Heat Haven (Heat Haven Omegaverse, #1)(4)
Sheer panic is written all over her face. “I don’t like the feeling of being stuck somewhere. I knew I should have taken the friggin’ stairs. But I was supposed to choose my nest today, and I was in a rush.”
Comforting people is not one of my best skills. I’m an intellectual property attorney. My face is usually deep in paperwork, not in front of people. Her Omega perfume and her all-around demeanor make me want to take care of her. Growing up, I was taught that Omegas are precious. She certainly fits that bill.
“It’s my first day here, not a great sign, is it?” I smirk to try to lighten the mood. “Do you want to sit?”
She nods her head in agreement. We both sit on the cool carpeted floor, me with my long legs straight in front of me, and her crossing her legs with her thigh touching mine. She still hasn’t released my hand. Her hand is soft and small, it feels nice.
Chapter two
I’m trying not to freak the freak-out, but small enclosed spaces are not my thing at all. Of course, of stinkin’ course, I would not only get trapped in an elevator when I’m supposed to be selecting the nest where I will be having my heat with strangers. But here I am, trapped with one of the most delicious Alphas I’ve ever seen. He towers over me, so definitely over six feet tall and probably around two hundred something pounds with the muscle he has on him. His hair is a deep rich brown; it looks soft and I want to run my fingers through it. His eyebrows match his hair and his eyes are a light sea-foam green. His sharp jaw is peppered with late evening stubble.
Even beyond how handsome he is, his scent is driving me up the gosh darn wall! Like eucalyptus and amber, it’s rich and woodsy. Shoot, just smelling him is putting me a bit more at ease.
The elevator is a little chilly, but I suppose it’s better than getting stuck in an elevator in the dead heat of summer. I’m thoroughly regretting not wearing stockings as I glance down at my thighs. Goosebumps cover my skin, but I can’t tell if it’s from being cold or this Alpha’s presence and scent.
To calm my nerves, I decide I should chat with him. “So, it’s your first time here?” I’m still holding his huge hand. He doesn’t have any calluses, and he’s dressed in a very nice suit, so I’m guessing he has a corporate job.
He shifts his weight to get more comfortable on the floor. “Here for orientation. Honestly, before I got on the elevator I considered turning around and going home.” His voice is deep and so sexy, it has a gritty tone to it and makes me shiver.
“I almost did the same thing,” his eyes widen at me and then he looks at me like he wants more details. “I’ve been on heat suppressants for a while now. After some unpleasant side effects, I can’t take them anymore. Medical insurance finally agreed to pay for Heat Haven, so here I am,” I say, giving him a small smile. A semi-fake smile, since I’m still on edge from being trapped in such a small space.
His thumb rubs circles on my palm. “Sorry to hear that. This is probably really fucking rude, so forgive me. How do you not have a pack?”
Hmm, he is right, not the best manners in the world, but he is clearly local with his slight accent. I’ve started to get used to the bluntness of people in Boston. Almost.
Clearing my throat, I reply, “I almost bonded with a pack back home, but then I learned some things...and well, I moved to Boston. How about you? Why are you at Heat Haven?”
He smirks. “I guess I deserve that, huh? You probably think I’m some pervert who just wants to come here and pay to fuck Omegas. Honestly, truly, I don’t know. I think I want Heat Haven to help me find direction. Maybe I meet someone I connect with, maybe I find other Alphas looking for a pack. I don’t know.”
“I don’t think you're a pervert. Sure, the whole idea of Heat Haven felt gross to me at first. But... the more I talked to other Omegas, the more I learned how wonderful it can be. I’ve had friends meet Alphas that they’re now dating. I also know a few bonded pairs who just need help with getting through their heat cycle. Shoot, look at me, I’m here for medical reasons and to be safe. Better than hooking up with Alphas I don’t know and putting myself in a dangerous situation. Without willing Alphas, this wouldn’t be possible and many Omegas would suffer through their heat alone, unsafely, or bonding with the first Alpha they meet, and that's no good either.”
He looks at me carefully, like he’s trying to figure me out. “I’m Griffin,” Of course, that's his name. He looks like a Griffin.
“I’m Emily,” I smile at him, and I would shake his hand, but we’ve been holding hands this entire time.
A voice chimes through the elevator, “Sir, our technician is on his way over. There are some issues with the current storm in the city. We apologize profusely. We’ll get you out of there as soon as possible.”
I groan, “This is so friggin’ bogus!”
Griffin laughs at me, “You don’t curse?”
“No, I was raised by my grandma in rural Georgia. One time I stubbed my toe and used the lord's name in vain and she washed my mouth out with soap. I think it traumatized me.”
“I was wondering where that sweet little accent came from.” He quirks a brow at me. Is he flirting with me? I’ve never been great at knowing who is being friendly versus who’s actually interested in me.