Page 132 of Slow Heat

“I’m sorry I told you the way I did.”

“You were scared,” Jason said, softly.

“Yes,” Vale admitted, his fingers digging into Jason’s forearms. “But you deserve the best, Jason. You deserve better than—”

“We’reÉrosgápe. You aremy best.”

Vale lowered his gaze and nodded, and a tear slipped from his eyes. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

Jason kissed his forehead. “It was our first fight, that’s all. I’m sure we’ll have others.”

“Wolf-god, I hope not.”

“So you will contract with me, then?”

Vale lifted his eyes, bright with wonder. “I want that so much.”

Jason kissed him until they were breathless. Then he pulled back and said, “Have you ever…I was wondering…during heat, have you tried…”

“Don’t be shy with me now. I know what a filthy boy you are.”

Jason cleared his throat. “Have you ever been fisted? I read at school that it can feel almost like a knot and that during heat some omegas are able to take a hand with some pretty amazing outcomes.”

Vale shook his head. “I’ve never had anyone try that. Most alphas just want to get their knot and—” He broke off, frowning and shaking his head.

“It’s just a thought.”

Vale kissed him again, touching his face tenderly. “A generous thought. All about my pleasure instead of yours.”

Jason shrugged. “I like to watch you come.”

Vale shifted on the sheets, his body lithe and long, the tattoos glowing against his hair-scattered, flushed skin. “I’m not against trying it.” Then Vale’s brows crinkled and he sat up more fully. “What happened to your face?”

“You kissed me raw,” Jason teased.

“No.” He touched the bruise on Jason’s jaw. “Who hit you?”

“Oh!” He’d nearly forgotten about Monhundy and those jerks. So much had happened since. “I was with Xan and…” he rolled his eyes. “It’s hard to explain.”

“I’m not sure I like this best friend of yours if he’s hitting you. Maybe I’ll punchhimin the face to demonstrate my friendship as well.”

Jason’s heart glowed warm. Poor Xan, he’d probably be laid out flat by Vale if he ever followed through on that threat. “No, Xan didn’t hit me. I was in a coffee shop with Xan and…” He groaned. “Unfortunately, it’s a long story and honestly, I’m not sure we have time for it before the next wave of your heat comes.”

Vale frowned. “All right. If you want to tell me about it later, that’s fine.” He curled up against Jason’s chest, and played with Jason’s nipples. Jason shivered as he tweaked them, and drew circles with his fingertips.

“Earlier, when I first saw you,” Vale murmured. “You looked like you’d been crying. Was that because of me?”

Jason shook his head.

“No?” Vale sounded a little disappointed.

“I mean, Ididcry because of you. Last night.” He rolled his eyes at Vale’s delighted expression. “Don’t be proud about it.”

“Oh, darling. I’d never be happy that my beautiful baby alpha cried over me. Never.” But he glowed so brightly he was practically on fire with joy.

Jason jabbed Vale in the ribs. “I was done with crying over you by this morning, though. I was going to figure out how to get you back. But then…” He sighed and bit his lip. He didn’t want to talk about this right now, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Then what? Your friend Xan?”