Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
CLOVER
A pollo has me bundled up, in the passenger seat of the car. A soft blanket, he had bought for me, tucked around my body. He is tapping the steering wheel, waiting for everyone to be done with the game.
We had already gone back to the hotel to gather our bags before coming back to the arena to get the rest of the pack.
It’s taking longer than usual. The bus already pulled away, but his pack was still nowhere to be seen.
“Did you have a good time?” He looks at me and makes a sound of agreement.
It was quiet again.
Well, yikes on bikes. This is awkward.
“Marcus seems like he can be a good friend for you. I don’t think he wants to be just your friend.I think he wants to have you as part of his pack.” Apollo’s words throw me off.
Is he jealous ?
Marcus is just a friend. I don’t think he sees me as anything other than another Omega. It still feels nice to have Apollo showing some sort of emotion towards me.
Out of all the Alphas’, he’s the one that I have the hardest time understanding. He’s the one that doesn’t seem to have a reason to tiptoe around me. Yet, like all the other Alpha’s in his pack, he does.
His finger stops tapping, the cool blue of his eyes taking me in. He’s beautiful with his winter eyes. Cool like ice and unique like snowflakes.
Apollo brings his hand up, pushing back the longer strands of hair on the top of his head. His hair always looks so good. Soft and like it was just washed. For some reason, I shift, lifting a hand to move the piece that’s hanging over his forehead back.
Our eyes meet.
“You’re still cold?” His voice is a raspy, low sound and I lean in closer like I can’t hear him. My head nods and I watch the way his throat bobs. “Do you want to come sit on my lap?” I nod again.
The idea of being close to Apollo is nice. He smells so good. His scent is calming and rich. The softness of the tea mixed with the amber always makes me feel safe. I feel like if you bottle it up and sprayed it on bedding, it would be a guaranteed eight hours of sleep.
His hand tugs off my blanket. Helping me move over the console until I’m straddling his thighs. Carefully, he wraps the blanket around me like a cape. One of his hands rests on my lower back to keep me close to him.
My nose slides against his and I watch his eyes close. His scent is so strong this close up. I want more of it.
“Careful, cherub. You’re making me lose control.”
“What does that mean?” I can’t help but ask. My whisper is so close to his lips, that when I talk it feels like we could be kissing.
With one hand holding me, he gently shifts his seat back, giving us more room to work with.
“It means that something about you makes me lose control. I’m seconds away from kissing you and I haven’t even taken you on a date yet. I want to do this right, Clover.” His nose runs over mine on one side and then down on the other.
Back and forth. Slow and gentle little brushes of our noses. It feels so good and makes me want to feel his lips against mine.
“Griffin kissed me.”
“Don’t remind me.” Apollo moves so our cheeks are brushing, “I love that it was one of my pack that got your first kiss but, I can’t lie. I wish it was me that got your first kiss.” His teeth nip at my ear and a whine leaves my lips.
I feel wet, slippery fluid at the apex of my thighs. A groan leaves Apollo’s mouth.
“I can smell your slick, Clover. It makes me want you even more.”
I know what slick is. Not only from the Omega’s in my old dorm but, when I had my heat spikes sometimes I’d get an ache between my legs. The slick would be there, ready to welcome someone inside of me.
Maybe I didn’t know everything but I knew a few things about sex and being an Omega.
“Apollo, can you be my second kiss? I think I would like that a lot.” His forehead falls against mine, the warmth of his breath tickling my lips.
Being this close to him feels so good. It feels safe and sensual. My heart is beating rapidly. I’m not scared. I’m excited to be sharing this moment. Excited that I know it’s going to happen this time.
“You’re sure?”
I nod, licking my lips, because all I can think about is how his lips will feel against mine.
They’re thinner than Griffin’s. The coloring is more of a soft pink. His lips don’t seem as pillowy. I want to know if all kisses feel the same but, I already can feel in my bones that they don’t.
When he slides his mouth over mine, all comparisons stop.
This kiss isn’t quick. It’s not just his lips on mine to quiet me. It’s slow and steady. Apollo’s lips are slightly chapped. His mouth is wider than mine. More of a line instead of a circle. He guides my head gently to the side. As he pulls back, slants his lips against mine again, so they fit together in a way that feels perfect.
A sound leaves him. More slick leaves me.
Our kiss turns open mouthed. The soft bump of his teeth against mine makes me smile. It’s shy and awkward on my end but, on his end, it’s all control and assurance. Guiding me in the kiss so that I feel safe.
The tip of his tongue slips out, swiping the seam of my mouth open. Wet and different. Making my mouth open more and his tongue glides over mine, trying to show me how to kiss him back.
Part of me wants to pull away and ask if I’m doing this right but, the other part of me, is enjoying this too much.
He’s warm and sure. Holding my face in one hand and my back with the other. So gentle and confident in what he is doing and making sure I’m okay with it all.
I’m more than okay with this.
Our heads tilt, our kiss turning deeper as I slide closer so our chests are pressed together. Apollo is forced back in his seat. I like how he smiles at this. The way his lips tilt up against mine feels fun and special.
He’s taking this seriously but, at the same time, making sure that I’m okay with each step.
This is making out.
I know that. I just didn’t know that it was going to be this good. Feel this good.
“Clover, cherub.” His lips kiss mine, his tongue back in his mouth. I want it back in mine. “Are you okay?” I wish he wasn’t so reasonable.
Pulling back, I feel the pout settling on my features.
“I’m okay. Can we keep kissing? You kiss better than Griffin. He only did it quickly. Your kiss I can feel everywhere. I like it.” He smiles so widely that I pull back, blinking.
Apollo is handsome. A bit standoffish with his features but, he still is handsome. Tall and well built. Thicker in his arms than the others in the pack. He’s a force. He’s always trying to get things done and make sure things are okay.
This is the first time I’ve seen him smile like this. It’s blinding and beautiful.
“Oh cherub, I wish they were here to hear you say that. What I wouldn’t pay to see Griff’s face?” He laughs at that. His body is shaking and my eyes widen.
Oh my beans and biscuits.
He’s a God.
That’s the only way I can explain the pure beauty of what I’m witnessing right now. His deep laugh shakes me on his lap as he lets the joy of the moment wash over him.
After a moment, he looks at me, stroking his thumb over my lips. It’s a gentle caress and I wish it was his lips soothing my own.
“The only one I trust to drive us home, other than me, is Vaughn and he’s having a hard time right now.” I don’t understand why he is telling me this. “If I trusted the other two, I would have you in the backseat and kiss you the whole way home. Until these pretty lips of yours were swollen from all the attention I gave them. Then I’d give you soft kisses to feel better.” I squirm at his words.
Where has this version of the Alpha been all week?
Had he been holding himself back because of his pack?
Was this him just tricking me so he didn’t get in trouble with his family?
“I’m going to kiss you again.” His lips touch mine. I forget my worries as his tongue slips along mine again.
Kissing is nice.
I want to do this in a nest.
My hands slide around his neck, fingers toying with the short hair there. I want to hold him to me.
A knocking on the window makes me jump, turning with wide eyes to see McKinley staring at me. His mouth is in a wide smile.
With a sigh, Apollo unlocks the door for them.
As they get into the car, he helps me back into my seat. Buckling my seat belt and tucking the blanket around me again. He doesn’t seem to care that they saw us kissing or that he’s making them wait, as he takes care of me.
“Are you okay?” I nod my head and blush as he drops a kiss on my forehead.
Forehead kisses are also very nice.
“Feel free to kiss me anytime you want, little Omega.” McKinley offers, a smile still planted on his face.
My heart pounds in my chest as I lean back into the seat. I think I’d like to kiss them all, if I’m being honest with myself.
“I already placed the order for pizza. We’re going to watch movies and eat. She’s going to want to do that.”
“She needs to rest. A lot has been going on for her.”
“A lot of kissing.”
“You got the pizza I wanted, right?”
“Yes, V. Can you take my side now?”
“Sure.”
My eyes open and I realize we’re parked in the driveway of their house. A yawn comes out, that I try to hide behind my hand, but they all see it.
“Hey cherub, Griffin ordered some pizza. We’ve been letting you sleep a little while longer.” Apollo pushes some of my hair from my face. My cheek nuzzles into his touch, making his lips quirk up in a half smile.
“I like pizza.”
“Good. We’re going to cuddle too. Vaughn gets to pick out the movie so you’ll probably like it.” Griffin is opening the door, tugging his friend along with him.
Vaughn looks upset. His brown eyes are dark and blank. I miss how he was during his rut. How he climbed into bed to hold me. How he had scent marked me. How he had wanted to be around me.
Now he seemed to be the furthest one away.
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Clover. If you want to just take your food and hunker down in your room, we’ll be fine with that too.” Apollo gives me an out of the situation. I shake my head at him.
He’s still touching me. His fingers stroking along my cheek in delicate little strokes of his thumb.
“Maybe you can kiss me again?” His eyes blaze at the suggestion and it’s only broken when Mickey sticks his head between us.
“I can kiss too.” He nuzzles into Apollo and then leans into me, trying to get my scent on him, “Either of you.” He kisses my earlobe and I feel a shiver run up my spine.
“Promises, promises.” Mick smiles at me, “I’m ready to go inside now. I’ve only had pizza a couple times, but I really like it.” They don’t ask about why I’ve only had it a few times. I think they know a little about my past. I know I have to tell them more, eventually.
Not tonight.
Apollo draws his hand away, looking at Mickey.
“Help the sweet Omega inside. I’ll grab the bags.” He’s out of the car before I can ask him to stay for longer.
“Come on, little Omega. Let’s get you some pizza and cuddles. I want to be all cuddled up with you, if that’s okay?” He’s vulnerable right now. Helping me out of the car and trying to let me know he likes to be around me.
McKinley has been open with how much he wants me. He has been the only one who hasn’t ignored me. Yes, at times it felt like a lot. But, maybe, it’s just what I needed.
Grabbing his hand, I lace our fingers together.
“We have to team up, Mickey. All these Alpha’s and just us two. We need to stick together. And, of course, cuddle together.” He beams at this and I feel better knowing that I’ve made him happy.
I didn’t want him to know I had said something mean when I had been spiraling in the car. I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t grateful for him being nice to me.
Before I can be ushered into the living room, to watch movies with the pack, my phone rings. Marcus’s name comes up and I look at Mick.
“Just give me a second. I’ll be right in.” He looks apprehensive but nods, giving me the second to answer the call.
“Hey there, lemon drop.” His voice is a purr in my ear.
For some reason, it feels like I’m doing something wrong. My cheeks flush and I find myself nestling into the wall. Trying to hide this conversation for some reason.
“Marcus.”
“I’m just checking to make sure that Pack Mathers’ got you back to their place. Also wanted to make sure you don’t feel pressured to stay with them. You can always stay with me. Imagine how fun it would be! We could also cuddle in my nest together.” His voice is calm, soothing. A soft lithe of excitement mixed in there.
His nest?
He wants me to come into his nest with him? That seemed like it would be so nice. To lay in a nest and be cuddled.
I liked that idea.
“I think I’m okay for the night. Thank you for the offer.” My curiosity wins out, “What does your nest look like?”
“Hold on, lemon drop.” The phone rings, a video call from him coming in. Opening the call I gasp.
Marcus is inside his nest. His perfect, amazing nest.
It’s almost like a tent in the shape. Draped, quilted material is hung on the ceiling with some soft twinkle lights are mixed into the fabric, giving everything a glow. He has throw pillows around the nest in what looks like soft furs and velvets. Everything is cream and various shades of brown. It’s neutral and amazing.
Marcus is watching me as he moves the phone to show me his pile of throw blankets. One of them is knitted and looks so soft that a whine leaves my mouth.
I want a nest that is that comforting.
“The Alpha’s I’m courting gave me some gifts for a present. Like this blanket. It smells like them and is so nice.” He talks about the items in the nest and doesn’t seem to care that he is going on and on about how great the two Alpha’s are.
He must really like them.
“Your nest, Marcus. It’s…perfect.” He preens at the compliment, tugging at the long sleeves of his hoodie, “Maybe after class on Monday we can get together?”
“Absolutely. Text me, lemon drop. I want to make sure you’re okay.” He blows me a kiss before hanging up the phone and I stand in the foyer trying to not be jealous.
I want a nest that nice.
My whole mood is shifting as I ignore the living room and go upstairs, looking around the bedroom that I’m staying in. Another whine of distress leaves my lips. My arms shifting around myself to hug my body.
Why don’t I have a nice nest?
Is it because I am not a good Omega? Do I not deserve a nice nest to cuddle up in? Did I do something wrong?
“There you are, little weed. We were going to-” Griffin pauses, sniffing and making a growling sound, “What happened?”
I turn, looking at the Alpha. He seems primed to fight.
“Marcus has a nest.” He glares and then seems to realize he’s glaring at me. Shaking his head, he steps closer. He’s being cautious, as he gets close to me. Finally, he wraps his arm around me.
Griffin draws me in close, scent marking me, and calming me down a little with the rich spicy scent of him.
How can they all smell so good?
“Tomorrow we just have to workout in the morning. You can sleep in and when you wake up, we’re going to take you to Nests ‘R’ Us. It’s where an Omega can be an Omega. You’re going to get whatever you want for your nest, baby weed. And, if you want, we can help you make the perfect nest. Okay?”
I turn in his arms, throwing my arms around him, and holding the Alpha close to me.
His lips touch my hair as he rocks me back and forth, still trying to make my burnt lemon scent go away.
After a second, I do feel better.
I don’t even ask him or tell him that it’s too much to take me to get stuff for the nest. Even though, my whole life I’ve been taught to make do with what I have. I want a nest. I want to feel safe and happy.
Maybe I can learn how to be an Omega after all.