50. Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty
I had finished changing into clothes, they smelled like Dakota and Theo, so I assumed i was borrowing their clothes. As I walked to where I could hear movement, I saw Dakota sitting on the couch, a cup of coffee sitting on the coffee table in front of him. He looked up as I entered, his dark eyes assessing me with that quiet intensity that always made me feel simultaneously exposed and protected.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his deep voice gentler than usual.
I shrugged, wrapping my arms around myself. "Honestly? I don't know. Better than last night, but..." I trailed off, not sure how to articulate the strange mixture of relief, lingering fear, and exhaustion swirling inside me.
Dakota nodded, understanding in his eyes. "It takes time," he said simply. "The body doesn't just forget danger."
I moved to sit beside him on the couch, drawn to his solid presence. "Where are the others?"
"Gabriel is coordinating with federal agents so he had to leave for a bit," Dakota explained, his posture relaxing slightly as I settled next to him. "Theo went with him. Lucas went to take his own shower.”
I nodded, tucking my legs underneath me as I settled more comfortably on the couch. "Do you think it's really over?" I asked, voicing the doubt that had been gnawing at me since waking. "I want to believe it is, but..."
Dakota studied me for a moment, his expression thoughtful rather than dismissive. "Your instincts are telling you to stay alert," he observed. "That's smart. Survival instinct."
"But Gabriel and Theo seem certain," I pointed out, reaching for the second cup of coffee on the table. It was still warm, and I wondered if he'd made it for me, anticipating I'd join him.
"They're looking at evidence and probability," Dakota said, his deep voice rumbling through the quiet room. "But life isn't always neat like Theo's equations. Until Blackwood is in custody, we stay vigilant.”
I nodded, taking a sip of the coffee. It was perfect—strong but not bitter, with just enough cream. "You made this for me," I said, not a question.
Dakota's lips curved in a slight smile. "I noticed how you take it."
The simple act of thoughtfulness warmed something inside me. These men noticed everything—Gabriel with his commanding awareness, Theo with his analytical precision, Lucas with his playful attentiveness, and Dakota with his quiet observation. Each in their own way made me feel seen in ways I never had before.
"Thank you," I said softly. "Not just for the coffee. For everything." I gestured vaguely, encompassing the safe house, the protection, the care they'd all shown. "For keeping me alive."
Dakota's dark eyes held mine. "You don't need to thank me for that."
"I know. But I want to," I replied, leaning slightly closer to his warmth. "You all put yourselves in danger for me. That means something."
Dakota's expression remained serious, though something softened in his dark eyes. "Protection isn't just physical," he said after a moment. "It's about creating safety in all ways. Making you feel secure even when the world isn't."
His words touched something deep inside me. In the short time I'd known these four Alphas, they had each, in their own way, made me feel safer than I had in years—not just from external threats, but from the constant vigilance, the perpetual fear I'd lived with since escaping my ex.
"You do," I admitted softly. "Make me feel secure. All of you." I hesitated, then added, "Even when everything is falling apart."
Dakota's hand found mine, his touch warm and steady. "Good," he said, giving my hand a squeeze before letting it go. We sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the quiet punctuated only by the soft sounds of Lucas moving around somewhere in the back of the house. There was something soothing about Dakota's presence—his lack of unnecessary chatter, his solid steadiness. While Gabriel commanded with authority and Theo analyzed with precision, Dakota simply existed—a mountain, immovable and reliable.
"You're staring," he observed, though there was no judgment in his voice.
I smiled, a hint of warmth coloring my cheeks. "Sorry. I was just thinking about how different you all are. How you each make me feel safe in different ways."
Dakota raised an eyebrow slightly, curiosity evident in his expression. "How so?"
I considered this, taking another sip of coffee while organizing my thoughts. "Gabriel is... commanding. His presence alone makes me feel protected. Theo analyzes everything, sees patterns others miss, which is reassuring in its own way." I smiled, thinking of Lucas. "And Lucas lightens everything, makes me laugh even when I'm terrified."
"And me?" Dakota asked, his deep voice quiet.
I met his dark eyes, feeling suddenly shy despite everything we'd been through. "You're... steady. Immovable. Like nothing could ever shake you." I gestured vaguely with my free hand.
"You're like the mountain that doesn't move, no matter how strong the storm." I shrugged, feeling my cheeks warm at the intensity of his gaze. "It's... grounding."
Dakota's expression shifted subtly, something warming in his dark eyes though his face remained serious. "Mountains can be climbed," he said quietly, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with fear. I caught my breath at his words, the double meaning clear in the way his eyes held mine. Dakota wasn't one for flowery speeches or playful flirtation like Lucas, but when he did speak, his words carried weight.
"Is that an invitation?" I asked softly, surprising myself with my boldness.
His dark eyes remained steady on mine, intensity building between us. "If you want it to be."
The simple honesty of his response made my heart beat faster. With the others, there had been moments of playfulness with Lucas, analytical precision with Theo, commanding presence with Gabriel. But with Dakota, there was this—straightforward, uncomplicated truth that somehow felt more intimate than any elaborate declaration.
I set my coffee cup down and moved closer to him on the couch, drawn by that quiet intensity. "I do," I whispered, the admission feeling both terrifying and right.
Dakota's eyes darkened, his hand coming up to cup my face with surprising gentleness. For a man so large, so powerful, his touch was feather-light as his thumb traced my cheekbone. He moved slowly, deliberately, giving me every opportunity to pull away if I changed my mind.
I didn't.
Instead, I leaned into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed as his lips found mine. His hand slid to the nape of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair as he drew me closer, his other arm wrapping around my waist with careful strength. I melted against him, my hands finding purchase on his broad shoulders as the kiss deepened. There was something profoundly grounding about his embrace—solid and secure.
When we finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, his dark eyes studied my face with that careful attention that never missed anything. His thumb traced my lower lip, the simple touch sending shivers through me.
“We don’t have to do this now. You did just go through…” He started but I gave him a huff, shifting closer to him.
“Maybe I want a distraction.” I whispered, as I looked at him from under my lashes.
"A distraction can be dangerous," Dakota replied, though his hands didn't move from where they held me. "Emotions are heightened after trauma. It can cloud judgment."
I smiled at his concern, my fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw. "My judgment isn't clouded. If anything, nearly dying has made things clearer." I leaned closer, my lips brushing his as I spoke. "Life is too short to hesitate when you know what you want."
Something flared in Dakota's dark eyes—hunger, need, and something deeper that made my breath catch. His restraint was visible in the tension of his shoulders, the careful way he held himself.
"And what do you want, Vivian?" he asked, his deep voice rougher than usual.
"You," I whispered simply. "Right now."
His control broke at my words. With a low growl that sent heat pooling in my belly, Dakota lifted me effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me across the room. His mouth found mine again, hungrier now, all restraint dissolving as his hands gripped my thighs. I gasped against his lips, my fingers threading through his dark hair as he pressed me against the wall, his solid weight pinning me there.
"Here?" I breathed, surprised by his boldness.
Dakota's eyes were nearly black with desire, his voice a rumble against my skin. "Unless you want to wait for a bed."
"No waiting," I whispered, tugging him closer. "I need you now."
His mouth claimed mine again, demanding and consuming in a way that made me melt against him. There was something primal about Dakota when his control slipped—raw and powerful, yet still careful with his strength. His hands slid beneath my shirt, rough palms against my heated skin making me arch into his touch. When his fingers traced the curve of my breast, I gasped, my head falling back against the wall as pleasure coursed through me.
"Dakota," I breathed, his name a plea on my lips. He understood without further words, his hands working efficiently to remove my clothes while still keeping me pinned against the wall. His movements were deliberate, focused, each touch igniting fires beneath my skin. When he finally had me bare before him, his dark eyes raked over me with an intensity that made me shiver despite the heat building between us.
"Gorgeous," he murmured, the single word carrying more weight from his usually silent lips than flowery praise from anyone else. His mouth found my neck, trailing hot kisses down to my collarbone as his hands explored with reverent hunger.
I tugged at his shirt, suddenly desperate to feel his skin against mine. He helped me, releasing me just long enough to pull the fabric over his head before pinning me back against the wall. The sight of his bare chest made my breath catch—all hard planes and defined muscle, testament to his strength. I ran my hands over him, exploring the expanse of warm skin, tracing the contours of his body with eager fingers.
Dakota watched me with hungry eyes as I touched him, his restraint visible in the tension of his jaw, the careful way he held himself back despite the desire radiating from him. When my fingers trailed lower, following the line of dark hair that disappeared beneath his waistband, he caught my wrist, his grip gentle but firm.
"Slow," he rumbled, his voice deeper than I'd ever heard it. "I want to savor you."
The words sent heat rushing through me, pooling low in my belly. Dakota was a man of few words, but each one seemed to carry the weight of mountains when he spoke them. His hands moved over my body with deliberate purpose, mapping every curve, every sensitive spot with careful attention. When his mouth replaced his fingers, trailing hot kisses down my throat to my breast, I gasped, my hands clutching at his shoulders as pleasure shot through me.
"Please," I whispered, my body arching against his as his tongue circled my nipple, teeth grazing the sensitive peak in a way that made me whimper. "Dakota, I need—"
"I know what you need," he rumbled against my skin, his hands sliding down to my hips, holding me steady as his mouth continued its torturous exploration. "Trust me."
And I did. Completely. There was something about Dakota's solid presence, his unwavering focus, that made me feel utterly safe.
His mouth returned to mine, the kiss deeper now, more demanding as his hands explored my body with deliberate attention. When his fingers found the wetness between my thighs, we both groaned, his touch sending sparks of pleasure through me. He explored me slowly, methodically, learning what made me gasp and arch against him with the same careful attention he brought to everything.
"Dakota," I whispered against his lips, my hips moving instinctively against his touch. "Please..."
He understood what I needed without further explanation. With efficient movements, he unbuckled his belt and freed himself from his remaining clothes, his arousal evident against my thigh. Just as he was going to enter me I heard a deep chuckle on the other side of the room.
“Well, I wasn’t expecting a show today.” Lucas stood there, shirtless with just a pair of sweatpants and damp hair. Dakota growled, his body tensing protectively around me. I gasped, trying to cover myself with my arms as embarrassment flooded through me.
"Your timing is terrible," Dakota rumbled, not moving from his position shielding my body with his own.
Lucas leaned against the doorframe, his usual playfulness evident in his crooked smile, but there was heat in his eyes too. "On the contrary, I'd say my timing is perfect." His gaze traveled over us appreciatively. "Though I can leave if you want privacy."
I should have been mortified, but something about the situation—about the way Lucas looked at us both with such open desire—sent an unexpected thrill through me instead. Dakota must have felt my reaction, because he glanced down at me, one eyebrow raised in silent question.
"He can stay," I whispered, surprising myself with my boldness. "If you are okay with it.” Dakota's dark eyes held mine for a long moment, searching for any hesitation. Finding none, he gave a slight nod, his powerful body still shielding mine protectively from view.
"Your call," he said to me, his deep voice a rumble against my skin.
Lucas's playful expression transformed into something more serious, more heated as he understood the significance of the moment. "I can just watch," he offered, his voice lower than usual. "Or join. Whatever you both want."
The idea of both of them—Dakota's steady strength and Lucas's playful intensity—sent heat coursing through me. I bit my lip, looking up at Dakota.
"I want both of you," I admitted softly. "If that's okay."
Dakota studied my face, making sure I meant it. Then he turned to Lucas, something passing between the two Alphas—an understanding, an agreement. Lucas approached slowly, his usual casual demeanor replaced by something more intense, more focused. With fluid grace, he came to stand beside me, as he looked down at me as I was still pinned to the wall
"Is this what you want, flower girl?" Lucas murmured as he leaned down close to my ear, his breath warm on my skin. "Both of us, taking care of you together?"
I nodded, words temporarily beyond me as sensation overwhelmed thought. Dakota's hand cupped my face, bringing my attention back to him.
"Say it," he rumbled, needing to hear my explicit consent. "Tell us what you want."
"Both of you," I whispered, my voice steadier than I expected. "Please."
“Lets move to the bedroom and more comfortable.” Lucas said, glancing to Dakota. Dakota nodded, his strong arms still holding me securely against the wall. With effortless strength, he adjusted his grip, supporting my weight as he carried me toward the bedroom. Lucas followed close behind, his eyes never leaving us as Dakota laid me gently on the bed.
The contrast between them was striking—Dakota solid and intense, his movements deliberate and powerful; Lucas lithe and graceful, a playful energy humming beneath his controlled exterior. They exchanged a look over me, some silent communication passing between them before Lucas smiled and leaned down to capture my lips in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened.
"Been wanting to do that again," he murmured against my mouth, his hands tracing patterns across my skin that made me shiver. Dakota moved to my other side, his large hand spanning my ribcage as he watched us with dark, hungry eyes.
"How do you want us, flower girl?" Lucas murmured, his lips trailing down my neck. "We want to make this good for you."
My thoughts scattered like petals in a storm, overwhelmed by sensation as Dakota's hand slid up to cup my breast, his thumb circling the sensitive peak with deliberate pressure. "I—I don't know," I admitted breathlessly. "I've never..."
"Never had two Alphas at once?" Lucas finished, a smile curving against my skin. "Don't worry. We'll guide you through it."
Dakota leaned down, his mouth replacing his hand on my breast, drawing a gasp from me as his tongue flicked against the hardened peak. The dual sensation of his mouth on my breast and Lucas's lips on my neck sent sparks of pleasure shooting through my body.
"So responsive," Lucas murmured appreciatively, his hand sliding down my stomach, fingers tracing patterns lower to where I needed them most. When his fingers finally found the wetness between my thighs, I arched against him, a soft moan escaping my lips.
"Let us take care of you," Dakota murmured against my skin, his deep voice vibrating through me as his mouth moved to my other breast. "Just feel."
I surrendered to their touch, my body arching between them as they explored me with complementary styles—Dakota methodical and thorough, Lucas intuitive and playful. Their hands and mouths worked in perfect harmony, as if they'd done this together before, bringing me higher with each touch, each kiss.
Lucas's fingers slipped inside me, curling in a way that made stars explode behind my eyelids. "So wet for us," he murmured appreciatively. "So perfect."
Dakota's mouth traveled lower, trailing hot kisses down my stomach as Lucas continued to work me with his fingers. The dual sensations were overwhelming, pleasure building in waves that threatened to drown me. When Dakota's mouth finally reached the apex of my thighs, joining Lucas's fingers in their intimate exploration, I cried out, my back arching off the bed.
"That's it," Lucas encouraged, his voice rough with desire as he watched Dakota's mouth work against me. "Let go for us, Vivian."
Dakota's tongue moved with deliberate precision, finding every sensitive spot as Lucas's fingers curled inside me. The combination was exquisite torture, pleasure building to heights I'd never experienced before. When Lucas leaned down to capture my mouth in a hungry kiss, swallowing my moans as Dakota continued his relentless attention between my thighs, I shattered. Pleasure crashed through me in waves, my body trembling between them as they worked me through the intense release.
As the aftershocks of pleasure rippled through me, I became aware of both men watching me with intense desire in their eyes. Dakota had moved back up my body, his dark gaze hungry as he studied my flushed face. Lucas was beside me, his usual playfulness replaced by something deeper, more primal.
"Beautiful," Dakota murmured, the single word carrying more weight from his usually silent lips than a thousand poetic phrases.
Lucas brushed damp hair from my forehead, his touch unexpectedly tender. "Think you can handle more, flower girl?" he asked, his voice rough with restrained desire.
I nodded, still breathless but eager for more. "Yes," I whispered. "Please."
They exchanged another look, some silent communication passing between them before Dakota moved to lie on his back beside me. "Come here," he rumbled, his large hands guiding me to straddle him. His impressive length stood proud against his stomach, and for a moment I hesitated, suddenly aware of his size. Dakota's hands settled on my hips, steadying me.
"At your pace," he rumbled, understanding my momentary hesitation. "You control this."
Lucas moved behind me, his chest warm against my back as his hands slid around to cup my breasts. "We've got you," he murmured against my ear, his voice sending shivers down my spine. "Just relax."
I positioned myself over Dakota, guided by his strong hands on my hips. As I slowly sank down onto him, the stretch was intense, my breath catching as he filled me completely. Dakota's eyes never left mine, watching for any sign of discomfort as I adjusted to his size.
"Gods," I gasped, trembling slightly as I took him fully inside. "You feel...incredible," I finished, overwhelmed by the sensation of him inside me.
"Move when you're ready," Dakota rumbled, his hands gentle but firm on my hips, his control visible in the tension of his jaw, the careful restraint in his dark eyes.
Lucas's hands continued their exploration of my body, cupping my breasts, teasing the sensitive peaks as his lips traced patterns along my shoulder. "You look so beautiful like this," he murmured against my skin. "Taking him so well."
I began to move, slowly at first, adjusting to the feeling of Dakota filling me so completely. His hands guided my movements, helping me find a rhythm that had pleasure building once more. Lucas continued his attentions, his touch adding another layer to the sensations overwhelming me.
"That's it," Dakota encouraged, his deep voice rougher than usual as I moved above him. "Perfect."
Lucas's hands slid lower, exploring the place where Dakota and I were joined, his fingers finding that sensitive bundle of nerves that made me gasp and tighten around Dakota's length.
"Lucas," I moaned, my head falling back against his shoulder as his skilled fingers worked me higher. Dakota's hips began to move beneath me, matching my rhythm with controlled thrusts that hit something deep inside me that made stars explode behind my eyelids.
"You're taking him so well," Lucas murmured in my ear, his voice rough with desire. "Think you can take me too?" His fingers slid lower, teasing a place I hadn't explored before. The sensation was strange but not unpleasant, especially with the pleasure Dakota was creating inside me.
"I—I don't know," I admitted breathlessly, my rhythm faltering slightly at the new sensation.
"We'll go slow," Lucas promised, his fingers gentle as they continued their exploration. "If it's too much, just say so."
Dakota's hands tightened on my hips, stilling my movements momentarily. "Only if you want it," he rumbled, his dark eyes searching mine. "Never anything you don't want."
The care they both showed, even in the midst of such intense desire, made my heart swell. I nodded, curious and wanting despite my nervousness. "I want to try," I whispered. "Just... go slow."
Lucas pressed a kiss to my shoulder, his free hand reaching for something on the bedside table. I heard the snap of a cap, and then his fingers returned, slick and cool this time as they resumed their gentle exploration. Dakota distracted me with a particularly deep thrust that had me gasping, pleasure momentarily overwhelming the strange new sensation of Lucas's careful preparation. Between the two of them, they created a rhythm of pleasure that had me trembling, caught between Dakota's powerful thrusts and Lucas's gentle preparation. When Lucas finally slid one finger fully inside alongside Dakota, the strange fullness made me gasp, my body tensing momentarily before relaxing into the new sensation.
"That's it," Lucas murmured encouragingly, his lips trailing kisses along my neck. "Relax for us." His finger moved carefully, gradually preparing me as Dakota maintained a slow, steady rhythm beneath me. The combination of sensations was unlike anything I'd experienced before—strange and intense, but increasingly pleasurable as my body adjusted.
"More?" Lucas asked softly, his free hand caressing my breast, thumb circling the sensitive peak in counterpoint to the movements of his finger.
I nodded, beyond words as pleasure built within me. Lucas added a second finger alongside the first, the stretching burn gradually giving way to pleasure as I adjusted to the fullness. Dakota's hands steadied my hips, his dark eyes watching my face for any sign of discomfort as Lucas continued his careful preparation.
"You're doing so well," Lucas praised, his voice rougher than usual as his fingers worked alongside Dakota's length. "So perfect for us."
When Lucas finally deemed me ready, he withdrew his fingers, the sudden emptiness making me whimper. "Shh," he soothed, his hands gentle on my hips as he positioned himself behind me. "Just relax."
I felt the blunt pressure of him against me, so different from his fingers. For a moment, panic fluttered in my chest—it seemed impossible to accommodate them both. Dakota must have sensed my hesitation because his hand came up to cup my face, drawing my attention to him.
"Look at me," he rumbled, his dark eyes holding mine. "Breathe with me." His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, grounding me with his calm presence even as Lucas continued to press forward with careful patience.
"That's it," Lucas murmured against my shoulder, his voice strained with the effort of his control. "Just a little more."
The pressure built, a burning stretch that walked the line between pain and pleasure until suddenly Lucas slipped past the tight ring of muscle, seating himself partially inside me alongside Dakota. I gasped at the intense fullness, my body trembling between them as they both held perfectly still, giving me time to adjust.
"Okay?" Dakota asked, his voice rougher than I'd ever heard it, his control visibly fraying at the edges. I nodded, unable to form words as my body adjusted to the overwhelming sensation of both of them inside me.
"So full," I whispered, my voice trembling as I adjusted to the overwhelming sensation. "Give me a moment."
They remained perfectly still, their bodies tense with restraint as they allowed me time to adapt to their combined presence. Dakota's hands stroked soothingly along my thighs while Lucas pressed gentle kisses across my shoulders, both of them murmuring soft encouragements.
"We've got you," Lucas breathed against my neck, his usual playfulness replaced by tender focus. "Just breathe."
Gradually, the burning stretch eased, pleasure beginning to replace discomfort as my body relaxed around them. I experimentally shifted my hips, drawing matching groans from both men.
"Ready?" Dakota asked, his dark eyes intense as they held mine, watching for any sign of discomfort.
I nodded, beyond words as sensation overwhelmed thought. "Yes," I finally managed to whisper, my hands finding purchase on Dakota's broad chest for stability.They began to move together, establishing a careful rhythm—Dakota thrusting up as Lucas withdrew, then Lucas pushing forward as Dakota pulled back. The counterpoint created a continuous sensation of fullness that had me gasping, overwhelmed by pleasure unlike anything I'd experienced before. The initial discomfort faded completely, replaced by waves of ecstasy that built with each coordinated movement.
"Gods," I moaned, my head falling back against Lucas's shoulder as they moved within me. "It's so—so much."
"Too much?" Dakota rumbled, his hands steadying my hips as he watched my face with careful attention.
"No," I gasped, amazed at how good it felt now that my body had adjusted. "Perfect. Don't stop."
Lucas's hands slid around to cup my breasts, adding another layer to the overwhelming sensations already coursing through me. "So good for us," he murmured against my ear, his voice rough with desire. "Taking both of us so perfectly."
Their movements became more coordinated as they found their rhythm, each thrust sending shockwaves of pleasure through my body. Dakota's hands gripped my hips, guiding my movements as Lucas's fingers found where Dakota and I were joined, circling that sensitive bundle of nerves with skilled precision. The dual stimulation—the fullness of them both inside me and Lucas's skilled fingers—quickly pushed me toward the edge. I could feel pleasure building, more intense than anything I'd experienced before, threatening to overwhelm me completely.
"I can't—" I gasped, trembling between them as the pressure built. "It's too much."
"You can," Dakota rumbled, his dark eyes intense as they held mine. "Let go for us, Vivian."
Lucas's fingers increased their pressure, his teeth grazing my shoulder as Dakota's thrusts became more forceful. "Come for us," Lucas urged, his voice a heated command against my skin. "Let us feel you."
The combined sensations—their bodies moving within me, Lucas's skilled fingers, Dakota's powerful grip—finally pushed me over the edge. Pleasure exploded through me with an intensity that stole my breath, my body clenching around them both as waves of ecstasy crashed over me. I cried out their names, my vision blurring as the orgasm seemed to go on forever, each pulse more powerful than the last. My release triggered their own. Dakota went first, his powerful body tensing beneath me as he growled my name, his hands gripping my hips hard enough to bruise as he found his completion. Lucas followed moments later, his rhythm faltering as his arms tightened around me, his teeth scraping against the curve of my shoulder as he spilled himself deep inside me.
For several long moments, we remained locked together, our bodies trembling with aftershocks as we struggled to catch our breath. Dakota's hands gentled on my hips, stroking soothingly where he had gripped me tightly. Lucas's arms wrapped around my waist, supporting me as the strength seemed to drain from my limbs.
"Easy," Lucas murmured, his voice uncharacteristically gentle as he carefully withdrew from my body. The sudden emptiness made me whimper, overwhelmed by sensation. "I've got you."
With careful movements, he helped lift me off Dakota, easing me down onto the bed between them. My body felt boneless, utterly spent as they arranged themselves on either side of me. Dakota's large hand stroked my hair back from my face, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone so powerful. Lucas pressed against my other side, his usual playfulness softened into something more tender as he pulled a blanket over our tangled limbs.
"Okay?" Dakota asked, his deep voice quiet in the stillness that had settled over us.
I nodded, still struggling to find words after the intensity of what we'd just shared. "More than okay," I finally managed, my voice hoarse. "That was..."
"Incredible," Lucas finished, pressing a gentle kiss to my shoulder. "You were amazing, flower girl."
Dakota's arm curved protectively around me, his solid warmth anchoring me as the afterglow wrapped us in a peaceful cocoon. For a moment, the dangers waiting outside this room seemed distant and unimportant—Blackwood, Meridian, the threats that had been haunting me for weeks fade as I let myself relax into these two Alphas embrace.