"Perfect," she replies, and for the first time in hours, she sounds like herself, the change so stark I immediately realize just how off she’s sounded up until now.
We help her out of the lake, careful to maintain appropriate contact despite the way her wet clothes cling to her body. Tyler wraps her in a team towel while the trophy sits safely on the dock where we left it.
"Perfect timing," Beckett says quietly as we walk back toward the changing areas. “Did it help.”
"More than I thought it would," Reese replies, but I catch the grateful look she sends our way.
The cold water bought us time, but not much. Already, I can see the flush returning to her cheeks as her body temperature normalizes. The suppressant is wearing off, and when it does, we'll need to be ready.
"Team bus in fifteen minutes," Coach announces. "Get changed and load up. We're heading back to the hotel. Team dinner tonight on me."
As we disperse to collect our gear, I fall into step beside Reese. She's moving better now, the cold water having provided temporary relief, but I can see the anticipation building behind her eyes. Her body knows what's coming, even if her mind is fighting it.
"How are you holding up?" I ask.
"Better, thanks to you guys." She glances at me. "That thing you did during photos, with your hand... it helped. How did you know?"
I consider how much to reveal. "Experience."
Her eyebrows rise. "Experience?"
"Let's just say you're not the first Omega I've helped through a difficult situation." I keep my tone light, casual. "Though you're definitely the first teammate."
"And that doesn't make it weird for you?"
"Reese." I stop walking, turning to face her fully. "Nothing about this situation is normal. But that doesn't make it wrong.Sometimes people need help, and sometimes you're in a position to provide it."
She studies my face, looking for judgment or ulterior motives. When she doesn't find any, some of the tension leaves her shoulders.
“But it’s sex,” she whispers. “And we barely know each other.”
“We know each other well enough,” I murmur back, leaning in while being careful to maintain appearances. “And it’sjustsex. It doesn’t have to be more than you want it to.”
Her eyes flick between mine quickly before her shoulders sag in relief. "Thank you," she says simply.
"Thank me later," I reply with a grin. "Preferably after we get through the next six days without anyone ending up in the hospital."
Despite everything, she laughs. "You really know how to reassure a girl."
"It's a gift."
As we reach the changing areas, I catch sight of Andrea and Kinsley still lurking near the media zone, their expressions frustrated. Whatever breakdown they were hoping to capture didn't happen. We protected our coxswain, got through the ceremony, and maintained our dignity.
Round one to us.
But the real challenge is just beginning. Six days until her prescription arrives. Six days of managing an uncontrolled heat cycle while supporting the facade of normal team dynamics.
Good thing I've always enjoyed a challenge.
And if my experience with summer resort Omegas taught me anything, it's that the key to surviving the next week isn't going to be about fighting biology. It's going to be about working with it, as a team.
Something tells me we're all about to get a very intensive education in Omega care.
The bus ride back to campus should be interesting.
chapter TWENTY-SEVEN
Reese
