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I pull the car into the long driveway of the safe house. It's a secluded property on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by thick woods and it's perfect for a shifter who might need to transform without prying eyes. The house itself is modest but secure with reinforced windows, top-of-the-line security system, and enough distance from neighbors that screams won't be heard.

Not that I'm expecting screams. But in my line of work, you plan for the worst.

Dr. Baldwin doesn't respond. Her head is still resting against the window, and her eyes are closed. I turn off the engine and study her for a moment. Even in sleep, she looks tense. There's a slight furrow between her brows, and her breathing seems shallow.

"Dr. Baldwin," I say, reaching over to gently shake her shoulder. "We've arrived."

She doesn't stir. I frown and lean closer.

"Dahlia?"

The moment I get near her, I'm hit with her scent again but now it's hotter, more urgent. Literal heat is radiating off her skin.

I press the back of my hand to her forehead and nearly jerk away. She's burning up.

"Shit."

Her eyes flutter open, unfocused and glassy. "What's happening?"

"You're running a fever." I keep my voice calm despite the alarm bells going off in my head. "Can you walk?"

She nods weakly and tries to sit up straighter, but sways. I quickly exit the car and circle around to her side, opening her door and offering my arm.

"Lean on me," I say.

She doesn't argue, which tells me how bad she must be feeling. As she stands, her legs wobble, and I catch her around the waist. Her body is like a furnace against mine.

"Sorry," she mumbles, clutching my jacket. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

I do. I can smell it now, unmistakable and overwhelming. She's in heat.

My bear stirs, suddenly very awake and interested. I grit my teeth and force it down. This is not the time.

"Let's get you inside,"

I half-carry her to the front door, fumbling with the keys while trying to keep her upright. Her head lolls against my shoulder, and her breath comes in short pants that tickle my neck. Every exhale sends a jolt down my spine.

Focus, Byers. You're a professional.

I finally get the door open and guide her inside, kicking it closed behind us. The house is cool and dark, pre-stocked with basic supplies. I head straight for the master bedroom, the bear in me insisting she needs a safe, comfortable space.

"Almost there," I tell her as we make our way down the hallway. "Just a few more steps."

"Everything hurts," she whispers, and the pain in her voice cuts through me. "Why does it hurt?"

I don't answer. I'm trying so hard to maintain control. The scent of an Omega in heat is designed by nature to drive Alphas crazy, to trigger our most basic instincts. And right now, those instincts are screaming at me to claim her, mark her, and make her mine.

We reach the bedroom, and I guide her to the king-sized bed. She collapses onto it with a soft moan that sends another wave of heat through my body. I need to get away from her. Now.

"I'll get you some water," I say, already backing toward the door. "And something for the fever."

"Wait." Her hand shoots out and grabs mine, her grip surprisingly strong for someone who could barely walk a minute ago. "Don't leave me."

I almost drop her hand like it's burned me. Maybe it has. My skin tingles where she touches me, and the bear inside roars its approval.

"Please," she says, looking up at me with those hazel eyes, now dark with need. "Help me, make it stop."

Chapter 6 – Dahlia