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Daxen curses, and I realize he’s still just a few feet away. With shaky movements, I extend my arm and point in the vague vicinity of the door.

“Omega?” Caelan sounds so confused and Fates; I wish I could explain.

With all the energy I can muster, I shout, “Dax. Leave!”

“Get out, Daxen!” Caelan tucks my head into his neck and snarls so loud I can feel his threat vibrating throughout my whole body.

For a long, weighted moment, nothing happens. Then Caelan tightens his hold on me and snarls, “Get out before I rip out your fucking throat!”

Caelan’s bark leaves no room for misinterpretation. I can hear Daxen’s footfalls as he races to the door. It slams shut, leaving Caelan and me blessedly alone.

What’s confusing is that even though I ordered Daxen to leave, his retreat still hurts. Not because I want him, but because my Omega takes it as yet another rejection.

Enough. I snap. He’s not rejecting us. We are rejecting him.

That seems to finally get through to her. She cuts off mid-whimper and tilts her head, considering.

Something must resonate because instead of deflating, her shoulders actually straighten. Then she exhales, like she’s letting something go.

The moment is small, but meaningful.

Until another cramp slams into me, and all my brain and instincts care about is getting as close as possible to Caelan, even though I’m already practically crawling inside of him.

To make matters worse, slick is pouring out of me. It’s soaking my shorts and panties and running down my thighs. I’ve been wet before, but never like this. This is not normal.

“Why’s there so much?” I whimper. “Why does it hurt so much?”

“It’s alright, sweetheart. It’s a heat spike. This is normal.”

Caelan picks me up, and I wrap my legs around him instinctively. The moment my core comes into contact with his stomach, I throw my head back and moan.

Fates… it feels so good.

I don’t realize I’m moving my hips, but even when I do, I can’t stop.

“I need—Caelan, I need…”

He places me on the bed, and I’m forced to pull away from his neck so he can move, crawling on top of me. I inhale deeply, and the only thing I can smell is Caelan’s scent. Which means my perfume still isn’t strong enough to break through the suppressants, thank goodness.

Another cramp seizes me, the stone in my stomach scraping against my insides until I’m sure the edges have turned into knives, tearing me apart. The sound that rips from my throat is half plea and half demand.

Caelan growls low in his throat, swooping in and taking my mouth in a searing kiss. I let myself be swept away, luxuriating in the feel of his lips and tongue against mine.

It only lasts a couple of seconds before he pulls back, chuckling at the demanding growl I aim at him.

“It’s alright, love. I’ve got you.”

He kisses the corner of my lips before moving down my body, pressing soft, gentle kisses along my neck, my clavicle, down between my breasts. One hand slides up my ribcage, while the other tugs at the top of my bralette, pulling it down until one of my breasts pops free.

His pupils dilate, and he groans, scent spiking with need.

“Fuck, you’re perfect.” He leans in, taking my nipple in his mouth. I don’t know why I expect him to move slow—that’s not Caelan. He’s gentle and kind and would never hurt me, but when I look into his eyes, I can see just how close he is to losing control.

He ravishes me, sucking and licking and nipping at my breast until I’m a writhing, pleading mess. When I can’t take it anymore, I beg.

“Caelan. Please. I need you… It hurts. Please make it stop.”

“Shit, I’m so sorry. You’re right. Right now isn’t the best time for extended foreplay.”