Page 33 of Pumpkin Patch Pack
Apparently enjoying the vibrations of our laughter, Maple settles more comfortably on my back, making herself at home.
* * *
The drive intoAutumn Fallsproper takes only fifteen minutes, the winding country road carrying me past fields and forests painted in autumn colors. The town is small but charming—a main street lined with locally owned businesses, a town square with a gazebo, and the kind of architecture suggesting most buildings have stood for at least a century.
I park near the pharmacy, keeping my head down as I hurry inside. As soon as I step inside, the elderly beta behind the counter looks up with the polite curiosity of someone who knows they don’t recognize a customer.
“Good afternoon,” she says. “Can I help you find something?”
As I approach the counter, I scan the shop to ensure no one will overhear, already feeling exposed. “I need to refill a prescription,” I say quietly. “Omega suppressants.”
Her expression doesn’t change, but she lowers her voice discreetly. “Do you have your prescription with you, dear?”
I produce the empty bottle, pushing it across the counter. She examines it, then looks up with an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid we don’t carry this particular brand or dosage. This is stronger than what we typically stock.”
My heart sinks. “Do you have anything similar? Any suppressants at all?”
She turns to her computer, typing briefly. “We have the standard formulation, but it’s about half the strength you’re taking. And we’d need a local doctor to write you a new prescription.”
The thought of seeing a doctor, explaining my situation, and possibly having my details entered into a system that could be tracked sends a spike of fear through me. “How long would it take to order this specific one?”
“At least a week, possibly longer. We don’t have many omega customers requesting extra-strength suppressants, so we don’t keep them in regular inventory.”
A week! I have one pill left. The panic must show on my face, because the pharmacist leans forward, her expression sympathetic.
“Are you staying in town long?” she asks gently.
“I’m here for the season,” I admit, seeing no reason to lie about that much.
Recognition flashes in her eyes. “Oh! You must be the new social media girl atHarvest Home Farm. Theo was here last week, talking about how their Instagram following exploded.”
Of course. Small towns. Everyone knows everyone. I smile and nod, hoping I don’t look as panicked as I feel.
“That’s me,” I confirm, forcing a smile. “Is there anywhere else nearby that might carry these? Another pharmacy?”
She shakes her head. “The nearest one that might be is inSnowflake Valley, about forty minutes north. But even they would probably need to order it.”
I thank her and leave quickly. Back in my car, I pull out my phone and search for online pharmacies. I find one that carries my brand and offers express shipping—at an exorbitant cost that will eat into my carefully saved funds. But I don’t have a choice. I add in their most robust, slick-absorbing panty pack. I place the order, selecting overnight shipping, hoping it arrives on time.
When I return to the farm, my headache has intensified, and I feel slightly nauseated. I park near my cottage, planning to go directly there to apply a fresh scent patch, but Rowan is walking from the main house toward the barn and spots me immediately.
“Emma,” he calls, changing direction to intercept me. “Got a minute?”
I consider pretending I didn’t hear him, but that would be stupid. Better to get whatever this is over with quickly. “Sure,” I say, trying to sound normal despite the pounding in my head.
As he approaches, I can smell him more distinctly than before—burnt sugar and musk, but with undertones I hadn’t detected previously. Something earthy and compelling that makes my pulse quicken. The suppressants are definitely failing.
Rowan stops a few feet away, his head tilting as he studies me. “Everything okay? You look pale.”
“Just a headache,” I say, which is partially true. “Nothing serious.”
Rowan takes a step closer, and I have to force myself not to back away. His nostrils flare.
Panic flutters in my chest.
I need to take another dose.
I need to get away from him now.
