Page 55 of Pack Scratch Fever
Heidi pats my hand, and I give her a weak smile. Concerned, she presses her palm to my forehead.
“You’re burning up, honey,” she murmurs, her grey eyes crinkled with concern. “If you want to go home, the three of us have it.”
Going home would be worse. I’d be alone in my room, nesting on that depressing mattress.
Or worse, I’ll attempt to sext Avery and end up a horny, slick mess.
Besides, I know this is a side effect of my body returning to the normal dose of suppressants.
Mood swings. Low grade fever.
Restlessness.
“I’ve got it,” I tell Heidi. “I’d rather be here, honestly. Keeps my mind off things.”
“Is everything okay at home?” she asks. “Are you going to be alright?”
“Define ‘alright,’” I chuckle weakly.
She lets out a concerned huff. “Gary and I are always here for you, sweetheart. You can swing by our house anytime you want to chat.”
I give her a genuine smile. Gary and Heidi are good people. They adore Blair and me and talk highly about us and the rescue.
They were among our original volunteers back when Furs and Purrs opened. I’ve been candid with Heidi about my dating troubles, and she’s offered sage advice when she can.
She’s the grandmother I’ve always wanted.
“I appreciate that,” I murmur.
“You’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” she adds. “Let’s keep it that way.”
I nod. “I’ll try.”
Right now, it feels like my head is about to falloffmy shoulders.
I’m antsy and anxious, and I gulp down a cold bottle of water to no avail.
My fingers twitch, and I’m seconds away from emailing my doctor and telling her we need to switch up my suppressants.
But a whiff of savory pepper and rich ginger snaps me out of my spiral, and I look up to see a familiar face standing near one of the cages, making Mari laugh delightedly.
Maddox.
He’s dressed in a black hoodie and pants, making his fair skin appear even lighter than it already is. He flashes his stunning smile at Mari as he cradles an orange kitten against his chest.
When he spots me, he shoots me a wink.
“Oh my,” Heidi says, and I turn my head. Her eyes crinkle with delight. “He looks like trouble.”
“He sure does,” Gary agrees, letting out a grunt. “He’s looking right at you, Piper.”
“I’m aware,” I whisper.
Maddox hands the kitten back to Mari, then picks up a plastic bag. He heads toward me, and I forget how to breathe.
Hisscent. I inhale it greedily, my lips parting slightly, my mind hazy. I stay frozen in my cheap plastic folding chair as he approaches me, placing the bag at my feet.
“Hey gorgeous,” he purrs. “I brought some donations.”
