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It takes everything to hold back from kissing that sweet smile, knowing one touch will make it bloom into something bigger. Something real.

Something I can’t have.

HEAT DROP

DAPHNE

I missed something.None of the guys are looking at each other. The second I opened my mouth, theirs clammed shut and now there’s this awkward tension between us.

Do they regret it? Are they sick of being around me? Should I leave?

Before I crawl out of my skin, Nate kisses down my arm. I try to stay strong, but this alpha was the most eager during my heat, giving me everything I needed without question. It’s hard to fight the urge to melt into him.

“We were talking about getting you in the shower finally,” he teases, squeezing when my fingers tangle with his a little too tight. “Dez and I will sort the nest and a change of clothes for everyone while you and Connor get clean.”

The alpha in question tenses, peeling away to sit up on the mattress while I whine. “No shower.”

Dez presses a finger to my stomach, wincing when he has to scrape at cum stuck there. “You need it, Daph.”

“But your scents.” When I’m wearing them, I don’t feel so alone.

Connor clears his throat. “They have unscented soap. It’ll get you clean without getting rid of the scent marks.”

“That might be okay. Are you showering with me?” I ask.

“No.”

Oof. My chest stings at the quick rejection and Connor’s relief. Despite the thick haze of sex and scent, nothing can mask the stress wafting off the Pack Morgan lead. Days of coming together, brought down my barriers. Allowing me to let these men in little by little. Feeling like this was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Yet, Connor looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.

Maybe it’s the post-heat hormones, but I need to know he still wants me. That this whole heat wasn’t transactional. I mean, it was, but also…I thought there was something between us. A connection that scares as much as it thrills. Something that feels so muchmorethan I ever expected.

“Can you come in with me, Connor? Please?”

He stares at his hands, the heated floors, the mess in the kitchen we haven’t had time to clean. Anything but me. “Not this time.”

“I just want?—”

“Enough, Daphne.” Connor sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose, and I freeze.

Heart, body and soul—stilled.

Anytime I asked my exes something, it was met with the same expression, the same frustration.

I’m too busy to hug you right now.

Can we talk about this later? The game is on.

Date night isn’t more important than a client meeting.

Why the hell would I shower with you after fucking you for days? That’s such an inconvenience.

That’s all I’ve ever been to the men in my life. I don’t know why I thought this pack would be different.

“Never mind, it’s fine.” Rejection is a visceral, aching thing threatening to swallow me whole, but I push it back. That’s for later Daphne to deal with.

Connor peers at me, brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”