoe in, wrapped in a nesting blanket and itching to head back to my nest.
But I haven’t seen him since being lost in the throes of my Heat, and I long for his attention.
The minute he sees me, he sits upright and slams his laptop shut. “Are you alright?” he asks hurriedly.
So concerned and caring, the opposite of the man that entered my rescue the first time we met.
Scent match,my inner Omega supplies.He’s so good to us.
“I am,” I reply, smiling and making my way to the couch. He immediately pulls me into his arms with a low growl. I snuggle against him, cocooned and comfortable in the blanket.
“Is your nest okay?” he asks softly. “Do you need anything?”
I sigh as his scent swirls around me, earthy and potent.
“I can’t remember the last time I was this content,” I admit. “Thank you.”
He holds me tighter. “You deserve it.”
I don’t argue with him for once.
The little voice in the back of my head that always has something negative to say is silenced, at least for now.
“How’s work?” I mumble.
He scoffs. “I’m not going to talk aboutworkright now. It’s unimportant compared to you.”
My lip quirks. “You mean compared to my Heat,” I say.
“No, compared toyou.”
We sit in comfortable silence on the couch, Poe holding me close as he purrs deeply. I eventually close my eyes and am half asleep when he speaks again.
