40. Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty
I had gone back to my room and taken some time to decompress in my nest, trying to get my anxiety to go down before the other three Alpha’s returned. They were bound to notice how wound up I was by one sniff. I burrowed deeper into the blankets, inhaling the comforting scent of my own space, letting it calm my racing thoughts.
A soft knock at my door pulled me from my nest-induced trance. "Vivian?" It was Lucas's voice. "May I come in? We're back."
I sat up quickly, smoothing my hair and adjusting my clothes. "Yes, come in." The door opened and Lucas stepped in, his usual playful demeanor subdued. His eyes found me immediately, taking in my position in the nest with a flicker of something gentle crossing his features.
"Hiding in your blanket fort?" he asked, a small smile returning to his face as he leaned against the doorframe.
I shrugged, suddenly feeling self-conscious about my nest. "It helps me think. Or not think, depending on what I need."
Lucas nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Mind if I come closer? The others are downstairs. We thought you might want a little time to process before we all gather for dinner and discuss what we learned."
I paused for a moment looking at him, before I let myself take a deep breath as I gestured for him to enter, scooting over slightly to make room on the edge of the nest. "That was thoughtful. Thank you."
“Are you sure. I can stand—” I didn’t let him finish as I pulled him into my nest. I know we were all doing things out of order, but my inner Omega didn’t have any problem with him in my nest. Lucas seemed surprised but pleased as he settled beside me, careful not to disturb the arrangement of blankets and pillows too much. His warm scent—cinnamon and amber—filled my space, somehow complementing rather than intruding.
"Nice nest," he said, his voice softer than usual as he looked around at my creation. "Cozy."
I tucked my knees up to my chest, watching him. "Thanks. I haven't let anyone in my nest in... well, years actually."
Lucas's eyes widened slightly, understanding the significance. "I'm honored," he said, all traces of his usual teasing gone. "Truly."
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the day hanging between us. Lucas leaned back against one of my pillows, his shoulders relaxing as he settled into the nest.
"So?" I asked finally, unable to contain my nervousness any longer. "What happened at the interview?"
Lucas sighed, running a hand through his curls, “Can’t wait till dinner?” He raised an eyebrow when I shook my head.
"It's... complicated. Warren—the lab tech—he's definitely involved somehow, but we don't think he's our primary suspect." He glanced over at me, watching me as I process the information.
I frowned, wrapping my arms tighter around my knees. "What does that mean?"
"It means he admitted to placing the surveillance device at your apartment and monitoring your movements," Lucas explained, his expression darkening. "He claims someone paid him to do it—a lot of money, deposited directly into an offshore account."
"Someone paid him?" I echoed, a chill running down my spine. "Who?"
Lucas shook his head. "He says he doesn't know. All communication was done through encrypted messages. No names, no identifying information." I processed this, trying to make sense of anxiety and fear going through me. It feels like everything was going in circles with no end.
He studied my face carefully. "You're anxious. I can smell it."
I wrapped my arms tighter around my knees. "Of course I'm anxious. Someone tried to hurt me, might still be trying to hurt me. And other Omegas are dead."
Lucas shifted closer, his warmth a comforting presence as he reached over and pulled me into his lap. I let out a small squeak of surprise but didn't resist as he situated me comfortably against his chest. His arms wrapped around me, strong and secure.
"Is this okay?" he asked, his voice gentle as his arms encircled me. I tensed momentarily, then relaxed against him, letting his warmth and steady heartbeat anchor me.
"Yes," I whispered, surprised by how safe I felt. "It's okay."
Lucas rested his chin lightly on top of my head, one hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "I know it's scary," he murmured. "But we're getting closer, Vivian. Warren gave us information we didn't have before."
"Like what?" I asked, my voice slightly muffled against his chest.
"Like the fact that whoever's behind this has significant resources," Lucas explained. "The payment Warren received was substantial—enough that he was willing to risk his career and criminal charges." He paused, his hand continuing its soothing motion on my back. "And he confirmed that the targets were specifically chosen. Omegas in positions of success or authority."
I shivered despite Lucas's warmth. "Like Dr. Thompson. And me with my own business."
"Exactly," Lucas confirmed, his arms tightening slightly around me. "Warren was instructed to monitor your daily routine, your visitors, when you were alone. He says he didn't know what they planned to do with the information, but—"
"He must have known it wasn't for anything good," I finished, anger flaring alongside my fear.
Lucas nodded, I could feel the movement against the top of my head. "Gabriel thinks he knew more than he's admitting. Dakota... well, Dakota wanted to use more direct methods of questioning, but that's not how we operate."
I pulled back slightly to look up at Lucas's face. "What happens now?"
"Warren's in custody," Lucas explained, his eyes warm as they met mine. "He's cooperating to reduce his charges. Theo is tracing the payment trail, seeing if we can identify the source." His hand moved to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture surprisingly tender. "In the meantime, you stay here where we can keep you safe."
"For how much longer?" I asked, not sure if I wanted to know the answer. The situation with the four Alphas was complicated enough without adding an indefinite timeline.
"Honestly? I don't know," Lucas admitted, his usual bravado absent. "Until we catch whoever's behind this. Until we know you're safe." His fingers traced a gentle pattern on my arm, the touch comforting rather than intrusive. "Does that bother you? Being here with us?"
I considered the question, letting myself really think about it. "Not as much as it probably should," I admitted, surprised by my own honesty. "A week ago, I would have hated the idea of being dependent on anyone, especially four Alphas. But now..." I trailed off, not sure how to articulate the shift in my feelings.
Lucas waited patiently, his expression open and encouraging. "Now?" he prompted softly.
"Now I feel safe here," I confessed. "With all of you. And that scares me in a different way."
"Because you're not used to relying on others," Lucas said, understanding in his eyes. "Or because you're starting to care about us?"
I felt heat rise to my cheeks at his directness. "Both, I think." I looked down, finding it easier to speak honestly when not meeting his gaze. "I've spent years being independent, keeping Alphas at arm's length. And now there are four of you, and I feel like I'm falling for all of you." The admission felt huge, leaving me breathless with vulnerability.
Lucas's arms tightened around me, his scent deepening with something warm and possessive. "For what it's worth," he murmured, his voice lower than before, "falling feels a lot less scary when you know there are people waiting to catch you."
I looked up, meeting his gaze. Gone was the playful flirtation that usually danced in his eyes, replaced by something more serious, more sincere. It was a side of Lucas I hadn't seen often—the man beneath the charming exterior.
"Is that what you're doing?" I asked softly. "Waiting to catch me?"
"All four of us are," he replied without hesitation. His hand came up to cup my cheek, thumb brushing gently across my skin. "In different ways, maybe, but with the same intention. You matter to us, Vivian. To all of us."
His words touched something deep inside me, a longing I'd buried for years beneath layers of independence and self-protection. Before I could overthink it, I moved so I was facing him, leaned forward, and closing the distance between us. Lucas's lips met mine with surprising gentleness, his hand sliding to cradle the back of my head as he kissed me with a tenderness I hadn't expected from him.
Unlike Dakota's fierce intensity or Gabriel's commanding presence or Theo's analytical precision, Lucas kissed like he was savoring every moment—playful yet sincere, his lips moving against mine with a warmth that melted something frozen inside me. When he deepened the kiss, there was nothing demanding about it, just an invitation that I found myself eagerly accepting.
By the time we broke apart, both slightly breathless, his eyes had darkened to his usual playful smile replaced by something more heated. "Now that's something I've been wanting to do for awhile now," he murmured, his voice rougher than before.
I felt my cheeks flush, suddenly aware of how intimately we were positioned in my nest—me practically in his lap, his arms around me. "I think I've wanted that too," I admitted quietly. "Even when you were driving me crazy with all your teasing words."
Lucas grinned, some of his usual mischief returning to his expression. "Especially when I was driving you crazy. The way your eyes flash when you're annoyed is irresistible." His thumb traced my lower lip, sending a shiver down my spine. "Though I think I prefer this reaction."
I laughed softly, shaking my head at his incorrigible nature. "You're impossible." I didn’t get to say anything else as his mouth was on me again, Lucas's kiss was different this time—more heated, less restrained. His hands slid down to my waist, pulling me closer as his mouth moved against mine with growing intensity. I found myself responding in kind, my fingers threading through his hair, holding him to me as warmth spread through my body.
When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Lucas tilted my head to the side, nipping and kissing a trail down my neck that made me gasp. His lips found a particularly sensitive spot just below my ear, and I couldn't suppress the small moan that escaped me.
"God, the sounds you make," Lucas murmured against my skin, his voice thick with desire. "I could listen to them all day."
I clutched at his shoulders, my body responding to his touch in ways I'd almost forgotten were possible. It had been so long since I'd allowed myself this kind of vulnerability, this kind of pleasure. The realization both thrilled and terrified me.
"Lucas," I whispered, unsure if I was asking him to stop or continue.
"I love the way you say my name," he murmured against my skin, his voice a low rumble that I felt more than heard. His hands at my waist tightened slightly, pulling me more firmly against him. The evidence of his desire pressed against me, sending a jolt of heat straight to my core.
“Lucas.” I say again, my voice sounding breathy even to my ears. I heard him give a low growl as his hands on my hips tightened, shifting me against him in a way that made me gasp. His mouth found mine again, hungry and demanding this time, all traces of his earlier gentleness replaced by something more primal.
"You have no idea what you do to me," he breathed against my lips, one hand sliding up my back to tangle in my hair. "How much I've wanted this."
I arched against him, my body responding with a mind of its own. It had been so long since I'd felt this way—desired, wanted, needed. The sensation was intoxicating.
“Gods.” I moaned. His hand moved to cup my breast through my shirt, and the sensation sent lightning through me. I arched into his touch, a whimper escaping my lips as his thumb brushed over the sensitive peak.
“Tell me to stop and I will.” Lucas growled, but I could only let out a small whimper at his words.
“More.” I breathed. Lucas growled in response, his hands sliding under my shirt, fingertips tracing hot patterns against my skin. I shivered at his touch, my body hypersensitive after so long without this kind of contact. His mouth found mine again, hungrier this time, and I welcomed it, losing myself in the sensation.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured against my lips, his hands exploring the curves of my body with reverent attention. "So perfect."
I arched into his touch, my own hands sliding beneath his shirt to feel the warm skin beneath. His muscles tensed under my fingers, a low groan escaping him as I traced the contours of his abdomen.
Lucas shifted us so I was on my back, his weight a delicious pressure above me as he settled between my thighs. He paused, looking down at me with eyes dark with desire but also searching, making sure I was still with him.
"Still okay?" he asked, his voice rough with restraint.
I nodded, my hands sliding up his arms to his shoulders. "Yes," I whispered, surprised by how much I meant it. "Don't stop."
Lucas's smile was almost predatory as he lowered his head, trailing kisses down my neck to my collarbone. His hands pushed my shirt higher, exposing more skin to his hungry gaze. I felt a moment of self-consciousness—it had been so long since anyone had seen me like this—but the look of pure appreciation in his eyes banished any doubts.
"You're gorgeous," he murmured, his fingers tracing patterns across my ribs, each touch sending shivers of pleasure through me. When his mouth moved lower, pressing hot kisses along the edge of my bra, I couldn't suppress the moan that escaped me.
"Lucas," I breathed, arching up against him. "Please."
He growled against my skin, the vibration sending another wave of heat through me. His fingers found the clasp of my bra, hesitating for just a moment. "Can I?"
"Yes," I whispered, beyond caring about anything but the sensations he was creating. With practiced ease, he unhooked my bra, sliding it away to expose my breasts to his heated gaze.
"Perfect," he murmured, lowering his head to take one sensitive peak into his mouth. The wet heat of his tongue sent a jolt of pleasure straight to my core, making me cry out softly.
His free hand slid up my thigh, fingers pressing into my skin as he continued his attention to my breast, alternating between gentle sucks and teasing flicks of his tongue that had me writhing beneath him. I tangled my fingers in his curls, holding him to me as pleasure coursed through my body.
"Lucas," I gasped, rolling my hips against his instinctively. "God, that feels so good.”
I could hear Lucas give another low growl, as his hands slid down to my hemp of my pants, his fingers finding the button. He paused, looking up at me with eyes dark with desire but still seeking permission. "We can stop," he said, his voice strained with restraint. "If you're not ready."
The fact that he was checking in, making sure I was comfortable despite his obvious arousal, made something warm bloom in my chest. “Please.” I could feel the slick between my legs, a low whimper leaving me.
I was surprised by the boldness of my own request, but I couldn't deny how much I wanted this—wanted him. Lucas's eyes darkened further at my plea, and he wasted no time unfastening my pants and sliding them down my legs with reverent care. His fingers traced the edge of my underwear, teasing the sensitive skin of my inner thighs.
"You have no idea how many times I've thought about this," he murmured, pressing hot kisses along my stomach as his fingers continued their maddening journey. "About you, like this."
I arched up into his touch, beyond caring about anything but the sensations he was creating. When his fingers finally slipped beneath the fabric to find the wetness waiting there, we both groaned.
"So wet for me," he whispered, his voice rough with desire as he stroked through my folds. "So perfect." I whimpered as his fingers found my most sensitive spot, circling it with practiced precision that had me gasping his name. My hips moved against his hand, seeking more of the delicious pressure as pleasure built within me.
"That's it," Lucas encouraged, his voice a low rumble against my skin as he pressed open-mouthed kisses down my stomach. "Let me hear you."
When he replaced his fingers with his mouth, I nearly came undone. The hot, wet slide of his tongue against my core had me crying out, my hands clutching desperately at his shoulders, his hair, anything I could reach. Lucas groaned against me, the vibration adding another layer to the sensations overwhelming me.
"Lucas," I gasped, my back arching as he slid one finger inside me, then another, curling them in a way that made stars explode behind my eyelids. "Oh god!" The pleasure was building, tightening like a coil deep in my belly as Lucas worked me with his mouth and fingers, relentless in his pursuit of my pleasure.
"That's it, beautiful," Lucas murmured against me, his free hand gripping my hip to hold me steady as I writhed beneath him. "Let go for me."
When he curled his fingers just right while sucking firmly on my clit, the tension broke. Pleasure crashed over me in waves, my body arching off the bed as I cried out his name, trembling with the force of my release. Lucas worked me through it, gentling his movements as the aftershocks rippled through me.
When I finally collapsed back against the nest, boneless and breathless, Lucas moved up my body, pressing tender kisses against my heated skin as he made his way back up my body. His eyes, when they met mine, were dark with desire but also filled with something softer, more tender.
"You're incredible," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my flushed face. "So beautiful when you come undone."
I reached for him, pulling him down for a kiss that tasted of me and him together. The intimacy of it should have embarrassed me, but instead, it felt right—natural in a way I hadn't expected. My hands slid down his chest to the button of his jeans, feeling his hard length straining against the fabric.
"Your turn," I whispered against his lips, but Lucas caught my wrist gently.
"As much as I want that—and believe me, I do—" his voice was rough with restraint, "I hear footsteps coming closer. I think they are coming to look for us.”
Just as he said that, a knock came from my door, making me freeze.
"Vivian? Lucas? Dinner's ready." Dakota's deep voice came through the door, followed by a pause. "Everyone's waiting downstairs."
"We'll be right down," I called, wincing at how breathless my voice sounded. There was a moment of silence from the other side of the door, and I could almost feel Dakota processing what he'd heard.
"Five minutes," he finally said, his voice carrying a note of something I couldn't quite identify. His footsteps retreated down the hallway, and I buried my face in Lucas's chest, mortification washing over me.
"Oh my god," I groaned. "He knows. He definitely knows what we were doing."
Lucas chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest against my cheek. "Alpha senses. Hard to hide much from each other." He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, though embarrassment still burned through me. "Just... not used to this. Any of it."
Lucas's arms tightened around me, comforting rather than possessive. "We should probably get dressed and head down before Dakota comes back. Or worse, sends Gabriel."
The thought of facing all four Alphas after what had just happened sent another wave of heat to my cheeks. "This is going to be awkward dinner.”
Lucas just laughed as we both got up and ready to go face the others.