CHAPTER FOUR

JORDAN

I try to think fast—but I can’t. Nothing comes. It’s too much, all of it. My mind won’t process a single coherent thought. I have no idea what to do.

Stumbling toward the floor, I ignore the searing ache in my core and grab one of the spilled pills near the sink. My fingers tremble so badly I nearly drop it again. Doesn’t matter. I shove it toward my mouth, my entire body screaming for relief…for silence…for control.

Then his voice slices through the haze. Closer now.

“Don’t,” Alaric says sharply.

I freeze, pill halfway to my lips.

What the hell is he talking about? Why is he telling me not to take it? I clearly need it. I’m falling apart, and he’s trying to stop me?

He steps forward. “You can’t take that. It’s filthy. It touched the floor.”

My hand shakes harder. “I don’t care,” I whisper.

“You should.” His voice is low. Not cold this time. Not mocking. Just steady. “You’ll get sick.”

I can’t look at him. Can’t breathe right. My body pulses with heat, my thoughts spiraling out of control.

“You’re not supposed to be in here,” I choke out, voice cracking. “I locked the door. I—”

My breath catches. I locked it. I know I did.

I whirl around, eyes wide. “How the hell did you get in?” My voice rises, sharp and cracking with panic.

Alaric doesn’t answer right away. He watches me, unreadable, then glances at the door. “It didn’t stop me.”

That makes no sense.

Unless… someone tampered with it. Or unless—

No. That’s impossible. Right?

My knees nearly buckle as another wave of heat crashes through me. I stumble, grabbing the edge of the sink. My hands are slick with sweat. My mouth is bone dry.

I crouch again, desperate, fumbling for another pill.

“Don’t—” Alaric’s voice cuts through again, firmer now.

“I need it!” I snap, desperation ripping through me. “I need it or I’ll—”

My throat tightens. My vision blurs. I can’t breathe.

Tears sting my eyes, and I press the heel of my hand to my forehead.

I’m unraveling. And he’s watching.

I hate this.

I hate that it’s him.

Not a stranger. Not someone I trust. Him. The last person who should ever see me like this.

I sink to the floor, fighting the sob rising in my throat. My voice barely escapes. “You know now, don’t you…”

A pause.

Then, softer than I expect, almost reluctant: “Yes.”

Alaric says yes.

One word. And everything cracks.

I can’t look at him. Can’t even stand near him. My body trembles, weak from the burn of heat and the terror clawing through my chest. I push my hand against the cold tile and force myself up, dragging myself away from him, even though my limbs feel like lead.

Distance. I need distance.

Because he’s an Alpha.

And I’m—

I grit my teeth.

“You should get out now,” I say, voice low and tight. “I’m in a rut. It’d be better for both of us if you left.”

I don’t look at him. I keep my eyes on the cracked tile, trying to hold my face together. Trying to hold me together.

“It’s not fun, is it?” I whisper. “Watching another Alpha fall apart.”

Silence stretches.

Then a quiet scoff. Not loud, just amused.

When I finally glance at him, his brows are slightly raised, like I just said something ridiculous.

And yeah… maybe it was.

“You’re not in a rut,” he says calmly.

My heart skips.

“You’re in heat,” he says. “A triggered one.”

I go still.

Alaric steps forward. “You inhaled that bastard’s scent. It triggered your heat. That only happens when you’re—”

“Shut up.”

“—an omega.”

“No,” I breathe. “No, you’re wrong.”

My head spins. I step back, bumping the sink. “I’ve always been an Alpha. I presented it years ago. My father—”

“You’ve been faking it,” Alaric says, voice steady. “Suppressing your real scent. But I can smell it now…even under the synthetic Alpha pheromones you’re wearing.”

“No,” I whisper again. But it’s weaker.

He steps closer. I try not to flinch. Try to breathe, to stay upright. But when his scent washes over me…clean, cold, like winter wind laced with spice and danger, my knees nearly give out.

I shiver.

His eyes narrow. “Why are you reacting like that if you’re an Alpha?”

“Don’t come closer.” Panic hits my voice. But it’s too late. He’s already within arm’s reach.

I move fast—faster than I should and shove him back with everything I have. It barely moves him. But it sends the message.

“Get out!” I yell. “Don’t you dare touch me!”

His eyes widen—not in shock. Something else. Something worse.

I can’t breathe. The heat worsens, stronger now…because of him. His scent is driving it higher.

And then I remember.

Omegas in heat attract Alphas.

That’s what my omega tutor told me when I was young. When my mother tried to hide the truth.

“That’s when they’ll try to mate with you,” she said. “When you’re at your weakest. Some won’t stop. Some can’t.”

The thought turns my blood to ice. I step back, shaking, and hit the wall. But Alaric doesn’t move.

He stands still. Right, where I left him. Hands at his sides. No threat. No advance.

“I’m not going to touch you,” he says finally. His voice is low, firm. “I’m not going to do anything to you.”

I stare, struggling to believe him. But he doesn’t move.

“Then leave,” I whisper, my throat raw.

He doesn’t.

Instead, he tilts his head, watching me. “Why are you hiding it?”

“Hiding what?” I bite.

“Your scent,” he says. “Your real one.” He breathes in, nostrils flaring just slightly. “It’s faint, but I can smell it. Bergamot… and cold rain.”

I freeze.

What?

No one’s ever said that. Not even me. I’ve never smelled my scent. Never had the chance. I’ve always been covered in synthetics, drowning in suppressants. They never gave me the time to figure it out.

“Bergamot…” I whisper.

That’s what I smell like?

Before I can think more, his scent hits me again.

Him. Alaric.

Stormy, grounded, sharp-edged Alpha. His scent rolls over me, and I tremble.

He smells better than any Alpha I’ve ever met.

Better than I expect.

Soothing.

Something deep inside me screams that I’d feel better if I got closer. That I’d stop hurting.

His scent pulls at me. Calms me—and worsens everything at once.

And before I know what I’m doing, I step toward him, grab him by the collar, and pull him down to my height.

Then I kiss him.