"I don't know," Burr says, and he's crying again. "I don't know what's happening. I'm--confused." Now and earlier, with Jefferson. He doesn't know what's going on. He hardly know where he is, who he's with. Has only just realized a loose grasp on reality.

But Hamilton kisses his hand again, and Burr's so cold, and his body is crying out for it--his mate, his mate.

"Come here," Burr says, tugs. "But don't--don't touch me. Let me." Like--like alpha's are supposed to do, in an Omega's nest.