Page 100 of Pack Scratch Fever
They’re respecting my autonomy, even during my Heat.
That’s how it’s supposed to be,my inner Omega says.It’s on our terms, and they adapt to our preferences.
The two cats back up hesitantly but don’t run away when I sit on the bench that Poe and I fooled around on earlier.
I’m rewarded with slow blinks from the felines, and soon, they grow tired of me and start to chase each other across the backyard.
I watch them while breathing in the night air and wiping at the sweat on my brow.
My Heat symptoms are still there, and I’m not naïve enough to think this is the end of it.
According to my doctor, the Heat effects will be intense for a considerable amount of time.
But thankfully, I’m with three Alphas who approach me with tenderness and patience, not selfishness.
My attention is so focused on the cats pawing at the chicken wire around Poe’s herbs that I don’t even notice Avery’s presence until he’s on the bench next to me, sweet chamomile filling my nostrils. Instinctively, I lean into him, and he wraps an arm around my waist. His chest rumbles with a deep purr, and I close my eyes in bliss.
“I couldn’t stay away,” he admits. “I hope this is alright with you.”
I hum. “Of course it is.”
We sit in silence until a yowl interrupts the peace. I open my eyes to see the grey tabby cat lift his head and make a graceful leap off the chicken wire then sprint through the backyard.
“They can’t stay away from those plants,” Avery chuckles.
“Poe basically built a paradise for the neighborhood cats, and he didn’t even realize it,” I say, smiling.
“He’ll turn into a cat person in no time with you around,” Avery replies, and my smile grows.
He shifts next to me, and I realize he’s brought his camera out with him.
“What’s that for?” I ask, motioning to it.
He shrugs. “For the cats,” he admits. “I’ve always enjoyed photographing animals, and cats are so expressive. It’ll be good examples to show my class, too.”
I gasp. “Wait. You should be sleeping; don’t you have to teach tomorrow?”
Avery chuckles. “Are you serious? We’re not leaving your side this week. None of us are.”
My mouth falls open n shock. “What about Poe?”
“He’s not going into the office, that’s for sure.” Avery turns to me, his warm amber eyes fond. “Did you think we would leave you here alone during all of this? That you wouldn’t be our highest priority?”
I almost nod, but he looks so bewildered that I don’t.
I fully expected them to go to work when they needed to, my Heat be damned.
I’ve never been anyone’s first priority, but I have a feeling that telling Avery that would devastate him.
Instead, I shrug.
Frowning, he takes my bandaged hand and runs his thumb gently over the strip. “What’s this?” he asks.
“Ugh. Mister Whiskers was angry at me,” I murmur. “Gave me a gnarly scratch. It won’t be the first or last time I have battle scars.”
He lifts my hand and brings it to his lips gently, and my heart skips a beat.
He’s so kind and compassionate.
