Chapter 24 Thea
THEA
Ihaven’t been to a party like this in years, the last probably being Connor’s last work holiday party the year before he died.
The guys are all waiting downstairs for us to drive over to the lodge.
I take one last appraising look in the mirror.
The dress Ben got is just my style. I tend to like more retro fit and flowy skirts; the dress he got is black fitted on top and the upper waist before flaring out like a skater skirt.
The length stops around mid-thigh. The top part of the dress definitely makes my boobs look good, almost too much but sometimes it really can’t be helped.
Thankfully it has thicker straps that can hide my bra straps. I absolutely loathe strapless bras.
I lightly curled my hair, leaving it all down.
I am not the best at makeup and went simple again except putting on a bold lip.
Hopefully it looks okay, other than my date with Ben when I tried dressing up a bit even if it was only at my then rental house, this is my first time doing all this since meeting them.
The ankle boots I’m wearing have at least a two-inch heel, giving me a small height boost.
I feel good. Tonight will be fun. I’ll try to mingle and if I fail, I’ll let Micah take the brunt of any conversations.
I laugh to myself at the image, but quickly sober thinking of him.
Our conversation yesterday upset me more than I would have thought.
I had to leave before he picked up on it.
It made me realize I care about him more than I thought.
I wouldn’t say I love him, however I’m on that path, but I don’t think we can move forward until he does some soul searching.
I was shocked to hear of what happened to his family growing up.
It explains why someone I always viewed as too confident for his own good would have such deep insecurities about himself, at least when it comes to relationships.
And fucking Amber just reinforced anything negative he already thought when she used him then cheated.
If I ever meet his mother—oh, will I have some choice words for her too.
It didn’t sound like he’s still in contact with her from the way he talked about her.
Probably for the better. Sophie will scoop him up the minute they meet.
Actually, maybe they should be introduced soon.
She has a way of making anyone feel better.
I wish I had that ability. Mhm, something to think about after the party.
I make my way downstairs and into the kitchen, one of our main gathering places, it seems. The guys are in various states—Micah in his usual three-piece suit, Ben, Liam, and Eli are all wearing suits and ties, though different colors that complement each of them.
Jake, Parker, and Keelan are wearing slacks and a dress shirt, no tie.
I could’ve guessed they’d be the ones to take that route.
Parker has the top half of his blond hair up in a man bun.
Yep, it’s working for me, discovering something new about myself tonight.
Walking in, the click clacking of my heels catches their attention and the silence is almost immediate. I do a twirl to tease them. “How do I look?” I drawl out, trying to smother a laugh.
A chorus of “Beautiful, perfect, gorgeous” sounds from them, making me smile.
“Okay well let’s get going, don’t want to be late to your own party,” I say, holding my arm out to Ben.
“Why does he get to be your escort?” Eli asks, pouting.
“Because he planned the party and got me this outfit. So it’s only fair he gets to show it off.
” I playfully stick my tongue out at him.
I haven’t felt like this in so long, almost like my old self.
I’m going to have fun tonight, I keep repeating that to myself.
Connor, if you’re there, you better love the show.
The hall inside the lodge is filled with people, most of the staff here and their families. Somehow I’m just realizing this is the first time I’m with the pack in public as their omega. I seriously am dumb sometimes.
Rebecca is the first to greet us. She really has been the sweetest since I moved here. I feel bad I haven’t gotten to know her better. I’ll make that right going forward. She gives me a tight hug, whispering in my ear, “Congratulations!”
I return her hug just as tightly. “Thank you so much, for everything.”
We pull away. “I had a good feeling about you. Make sure to keep those boys in line,” she says with a wink, making me laugh.
I stay with one or two of the guys for most of the night but all of us eventually spread out to mingle with everyone.
Keelan is surprisingly a social butterfly.
Someone different is always around him when I see him next.
Poor Eli is cornered by the Farnbys, the pack that runs the bed and breakfast in town.
They’re very nice people but they’re so chatty. Too much for me to handle.
I climb the stairs to the second floor of the lodge and head to the staff break room.
I need a little space. I haven’t had to people so much in a long time.
It’s dark in here, and no fire is going.
I switch on a lamp near the sofa and head to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
It’s so dark out. The moon is barely a sliver in the sky tonight.
Most of what’s in sight is covered in a sheet of white.
I’m glad to meet more people. It’s just my social battery isn’t quite as large as others like Eli.
He’s so charismatic I can understand why he’s the one who typically goes to their job sites and manages their employees.
Keelan was a bit of a surprise to see mingling so much.
I smile to myself at the thought of my gentle giant.
I hear the door open and turn to see Eli entering before closing the door behind him.
“Thought you could escape the party?” he asks teasingly as he walks over to me. He hugs me from behind, his crisp apple scent swirling around me. I relax into his hold as we both look out at the darkened lake.
“Just needed a break. You’re Mr. Popular in there.” I poke fun at him a little.
He laughs in response. “Well, I don’t see a lot of them much. Sometimes I feel more of a stranger in this town since I’m traveling so much,” he says solemnly. He hasn’t traveled at all since I’ve been with the pack. Is he taking a break from work then?
“I’m sure that’s not true.” I turn in his hold to face him. His back is lit by the lamp on the other side of the room, casting his face in shadow. His hand comes up to caress my cheek.
“If you say so it must be true,” Eli jokes and brushes his thumb over my bottom lip.
“Eli—” I’m cut off by his kiss. It’s so tender but it’s stoking a fire in me.
I chase his lips, deepening our kisses. He leans more into me, causing me to take a slight step back, now resting against the cold glass behind me.
I’m pinned here between him and the glass and I love it.
It feels like we’re the only ones in the world.
He moves, kissing down my neck and sucking at the skin. I can’t help the moan that escapes. I reach down, feeling his hard cock through his pants, making him groan against me in response.
“Fuck, Sunshine. I just want to devour you,” he breathes out.
His hand trails up my inner thigh, skirting underneath my dress until he reaches my now damp panties.
“You’re so slick already for me?” he asks before pushing his fingers underneath my panties, feeling exactly how wet I am for him.
His fingers bypass my clit and tease my entrance before moving up again.
He circles my clit slowly as he kisses me again, swallowing my moans of pleasure.
I can’t help but grind my hips against his hand, chasing more. “So needy my omega,” he says lowly as his fingers begin to move faster.
“Fuck, please,” I beg, wanting to come. He’s moving faster, watching my face the entire time, until I’m coming undone for him, my body going tense before releasing.
“You did so well, Sunshine.” Eli kisses me lightly as I’m slumped against the window.
“I guess I missed the fun.” A voice rings out, making us both tense before we realize it’s Ben. Eli’s head turns enough to give him a glare, likely for scaring us. He just laughs as he approaches us. “I’m a little jealous I didn’t get to see you come apart,” Ben teases but there’s no heat there.
Both of their faces are shadowed as they’re facing away from the light so I can’t see the expressions they give each other. Suddenly Eli whisks me away from the window and towards the couch.
“Are you up for another round, Sunshine?” Eli whispers in my ear from his position behind me.
With both of them? Hell yes. I can only nod in response.
“Good. Then I think Ben would like some attention.” Eli puts slight pressure on my back, forcing me to lean over the arm of the couch.
Ben’s leg kneels on the cushion in front of me, bringing him closer.
I can see the outline of his cock tenting his pants. I swallow without thinking.
Ben reaches down, gathering my hair out of my face and holding it semi tightly.
I peer up at him finding his expression is pure lust. With one hand, he undoes his pants and frees his hard cock.
Precum is already leaking from the tip. Leaning forward, I stick my tongue out enough to taste him.
Their scents are swirling around me, joy and safety. I need them both now.
Eli lifts my dress, exposing me from behind. His fingers return to my pussy, this time pushing my panties to the side as he slowly begins fingering me. Just as I’m about to take Ben fully in my mouth, he tightens his grip on my hair, turning me on more.
“Damn, she loved that,” Eli says as I move and take Ben in. I work my mouth slowly on his cock, not trying to rush.