Amusing You - Claire Cullen Page 0,27

right now, so I guess it doesn’t seem all that urgent.”

William was fairly certain the landlord was breaking at least one law, but highlighting that fact wasn’t going to do anything to make the situation better.

“Have you got plug-in heaters? Or a fireplace?”

“No electrical heaters, they’re too expensive to run. And the fireplace has been blocked up for years, I’d say.”

William took a closer look at the omega, who had a blanket wrapped tightly around him.

“How are you feeling?”

“Crappy. The transition from pre-heat to heat can go one of two ways—good or bad. I’m stuck with the latter, probably thanks to those new meds the doctor gave me.”

William followed Harper into a living room, where the omega sank onto a couch that had seen better days.

“How about food?” he asked. “Have you eaten?”

William didn’t need Beckett to tell him that an alpha’s main responsibility to an omega during heat was to make sure their basic needs were met—food, warmth, comfort. The sex was essential, of course, but it took a backseat until those were fulfilled.

“My stomach’s doing somersaults. I meant to go shopping, but this sort of snuck up on me. All I’ve got in the cupboards are spicy noodles.” The omega grimaced as if just the idea was too much.

“What would you normally eat at this stage?”

Harper drew his knees up and rested his cheek on them. “Yogurt, maybe. Juice, fruit. Cake, sometimes, if I’ve been in the mood for baking. Mashed potatoes if I feel like something savory and comforting. Hot chocolate.” He groaned and fisted a hand in his hair. “I should have prepared better. Spicy noodles and tea do not make for a comfortable heat.”

Neither did a freezing, damp apartment.

“Come on,” William told him, making up his mind and holding out a hand. “Let me help you pack a bag.”

“A bag?” Harper asked in confusion, taking his hand nonetheless.

William helped him to his feet. “With whatever you need for your heat. Clothes, toiletries—” He fought the urge to blush. “—toys.”

“But… where are we going?”

“My place.”

Harper tugged his hand free. “Omegas are most comfortable in their own homes during a heat.”

“Ordinarily, I’d agree wholeheartedly. But I think any comfort you’ll get from familiar surroundings will be far outweighed by the fact that those surroundings are freezing, damp, and devoid of food.” Just as he said it, there was a surge of light, the bulb above growing brighter for a fraction of a second before it winked out entirely.

“Fuck,” Harper muttered. “That’s the fuse box again. Third time this month.”

“My place might not be your home, but you’ve been there enough that it is familiar to you. And it has heat, light, limitless hot water, a bath, and food. Not to mention a deli and bakery just across the road for any cravings you might have.” He took Harper’s hand again, his touch light as he stroked his thumb in slow circles across the omega’s palm. “Let me take care of you, please.”

In the gloom, he could just make out Harper’s eyes, blinking up at him. “That… that sounds pretty nice.”

William smiled, even though he knew the omega couldn’t see it.

“Good. I’m glad.”

He fished his phone from his pocket and flicked on the flashlight. “Now, lead the way, and let’s get you packed up.”

They were at his apartment forty minutes later, and William gave Harper options.

“The bed or the couch? I vote for the couch for now. I can put the gas fire on to keep you warm.”

Despite being bundled in a jacket and having spent half an hour in William’s car with the heat turned up, Harper was still shivering. He touched the back of his hand to the omega’s forehead.

Harper twisted away. “I’m not a child.”

“No, you’re not. You’re an omega in heat, and I want to make you as comfortable as possible.”

Harper stared at him for a long moment, and then nodded. “The couch, for now.”

“Good choice.”

He helped the omega settle, tucking a blanket around him before he got the fire going. Then he stood up and grabbed his keys.

“I’ll be ten minutes, okay? Fifteen, tops.”

Harper pushed himself up on one arm. “Where are you going?”

“To get you some comfort food.” He showed Harper the list he’d made on his phone. “Anything to add?”

The omega licked his lips. “Chocolate? You can’t go wrong with chocolate.”

“Chocolate it is. I’ll be back soon.”

He thought he’d be nervous about this, that he’d be second-guessing every decision he made. Yet somehow, having Harper’s care thrust into his hands felt