Page 53 of The Reluctant Alpha

She meant if I could hear the heartbeat, which started after only a few hours in shifters. I knew that.

I nodded, relief and something like disappointment warring in my chest. What if I couldn't hear it? My hearing wasn't as acute as Phoenix's when I wasn't in my bear form. Esther patted my shoulder sympathetically. "He needs rest and support. This is a lot for anyone to process, especially someone who never expected to be part of our world this way."

As Esther left, Danny stirred in my arms, his eyelashes fluttering. "What happened?" he mumbled, disoriented.

"You fainted," I told him, brushing hair from his forehead. "Apparently the idea of carrying my 'mini-Sasquatch' was too much for you."

His eyes widened as memory returned, and he groaned, burying his face against my chest. "Kill me now."

Emery laughed softly. "I'll give you two some privacy," he said, heading for the door. "Danny, we'll talk more when you're feeling better."

When we were alone, I shifted Danny carefully so we were both comfortable on the bed, his head resting on my shoulder. For a long moment, neither of us spoke, the only sound our synchronized breathing.

"I'm sorry," I finally said, breaking the silence. "For all of this. For putting you in this position."

Danny sighed, his breath warm against my neck. "Pretty sure there were two of us ripping the sheets up in that bed."

"I should have had more control. My bear—"

"Was responding to my heat," Danny interrupted, and I fell silent. "Don't you go into a rut?" He wrinkled his nose. "You guys need better names for this. You don't have antlers."

I blinked and peered at his head. "You didn't hit your head. I caught you."

Danny rolled his eyes. "They're called ungulates."

"What are?" I asked slowly and distinctly.

"Deer, bison, elk. Hooved mammals. Those are the sort of animals that go into rut. No bears. No wolves."

“Let me get you some water.” And a Valium.

“No,” Danny decreed. “I want a cuddle. Besides, I think it was a delayed reaction from when I woke up one time just as you were getting out of the shower this morning and all the blood in my head went to my dick.”

I struggled to keep the smile off my face. “Small meals, often. And no sudden movements.”

Danny sighed. “It’s okay. I left my karate belt at home.”

It took me a moment, even though I was getting more used to Danny's thought processes. “You learned karate?” I was impressed.

“Oh hell no. But Aaron Shewster in ninth grade did. I pestered Mom to buy me one from a thrift store just so it could accidentally drop from my locker as he walked past.”

I growled. “Did it work?”

He shook his head sadly, so I just pulled him closer, pleased with his answer. “Are you hungry?”

He seemed to consider that. “Yes. I want waffles…no, scratch that, pancakes, and bacon. Maybe some cheesy scrambled eggs.”

"That's a very specific order," I chuckled, kissing the top of his head. "I think we can manage that, but we’ll have to go to the main kitchen.”

"Good, because I'm suddenly starving. Is that an omega thing too? The hunger?"

I thought it was a Danny thing, but I knew better than to say it. "Probably. Your body's been through a lot." I hesitated, then added carefully, "We should talk about what happened. About everything."

Danny groaned, burrowing deeper against my chest. "Can we eat first? I think better with a full stomach."

"Of course."

I helped him up, steadying him when he swayed slightly, then simply swung him into my arms. His color was returning, but he still looked fragile in a way that made my bear anxious. Danny giggled and threw his arms around me. “I could get used to this.” He squeezed my biceps. "So, no dieting or skipping meals because I expect to be carried everywhere like a princess."