Page 29

Disgruntled, I cross my arms. “So, it is like dating.”

“In your case, it’s about lowering your anxiety enough to ensure that you’re comfortable to welcome them into your home the following week. The Alphas will spend that week increasing their level of touch with you, until you feel safe with it before your heat hits.”

I hate to admit it, but it’s a good plan.

My stomach flutters with anticipation.

Rhett Cole, the untouchable founder and Fire Chief hero of Oak Hollow, will be messaging me and then visiting my inn.

My eyes widen.

Shit, I’ll have to clean up… a lot.

My palms become damp.

Will Rhett message me later tonight?

Dr. Lawson startles me as she stands up, gesturing toward the door. “As long as you choose it, you can have your first touch session today. One of the members of this pack was so eager that he turned up today, hoping that one of the Omegas would choose him. He has been waiting to volunteer for months, which is a serious green flag. In fact, everything about Angel is a green flag; he’s the paramedic. He is an expert in massage. He took classes both to support Omegas like you and in their aftercare.”

“Right now?” I squeak, bouncing to my feet and dropping the portfolio clattering to the floor.

Panic spikes through me.

I twist toward Dr. Lawson, taking a couple of faltering steps around the chair.

“Is that a problem?” Dr. Lawson asks, strolling to the door. “I just sent him your information and called him to my room. If this is too much, you could simply meet him without the massage. I promise, however, that he practiced on one of the staff members here, and she swore that his fingers are magic. She was a purring puddle after he was done with her.”

Unexpected possessive jealousy surges through me that my new Alpha’s hands were on some other Omega’s bare skin, and I growl.

Dr. Lawson’s lips twitch. “One magic massage coming up then.”

Damn the sneaky bitch, she was playing me.

Dr. Lawson gives a smug smile, as she swings open the door.

An Alpha straightens from his position leaning against the wall opposite the door.

An Alpha with a green stain down the front of his T-shirt.

His beautiful amber eyes meet mine. His scent of sun-warmed grass cocoons me.

We both exclaim at the same time.

Then that sunny smile of his appears. “Well, hell, beautiful. You went and picked me.” His grin widens. “Best damn news I’ve had all year.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Heat Wave Clinic, Dallas

Angel

“Sorry, beautiful, I guess that the first story I told my assigned Heat Wave Omega was about possums.” I wince.

How can I have blurted out such foolishness to this beautiful Omega…twice?

I wish that I could slap the back of my head like Rhett would.

The Omega who entranced me downstairs enough to give her the chocolate I had been saving for the ride home, when I only sacrifice my candy to Luca when he pulls his face at taking bitter medicine, is huddling at the opposite side of the champagne-bronze elevator that is taking us up to the exclusive fourth floor.