Page 16

One print shows the dock before dawn, its boards silver with mist. A human shape stands near the water, blurred at the edges.

“Is that you?” I ask.

Ezra studies it. “Yes. The camera remembers me differently every time.”

The answer sends wonder prickling across my arms. “These are beautiful.”

Ezra leans against the table. “They’re practical.”

“They’re beautiful and practical.”

“Don’t encourage Theo.”

“I’m right here,” Theo says.

A knock sounds beneath the worktable. I crouch at once.

“Pepper,” Theo says.

Another cramp tightens low in my abdomen. This one steals part of my breath and sends me to the floor.

Theo crouches in front of me, bringing his gaze to mine. “Pepper.”

“I’m all right.”

His expression doesn’t change, but the lie feels silly between us.

“My omega may be processing years of postponed experiences,” I say.

Heat is not only wanting. It’s a biological kickstarter that alters temperature, scent, and hunger, while also lowering inhibitions and adding a host of other hormonal urges. My body is searching for safe hands for this heat before my thoughts have had a chance to vote.

Ezra kneels beside Theo, concern softening his playful face. “Heat?”

“Possibly the opening act.”

Theo nods once. “Cooler room. Food with salt. Privacy.”

Theo rises and offers me his hand again. I take it. The moment our palms meet, peppermint floods the room.

At the same time, a faint glow appears beneath the piles on Ezra’s desk. His expression changes and he pulls a flat gray stone from under the stack of papers. Water lines and an open circle have been carved into its surface.

For years, I have taught students that observation comes before explanation. Describe the evidence. Record the conditions. Resist the pretty answer until the facts earn it. The facts here are less cooperative than pond water.

A bell rings without wind. Ezra becomes clearer near moving water and stronger beneath my touch. A carved stone glows and the house pointed us toward it.

My pulse races, but fear is only one note inside it. Curiosity rises brighter.

“Where did you get that?” I ask.

Ezra closes his fingers around the stone. “Near the old recovery channel. Roots pushed it out after the flooding.”

“When?”

“Before the museum reopened. I photographed it and logged where I found it. It came from cemetery property.”

Theo looks at him. “It’s never glowed before.”

“It’s never met Pepper.” The tenderness in Ezra’s voice turns the heat in my cheeks molten.