**Chapter 6** Emmeline The frantic pounding on my front door sends a jolt of fear coursing through me, the sound echoing like a war drum, relentless and urgent. Someone is determined to breach the sanctuary of my home, and my heart races with the thought: is this an alpha asserting dominance? As I reach for my monitor to check the cameras, the blankets slip away, exposing my wrist glands to the cold air outside. A whimper, sweet yet desperate, escapes my lips without my consent. My body trembles; I shudder as if I’ve been thrust from a sweltering summer day into the icy grip of winter. I shouldn’t be alone like this—not as my heat approaches. The relentless banging continues, and anxiety prickles at my senses. My fingers fumble as I input the passcode. What if it’s Uri? What if he’s come back? Or, worse still, what if he hasn’t? Panic mixes with a trace of hope, battling within me. Maybe I’m terrified, yet maybe there's still a flicker of optimism I can’t extinguish. In a frenzy, I tuck Uri's tie beneath my pillow, a talisman of solace as I click on the front door camera. Those three seconds feel like an eternity until a familiar mop of fluffy brown hair appears, and a wave of relief washes over me. My chest unclenches, just slightly. I press the microphone button. “Ev, stop acting like a lunatic. I’m on my way.” Despite being only eighteen minutes my senior, Evander has always worn the mantle of the older brother with pride. He was the only one unshaken when I revealed my omega status during our tumultuous teenage years. He’s my steadfast supporter, believing in me far more than I believe in myself. Even though he remains our father’s pride, the golden child, he has never once made me feel less than him. "Come on! Let me in already!" he shouts through the letterbox, too cheerful for the moment. I roll my eyes, tossing my phone onto the blankets as I brace myself against the pain that surges through my protesting body. Each step feels like a monumental effort as I shuffle toward the door, gratefully accepting the fluffiest pajamas I can find—comfort over fashion. The pre-heat symptoms are merciless. One minute I’m burning with heat, the next moment I’m ice cold. At least the chill prevents me from ruining my nest with sweat. Throwing on an oversized hoodie, I plod to the front door, fumbling the deadlock before yanking it open, glaring at my brother. “What took you so long, sis?” he grins, his teasing tone insufferably buoyant. As soon as he steps inside, I can’t help the whimper that escapes me—thin, needy, as if the strength of my rational self has evaporated. The sunlight streams in, painfully bright after being cocooned in darkness for twelve hours, and I shrink back. His scent—rich chocolate and freshly brewed coffee—envelops me, intensifying as he lets out a low growl. "Oh, Em," he murmurs, his hands clasping me before I can protest, firm but gentle, ushering me away from the door. His soothing scent brushes against my temple; it's a mark of reassurance I desperately need. I shiver under his touch, feeling slightly better but not enough to contain the tears that spill forth, raw and unrestrained. My sobs claw at my throat. Evander reacts instinctively; he always does. “Come here, baby sis,” he comforts, his voice a low rumble as he scoops me into his arms. Drama swells in me, and he doesn’t hesitate to carry me into my bedroom. He pauses at the doorway, and I manage a nearly incoherent murmur, granting him permission to enter. He can be so sweet, despite his teasing exterior. With an easy motion, he lowers me onto the floor outside my nest, disentangling himself from my grip. I meet his concerned gaze, but he shakes his head, his hands lingering at my shoulders, hesitant. I whine, my scent rich with desperation, instinctively craving something—anything. I lock eyes with him, the plea palpable. “Don’t leave me,” I whisper with my heart laid bare. His expression hardens, jaw set tight. “Don’t give me that look, Em. Get in your nest now, like a good omega,” he commands. And when I hesitate, his voice sharpens. “Now!” It’s as if a current jolts through me, igniting my instincts. At his command, I stumble into my nest, instincts pulling me back into the cozy warmth. Concealing Uri’s tie in my grasp, I settle in with a sigh. “Can I sit here?” he asks, motioning to the floor outside my nest. I tense at the suggestion, but he stays put, awaiting my permission. After a moment, I relentingly nod. His smile radiates warmth, and it comforts me. His gaze darkens briefly. “I’m sorry.” He growls lightly, casting me a mock glare. “What do I tell you every single time?” “That I shouldn’t apologize for my biology,” I mutter. He raises an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t?” “That I’m not allowed,” I correct, sighing. Tears brim in my eyes again, yet this time I manage to rein them in. “Talk to me, Emme. What’s going on? You're not this upset usually,” he leans closer, concern etched on his face. “Are you hurt? Feeling sick?” I struggle against the storm of emotions, battling to get myself under control. How can I confess what I’ve done? How can I explain that I’ve shattered everything? The thought alone nearly suffocates me. I can’t bear the disappointment on his face, the shame that would settle in his eyes. “You have me worried, little star.” He extends his hand toward me, an unspoken invitation for trust. “This isn’t like you.” “I’ve done something bad, Ev,” I admit, burying my face into the blankets. “Just leave me here to wallow. I deserve this.” He doesn’t let the sentiment rest. “I didn’t hear that last part, Emmeline.” His voice turns firm, stripped of all humor. “I need you to sit up, okay? Talk to me so that I can help you.” “You can’t help.” My words come out muffled. “Emmeline Whitmore,” he barks. “Sit up, right now.” Every fiber of my being begs me to comply, but I fumble out of the blankets, ensuring Uri’s tie remains hidden, and give him the most pitiful look I can muster. “Oh, Emme,” he murmurs, his grip on my hand tightening. His voice steadies me, anchoring me as he reassures me, “I’ve got you, little star. Whatever it is, you’re not alone.” “Can you… would you…” I sniffle, my voice wavering. It’s nearly impossible to voice my need without sounding pathetic. “Do you want me to come into your nest?” he asks, his tone cautious, aware of the precarious boundary he’s suggesting to cross. As desperate as I am for warmth and safety, my mind hesitates—this isn’t how I should manage things. I should be stronger, I should— But when I reach for him, my body relaxes just a bit. I can admit it now. I can’t do this alone. I nod, tears welling up again as I clutch his hand like a lifeline. “Of course I can,” he replies, and with a swift, awkward movement, he kicks off his shoes, maintaining his grip on me. The moment he settles into my nest beside me, his scent washes over me—rich chocolate and coffee, grounding and safe. It envelops me, sinking into every fiber of my nest, loosening the tight ball within me. I take a shaky breath, feeling the restlessness ease—if only for a moment. Here, I am safe. Here, I'm not alone anymore. My fingers tighten around his, unwilling to break the connection. My unease fades as I sink into his embrace, allowing him to encourage me to lie down under the blankets, his arm naturally wrapping around my head. I am engulfed by the scent of the only alpha who has ever made me feel cherished, normal, and loved. Uri may be absent, Sterling may not acknowledge my existence, but at least my brother remains—a steadfast pillar in turbulent seas. “Do you remember your first nest?” Evander asks, his voice low and soothing, trying to keep the mood light. “How you spent an entire day finding the perfect sheets and blankets, raiding every pillow in the house?” A laugh escapes me despite my teary eyes; I can’t resist the memories. “I was ready to murder you when you asked if it was good enough.” I sniffle as he squeezes my hand. “I’ve never judged you, little star, and no matter what you’ve done, we can fix it. Okay?” “I don’t think you can fix this for me,” I whisper, heavy with dread. “I found my scent match—two of them.” For a heartbeat, the world stills. The air thickens with tension as Evander processes my words, his expression shifting to a storm cloud of emotions. His scent darkens, transforming from comforting chocolate to a bitter espresso, an aroma fueled by an alpha's impending rage. My heart races; I’ve never witnessed him struggle against his instincts to maintain composure. “What do you mean you found your scent match? Who are they?” His voice drips with barely restrained fury. “It’s not what you think. I... I slept with one of them yesterday. Well, Saturday night.” My voice falters, heavy with shame. “He left me.” Silence blankets the room like a suffocating weight. A muscle in Evander’s jaw ticks violently; his tension radiates as he grips my hands tighter. “Emmeline. He left you.” My heart sinks further, feeling like a burden I can’t shake. Why do I always seem to generate chaos around me? Why do I disappoint him? “Who are they, Em? Why aren’t you with them as your heat approaches? Are you not in pain?” His concern cuts through my anguish, but I can’t meet his gaze. A whimper escapes—my deepest fears laid bare. How can I admit that I am in agony without them? I miss Uri’s warmth, Sterling’s calming presence—without anyone who feels like home. “This just isn’t fair,” I whisper, nestling deeper into the blankets. “You’re not okay right now, but you will be,” he insists, gently smoothing my hair from my face. “Tell me their names.” “I can’t,” I murmur, shaking my head; I fear the judgment in his eyes. Evander springs back slightly, confusion flickering over his features. “Is this why you weren’t ready for our usual breakfast tradition?” A sigh of relief escapes me. “I can’t betray them by going to the clinic… I've got to deal with this on my own.” His body stiffens once more, disheartened anger seeping into his aura. “Do they know you’re going into heat?” “One does.” A low growl escapes him, tightening his grip. A small part of me puffs with pride; he cares enough to react fiercely on my behalf. But doom settles around me, heavy and suffocating. “And where the hell is this alpha?” “I… I…” The words stick in my throat, the confession clawing at my resolve. “Em,” he demands, the pressure in his voice rising. “He left me,” I sob, burying my face into my blankets, caving under the weight of the truth. I can’t fathom what my future holds—not when it feels like I’m not enough for those who should love me most. Silence lingers, thick and suffocating. Evander finally speaks, his tone dangerously calm. “What about the second one? How did that coward respond?” “He’s not an alpha,” the confession slips out before I can catch it, and Ev’s laughter bellows, a surprising, hearty sound. “What’s so funny?” I snap, confusion painting my features. “You’re perfect, Em. You know that, right?” I blink, still not understanding. “I don’t understand.” “You don’t need to,” he shrugs nonchalantly. “So your second scent match is a beta. That’s interesting.” My growl is weak, an imitation of his earlier ferocity. “I’ll have you know, Evander, that omega-beta bonds —” “I’m not doubting his worth to you, little star,” he interrupts, “but since the fucker isn’t here, I am doubtful of his worth. Not because of his designation, understand?” “Good,” I nod. The tears return, bubbling beneath the surface, and I can hardly grasp why. “That’s good.” “Then why isn’t the beta here?” “He doesn’t seem to want me,” I confess quietly. “He didn’t even acknowledge me. At all.” The words hang in the air, each syllable a weight I can barely carry. Yet, a part of me still craves him—still whispers hopes for change. “Em,” Ev prods, his fingers nudging my forehead playfully. “Since when are you an ‘um-er and ahh-er’?” “Ummm.” I drag the sound out comically, laughter bubbling up despite the haze of hormones still tightening my chest. “You’re heartbroken,” he states, his smile fading as concern steals over his features. “I think... it’s just my heat hormones,” I counter, feeling slightly ashamed. “Maybe I’m just nervous.” “I’m going to call Isaac to bring us a feast,” he announces, his resolve firm. “No, no,” my panicked voice fills the air, gripping his arm tightly. “I can’t, not, no.” “Shh,” he soothes, his presence steadying me. “Not in your nest, little star. I’d never disrupt it that way. Isaac will leave the food at the door—you won’t have to see him.” As the chaotic thrum of instincts spirals within me, I feel the walls closing in. “I’m sorry,” I plead, still clutching his arm for dear life. “No more apologies,” he warns, and I can sense the teasing sparkle in his eyes dimming. “You’re scared.” “It’s just a biological reaction, completely illogical,” I say softly. “You’re not going through this alone, Emme,” he promises, his sincerity enveloping me like a comforting blanket. “If they’re not there for you, I will be.” The ache in my chest swells, sorrowful yet warm. But something within me whispers it won’t be enough—not when I still long for them, not when the void they left behind still echoes. Without hesitating, I voice the fears bubbling deep. “I can’t let you be close to me when heat hits—I scream for them.” He raises an eyebrow. “No? You don’t get to dictate how I take care of you, little star.” “Don’t ‘little star’ me!” I protest, kicking the blankets away in frustration, but he barely budges. “Stupid alpha body,” I huff, realizing just how ridiculous this all feels. “It’s not my fault you’re weaker than a baby horse right now.” “A baby horse? Why not a puppy? Or a baby sheep?” I scoff. “Are you saying I look like a horse?” “I’ve been nice to you all morning, you know,” he continues. “I didn’t even complain when I didn’t get fed like promised.” “If I weren’t so cold, I’d smother you with my pillow,” I shoot back, the tension easing slightly as laughter slips through. “Alright, I’m going to call Isaac. Why don’t you take a nap while I organize everything?” “Wait, I’m sorry.” “If you apologize again, I’ll have to fart in your nest, and that’ll ruin it for you,” he threatens, but I giggle at his empty words, lightening the mood between us. “Thank you, Ev,” I murmur when I finally calm. “You never need to thank me, little star. This is what brothers are for,” he assures me, then adds, “And you know what else brothers are for?” “No, what?” “Beating up the men who think it’s acceptable to leave their sister in this state,” he grins, igniting a gasp of shock in me. I sit up abruptly, shooting daggers at him. “You have no idea!” I exclaim. “What don’t I understand, Emmeline?” His eyes narrow, determination etched in his expression. “These cowards left you, knowing your heat is coming. You’re not suffering in silence because of them.” “Don’t do this, Ev,” I plead, heart racing. “They’re my bosses.” His eyes widen in disbelief. “Gerard? Emmeline, wait—he’s with someone. We’ve met his mate. What’s going on at that company?” A mix of emotions collides within me—humor and frustration churning together. “Did you forget about my promotion? You colossal idiot!” “What? Oh, no.” A realization dawns on him, abruptly draining color from his face. “Wait—don’t you report to your COO now? What’s his name—Uri? Uri Rothschild? Sterling Carter?” “Yes!” The slight edge of panic in my voice reflects how no one paints the picture better than him. “And Oscar Calloway and Paxton Harrington? They’re my bosses.” “You have a choice, Emmeline!” he insists. “You don’t need to go back there.” “But you told me I could be anything I set my mind to!” I counter, clenching my fists. Exasperation whispers through him. “If I knew you’d become this stubborn, I wouldn’t have supported you at all!” “And you’re the kindest, sweetest alpha I’ve ever met,” I shoot back. Images of Uri’s warm regard and Sterling’s gentle manner wash over me, but I chase them away. Uri isn’t here. He left. “Do you want to switch to a different nest?” Evander’s voice gently interrupts, grounding me once more. “You’re going to make your omega so happy one day,” I remark, thoughts swirling in my head as reality sets in. “I’ll go shower and move to my office nest.” It’s cooler in there, and my body feels flushed. The perks of being an omega, I guess. I push away from him, bracing myself. “I’ll go shower.” “Wait, Em.” His voice slices through the air, devoid of teasing. When I meet his steady gaze, the seriousness confounds me. “Tell me the truth,” he presses. “Do you really think they’re not coming back?” The question slams into me, a brutal kick to the gut. I open my mouth but can’t form the words. All I can think is that I can’t answer. Because if I admit it out loud… if I say it… then it’s real. “I need to shower,” I repeat, casting myself from the nest. My stomach churns, my legs feel like lead, but I push forward to escape Evander’s interrogation. As I attempt to stand, the pressure coils in my head, mockingly cascading through my body. Just two shaky steps send the world spinning, heat surging through me in waves that feel nauseating. My scent spikes, sharp and sweet; the air is thick, and I can barely breathe. My scent glands thrum like a heartbeat, my body protesting every step. Before I even register it, Evander’s there, his strong hands catching me just as I lose my balance. “Whoa—Em? Are you okay?” His grip tightens, voice sharp and urgent. “What’s wrong? Talk to me!” I blink up at him, awareness ebbing as black dots dance at the edges of my vision. Something feels wrong, off. My stomach is churning, my body oscillates between feverish heat and icy chill. “I… I don’t know.”