“Not funny, Faith,” I say through gritted teeth rolling my eyes.
“Huh?” Nixon asks out of breath but finally looking up at me.
“My wolf thinks this is hilarious…” I roll my eyes and shake my head. “Enough about her though, what does this heat entail exactly?” I sit up on my knees stretching my achy body. I haven’t slept all night and it’s really starting to catch up with me.
“Heat cupcake, it’s exactly how it sounds. Luckily us guys don’t have to go through it but I’ve heard that it’s quite an experience for females. If you meet your mate and you don’t complete the bond by the next full moon you will go into heat every full moon till your bond is finally completed or until you are rejected. They don’t say how long you stay on heat for, but not many last long before giving into the temptation. I think the longest heat period I heard about lasted roughly a week,” he says, now looking back into the distance trying to avoid my eyes.
“Nixon, what do you mean?” I touch his bicep and his concerned face turns to look at me.
“How do you stop it? What is going to happen to me?” I whisper.
He stutters, “W… well… you see…when you go into heat your… uh…sexual drive is uh…magnified.” he scratches his head.
“What?!” I stand up wide eyed and start pacing. “No. No. No! This can’t be happening,” I say shaking my head.
“That’s not all, Angel.” Nixon stands up next to me.
“Your body will also let off pheromones that will smell delicious to unmated male wolves. They will be attracted and drawn to you. The only way for you to stop it before the time period is over will be to have… sex.” He whispers the last word.
“No, I can’t do that. There has to be another way? What if I just fight the heat? I mean…it can’t last forever, right? You said you heard the longest lasted a week? I’m sure I can make it a week without giving in.” I look up to him. “I can definitely do that. I’ll do that fine. No problem.” I shake it off trying to convince myself.
“I’m not sure, Angel, it’s supposed to be pretty intense. Not many people can withstand it for long. The she-wolves usually give in pretty quickly, taking any man close enough to stop it. I’ve also heard that it helps when your mate is near, they’ll be able to help share your pain,” he says shrugging. I let out a deep breath.
A worried look forms on his face. In a serious protective tone he says, “You need to watch your back when you feel the heat coming on. You’ll need to get away and find somewhere safe. Unmated males will be a danger to you. They’ll stop at nothing to take you, Angel.”
A shiver runs down my spine and I swallow the lump in my throat.
CHAPTER 4
Nixon manages to calm me down after my little panic attack. He’s even offered to take me away from the pack house when the time comes for my heat. He told me how much he loved my father’s pack and how the people in this town have been treating him well. Alex organised him a temp job at the High School where she teaches and aside from the senior girls passing him their numbers on the sly, he’s enjoying it. He’s a gorgeous man, but I don’t see him as anything more than a friend and I know the feeling is mutual. My heart has already been given to two men whether they want it or not. But it does feel good to have someone I can rely on, someone I can vent to. After the response I got from him when I told him about the rejection, I’m confident that he will never judge me. I don’t trust easily, but I kinda feel like I can trust Nixon with my secrets.
We spend the rest of the day lounging under the tree chatting, before stopping off at a burger place in town for dinner on the way home; where we continue to chat about Point Bright and the people in it. Despite being totally exhausted and stiff due to my first shift, I’ve tried really hard to stay awake throughout the meal.
“I had a great day. I’m so glad to hear you’re happy here, Gre… uh, I mean, Nixon.” I smile and he returns it. “Gotta get used to that.”
I climb off his bike and wait for him to climb off too. He takes the helmet out of my hand and places it onto the seat of the bike before pulling me in for a hug.
“Thank you, Angel. I never would’ve found this happiness if it weren’t for you,” he whispers into my ear. “Don’t let those twins get to you. You’re a strong woman, Angel. You’ll get through this and if you ever need a shoulder, I’ll be right here.”
I squeeze him tightly, relishing in the hug. I haven’t felt comfortable holding someone for so long, it makes me miss my friends in Point Bright; they were always so affectionate.