Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 294(@200wpm)___ 235(@250wpm)___ 196(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 294(@200wpm)___ 235(@250wpm)___ 196(@300wpm)
“So… what does it mean?” Eric shifted a little, trying to find a comfortable position, which wasn’t easy considering the dildo inside him. He really wanted to pull it out. Now that he was no longer aroused, the artificial knot just felt uncomfortable and too much, but he didn’t want to do it in front of Hugh, even under the blanket. He idly wondered if the real thing was as uncomfortable, but he quickly pushed the thought away. His face was probably red enough anyway.
Hugh’s lips pressed together, a furrow appearing between his well-shaped dark eyebrows. “It means that we’ll have to tweak the parameters of my research.” Leaning back in his chair, he hummed thoughtfully. “Strictly speaking, what happened didn’t disprove my theory. Quite the contrary: it proved that an omega’s biology can be tricked into thinking that it’s getting what it needs. You said you were incapable of achieving relief on your own despite the use of the same tools, correct?”
Eric nearly snorted. He had to admit it was admirable how Hugh managed to make it sound like he wasn’t talking about Eric fucking himself with a dildo. “Correct,” he confirmed.
“And yet you could do it after scenting an alpha, an alpha you had no prior attachment to.”
“Right!” Eric said, nodding earnestly. “That means it’s working, doesn’t it? I don’t need to mate anyone?”
Hugh seemed amused by his enthusiasm. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he said. “As much as I want to say yes, one point of reference doesn’t make a pattern. We’ll run more tests.” He looked back at his computer. “Your readings are good for now. Your hormones are close to normal. The question is, how long it will last. I don’t expect it to last long. Your body was tricked into thinking that you had sexual intercourse with an alpha, but sex doesn’t replace a mating bond. I doubt it’ll be enough to stabilize you for long. You will stay the night in the clinic for observation. We’ve already prepared a room for you. My nurse will show you to it.”
He started turning away, and Eric suddenly felt a rush of panic. “Wait.”
Hugh turned back, his eyebrows furrowed in question.
Eric opened his mouth and closed it, unsure what to say. He couldn’t even explain the origin of his weird panic, didn’t understand why he didn’t want Hugh to go. Shouldn’t he want him gone after the whole mortifying ordeal?
Hugh’s lips curled slightly, his eyes flashing with understanding. “It’s just the endorphins, kid,” he said, his voice a little tight but not unkind. “As far as your biology is concerned, I’m the alpha who just made you feel good. It’s normal for an omega to feel a little clingy toward the alpha, especially after their first sexual experience.”
Eric blinked. He cocked his head to the side. “How do you know it was my first? The whole planet thinks I’m a slut.”
Hugh’s eyes hardened. “Don’t call yourself that.”
Shrugging with a rueful smile, Eric pressed, “Seriously, how did you know?”
Hugh brushed his hand against Eric’s wrist. “I’m an AO specialist, Eric. If I couldn’t tell an untouched omega from an omega with sexual experience, I would have been very bad at my job.”
That… made sense.
Eric swallowed back a disappointed noise when Hugh removed his hand. He told himself it was just biology, hormones getting wires crossed and acting up. He didn’t really want Hugh to stay.
“Thank you, doctor,” he mumbled, without looking at him. “I really appreciate your help. Truly. You can go, I’m fine.”
There was a long silence.
Suddenly, he felt something being draped over his shoulders.
Eric shifted his gaze to it and stared. It was Hugh’s coat. It smelled of him.
“It should help,” Hugh said in a clipped voice. “I’ll see you in the morning, Eric.” And with that, he left.
Chapter 4
As Hugh had promised, there was a room prepared for him in the other wing of the clinic. A very kind, cheerful nurse, Linette, helped him settle, lifting his mood with her jokes. It helped that Eric felt well. He felt kind of awesome, actually. Gone were the constant hum of arousal, the distraction, the low-key dissatisfaction and need under his skin. His head felt clear and calm for what felt like the first time in months. It unsettled him—how much he had been compromised for months without being fully aware of the extent of it.
He slept like a baby, despite being in an unfamiliar room that smelled so sterile and impersonal. Hugh’s coat definitely helped. It smelled so good. It made him feel safe. It didn’t even bother Eric that his readings were being monitored constantly while he slept. He felt good, comfortable, and calm.
His serenity lasted throughout breakfast, which was excellent, but by late morning, Eric started feeling agitated again. The nurse that came to check his readings shook her head and said, “I’ll tell the doctor.”