Pack Obsession (Love Knot War #3)

Chapter 23

Chapter

Twenty-Three

CASEY

T he morning sun glints off the crystal-clear water, creating diamonds that dance across the surface with each gentle ripple. I stand knee-deep in the tranquil ocean, letting the cool water lap against my skin as I take in the pristine stretch of private beach before me. The wooden steps leading up to our beach house wind their way through the rocky cliff face above, the weathered boards telling stories of countless seasons passed.

Five days. It’s been five days since my world turned upside down—since these three impossible men killed Julian and claimed me as their own. And today—finally—my body feels like mine again. The desperate heat that had consumed me has settled into something relaxed, more permanent.

I close my eyes, feeling the gentle breeze caress my skin, and can’t help but blush at the memories of the past four days. The things we did, the ways they touched and fucked me, the words I begged them to say... God! Even now, standing here in the modest yellow bikini, which Axel insists isn’t modest at all, I can feel the phantom press of their hands, their lips, their cocks. The ache between my thighs is still there, but it’s a good pain.

A splash behind me is my only warning before strong hands wrap around my calves. I barely have time to squeal before Logan surfaces, water streaming down his chiseled chest as he sweeps me into his arms. His lips find mine, tasting of salt, and I melt against him despite the cool water clinging to his skin. He walks me deeper into the water.

“Your bikini,” he murmurs against my mouth. “Has far too much fabric.”

I burst out laughing, glancing down at the scraps of yellow that barely cover me. “You’re still drunk on the last four days,” I tell him, tracing a droplet of water as it trails down his neck.

His steel-gray eyes soften as he looks at me, vulnerability flickering across his features. “I never thought I could have this,” he admits quietly. “Happiness seemed... incompatible with who I am. The military, the control, the rigid structure… it was all I knew how to be comfortable with.” He pauses, struggling with the words. “But you... you make me see things differently.”

My heart swells, and I cup his face in my hands.

“You’re doing incredible,” I whisper. “I adore every side of you, even the ones you’re just learning to show.” I grin impishly. “Though you still owe me more training.”

He laughs, the sound rich and free in a way I never heard when we first met.

“You don’t need it anymore, not with three Alphas protecting you around the clock.” He shifts to lower me to my feet, then moves to hold me from behind, strong arms crossing over my chest as he drops a kiss on top of my head.

“You’re safe, you know that? Last night, Axel and I caught up on the street intel. Julian’s father has taken back the business, and his men have scattered. There’s not a whisper about anyone looking for you.” His arms tighten slightly. “And your brother is safe; I spoke with him this morning. He’s expecting us tonight.”

I grip his forearms, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“I can’t believe it... I can’t remember the last time I breathed this easily. I’m excited to see Kai again. I just hope he isn’t too upset about getting looped into my mess.”

“He’s more worried about you being hurt. He truly loves you.”

Movement in the water catches my eye—Nash and Axel swimming toward us. I recognize the mischief in their eyes and start laughing, trying to squirm away, but Logan’s hold is unbreakable. His chuckle rumbles against my back just before they strike.

Axel lunges, snatching me from Logan’s arms and dipping me into the water. His fingers find my ticklish spots with unerring accuracy, and when I surface gasping and laughing, he’s dangling my yellow bikini top with a wicked grin.

My eyes go wide as I look down, then quickly cover myself. “Oh my God, you monster! Give that back!”

“This is a nude beach, babe,” he says with mock solemnity. “Not doing so would be breaking the law.”

Before I can retort, Nash’s hands are at my hips behind me. He dives under, and my bottoms join my top in their possession. My cheeks flame as I realize they’re all as naked as I am now.

“What if someone sees us?”

“Doubt it,” Nash drawls, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. “No one else around for miles. And you’ve got us.”

The water here is shallow enough to stand, barely reaching my ribs, and the nearest house is just a distant speck on the horizon. The beach house stands tall ahead of us.

“We’re going to Nexus today,” Logan says suddenly. “Appointment at 12:30.”

My smile fades. “What for?”

His expression softens. “We’re going to officially sign the documents listing you as our Omega. Our lawyer has everything prepared, and Nexus will have to back off completely.”

My mouth drops open before I launch myself at him, throwing my arms around his neck. “Thank you so much!” The others join our embrace, and I’m surrounded by warm skin and solid muscle, feeling utterly safe and cherished.

Then I pull back slightly from his embrace, though his hands stay connected, fingers interlaced with mine. Nash’s palm is warm against my lower back while Axel’s thumb brushes my shoulder.

“Are you sure about this?” I glance at each of them. “About us?”

“More sure than I’ve been about anything,” Logan explains, his stare intense.

Nash snuggles up closer. “This is everything we’ve wanted… an Omega, yes, but more specifically, you. Only you.”

“You crashed into our lives, and nothing will ever be the same, in the best possible way,” Axel adds, his usual playful tone stripped away to raw honesty. “And now? Now, I’m not sure any of us could survive letting you go.”

Tears blur my vision as I look between them. “It still feels surreal sometimes. That men like you would want?—”

“Don’t,” Logan cuts me off gently, cupping my face. “No words like that.”

“We’ll spend eternity showing you exactly how deserving you are,” Nash murmurs.

Axel’s fingers brush away a tear that’s escaped. “Of the world and so much more, baby.”

“I want this,” I whisper, my heart so full it might burst. “I want this so much, it scares me sometimes.”

“Good thing you’ve got three Alphas to keep you safe then, to show you the world, to care for our children,” Axel says with a tender smirk, lightening the moment.

My shoulders pull back. The conversation is moving super fast, but then I did just have sex with them for days with no protection. Yet, saying it out loud makes it real.

He chuckles and leans over to kiss me sweetly. “Don’t overthink it. For now, how about some swimming? Maybe a race?”

“Agreed,” Logan barks, and Nash rolls his shoulders.

I welcome the distraction and stare out toward the old fishing boat that rests on its side near the shoreline, maybe fifty yards away. The water between here and there stays relatively shallow, perfect for a swimming race.

“You think you can win?” Axel asks, raising an eyebrow at me.

“I was pretty good at school,” I say, unable to keep the competitive edge from my response.

“Oh, really?” Nash smirks, his eyes clear and bright without his glasses—they’d been wisely left up on the beach before we even got in the water, him insisting he can see, just not sharply. “Care to prove it?”

I can’t help but marvel at how this has become my life—three incredible men who adore me, who make me feel safe, loved, and cherished.

“Oh, and tomorrow,” Logan adds as I am getting into position. “We’re going for a drive to see our properties around the city and surrounding areas. You can pick your favorite for our main home.”

I blink at him, stunned. “Wait, really? I’m shocked! And excited because the two I’ve seen so far, I absolutely adore!” I pause for a moment, and they all watch me. “I’m still coming to terms with my new life, I guess, us four together.”

Logan arches a brow. “Do you not see how much each of us loves you? How we can’t be without you? How much we need you?” His voice drops lower, more intense. “And don’t think we’ll ever let you leave us.”

I laugh, joy bubbling up from deep inside. “Come here, you,” I say, pulling him down for a kiss. Then I break away, moving to line up for our race. “Ready?”

They nod, positioning themselves beside me in the crystalline water.

Just before the final countdown Nash is giving, I call out, “I love you all!” Their stunned expressions give me the perfect opportunity to dive forward, cutting through the water.

As I swim, feeling their powerful strokes closing the distance behind me, I realize that sometimes, the best things in life come wrapped in chaos and confusion. Five days ago, I was running for my life. Now? Now I’m racing through sun-dappled waters with three men who would move heaven and earth to keep me safe, who look at me like I’m their entire world. And maybe that’s exactly what I am—their world, their heart, their home. Just as they’ve become mine.

T he sleek black SUV purrs down suburban streets lined with perfectly manicured lawns and cookie-cutter houses. Nash handles the wheel with easy confidence while Logan studies something on his phone in the passenger seat. In the back, Axel’s warm hand rests on my thigh, his thumb tracing absent patterns that send shivers up my spine. I catch him staring—again—and he doesn’t even try to hide it, just gives me that crooked smile that has my heart skipping.

My mind drifts to the Nexus meeting and how surprisingly smooth it all went. Almost too smooth, really. One signature after another, and suddenly, I’m officially their Omega. No questions, no pushback. It should feel like victory, but it just reminds me of all the loose ends still dangling—particularly my friends. The thought of them still out there, maybe in trouble...

“We’re here,” Nash announces, pulling into a driveway that could belong to any middle-class family in America. Perfect camouflage for a safe house.

Before the car fully stops, I’m already unclicking my seatbelt.

Axel chuckles beside me. “Eager much?”

“It’s been too long,” I remind him, but my voice catches. Seeing Kai again after everything... my stomach is doing backflips.

Logan squeezes my hand as we approach the front door. “He’s okay,” he murmurs. “You’re okay.”

The door opens to a cozy living room, and there he is—my brother, looking tired but whole. My composure shatters, and I’m across the room in seconds, throwing myself into his arms with a sob that’s a half laugh, half cry.

“Hey, little sister,” Kai says softly, pulling me into a tight hug.

I sink into his embrace, letting out a shaky breath I feel like I’ve been holding for weeks.

“Are you okay?” he whispers, and I can hear the worry in his voice, the strain of all the days not knowing.

“I am now.” My voice cracks. “Are you? God, Kai, I’m so sorry for everything—for dragging you into this mess, for?—”

“Don’t.” He pulls back just enough to look at me, his hands gripping my shoulders. “Don’t you dare apologize. You’re my sister. You’re safe. That’s all that matters.” His voice roughens. “I was so damn worried about you, Casey. When I heard what happened...”

Fresh tears spill down my cheeks as I hug him again. “I missed you so much.”

He strokes my hair like he used to when we were kids and thunderstorms would send me running to his room. “Missed you too, troublemaker.” Finally pulling back, he pushes my ever-escaping hair from my face, studying me with a slight tilt of his head. His smile widens. “You look different.”

“Different bad?”

He shakes his head. “You’re smiling more than I’ve ever seen you smile.” His eyes lift to the three Alphas standing protectively nearby, and his expression grows serious. “Thank you for everything you did for my sister. If there’s anything I can do to repay for bringing my sister back to me. I will take care of her and?—”

“Actually,” Logan steps forward, clearing his throat in a rare display of awkwardness. “About that. There’s something we should probably discuss.”

I bite my lip, trying not to laugh at how formal he sounds.

“We’re together now,” Axel blurts out. “All of us. With Casey.”

Kai blinks, then looks at each Alpha in turn. Then at me. Then back at them. “All... of you?”

“I know this isn’t exactly the traditional way of asking for your sister’s hand,” Logan continues, and now, I’m definitely fighting laughter. “But given the circumstances?—”

“What he means,” Nash interrupts smoothly. “Is that we’re hoping you’ll consider us family now, too.”

Kai runs a hand through his hair, looking dazed. “Okay... okay. Well, I guess I need to know who you all are, then.” He grins suddenly, gesturing at the dining table. “Have a seat, gentlemen.”

I curl up on the soft couch next to my brother, watching with delight as he switches into protective mode. The three most dangerous men I know look almost nervous.

“So,” Kai begins, folding his hands on the table. “What are your intentions with my sister?”

“To worship her,” Axel says immediately.

“To protect her,” Logan adds.

“To cherish her,” Nash finishes.

Kai fights to keep a straight face. “Uh-huh. And what are your thoughts on personal space?”

Logan coughs. “We... struggle with that concept where Casey’s concerned.”

“They really do,” I stage-whisper to Kai. “It’s terrible. I can barely shower alone.”

“I did not need to know that,” Kai groans while the others try not to smirk.

Kai’s expression shifts, the playful interrogation falling away as he leans forward, his voice dropping lower.

“One more thing, and I need you to look me in the eye when you answer this.”

The atmosphere in the room changes instantly, and I can almost feel Axel tense.

“Our parents aren’t here to ask this,” Kai continues, his eyes intense. “So, I have to. I need your word—all of you—that you’ll protect her with your lives. That you’ll never hurt her, that you’ll give her the life she deserves.” His hand finds mine, squeezing gently. “Because this girl? She’s all the family I’ve got left, and she’s spent too many years just surviving instead of living.”

My three men, my pack, exchange glances. Then Logan leans forward, his steel-gray eyes meeting Kai’s without hesitation.

“She’s our heart now,” he says simply. “There’s nothing we wouldn’t do to keep her safe, to make her happy.”

“We’d burn the world down if anyone tried to hurt her,” Axel adds, his usual playfulness replaced by raw conviction.

Nash removes his glasses, cleaning them slowly. “Your sister isn’t just someone we protect, Kai. She’s the missing piece we didn’t even know we were looking for. Hurting her would be hurting ourselves.”

I blink back tears as Kai studies each of them in turn, then finally nods, satisfaction. A grin tugs at his mouth.

“Okay, now for something really important… who controls the TV remote?”

“Casey,” they answer in unison, then look at each other in surprise.

Kai laughs, the serious moment breaking. “Though I know my sister. She probably makes you watch those terrible horror movies she loves.”

“Hey!” I protest, grateful for the lightness returning. “They’re classics!”

Later, I pull Kai aside while the others chat with some of the safehouse staff in the kitchen. “You could come live with us, you know. So, you’re not alone.”

His eyes drift past me to where a pretty brunette is pretending not to watch him while arranging flowers in the hallway. “Actually... I’m not the only one who met someone special recently.” He rubs the back of his neck. “That’s Maya. She’s here because her friend got her involved with some dangerous people. Been helping her get back on her feet.”

“Oh really?” I nudge him, grinning. “And?”

“And I think I need to stick around here for a while.” His expression softens when Maya glances our way again, a shy smile crossing her face. She’s cute, with dark hair and rosy lips.

My heart aches with happiness for him, but anxiety creeps in. “Have you... have you heard anything about my friends?”

He squeezes my hand. “Not yet, but once I’m home, I can ask around. I still have some contacts who might know something.”

“Yes, please.” I hug him tight. “Thank you.”

“Time to head out,” Logan calls softly. “Kai, we can give you a lift home if you want to grab your bags.”

“Actually...” Kai glances behind him. “Room for one more?”

Maya appears at his side, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear with a nervous smile. Her fingers find Kai’s, and the way my brother’s whole face softens makes my heart melt.

“You bet,” Axel grins. “We can squeeze in the back. Casey fits perfectly in my lap.” He winks at me.

I feel heat rush to my cheeks, remembering that first desperate day of my heat—his strong arms around me, sitting on his lap, and him spreading me in front of Logan and Nash. The thought brings a tingle of excitement, which is the wrong time.

“Okay, let’s do this,” I say hurriedly, nudging Axel with my elbow, then glare at him. He winks back and leans in to steal a kiss.

Kai and Maya head into one of the rooms for their things, and we head outside. I lean against the SUV. “Is it strange that everything’s actually working out well for a change?”

Nash pulls me against his chest, dropping a kiss on my temple. “You deserve every bit of happiness coming your way.”

“More than deserves it,” Axel adds, bracketing me from the other side.

Logan steps close, completing our little circle. “And we plan to spend the rest of our lives making sure you never doubt that again.”

I close my eyes, breathing in their mingled scents. “I love you,” I whisper. “All of you. So much.”

“Good thing,” Axel murmurs against my hair. “Because you’re stuck with us now.”

“Legally and everything,” Nash adds with a smile in his voice.

“Forever,” Logan promises, and I can feel his smile against my skin.

The midday sun paints everything in gold, and for the first time in my life, I’m not waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sometimes, happiness isn’t about perfect moments—it’s about finding the right people to share the imperfect ones with. And somehow, against all odds, I found three of them.