At the convenience store, I picked up a pheromone-repellent deodorant, though I chose not to spray it on right away. Doing so immediately would only draw more attention from Alex, who was already suspicious, and the sudden disappearance of the scent would be hard to explain.
After selecting a few food items, I brought them to the counter, paid carefully, and headed back.
As I walked, I kept lowering my head to discreetly sniff at my hands and my clothes, especially where Alex had seemed to notice something earlier.
No matter how many times I inhaled, I could not smell anything other than my own familiar scent. What weighed on me more heavily was the thought of whether Elara had deliberately left her pheromones on me, or if, as Alex suggested, it had simply happened because she had just come out of her rut.
The question darkened my mood as I made my way home.
When I returned, Alex had already finished his bath. Soon after, I went in next.
