Luca's POV
It starts as a fever.
I wake burning, skin hypersensitive, desperately needing something I can't name.
"Rian," I gasp, clutching his arm.
He's awake instantly. "Luca? What's wrong?"
"Hot. Everything's too hot." I press against him, seeking relief. "Need—I need—"
His eyes widen, nostrils flaring. "Fuck. You're in heat."
"What?"
"Sympathy heat. Rare for human mates but possible." His hands are on me, checking temperature. "The bond triggers it. Your body mimicking omega heat cycles."
"Make it stop," I beg. Everything aches. My body demanding relief only he can provide.
"I can't stop it. But I can help." His voice drops, commanding. "Let me take care of you."
"Please," I whimper, shame forgotten. "Please, Rian, it hurts—"
He strips us both quickly, pulling me into his lap. "I've got you. I'll make it better."
His hands are everywhere—touching, soothing, claiming. Each caress eases the burning temporarily before it flares again.
"More," I demand, grinding against him desperately. "Need more."
"Greedy," he murmurs, but his eyes are pure amber. Wolf close to the surface. "Tell me what you need."
"You. Inside. Now."
He doesn't make me wait. One smooth thrust, and I'm gasping relief. This. This is what I needed.
"Better?" he asks, holding still.
"Move," I demand. "Please move."
He does. Deep, steady rhythm that hits every perfect spot. The heat eases with each thrust, replaced by overwhelming pleasure.
"That's it," he growls. "Take what you need from me."
I do. Riding him desperately, chasing relief and release. He helps, hands guiding my hips, mouth on my throat.
The first climax barely takes the edge off. I need more.
"Again," I gasp.
"As many times as you need," he promises. "I'm not stopping until the heat breaks."
Hours blur together. He takes me in every position—slow and deep, fast and desperate, tender and rough. Each time bringing temporary relief before the need builds again.
"I'm sorry," I sob at some point. "Can't stop needing—"
"Don't apologize." He kisses me desperately. "This is what mates do. I take care of you. Always."
By evening, the heat finally breaks. I collapse in his arms, exhausted and sore but satisfied.
"How do you feel?" he asks, voice hoarse from exertion.
"Wrecked. In the best way." I trace his chest. "You didn't have to—"
"Yes, I did. You're my mate. Your needs are mine." He pulls me closer. "Besides, having you desperate and needy for me? Best day of my life."
"Pervert."
"Your pervert." He nuzzles my neck. "And you loved every second."
I can't deny it. "Maybe."
"Definitely." His hand slides down my body. "Want me to prove it?"
"I'm exhausted!"
"I'll do all the work. You just lie there and look beautiful."
"Insatiable Alpha."
"Guilty." He rolls on top of me, eyes warm with love. "But only for you. Only ever for you."
Later, both finally satisfied and drowsy, he holds me close.
"Love you," he murmurs.
"Love you too," I whisper back.
And mean it completely.