Page 6 of A Hal for my Heart

Sympathy flickered in his eyes like a subtle flame as he nodded. “Then I’ll remember never to touch you,” he vowed solemnly, and a part of me died just then at the horrible thought of never ever feeling Hal’s touch again; the solid comfort of his huge hand, the subtle rasp of his callouses, and the heat emanating from his skin. I’d dreamt of feeling his hand wrapped around mine again, and the possibility that he was the exception to my curse and wouldn’t die.

“Do you want to walk with me to breakfast tomorrow?” he asked, looking all casual and handsome.

“Sure,” I whispered, then turned to open my door. “Good night, Hal.”

“Good night, Briar. Sweet dreams.”

Inside, I sagged against my door, burying my face in my hands as I silently prayed to whichever god was listening, to please let Hal live. I really needed him to live.

“I want more of those buns, you know, those small ones with the sugar on top?” Hal said as he walked beside me on our way to breakfast. True to his word last night, he kept his distance, making sure not to touch me. He gestured wildly with his hands as he spoke vividly about the taste and texture of his favorite breakfast dishes from yesterday.

I simply nodded, enjoying his smooth voice, a dopey smile plastered to my lips.

“And those sausages!” he exclaimed, followed by an exaggerated moan. “I’ve never eaten better than I do here.”

Humming in agreement, I tried to get his moan out of my head and ignore the things it did to my insides. It wasn’t possible, though. My heat wasn’t for another month, but Hal was affecting me as if it was lurking just around the corner. At least for this heat, I’d have a lot of material to help with my fantasies. Hal would be with me in every single one of them. I’d touch myself to the sound of his deep voice as I imagined his calloused hands whispering along my body, pulling pleasure from me. Oh gods, I needed to get a grip.

“There you are!” Gus came running to meet us. “We have to cancel breakfast. Lumi didn’t want to sleep at all, so Seb is taking a nap right now while Elias is taking Lumi and Ember for a stroll. I’ll be joining Seb to get some much-needed rest myself.”

“Does Elias need my help with the twins?” I asked.

Gus smiled as he shook his head. “You two should still eat; we just won’t be joining you this morning.”

As if on cue, Hal’s stomach growled loudly, which had both alphas laughing. “My stomach has spoken. I need food,” Hal declared, still chuckling.

Gus nodded, his whole face alight with humor. “You go eat, I’ll see you two later.” He leaned in and wrapped Hal in a hug. Envy coursed through me as I took in the two huge alphas embracing. I thought I’d come to terms with my fate. I really did. So why was my body suddenly rebelling against me, ready to throw itself in the middle of this huge alpha sandwich?

Eventually their hug ended, and then Gus was off to nap with our king.

“And here I thought the twins were little angels,” Hal drawled, clearly being sarcastic.

I giggled, remembering how Ember had peed on Hal the day before. Hal had offered to change the baby’s diaper, and in a matter of seconds, his shirt had been hit by a spray of pee.

Hal narrowed his eyes at me. “I sure hope you aren’t laughing on my behalf?”

That only made me giggle harder.

“Of course not.” I turned quickly, still giggling, and continued in the direction of the dining hall. I was starving, and I could smell the sausages from where we stood. I was eager to see Hal eat to his heart’s content, just like he had last night, scarfing down one dish after another.

“You are trouble, Omega,” Hal laughed behind me, and I nearly melted into a puddle on the floor. Omega.

We ate in relative silence, only Hal’s moans of pleasure could be heard, and I feared the servants would think we were up to more than just eating. Then I remembered we were technically allowed to do more now, and that thought had me reeling. It would take some time getting used to omegas and alphas being equals.

I cleared my throat, gesturing at the plate with the cinnamon buns. “Try the round bread with the twirls,” I suggested. It was a dish I knew Gus loved as well.

Hal’s gaze zeroed in on the plate, and without hesitating, he grabbed one and took a huge bite, eyes going wide in wonder. “Twis is amazing!” he gushed with his mouth full of the cinnamon goodness. “Wow.” His eyes rolled into his head with pure delight, and my heart did a happy little flip in my chest.

“Have you tried the sausages?” Hal asked, sugar smeared along his bottom lip, and it sounded like he was asking me something much more intimate than just my food preference.

“I have not,” I replied, already fearing what was coming.

Hal’s face lit up in surprise. “Then you simply must try my sausage,” he declared, taking the one from his plate and holding it out in front of me, waiting for me to take a bite.

Oh gods, I had to be dreaming or thrust into some alternate universe because surely this huge alpha wasn’t going to hand-feed me his sausage!

“Go on,” Hal smiled encouragingly.

I swallowed nervously, then leaned forward, being careful not to touch him. Opening my mouth, I closed my teeth around the sausage, then bit down, feeling the skin snap as the juices hit my tongue. I chewed, enjoying the taste of salted meat and spices, humming my approval as Hal eyed me, his eyes intense and dark.