For a second, I'm tempted. Staying in would be safer. But the apartment suddenly feels too small, too saturated with Nick's scent. Maybe being in public will help clear my head.
"No, I want to try this place," I insist. "Fresh air might do me good."
The walk to the restaurant is only twenty minutes, but it feels like an eternity. Each step jostles my increasingly sensitive body. The cool November air provides momentary relief against my overheated skin, but does nothing to dampen my awareness of Nick beside me. He walks close—closer than usual, I think—and occasionally his arm brushes against mine, sending little electric shocks through my system.
"You're really warm," he comments when our hands accidentally touch. "You sure you're not coming down with something?"
"Maybe a slight fever," I admit, which isn't exactly a lie. "Nothing serious."
Nick frowns. "We should get you home after lunch. You need rest."
I make a noncommittal sound, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. The restaurant appears ahead, a modern building with large windows and a small queue outside. Saturday lunch rush.
The hostess seats us at a small table near the window. The restaurant is busy, filled with weekend diners, and the cacophony of scents—food, people, cleaning products—momentarily overwhelms my heightened senses. I grip the edge of the table, trying to ground myself.
"Micah?" Nick's voice breaks through the sensory overload. "You okay? You went pale all of a sudden."
"Fine," I say, though I'm clearly not. "Just...a lot of people."
Nick's expression shifts, his alpha instincts clearly registering my distress even if he doesn't understand the cause. "We can leave if you want. Find somewhere quieter."
"No, it's fine. Really." I pick up the menu, using it as a shield. "Let's just order."
The waiter comes by, and Nick orders for both of us after a quick glance confirms I'm okay with his choices. It's something he does sometimes when he senses I'm overwhelmed. Usually, I find it endearing. Today, the simple act of him taking charge sends a shiver of something primal through me, a reaction so visceral it leaves me breathless.
"Nick?" A female voice interrupts my internal crisis. "I thought that was you."
I look up to see Amara, the omega specialist I sometimes work with at the hospital. She's smiling at Nick, but when her gaze shifts to me, her expression changes. Her nostrils flare slightly—a discreet scent check—and her eyes widen.
Oh shit.
"Hi," Nick says, standing to greet her. They know each other through me, having met a few times. "Nice to see you."
"You too," she says warmly, but her eyes keep darting to me with increasing concern. "Micah, are you okay?"
The emphasis she puts on the question makes it clear she's not just making small talk. She can smell what's happening to me.
"I'm fine," I say, the words sounding hollow even to my own ears. "Just grabbing lunch."
Amara gives me a look that says she's not buying it for a second. "Actually, could I borrow you for a moment? I have a quick question about one of our shared patients."
It's a transparent excuse, but I'm grateful for it. "Sure," I say, already standing. To Nick, I add, "Be right back."
Nick looks between us, clearly sensing something's off, but nods. "Take your time."
Amara leads me toward the restrooms, away from the main dining area. As soon as we're out of earshot, she turns to me.
"Honey, you're going into heat," she says without preamble. "Today. Please tell me you know what's happening."
The direct statement breaks through my last defenses. "I...I think so. But it doesn't make sense. My cycle's not due for weeks, and I haven't missed any suppressants."
She guides me into the single-occupancy family restroom, closing the door behind us. In the fluorescent lighting, I can see my reflection again—flushed, pupils dilated, a thin sheen of sweat on my forehead despite the restaurant's air conditioning.
"How long have you been feeling like this?" she asks.
"Since last night. Subtle at first, just feeling warm, more aware of...things. It's gotten progressively worse."
She nods. "And you've been with Nick this entire time?"