Chapter 25
CHAPTER 25
KAYLA
I jolt awake, and a dull throb between my legs makes me bite back a groan. Shit, that hurts. Ryker is out cold next to me, his arm draped possessively over my stomach. It’s sweet, but I really need to go to the bathroom. Careful not to wake him, I inch away, peeling his arm off like I’m defusing a bomb. One wrong move and boom—Alpha awake, fussing over me. Not what I need right now.
I pause for a moment, watching him sleep. His face looks so peaceful, a contrast to the fierce protector he always is when awake. The tenderness of this quiet moment tugs at my heart, but right now, nature’s calling.
Moving slowly, every muscle protesting from last night’s events, I slip out of bed. A bath. That will probably help with the pain and always works when it’s that time of the month.
As I walk, my body is heavy with new sensations. My thighs press together, tender and raw, a dull throb pulsing where Ryker was inside of me. It’s a good ache, though—satisfying and intimate. With careful steps, I make my way to the bathroom, feeling the pull of each muscle, hyperaware of the changes within me.
After I start the water, I stare in the mirror to see if I look any different. I’m not a virgin Omega anymore, but I’m the same—blue eyes, dirty blond hair, and lips still a bit swollen from last night.
The lingering scents of smoke and leather cling to my skin, and I smile.
“My Alphas,” I whisper to my reflection. There’s a tightness in my chest, a surge of emotion that swells. Three Alphas? Who would’ve thought?
I care about all of them, each in their own way. They’re like... I don’t know, a shield from all the crap out there. Last night with Ryker was amazing. It felt right, as though we connected on a whole different level.
They’ve held themselves back, giving me space, letting me choose when I was ready. And now, they’re mine, just as I am theirs.
Ryker’s brooding intensity steals my breath every time I’m in the room with him. Dane is solid, dependable, as though he’d fight a war for me. Then there’s Liam—his charm and humor make me feel as if I can tell him anything.
Last night, Ryker was so gentle, I finally let go. It was everything I hoped for—intense and raw, but with a connection that went beyond just sex.
Slipping into the tub with a gasp, the hot water laps at my tender skin. I wince as it touches places still sensitive, still throbbing with a dull ache—a reminder of the night’s intensity. Biting my lip to keep from making a sound, I sink deeper, letting the heat envelop me. I add more hot water, hoping it will soothe the pain away.
There’s a soft knock on the door, and instinctively, I think it’s Ryker coming to check on me. “Come in,” I call out, resting the back of my head against the porcelain.
But it’s not Ryker; it’s Dane, his presence filling the room. My heart does this weird stutter-step at seeing him. Widely self-conscious about being naked in front of him, I cover my breasts with my arms, the bubbles in the bath hiding my sex.
He has a glass jar in his hands, filled with... something. Hell if I know what it is.
“Brought you some things,” he murmurs, his voice all low and gentle, which warms me more than the bath. “For the bath to help with the pain and to speed up recovery.”
“Thanks,” I manage, touched by his thoughtfulness.
From the pocket of his cargo pants, he retrieves a plastic pain reliever bottle and a small water bottle. “And this... if the pain gets too much.” His eyes linger on mine, dark and intense.
“Thanks.”
He nods, a faint smile touching his lips. He pours out the contents of the jar into the bath, and the scents of lavender and others I can’t name drift through the warm bathwater.
“Take the meds, Kayla,” Dane insists gently. “Don’t try to be tough about this.”
“Never,” I reply with my usual sass, but inside, my heart flutters. I’m learning what it means to be cherished by Alphas, who respect me, who wait for me.
“What would you like for breakfast?” he asks.
I consider for a second before answering. “French toast.” A hint of a smile tugs at my lips despite the ache. “And coffee. Lots of coffee.”
“Coming right up.”
I know he’ll nail it—crispy edges, drowning in syrup, dusted with powdered sugar. Just how I like it. Maybe being pampered isn’t so bad after all.
“Hey, Dane?” The words slip out just as he’s about to leave, and he freezes, hand on the doorknob. “Can you... stay for a sec?”
He turns, his brow lifting in question, and I crook my finger at him, beckoning him closer. It’s a playful gesture, one I’ve never used before, but it feels right—as though I’m claiming some buried piece of me.
Dane steps back into the room, closing the distance between us. His presence is so solid, so comforting.
“Thank you,” I murmur as he leans down, expecting me to whisper something into his ear.
Instead of speaking, I lean in and plant a kiss on his stubbled cheek. It’s rough against my lips, but I kinda like it.
“Anything for you, Kayla,” he rumbles, and I swear I can feel it in my bones.
His face is close to mine, eyes searching. He’s letting me call the shots, respecting my pace. It sends a thrill through me, knowing I’ve got this big, strong Alpha wrapped around my little finger.
Right now, with this new ache between my legs and heat coiling in my gut, it hits me how much I care about this guy. His strength, sure, but it’s more than that—it’s the way he looks out for me without making me feel weak. There’s an unspoken promise in his eyes; he’s got my back, no matter what.
His scent—cedar and cinnamon, earthy and comforting—fills me. Before I can overthink it, I grab the back of his neck and draw him down for a kiss.
Holy crap. The moment our lips meet, it’s like touching a live wire. Electricity zings through every nerve, igniting a fire inside me. His hands cup my face, his thumbs stroking my cheeks with a gentleness that feels like he’s trying to memorize every inch of me.
When his tongue teases mine, a moan escapes before I can stop it, raw and needy.
So much for playing it cool, Kayla.
For a moment, there’s nothing but Dane and the passion he stokes within me. My sex throbs with a need that’s new and all-consuming, but then there’s pain—sharp and raw, as if someone’s taken sandpaper to my insides. I gasp, my body going rigid. It’s like my lower half is screaming at me, reminding me that, yeah, losing your V-card comes with a price tag of ouch. Instantly, Dane pulls away, and the concern etched onto his features twists my heart.
“Easy, Kayla.” He rests his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with my own. “It’s too soon. You need another day or more to heal from your first time.” His voice is low, a growl just beneath the surface, protective instincts clearly battling with desire. “Take the medicine. It will help along with the bath.”
I nod, biting back a frustrated groan. He’s right. I know it. But that doesn’t make the waiting any easier.
“Okay,” I whisper.
With one last long, lingering look, he nods and exits, leaving me with the soothing scents and the echo of a kiss that promises more—when I’m ready.
Alone in the steam-filled bathroom, I sink deeper into the water, letting it soothe the dull ache. I close my eyes, willing the heat to wash away... well, everything. The tension. The pain from having sex for the first time. The raw edge of need that’s seriously freaking me out.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” I mutter to the soap bubbles, my hands trembling as they skim the water’s surface. Part of me wants to melt into a puddle of goo, thinking about that kiss. About them. All of my Alphas. But another part? It’s screaming, clawing at my insides, reminding me of hands that weren’t so gentle, touches that weren’t wanted.
I take a deep, shaky breath. “Slow down, girl. You’re not claimed just ‘cause you finally did the deed.”
The desire’s still there, simmering under my skin like an itch I can’t scratch, but now it’s all mixed up with longing, fear, and straight-up confusion that’s making my head spin.
As my body slowly begins to yield to the herbal concoction Dane added to the bath, I can’t shake the feeling that this is only the beginning. There will be more kisses, more touches, more everything. The thought sends a shiver down my spine—half excitement, half terror.
“One step at a time,” I whisper, trying to convince myself. “You’ve got this. Maybe.”
Liam
N ormally, I’m not up this fucking early, but since I couldn’t sleep last night, I’m pacing through the kitchen when Dane comes in and does a double-take at me.
“Couldn’t sleep,” I grumble.
He nods. “I’m starting breakfast. You in?”
“Hell, yeah.” There’s something in his posture that tells me he’s not just making food for him and me. I yawn, exaggerating the groan. “Yell when it’s ready. I’m gonna crash for a few.”
He nods and starts opening a package of organic, expensive bread that I can’t remember the name of and don’t care to learn. I have an Omega to see.
Trying not to race out of the kitchen, I take the stairs two at a time. Just in case I’m wrong and she’s sleeping, I quietly crack open the door and spot Ryker conked out in the bed, but the spot next to him is empty.
There’s a splash from the bathroom, and my grin splits my face. There’s my Omega.
Ryker had his time with her, and he needs to leave. Now.
“Wake up!” I tug at the comforter tangled around his legs, trying to ignore how the room smells of sex. “I think someone stole your bike.”
“Wh-What?” he asks groggily. “My bike? Mother fucker!” He’s suddenly wide awake and bolts out of bed naked. He rushes out of the room.
I chuckle. He’s gonna pay me back when he finds out his bike is fine, but this gives me a few minutes alone with Kayla. Can you blame me?
My knuckles rap against the bathroom door in a playful rhythm.
“Come in, Liam,” she answers.
“How’d you know it was me?” I ask as I push the door open.
“Your scent,” she replies without hesitation, her dark blue eyes not lifting from the steaming bathwater. “Plus, Dane’s too proper, and Ryker… well, I figured he’d never knock like that.”
“Figures.” I chuckle, leaning against the doorway, taking inventory of her—dark blonde hair spilling over her shoulders, pink lips, and those perfect breasts rising with every breath. She’s wrapped up in the steam and scents of the bath, looking like some pagan offering to the gods.
“Did you lie to Ryker? Telling him his bike was stolen?” She puts one of her feet up on the edge of the bath, her toe fiddling with the faucet that drips out a bead of water every few seconds.
“Hey, it’s not as bad as the time I put two dozen pigeons in his Porsche, AC running of course. Man, I never saw so many feathers or Ryker’s face so purple.”
She gasps, but a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “You didn’t.”
“His precious sports car smelled like pigeon shit for weeks.”
“Did he pay you back?” She arches an eyebrow.
“Yeah.” I shrug. “Guess who had to clean up the bird crap, but I conveniently left one heap under the driver’s seat until he caught me.”
“Is Ryker the only one you play tricks on?” She jerks upright in the bath, hiding those gorgeous tits and rose-pink nipples with her arms.
“Nah, Dane has gotten his dose in equal measure. Once, we were arm wrestling, and I had a stick hidden in my other hand. Just as Dane started to win, I cracked the stick and groaned, pretending he broke my arm.”
“What did Dane do when he found out the truth?” She leans against the bathtub, and I have to fight the thought of stripping down and joining her. Soon… once she’s healed.
“Oh, he paid me back in spades. Rubbed my sheets with poison ivy. I was itching for days before I finally figured out what the hell was going on. What about you?” I cock my head to the side. “Anything you’re guilty of?”
“Normal Omega stuff. Skipping classes, sneaking out to smoke. God, I miss my friends.” She blinks back tears. “I hope they’re okay.”
“I’m sure they are, but I’ll do some snooping and see what I can find out. Were they the three on the bus with you?”
For a moment, she hesitates, and I worry that I’ve overstepped. Then she nods.
I lightly trail my hand across her forearm, and her mouth opens in an “O” shape.
“In the meantime, do you need anything?” My voice drops to a husky whisper.
She glances up at me through her lashes, and my cock jerks at the sight.
“Dane gave me pain meds, herbs, and Epsom salts for the bath. He’s making breakfast now.”
“Well, knowing him and his perfection, breakfast won’t be for a while.”
A smirk tugs at my lips, watching for that blush, that telltale sign of the effect I have on her. I’m an Alpha; I don’t just protect—I possess. Every cell in my body screams that she’s mine, but there’s something about her that fucks with my instincts, makes me want to throttle anyone who’d dare look at her wrong, yet I want to hold her so gently that she forgets every goddamn scar life has etched onto her soul.
“Guess you’re stuck with my questionable company until Chef Dane serves up his gourmet masterpiece.”
Her laughter echoes off the tiles, and it’s the sweetest fucking melody.
“Water’s getting cool,” I murmur, my fingers skimming across the surface, sending ripples toward her. When my hand grazes her thigh, she shivers under my touch—so damn responsive.
“Let me help you out, dry you off.” My offer is a growl, low and laden with meaning.
Her eyes widen, just a fraction, before that stubborn chin of hers lifts. “I can manage.”
“Sure, you can,” I concede, but there’s no way in hell I’m stepping back now. “But you shouldn’t have to. Not when I’m right here.” Before she can protest, I lean in closer, my voice a seductive whisper. “I know you were a virgin, Kayla.”
She sucks in a breath, and that pretty pink blush I’ve come to crave blooms on her cheeks.
“How did you...”
“Figured it out,” I say, locking my gaze with hers. “But didn’t know for sure until you blushed like that. Fuck, it’s beautiful.”
A vulnerable flicker passes through those dark blue eyes, stirring something fierce in my chest.
“Look, I’m not about to try anything while you’re healing.” My words are gruff, sincere. “And even when you’re better, I won’t touch you until you beg for it, until you’re ready.” Fuck it all if I don’t look forward to that, and my cock agrees, hardening even more. “Until then, I can give you a massage or whatever you want.”
“Whatever I want?” Her lips part slightly, and I can see her mind racing, contemplating the scope of that offer.
“Anything,” my tone turns gravely. “But for now, let me warm you up, ease those aches.” I’m straining against the leash of my self-control, but I’ll be damned if I don’t show her every shade of care she’s been denied. When it comes down to it, Kayla’s worth every ounce of restraint—and when she finally comes undone beneath me, it’ll be on her terms, her choice. That thought alone is enough to keep me from ravishing her... for now.
The bathwater gurgles down the drain as I help Kayla out, wrapping a massive, fluffy towel around her. This might be a mistake, considering I keep imagining tasting her, kissing her, but this is all her control. I’ll do whatever the fuck she wants as long as it doesn’t hurt her.
Carefully, I guide her to the bed.
“Face down.”
She complies, lying on her stomach, and the sight of her, vulnerable and expectant, has me holding back a groan. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
My fingers brush over her back, tracing the outline of muscles and bone. The sounds she makes—little whimpers of pleasure as I massage her—drive my cock into a hard, aching line. Fuck, this is torture.
“Mmm,” she hums, eyes closed, lost in the sensation.
I clench my teeth as I work out the knots in her upper back and shoulders. Her little noises hit me low and hard. Fuck.
“Does that feel good?” I rasp, fighting the groan lodged in my throat.
“Y-Yes,” she breathes.
“That’s what I like to hear.” I lean down, my lips finding the nape of her neck, kissing her softly. It’s a taste of heaven. Her skin is warm beneath my mouth. She shifts, turning onto her side, and our lips meet—a collision of need and comfort. Her kiss is a fucking lifeline.
My hand instinctively moves down to her hip, but she tenses. I freeze, suddenly remembering.
“Still sore,” she gasps between kisses, each word laced with both pain and desire.
“Shh,” I soothe, stroking her hair. “Just being able to touch you, to kiss you... it’s enough.” And it is. It has to be. My body shouts for more, to take what my Alpha instincts crave, but I choke it down. Kayla, my Omega, deserves the choice. My cock can fucking wait.
I pull back, resisting the urge to press my lips to hers again, to devour her completely.
My hands glide over her skin, easing her back onto her stomach. I massage down her spine, my thumbs pressing into the tender flesh on her lower back, eliciting another moan from her lips.
“Better?” I question, hoping to distract myself from the throbbing need inside me.
“Much,” she murmurs, her body relaxing beneath my touch.
“Good.” I kiss her shoulder, then her neck once more, a silent promise lingering in the caress. “Whatever you need, Kayla.”
Her breath hitches. She flips over underneath me and cups my cheek. “Liam...” Her voice is full of trust issues and a longing for escape, for something more than what this broken world has given her.
“Shh, I’ve got you,” I assure her, my primal instinct to protect rising up.
Fated mates.
And fuck if I let anything, even my desires, fuck that up or hurt her.