Page 120 of Talk About… Dramay

This heat was thirteen years in the making. It had been suppressed and denied long enough that my body had to make up for lost time.

It continued on until I passed out. My body had its limits.

Then I’d wake and we’d do it all over again.

The desperation slowed as time went on, going down to a normal heat that let us eat and sleep a little easier.

After eight grueling days, we were all spent, but I was satisfied. My fever broke and my mind settled, leaving me to sleep alongside them for days on end.

The next wouldn’t be the same, it would likely be more restrained, less feral.

Which only made this one, our first, that much more special.

I had a pack and the bites to prove it, and so did they.

Oriana

A Month Later

My heat had been amazing, and my pack was closer than ever, but life had quickly reminded us that we couldn’t stay in our bubble forever.

Roman was busy with the community center, and Mayor Adams was relying on him to help keep things going.

It was quickly clear that it was more than just an art class at this point. Which was why it didn’t surprise any of us when he was quickly appointed as Community Organizer. I don’t think I’d ever seen my beta look so proud of himself.

For now, at least. I had a feeling that once the first classes were underway, he’d be even happier.

The community center just had to open, first.

And finally, that day was here.

The Artisan Fair was already in full swing. I had a small antique booth set up with flyers inviting everyone to join us in a week for our own grand opening. I hadn’t really expected tosell anything here. I just put up some of my best pieces and then a few small knick-knacks and vintage toys, hoping to give a snapshot of what we’d offer.

To my surprise, we sold over half of them by lunchtime.

I hadn’t seen Roman since we parted ways this morning, and my stomach was turning with nerves for him—or maybe that was the kettle corn booth a few feet away.

Usually, that was something that I’d be salivating over, but right now, it made me want to puke. One burnt batch and I was struggling.

Instead, I focused on my beta. With a sigh, I turned to Hudson who was standing vigil next to me.

“Do you think he’s doing okay?”

“Cameron’s with him,” Hudson reminded me. Roman and Cameron’s friendship had been there since the moment Roman realized he was working his ass off to win me back.

At first, I think it started as a way to bridge the gap between us all, for my sake. A few months later, they had formed a special bond. Cameron and Roman were like brothers, and I wasn’t surprised when Cameron volunteered to help set up today—especially because Tate, Hudson, Lane, and I had this booth covered, while his brothers and Avery were handling things at Whitaker Brews.

Any more alphas in this tiny booth, and it would be a bit too crowded.

“Okay, I can’t take it anymore,” Lane said. “If I don’t eat, I might perish. Mind if I steal her for a little lunch break?”

I wasn’t sure if this was for his benefit, or my anxiety’s, but I didn’t hesitate to follow him.

“As long as you bring us something back,” Tate said. “Behave, you two.” Something snarky was on the tip of my tongue but the idea of food was enough for me to follow while simply blowing my alphas a kiss.

Henry protested with his annoyed barks at not being brought along, but honestly, it was better to keep him as far away from the food as we could. I heard Tate talking to him, calming him down. It quickly became clear that, as much as Henry loved us all, Tate was his person, and I loved that for them.

“Be back soon,” I called back.