Riley's eyes fluttered open and he quickly kicked away his covers. "Too hot." He muttered, hoarsely. A feverish haze clouded his thoughts, making it difficult to focus as he struggled to sit up. "God, it's hot in here." He said again as he wiped a hand across his forehead. His skin was hot to the touch and he felt like his entire body was on fire. He groaned, rubbing his temples. His clothes, drenched in sweat, clung to his body. Even the bed sheets were soaked through. He peeled his T-shirt off and threw it on the floor then swung his legs over the side of the bed and tried to stand up. Immediately he was struck by painful cramps in his abdomen. So painful that he doubled over, clutching his stomach as he moaned in discomfort.
Noah stirred beside him, awoken by Riley's sounds of distress. It took him a moment to realize that something was wrong but when he sat up and switched on the light he looked at Riley, and noticed his flushed completion and labored breathing. "Riley, you're burning up." Noah said, gently touching his arm. Just a simple touch of Noah's fingers on Riley's skin caused him to tense. He shivered and then blew out a ragged breath. A gush of slick leaked out of him from behind, soaking through his shorts.
Riley shifted, restlessly. "It's so damn hot in here." He complained. "I can barely breathe." Sliding to the edge of the bed, he tried to stand again. Slower this time and with more care. His legs were wobbly but he somehow managed to keep his balance as he stumbled towards the window. His arms felt heavy and his hands were trembling but still he managed to wrench the window open, welcoming the rush of cool air that swept into the room. He sighed a breathe of relief but he still felt uncomfortable. His shorts were wet, itchy, and blocked the cool air from reaching the lower half of his body. He knew in an instant that he needed to be free of them so without another thought, he slid them down and kicked them to the side now standing completely naked in from of the open window.
Noah's eyes widened as the realization of what was happening finally dawned on him. He immediately sprang into action and rushed into the bathroom where he began to fill the tub with cool water. "Riley." He said gently. "Let's get you into a cool bath, you'll feel a lot better."
Riley nodded." Yeah, that actually sounds really nice."
Noah guided him into the bathroom and then helped him into the tub. The water was a welcome change from the stifling and smothering air of the bedroom. With a sigh of relief, Riley eased himself down, further into the soothing chill of the bath. He licked his dry lips and closed his eyes, trying to relax some though it wasn't easy. His body was hyper sensitive. He felt like a jumbled mess of raw nerves. Every sensation, from the gentle breeze that grazed his bare skin near the window to the water that caressed his body, was heightened times a hundred.
Noah knelt down beside the tub and began to tenderly sponge water over Riley's shoulders and down his back. Riley hissed and his body quivered. He craved Noah's touch but at the same couldn't stand it, or rather, the way it made him feel. Like he was about to fly out of his skin and come undone. It was a strange feeling to want something so badly, to need and desire something that makes you want to literally crawl out of your skin. And Noah, as kind and caring as he was trying to be, just didn't understand what he was doing to Riley. The next time the sponge touched his skin and the tips of Noah's fingers made contact with Riley's shoulders, Riley shuddered and hissed. His cock swelled and it was all Riley could do to keep from grabbing it and jerking off right there.
"What do you need?" Noah asked him, concern settling over his face. "Is there anything I can get you?"
Riley opened his eyes. "What time is it?" He asked.
"Early." Noah told him. "About five am."
Riley groaned. "I have to be at work in three hours." He said.
Noah almost laughed. "Work? That's what you're worried about? Riley, there is no way that you're going into work today. Not like this."
Riley sat up then turned around to look at Noah. "I can't miss work." He gasped. "I'll get fired."
"You're job is the last thing you need to worry about right now, Riley. I'll have Maggie call in and explain the situation."
Riley shook his head in protest. "My manager isn't going to care that I'm sick. If I don't show for work, I won't have a job to go back to."
Sick? Was Riley being serious? Noah couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Riley, you're not sick. You're in heat. You must know that."
"No." Riley turned back around, slouching down into the water. "I can't be. I'm not due for at least another three weeks. I made sure of that when I agreed to meet with you."
Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair. He believed Riley but his scent was unmistakable. He was in heat. Just being this close to him, the spike in his pheromones was like a punch to the face. The more of Riley that Noah breathed in the harder it became for him to control his own instincts to claim the omega. His scent, normally so calm and soothing like summer rain with the undertones of mint, had become a delicious mix of spice and honey. It was so enticing making Noah's mind race with thoughts of Riley laying naked on the bed with Noah on top of him, licking his way down his body. Noah let out a deep breath and rubbed at the back of his neck.
'Calm down.' He told himself. 'It's just the pheromones.' Riley's scent was coming off him in waves though and even Noah was finding it difficult to concentrate. Seeing Riley laying in the tub, water trickling down his smooth, hairless chest, over pert nipples...it was too much for Noah to take. His cock stirred behind the thin fabric of his sleep pants. Noah pushed himself away from the tub, taking a few steps back from Riley and toward the door. Riley watched him, curiously, as he leaned back against the tub again.
Noah's eyes were all over him, drifting over every inch of exposed skin. His flat stomach and the tips of his knees sticking out from the water. He had his legs spread and his right hand resting on the inside of his thigh. He let his eyes drift up Riley's body. He admired the curve of his neck and the soft, milky skin that would feel so good between his teeth.
"Where are you going?" Riley asked and Noah could hear the need in his voice. He was beginning to sink deeper into his heat. It wouldn't be long before he was completely consumed by it.
"I...your scent..." Noah sucked in a deep breath. "It's too much."
