said, they’re sort of unpredictable. Some people get warning signs days before, but not me. It sort of just sneaks up on me.”
“That sounds inconvenient.” Brendan’s gaze darted to him and away again.
“Tell me about it. I’m sorry you have to miss your parents’ party.”
The alpha nodded slowly, his brow furrowed. “Angie wasn’t wrong, you know. The cottage will be far more comfortable than your room in Mrs. O’Brien’s house. More private, too.”
“But… but they’ll expect us to…”
“We have before,” Brendan pointed out. “The option is there if that’s what you want.”
Riley had a sudden out-of-body experience. Brendan couldn’t be offering what Riley thought he was offering.
“Um… you… you’d really do that?”
His last heat, almost seven months before, was still burned into his memory. How he’d longed for another warm body there beside him. How much he’d craved the presence of an alpha in his lonely bed. He’d been tempted to go out and find one, since he knew it wasn’t that hard to get a volunteer where an omega in heat was concerned. But between the fear of putting himself at the mercy of a stranger, and the strict rules of the place he’d been living when it came to overnight guests, he’d been forced to endure it alone. Endure being the operative word.
Brendan stepped closer, cupping Riley’s elbow. “You’re the most gorgeous omega I’ve ever set eyes on, and you just gave up a weekend to make my life easier. I won’t turn my back on you now, even if all you want is someone to cuddle you through the worst of it.”
“Oh no,” Riley said, horrified at the idea. “If you’re doing this, I want sex, and lots of it. Cuddles are like dessert, they come after.”
Brendan grinned. “I like the sound of that.”
His hand trailed from Riley’s elbow to his shoulder, squeezing gently.
“Let me go talk to Angie and make sure the cottage is ready for us. You relax, put your feet up, and think sexy thoughts.”
Riley giggled. “I’ll do my best. I’m still in the hungry stage of heat. I get ravenous right before.”
“Then I’ll bring you back a snack,” the alpha promised, catching him by the chin and pressing a kiss to his lips. When he pulled back, Riley chased after him, wanting more. The alpha obliged, kissing him breathless, a warm tingling spreading through his body. His heat was kicking in slowly. He probably had a few hours before it took him out of action. Brendan would be able to attend the party for his parents while Riley kept out of the way.
But Brendan was back only a few minutes later, Angie trailing him.
“Hey, so, I need to go to the store and get a few things. Most of the adults and the kids are going to spend the morning down by the river again.”
“Grams and I have taken charge of the kitchen,” Angie added. “You’re very welcome to keep us company.”
“But I’m…”
“In heat, sure. Some distraction would probably help until Brendan’s back.”
Riley flushed, avoiding her gaze.
“None of that,” she said gently. “We’ve kept Jason company plenty of times when he was going through it. Perfectly normal, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Besides, Brendan said you’re still hungry. It’s good to feed you up before things really kick in. And Grams will make sure the two of you are well fed for the duration. I know the place seems loud and busy now, but most of our visitors are leaving tonight, and the kids are off to camp tomorrow morning. It’ll be the quietest it’s been all year.”
There was a wealth of kind understanding in her voice. Riley glanced Brendan’s way, wondering what the alpha made of all this.
Brendan grinned at him. “Let them fuss over you. It’ll make Grams’ morning. Especially if she thinks she might get grandkids out of it.”
Riley couldn’t have looked more horrified if he tried. Both Brendan and Angie burst out laughing, the alpha stepping closer to put an arm around him. “I’m joking, Riley. Mostly.”
“Ignore him,” Angie said, tugging Riley free of Brendan’s embrace. “Come to the kitchen with me. If Grams starts talking about babies, I promise to change the subject.”
Riley let himself be led away, glancing back at Brendan as he waved them off.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brendan took Jason to the store with him, quietly confiding about Riley’s situation. Jason helped him draw up a list of essentials for what he and Riley might need. Though he knew there’d be no shortage of food with Grams