Page 37 of Empty Heat

I clicked on the number before I could think it through any further and lose my will. I thought I’d hit call, but the text window came up. That was safer, anyway.

I typed.

It’s me.Callum. Can we talk? Now? Please?

It didn’t sound tooneedy, did it? I hit send and it was done.

I flopped back, the soles of my feet scraping the rug. My cock gently spanked my lower stomach. I kept my hands on my phone, holding it above my head and staring at its light.

Maybe he was asleep. Maybe the text alert wouldn’t be enough to wake him. Then, I would have to call as I’d intended in the first place.

I decided a ten-minute wait was fair. After that, I’d either have to text him again, or intrude.

My cell lit up three minutes later.

“Lev?”

“Callum. It’s wonderful to hear your voice.”

It was wonderful to hear his.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry to call right now. I’m sorry.” The words rushed from me.

“Why are you sorry?” Concern came in his low, relaxing tone.

“I needed to hear you. To talk. I—I—Rhodes gave me your number.”

“I’m glad he did.”

“I’m in heat.”

“I see.”

“And I took the herbs Rhodes left me but it made it worse and he said it only happens in one percent and I guess I’m that odd percent because nothing goes right for me anyway and I just don’t know what to do and I thought if I talked to you it would be okay. Is it?” I was talking way too fast. I didn’t remember half of what I’d just said.

“Slow down now. It’s all right. Are you hurting?”

“Well, heats can hurt. You know. You’re the expert even if you are an alpha.”

“Yes. I know.”

“I don’t like the phone. Can we talk face to face?”

“You want me to come there, then?” Lev asked.

“Yes.” I said it with the firmness I wanted to project. Yes. I wanted him here.

“Leaving now.”

“Oh. Okay. Thank you. Bye.” I turned off the call before I could hear him speak again. It was killing me to listen to his voice and not be able to see him.

Immediately, I worried. Was I asking too much? I was in heat. He was an alpha. How selfish could I be?

I jumped up, hissing as my cock smacked me again, and grabbed a bathrobe. It would have to do.

I went into the living room and turned on the light to low. Then I opened the front door and peered out past the porch at the parkland.

It was like Christmas, with lights everywhere making the shadows look big but friendly at the same time. The lawns were gray like the trees, everything else in bluish shades. Even with the fairy lights everywhere, it wasn’t enough light to block out the sky.