Page 54

“No, fuck you. That woman up there is thisentire pack’schance at love. Get your shit together before you hurt her, Con.”

He points to the building, body tight with tension. It’s killing him to be out here with me, knowing his omega is in heat. Yet he’s supporting me the only way he knows how. What’s worse, I’m struggling too. My muscles scream every moment I keep us away from Daphne. The air smells wrong without her scent and I dip my head into the car just to have it again.

“I’m trying.”

Nate stalks forward, jabbing his finger into my chest. “You’re not. You’re hiding something and instead of leaning on us, you’re letting it break you.”

“That’s rich coming from the man who hid in the fucking garage for years.”

“Why do you think I’m saying this, Con? Because Iknowhow easy it is to hide from your issues and the problems it can cause. I don’t want you to deal with that, and I definitely don’t want to add more damage on Daphne’s shoulders. Can’t you see she’s scared?”

Nate’s voice breaks, and my heart goes with it. He cares so deeply about her, this woman who went catatonic at the idea of being denied a scent mark. Who vacillates between comfortable and jumpy. He cares so much already that I know her leaving will wreck him in ways nothing else could.

“It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to see she’s had some terrible heats, but we can change that. Give her good memories to outweigh them. Because even though she’s terrified of doingthis, she feels safe with us, Connor. Tell me you see what a gift this is.”

I do, and I want to help. I just can’t. “You don’t understand what it’s going to be like. How demanding she’ll be.”

Going days on minimal food and water. A week without sleep. Muscles shaking, form trembling, yet still having to perform. To knot and sate and fuck until the body gives out.

“Then tell me,” Nate pleads. “Whatever you’re holding, let me take some.”

I should, just to make him face the truth I already know. But then I remember the way he looked with Daphne. Light. Laughing. Like my brother had reappeared for a moment for the first time in a decade.

When I say nothing, he sighs, pulling me into a hug I desperately need. “Ignore the bullshit for a minute. Do you want to help Daphne through her heat?”

Deep down, beyond the fear, I know I’ll regret walking away. Besides, Iwantto be in that nest. Want to see her break apart for me. For my pack.

Am I seriously considering reliving my worst days for this woman?

“Yes.” Maneuvering out of Nate’s grasp, I reach for one of the bags on the ground, trying to ignore the cold sweat creeping down my spine. Nate’s smile is blinding and that alone is worth whatever comes later. “You’re going to have to help me.”

“Tell me what to do.”

We stand in the parking lot, making plans to ensure everyone’s taken care of. Food shifts and shower duties and sectioned off sleep time. Through it all, Nate promises he and Dez can tag in whenever I need, and if there’s ever a point that I can’t handle it, they’ll take over altogether. Knowing my pack is here to help smooths the sharpest edges of my terror.

When we’re done, we head back upstairs, every step echoing in my ears.

I’ll be fine. Everything is okay.

Yet the moment we step inside the suite, the fear returns, heavy and painful in my veins. I follow Nate’s advice, focusing on the groceries, the walls. Anything but the omega staring at me from the nest. Her scent so thick in the air, I’m dizzy with it.

I thought that would be the hardest part, but it grounds me. Daphne smells like the cotton candy I got at hockey games and fairs with my brothers. The sugary sweetness of easy days and long, joyful nights. Of a time when all we had were dreams of the future, wishes we had no way of making come true. Every breath winds me up and steadies me at the same time. Roots me in the present.

Daphne.

Eventually, there’s nothing else to do and I know it’s time. Disappearing in the middle of a heat is straight up neglect, so if I stay any longer, I’m staying through the whole thing.

One look at the nest has me shrinking away. The messy sheets, Daphne’s pleasure tossed hair, the smell of cum and sex. For a moment, it’s all too much. Too familiar, even if the scents have changed.

Then her lips move.

Connor.

My name is a silent benediction that I want to hear her say. Need to hear her scream.

A step forward and my head empties, fears stilled because no one’s ever looked at me the way Daphne does. Like she can see everything I’m hiding, like she has scars that match my own. How could I not want to touch her when she watches me like I’m a revelation?

I knew I was staying when I walked in the door. Not for the sex, but because even the idea of leaving feels like shoving knivesthrough my chest. Maybe it’s the pheromones, or that Daphne is the most potent scent match I’ve ever had, but I can’t walk away when she needs me. Not anymore.