City of Blood

31

Helen must have cleaned everything up after the cops and Samuel were in the house, because it's empty and smells primarily like myself and Callum, but Helen's scent hangs lightly in the air as well. It's probably a good thing she cleaned everything up because I'd probably lose my mind if an unfamiliar scent was present.

Every step is difficult because my brain feels like it's full of cotton, but being in our home is clearing my brain up a tiny bit. My entire body is tense and I'm on edge, anxiety swirling in my stomach as we make our way up the stairs to our shared room. Every fiber of my being is demanding I make a safe space for myself and my mate during my rut since it's a vulnerable time.

I was always told nesting is only something Omegas do, but Callum informed me that Alphas who work with him at Helen's club have told him they nest sometimes as well. I haven't ever felt the urge to nest, but I was also on some pretty aggressive suppressants so that kind of makes sense. However, as soon as Callum gets me to his room, I accidentally snarl at him when he goes to sit on the bed.

Callum jumps up, and he looks caught between concerned and confused. "What's wrong, baby?"

"Uh... you know how you told me that some Alphas like to nest?" I ask, the words coming out slow and kind of slurred since my mind is still really fuzzy. "I want to, but I don't want you on the bed when I'm building it."

Callum gives me a soft smile, standing to the side of his bed. "Do you need anything specific for it?"

"Blankets, but only the ones that are soft on both sides. I want the texture to be the same on both sides. I'm going to go through your drawers and take clothes, so choose what you want to wear for the next week so I can pick what I want."

"Am I really going to be wearing anything?"

I pause because I honestly kind of forgot about the sex part, which is kind of stupid because that's a pretty big part of ruts. I feel the possessiveness and the need to be close to my mate and his scent, and my head is still really fuzzy, but I don't feel outrageously horny yet.

I kind of just want to be around Callum and lay on him like a human weighted blanket. Maybe that's what happens before the actual rut part?

"I'm not sure, I've never done this," I mutter and my voice is shakier than I thought it'd be.

Callum opens his arms, gesturing toward himself and I launch myself into his arms, nuzzling his neck and taking deep breaths of his scent to calm myself down. He rubs his hand up and down my spine, and I let out a pleased purring sound, which is weird because I'm pretty sure only Omegas can purr.

"Lennox, it's okay. I'll go get the blankets and you can start constructing your nest, okay?"

I nod, but I'm reluctant when he releases me from our hug. Almost every part of me just wants to relish in his scent, but the loudest part is still demanding I make a nest to protect my mate and I during my rut. So, I release him and open the dresser and closet.

Most of the garments I take are soft, like his pajamas and shirts, and I pile them on top of his dresser so I can put down the blankets first. My nose is extremely sensitive right now, and Callum's scent is so strong that I can almost taste it.

Callum comes back with a stack of blankets, and to my irritation, he's on his phone.

Maybe the rut is making me more needy and possessive because there's no rational reason to be upset over Callum being on a phone call. He hands me the blankets, and I silently start to put my nest together while eavesdropping on his call.

Well, it's not eavesdropping because he's sitting in our room and isn't talking quietly.

"Yes, I'm fine with them keeping Joseph alive because I know I won't have to see him. I know it's a tense situation, but Samuel is the one letting him kill people and covering it up," Callum says, leaving against the wall and looking out the window. "I don't know, I'm not sure if killing Samuel is the best course of action, but he's bringing humans into this and has allowed countless to already be killed."