Chapter 14
14
DEVYN
Skylar won’t stop smiling at me.
But it’s not a normal smile. It’s the I want to know everything smirk that’s been on her face since the beginning of my shift.
“I want to hear everything ,” she demands in between dumping out old coffee and grinding beans.
“Oh, my god, I have so much to tell you,” I say.
“Later,” April chastises. “We’ve got shipments to do.” She places a giant box on the counter and gives me a small smile. “We’ve sold out of our preorders, Dev. This is all thanks to you.”
I beam. Since our macarons have been so popular, I brought up the idea of a subscription box—a package of macarons mailed out once a month to customers, featuring a limited-edition flavor.
It was supposed to be a trial experiment, but after we started a sign-up sheet, it was full by the end of the day.
It’s looking to be the most successful business endeavor April’s Café has ever had if we’re able to expand it.
Skylar huffs in frustration. “Devyn is growing up, April. She’s a businesswoman, and she’s finding the loves of her life. I’m going to die if she doesn’t tell me.”
“I can multitask,” I say to April. “Besides, I know you want to know, too.”
April sighs, then quirks her lip. “Fine. As long as we get these boxes done and the shipping labels printed.”
I squeal and help her set up the custom boxes. I begin to fill each one with the designated macaron flavor of the month, chocolate banana.
“We spent the evening playing video games, watching baking shows, and just talking ,” I say . “It was like the three of us were hanging out, only sexier.”
“Wait.” April pauses. “Did you spend the night?”
I nod. “Ben and I did! They even had a room for us!”
Skylar’s eyes widen. “Like, a guest room, or…”
“No. Skye, they said it was my room. They had everything prepared, including blankets, if I wanted to nest. It was so thoughtful. They weren’t pushy; they were just…perfect.”
April turns to me. “That sounds awesome, Dev. And you really like them.” Her tone is fond.
I nod. “I do. They’re good Alphas, and I’m starting to think I can really do this. I can really have a pack.”
Skylar scoffs. “Of course you can, dork. That’s what we’ve been telling you this whole time.”
“But now she believes it,” April points out. “That’s the important part.”
Tammy shows up to help prepare the subscription boxes while I manage the counter, and at the end of my shift, she pulls me into a hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” she murmurs, and I try not to burst into tears. “My sweet girl. I love seeing you happy like this.”
I hold on to her tightly, savoring her embrace.
I can’t wait for Connor and Ace to meet her.
She would love them; I just know it.
As I breathe in Tammy’s subtle floral scent, joy washes over me.
My life will only get better from here on out.
* * *
I stay later than I anticipated at the café, and now, there’s no parking in the front of our apartment.
I have two options.
I can park a few blocks down and take the long walk back to our building.
We’re in a nice area, and it’s perfectly safe for me to do so. I’ve done it before.
The other option is to park in the creepy parking garage.
It’s not even that big of a deal—but it’s dark down there. The gate is loud and old, and I just hate it.
The obvious choice would be to park on the street and just walk, but there’s a small problem.
I’ve been cramping like crazy.
My panties are damp with slick, my painkillers have worn off, and the only thing I want to do is get into my apartment and hop in the shower.
My pre-Heat symptoms are on full display, and the last thing I want to do is walk more than I need to.
I’m exhausted.
A shower and an early bedtime sound amazing right now.
Usually, I like to stay up and wait for Ben to come home, but he’s out with River and isn’t sure when he’ll come back.
Tonight, they’re working on an investigation with another city that’s three hours away.
Another O case.
I shudder to think about it. April and Skylar were kidnapped and used to make that drug, and any mention of it heightens my anxiety.
I’m glad the nearest case involving it is three hours away from here, but it just sucks that Ben won’t be home for a while.
Exhausted from the day and tired of dealing with my cramps, I make the decision to enter the parking garage.
I make a face as I click the gate open with the remote I keep in my glove compartment. The iron slowly lifts, stuttering and making an obnoxious grating sound while I drive down the slope into the dark abyss.
“Oh, god,” I groan as I enter the dimly lit space.
There are a few cars down here, but the garage is mostly empty.
The gate shuts behind me, and I park as close as I can to the white door that opens to the stairwell.
I hurry out of my car, but when I try the key to the door, the lock doesn’t move.
I try every key I have.
Nothing happens. The knob seems jammed—I can’t even turn it.
“Okay,” I breathe. “This is fine. This is fine. ”
I grab the remote from my car and try to open the gate, but nothing happens.
I’m trapped in here.
The air is stale and musty, and the longer I stay, the harsher my cramps become.
I bang on the door to the stairwell, slamming my palms against it and yelling for help.
My stomach flips, and I end up slumped against my car, whimpering in pain.
I need to get out of here.
I call the leasing office, but it’s after hours, so no one answers.
Then I call Ben.
“Hey, babe.” Ben’s voice is gentle. “What’s up?”
“Please tell me you’re on your way home,” I sob.
“Shit, no, I can be, though. What happened?”
“I’m trapped in the parking garage!” I exclaim. “The gate is stuck, and the door to the stairs won’t open. Ben, I’m—I’m trapped—” I choke out. “And I’m cramping. My body hurts .”
Everything hurts now, not just my womb. My limbs are heavy, and slick slowly trickles out of me and stains my underwear.
“Baby, it’s going to be okay,” Ben breathes. “Stay calm for me, and we’ll get you out of there. I’m leaving right now, okay?”
“You’re three hours away!” I cry, tears falling down my cheeks. “I can’t stay here—I can’t breathe?—”
“Baby, come on. You have this, Dev. You’re safe. I’ll call Connor—he’s likely closer than me.”
“No! Don’t hang up on me,” I whimper.
It’s like I’m back in a foster home, and one of the boys has locked me in a closet.
They’re not going to find me for hours.
I’m all alone.
If I had parents, they would look for me. If I had a family, someone would try to find me.
But no one will, so I’ll be stuck there forever.
“Dev, sweetheart, I love you.” Ben tries to snap me out of my panic. “You can get through this, baby. Everything will be fine. You’re still at the apartment. You’re still home, just in the garage.”
But my pre-Heat emotions get the best of me, and I end up weeping on the phone. Ben talks me through some breathing exercises, but the pain in my body only intensifies.
Then Ace calls me while I’m on the phone with Ben.
“Ace is calling,” I whisper, then switch the line to Ace.
“Ace?” I cry.
“Shit, what’s wrong, sweetheart?” Ace is immediately concerned, and I burst into tears.
How embarrassing. Sobbing over being stuck is an overreaction, but I can barely explain myself as I struggle through my crying fit.
“I’m half an hour away. I was going to see if you wanted to meet up, but I’ll be there soon,” Ace says.
“But you don’t have a key?—”
“Sweetheart,” he interrupts. “I’ll be there. Just hang on for me, baby.”
I let out another sob, and he sighs.
“I hate hearing you like this, angel,” he murmurs.
“I’m scared,” I whisper, shaking. “Too much is happening at once.”
“Talk to me, then. What else is happening?” His voice is calm and low, and it helps ground me.
“I…my Heat.”
There’s a moment of silence; then he swears. “Okay. That’s okay,” he repeats, as if he’s trying to convince himself.
“I think this triggered it—being trapped here and being so upset?—”
“I’m on my way, baby. I’m not too far from you.”
“But you don’t have a key!” I know I sound weak, whiny, and pathetic, but I can’t stop crying.
It’s too much, all at once.
This will be my first Heat around an unmated Alpha.
“I don’t need a key. Trust me,” Ace continues. “I’m coming to rescue you, baby.”
“It hurts,” I whisper.
There’s a moment of silence on the other end. “I know, sweetheart. Whatever you want from me, you can have. Okay?”
My inner Omega moans in delight.
I swallow. “I have Ben on the other line. I need to get back to him.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart,” he promises. “I’ll be there soon.”
I switch back the line over to Ben, who tries his best to console me.
“I’ll get there as quickly as I can,” he promises me, his voice rough. “But you can do this. I’ll send a squad car?—”
“No, Ace is coming,” I pant. “He’s closer. He said he’ll take care of it.”
Ben pauses. “Take care of it how ?”
“He said he’ll get in,” I breathe. “He said…oh god. ” A cramp pierces me, and I drop the phone. I curl up into a ball, shrugging off my sweater until I’m just in my tank top, lying on the ground, my mouth facing the phone.
I’m so aroused it’s painful.
I’m in peril, and an Alpha is coming to rescue me.
My womb cramps and sweat beads down my forehead.
“Ben, it’s coming now ,” I whine, pulling at my hair. “Ben, I can’t. I need…”
“Fuck, Dev. Hold on, baby. We’re going to take care of you,” he promises me. “Hold on to my voice until Ace gets there. You don’t have to talk at all. Just listen, okay?”
I whimper in reply, and Ben begins speaking.
He distracts me with words, telling me all the reasons why he loves me, and how I’m always safe with him, Ace, and Connor.
He tells me it all in a calm, soothing voice, and I hold on to everything he says, ignoring the ache in my womb.
Tears of frustration spill down my cheeks, but his conversation stops me from turning completely hysterical.
That is, until lavender and pepper fill the parking garage, and I let out a gasp.
There are banging sounds, so loud that they would startle me at any other time.
But I’m drunk on that delicious Alpha scent, and my inner Omega has taken over.
“He’s here,” I say to Ben, letting out a delighted laugh. “He’s here !”
My Alpha is here to save me!
“Good, baby. Let him take care of you. I love you.”
There’s one more bang, and then I’m being lifted into strong, capable arms.
Ace is frantic as he looks at me, cupping my face in his hands.
“Fuck, sweetheart. Let’s get you out of here.”
I don’t care that we’re still in the garage. I kiss him fiercely, clutching at his shoulders and growling into his mouth. He responds in kind, pushing me against my car and lifting my legs so they wrap around his hips.
He’s in dark jeans and a striking blue shirt that matches his eyes.
He pulls away for a moment, panting against my mouth. “You need a nest,” he forces out, his voice strained.
“I need to come,” I moan. “It’s all too much, Alpha …”
I kiss him again, biting his lip and groaning as I thrust against his jeans. His scent is everywhere, spicy and delicious, and I couldn’t care less that we’re in a creepy parking garage.
I want him to fuck me here.
I need to be knotted, now .
“Fuck.” He pulls away again, and I cry out in frustration. “You’re in Heat. You need a nest?—”
“ Fuck me, Alpha. ”
He growls. “Damn it, Omega . You’re playing with fire. You don’t know what you’re asking for. You’ve never taken a knot.”
I grip him by the collar of his shirt, yanking it. “Teach me how to take it, then.” My words are low and husky. “Now. Here. I can’t wait anymore.”
“Someone could see,” he groans. “Someone could see your pretty cunt getting stretched open for the first time.”
But that only makes me wetter, and slick pours out of me, filling up the garage with the scent of honey.
“Oh, fuck, you’re perfuming everywhere,” Ace whispers wickedly. “Are you soaked from the idea of being caught getting stuffed with a knot?”
I nod frantically. “ Yes ,” I hiss.
He presses his forehead to mine and chuckles. “I’m so glad I found you. You were fucking made for me, baby.”
He sets me down to quickly work at the zipper of my jeans. I step out of them, and he growls in approval when he sees the wet spot on my panties.
Then he rips them off me, and I watch in delight as he stuffs them into the back pocket of his jeans.
“These are mine now,” he says approvingly. “I’ll wrap them around Connor’s cock later and get him off with them.”
My mind short-circuits at the image.
I stand in the garage, naked from the waist down, my pussy dripping slick down my thighs.
The cold air feels incredible against my overheated body, and I tug wildly at the buckle of Ace’s belt, the ache between my legs overwhelming.
“Need you,” I gasp. “Please?—”
It only takes one moment; then he’s lifting me back up and pushing me against my car door. I wrap my legs around his waist and close my eyes in bliss.
“ Omeg a,” Ace commands. “Look at me.”
I open my eyes to meet his and inhale his scent, drowning in his wild gaze.
I lick my lips in anticipation.
“Knot me,” I whisper.
Slowly, Ace pushes into me.
My mouth falls open in shock at how thick he is—there’s a delicious stretch I wasn’t anticipating.
He thrusts into me slowly, and he keeps his gaze locked on me the whole time, only closing his eyes to let out a groan.
“ Fuck ,” he hisses. “Fuck, Devyn, you’re so tight— fuck ?—”
“More,” I beg, and he grins.
“I’m not even halfway in yet,” he murmurs. “But I know you can take it.”
His lavender scent blooms around me as my pussy walls clench around him.
“All the way,” I beg, my voice loud and echoing throughout the garage. “All the way, please, Alpha .”
I say the first words that come to mind. There’s no second-guessing, no insecurities as I demand to be taken.
Thankfully, Ace doesn’t draw it out.
With a quick snap of his hips, his cock is all the way inside me, and my mouth falls open in shock.
There’s an Alpha inside me, and it feels…
Exquisite.
“Fuck,” Ace grunts. “This is the first Alpha cock you’ve taken, right, baby?”
I nod eagerly, moaning as he thrusts into me, fucking me roughly against my car.
“We’re going to have so much fucking fun,” he promises me. He kisses me roughly, his tongue piercing tickling my tongue.
“You feel like silk,” he gasps once he breaks the kiss. “I’m not going to last long, sweetheart. I need to come in you. Stuff you with my knot.”
I meet his movements with my own, chasing my pleasure while Ace hits the perfect spot inside me.
“I’m coming,” I choke out before I tilt my head back and succumb to the pleasure.
I scream so loud the sound echoes throughout the garage, and my throat burns. Ace picks up his pace and lets out a roar that makes me gasp in surprise.
What we’re doing is filthy, primal, and amazing.
It feels like my body has finally found what it’s craved my entire adult life.
I needed an Alpha, and now I have one.
Ace buries his face in my neck as he comes, choking and moaning out his release as a pressure builds in my core.
“Oh,” I gasp.
His cock slowly inflates inside me, joining us together.
He’s knotting me.
But he still thrusts, triggering another orgasm inside me.
He sucks at my neck, growling while he continues to work his knot inside me, drawing out every ounce of pleasure he can from me.
Sweat drips down my back, and all I can do is allow myself to be fucked while he stays inside me, pumping his cum into me.
He licks and sucks my mating gland, and I lose count of how many times I fall over the edge.
But I need more.
“You’re fucking perfect,” he groans against my skin. “Perfect for me.”
I’m sensitive everywhere, and I feel incredible.
I run my fingers through Ace’s hair, then tug at his scalp, like Connor does to him. He growls and moves harder, rocking me on his knot.
Rational Devyn is gone, and the one thing my Omega wants more than anything else is to find her pack.
To belong to someone.
And now, that’s finally within her grasp.
“Bite me, Alpha ,” I murmur, my voice low.
Ace pulls away from my neck to look at me, his pupils wide and his lips parted. “What?” he asks, his voice breathless. We continue to rock together against my car, his knot rubbing against my G-spot with every movement.
“Bite me. Make me yours,” I demand.
Somewhere far away, there’s a little voice inside my head saying that now isn’t the right time.
That I wanted to wait until I had found my pack for sure, and we were all together.
But that little voice couldn’t be more wrong.
My inner Omega knows what she wants, and Ace is all too happy to comply.
We’re lost in each other’s trance, high from finally being connected with our partner.
He’s found his Omega, and I’ve found my first Alpha.
So, his lips find the sensitive spot on my neck again, but this time, he bites.
He breaks skin, and time literally stops.
I suddenly feel him everywhere.
My heart. My soul. My mind.
I see all of Ace in that moment—the core of who he is.
The witty Alpha with a huge heart, that’s hopelessly in love with Connor but also devoted to me.
The man that comes from the same lonely place that I do.
The person that just wants to have a family, like me.
When the world starts to turn again, Ace pulls back from me and watches me with awe.
We’re mated now, and it feels incredible.
But still, there’s a tiny voice inside me screaming.
What have you done?
That voice doesn’t stop screaming even as Ace pulls out of me, gathers me into his arms, and hurries me back to my apartment.
The voice doesn’t stop once I’m in a nest, surrounded by all my blankets and pillows.
I’m mated.
What have you done?
But then Ace cuddles next to me, purring for me until the voice quiets.