Page 65 of Heat Lightning

I coughed. “I haven’t thought of the specifics. I’m not sure what I’m looking for, exactly.”

“That’s fine,” he said. “Would you mind telling me more about your heat history?”

Yikes. “Well, I haven’t had a heat in about two years after experiencing something traumatic. I was given heat stimulants against my will and had to spend it in the clinic. But now all of a sudden I’m going into heat again. I think. I’m not entirely sure.”

His brow creased. “I’m so sorry, Max. I understand this would be a stressful experience for you. Can I ask, what makes you unsure you’re going into heat?”

“The symptoms come and go. It’s like the heat is starting, and then, poof. All gone.”

“Have you noticed any commonalities for when the symptoms appear?”

Swirling octopus tentacles flashed through my mind, along with bright blue eyes. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I peered over my shoulder, through the large picture window overlooking the lawn.

No one was there.

“Well,” I said. “Sometimes when I’m around an alpha, they’ll show up.”

Owen inclined his head, as if thinking. “Any alpha?”

No. Just one.

“Not sure,” I croaked.

Something knowing flitted across his face before he schooled his expression back into professional kindness. “Max, there are no expectations here. I want to be respectful to you and your needs so this first heat after so long is as comfortable and pleasurable as possible. Is it all right if I sit next to you?”

My omega grumbled. “Sure.”

He shifted over, sitting close enough for me to feel his warmth without touching. Then, he held out his hand, turned upward. “Would you like to try scenting me? It can be calming for omegas approaching heat to scent a compatible alpha.”

Calming was one word for the alpha-Xanax the Masked Man produced. I remembered the way I’d all but buried my face in his chest. My senses prickled again, and I couldn’t help but look back out the window.

Still, nothing.

“I’ve heard that,” I said, turning back to Owen. And because I was already there and maybe had something to prove to myself, I agreed. “Can’t hurt to try.”

Slowly, I placed my hand in his, before sliding it up his arm until the scent glands on our wrists brushed against each other.

It was actually a very familial and friendly way to scent mark someone, but with Owen, it just made my skin itch.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to center myself. Did I feel more calm?

No. But the back of my neck burned, beckoning me to look outside one more time.

Why couldn’t I respond like normal? He was objectively gorgeous, nice, kind, and he did smell good.

But I felt nothing. No slick or aching need. My omega grew even more prickly, all but hissing at the contact.

Owen was great. He just wasn’t him.

He’s not our alpha, my omega growled.

“How does this make you feel?” Owen asked, the warmth of his arm holding mine growing clammy and uncomfortable.

I scrunched my nose instinctively before smoothing out my features. “Uhh…”

He chuckled and withdrew. “Max. I will never be offended by someone who doesn’t feel a connection. But can I ask again, is there someone else you do feel attracted to? Someone your heat symptoms appear suddenly in the presence of?”

I buried my face in my hands. There was no sense in denying it; this clearly wasn’t going to work. “Yes. I’m sorry.”