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"You carried her?" Felix asks.

"She collapsed in her hallway," Theo says, stopping to grip the doorframe. "Just completely gave out. So I picked her up, and she melted into me like she belonged there. Started nuzzling my neck, scenting me, completely trusting."

"But you still didn't claim her," I observe.

"I wanted to." Theo's voice is barely controlled now. "God, I wanted to. She was perfect in my arms, soft and warm andsmelling like everything I've ever wanted. But she was also vulnerable and scared and trusting me to keep her safe."

Felix moves closer. "So what did you do?"

"I got her settled in her room, which, by the way, is set up like a military bunker. Emergency supplies, reinforced door, everything she'd need to survive heat completely alone." Theo turns back toward us, expression dark. “I made sure that she had water, food, blankets, and I sat with her until the worst wave passed."

"How long?" I ask.

"Three hours," Theo says, moving back to the island. "Three hours of her holding my hand, telling me about her friend, explaining why she couldn't trust alphas during heat. Three hours of wanting to promise her everything while forcing myself to stay in control."

"That's going to change," I say, my voice carrying more authority than I intended.

"Damn right it is," Theo agrees, and there's steel in his voice now. "She's not going through another heat alone, not if I have anything to say about it."

Felix nods firmly. "Not if any of us have anything to say about it."

I grab the bowl of popcorn and head toward the living room, my packmates following. "She's going to the ball."

"She is," Theo confirms, settling into his chair with obvious satisfaction. "With Adam Chen as her date."

"I don't think those two are really together," Felix corrects, claiming his usual spot. "Sounds like they're going just as friends, even if Lady Inkwell says otherwise."

"Exactly," I say, taking my corner of the sectional. "Which means she'll be there, all dressed up, finally ready to be seen."

Felix pauses, his head tilting slightly as he catches something in the air. "Wait." His eyes sharpen, focusing on Theo. "Is that...?"

"Her scent," I confirm. "I caught it earlier but didn't want to say anything."

Theo shifts in his chair, suddenly looking less comfortable. "I showered twice and changed clothes. Thought I'd gotten it all."

"Not all," Felix says, his voice growing rougher. "Jesus, Theo. Even a day later, even faded..." He runs a hand through his hair. "That's what mate scent smells like."

"How did other alphas not pick up on it?" I ask, genuinely curious. "Emergency heat scent from an unmated omega should have drawn every alpha in a five-mile radius."

"She wasn't fully in heat when I found her," Theo explains. "It was building, but the suppressants were still partially working. Plus she had on that thick cardigan, scarf. And I got her out of there before it peaked."

"Smart," Felix says. "If other alphas had caught full heat scent..."

"They would have come running," I finish. "Half the alphas in town would have shown up at the library."

"That's exactly what she was terrified of," Theo says, his expression growing protective again. "Why she was trying so hard to get home before anyone noticed."

Felix leans forward. "Good thing it was you who found her and not someone else."

"No kidding," I agree. "Anyone else might not have had your self-control."

"Or your security training," Felix adds. "Most alphas would have lost it completely once her heat fully hit."

"God, I wish the ball was tomorrow," Felix says suddenly, shaking off the serious moment. "I can't wait to see her reaction when she realizes who we are."

"Two more days," I say, but I feel the same restless anticipation.

"Think she'll figure out the connection before then?" Felix asks.