Page 15 of Heat Island
And ideally, also good health insurance.
Jesus, I am so screwed.
Just facing Egret alone nearly broke me. The way he looked right through me like I was a stranger, the way he twisted the knife with that comment about my work, as if he feels justified blaming me for how it all fell apart.
And that was just one of them for a few minutes while surrounded by expensive and breakable housewares to prevent things from turning violent. Because no matter how much I might have wanted to throw something at Egret’s head, I am not breaking and buying a damn thing in that store.
What happens when I have to face all three of my former alphas? When Brendin gives me that pitying look he used to reserve for when I chose presentations over pack nights? When Saren pretends we never spent three years planning a life together?
Maybe I’m overthinking this. Does it really matter if I don’t have three perfect alphas with me? Or even one perfect alpha? The agency has made it clear that they have options if I decide to be less picky.
Better someone—anyone—than facing my former pack alone.
I think about the photographer again. The way he looked at me after I nearly killed him. There was something there, I think, something that made my skin warm and tickled at my suppressant-muted senses.
But that’s fantasy thinking. I need reality. I need a date who won’t bail when they discover I’m not the perfect, submissive omega that my sister is.
My pride might suffer, but that’s a small priceto pay. A week at Heat Island with my exes and without backup? I’d rather walk into the ocean and never walk back out.
Coming to a sudden decision, I pull out my phone and shoot off a quick response to my last message from Elite Comfort before my sanity catches up with me.
Trinity_Jones: Betas, heat-breakers, anything is fine. I’ll even take a male omega if you can scrounge one up. Just set up interviews ASAP. I’m free all morning on Monday. Thanks!
FIVE
CASH
I tapmy pen against the immaculate spreadsheet I’ve prepared. The adoption agency interviewer—Ms. Parker, according to her nameplate—glances between the document and her computer screen.
“As you can see, we’ve converted the second bedroom into a nursery. We’ve installed childproof locks on all the cabinets, covered electrical outlets, and secured all furniture to the walls.” I flip to the next page. “Our financial portfolio includes a college savings account we’ve already funded with an initial contribution, and our healthcare plan covers dependents with no additional premium.”
Lucas sits beside me, his broad shoulders tense despite his relaxed smile. His fingers tap against his knee—a nervous tell I’ve learned to recognize over our five years together.
Ms. Parker adjusts her glasses. “Mr. Matthews, I appreciate the thoroughness of your preparation, but?—”
“We’ve also completed all the offered parenting classes, including the optional ones,” I continue, unwilling to bederailed. “And Lucas has reduced his personal training clients to part-time status as he’ll be the primary caregiver.”
“Mr. Matthews.” Ms. Parker’s voice firms. “I need to be honest with you both.”
Something in her tone makes me stop. My stomach drops before she even speaks.
“While your application is exemplary on paper, you should understand that you’re...well, you’re quite far down on our waitlist.”
Lucas’s hand finds mine under the table. “How far down?” he asks quietly.
Ms. Parker’s professional smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “It could be several years before we find a match for your situation.”
“Our situation?” I repeat as heat rises to my face. “You mean two loving adults in a stable relationship, with a safe home and financial security?”
“Cash,” Lucas murmurs.
Ms. Parker folds her hands. “Most birth parents still prefer traditional family structures. A pack with multiple alphas or, more ideally, an alpha-omega pairing typically receives priority placement.”
“That’s ridiculous.” The words burst out before I can stop them. “What does designation have to do with parenting ability?”
“It’s not my personal opinion, Mr. Matthews.” Her gaze flicks to Lucas. “And there’s also the matter of your...unconventional dynamic.”
Lucas stiffens beside me.
