Four Days Later
Skyla
It’s been such a wonderful week.
Every morning, I wake up to the smell of coffee and something warm on the stove.
One of the guys makes something easy, like eggs, bacon, and toast. I’ve learned that Knox isn’t much of a morning person, despite the fact that he usually wakes up first. The alpha always grumbles into his mug like a grumpy old man, but he smiles way too much at me to actually be crabby.
I eat with my new pack, listening to their easy back-and-forth, and then watch Knox and Tadeo leave for work. They both kiss me, then demand I go back to bed.
It’s weird to have alphas who just want me to be happy.
After they go, I climb right back into bed, snuggling under the heavy quilt with whoever is still asleep.
Sometimes it’s Alex, sprawled out like a starfish, warm and soft with sleep.
Sometimes it’s Dakota, curled in close, mumbling nonsense into my shoulder before drifting back under.
Either way, it’s quiet and safe, the kind of peace I didn’t even know existed.
By midday I shuffle out to the living room with messy hair, wearing one of Dakota’s oversized shirts.
The beta keeps trying to come up with things to do to fill our days—card games, puzzles, or some new show he wants to binge—but honestly?
I like just sitting on the couch and chatting. I’ve never done nothing before.
My old pack kept me busy every second of the day. Cook this, scrub that, organize, polish, repeat. Before that, the academy had me running from class to class like a machine wound too tight. My body had gotten used to never stopping.
So now, when I curl up, cocooned in soft blankets on the couch, legs tucked under me, and nothing is expected of me…God, it feels so good. My chest loosens and my shoulders soften. I never realized how much tension I carried just in existing.
Doing nothing feels like the most luxurious thing in the world.
“Who wants to go for a run?” Dakota claps his hands together as he steps out of the hallway.
“Ew,” I say, snuggling even deeper into my portable nest—at least, that’s what Tadeo calls it.
During the day, I drag the comforter off the big bed, along with a few of the guys’ sweaters into the living room, and at night I haul them all back to the bedroom.
It means I can’t really set up a proper nest, but I don’t have enough blankets for that anyway.
At first it bothered me, but honestly? I don’t care anymore.
My portable nest smells like pack, safe and warm, and that’s all that matters.
“Are you sure you don’t want some fresh air?” Dakota asks as he plops down into the rickety recliner to put on his running shoes. “You haven’t left the house in days.”
“Omegas don’t leave the house,” Alex calls, popping his head out of the kitchen. He’s chewing fast, holding the last few bites of a sandwich in his hand. “They’re built to be pampered like princesses. Not to jog.” He winks at me, making me smile.
“I’m good,” I say to Dakota. “But thank you for the invitation.”
“We should watch that new drama tonight,” Alex says.
“The one with the detective and the cursed house.” He pops the last bite of his snack into his mouth as he moves toward me.
He drops onto the other end of the couch and stretches his long legs out with a sigh. “It’s supposed to have a great twist.”
“Ooh, yes,” I say immediately, wriggling deeper into my nest. “That sounds perfect.”
“Mm, no,” Dakota says flatly. He’s already halfway standing again, restless energy rolling off him. “I need to get some cardio in. I’m not an alpha. I can’t just eat and lounge all day without getting fat. I’m already starting to gain weight.”
I roll my eyes at him, about to argue, but then he lifts his shirt as if to prove his point.
The breath catches in my throat as I stare at the soft grooves of the beta’s abs. His chest is mostly hairless, but the dark trail that leads from his belly button down to his waistband makes my mouth water.
I swear, my pack is so handsome it hurts.
“You have fun with that,” Alex says dryly, as he props his feet on the coffee table.
Dakota marches toward the front door, muttering about cardio under his breath. I sit a little taller, watching him walk around the couch, toward the front door. He has such a firm ass. They all do.
“I want to get in a solid ten miles,” Dakota’s voice trails off as the door clicks shut behind him.
I stare at the door a little too long, and when I glance back, Alex is watching me.
Busted.
Heat creeps up my neck, but Alex’s grin just spreads, lazy and smug. “See something you like, princess?”
I burrow deeper into my pile of blankets, trying to look offended, but my lips tug up anyway. “I was looking at the door.”
“Mm-hm,” he hums, leaning closer, with one arm draping along the back of the couch. His scent curls around me, warm and teasing. “Pretty sure you were about two seconds from drooling.”
“I was not.” My thighs clench tighter, betraying me.
Alex’s chuckle is low and knowing, and then his fingers find a loose corner of my blanket cocoon. He tugs it down just enough to see my face, his eyes sparkling like he’s caught me red-handed. “You’re cute when you lie, omega.”
I swat at him, but he catches my wrist easily, brushing his thumb over my pulse. The touch is light, but it makes my breath hitch all the same.
Before I can think of something clever to say, Alex leans in, slow and deliberate, giving me every chance to pull away. My breath snags, but I don’t move—I don’t want to.
“You’re such a naughty girl,” he murmurs, his thumb still stroking my wrist. “Maybe I should spank you for lying.” His eyes flash, and a shiver runs down my spine, then his mouth is on mine—soft at first, testing.
I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with his intoxicating aroma—juicy citrus. Oranges, lemons, limes, with the faint hint of thyme. Delicious. I tilt closer, greedy for more.
The red-haired alpha’s kiss is almost playful in the way his tongue twists with mine, but underneath is a simmering heat I’ve been dying for him to unleash.
I want him to rut me so badly.
Every night Alex watches Knox, Tadeo, and Dakota fuck me until my body can’t take anymore—and every night the red-haired alpha doesn’t take his turn. Yes. He touches me, devours me with his tongue, pushes his fingers inside me so deep I sob out his name—but I want more. I want him.
Alex’s hand slips under my shirt and closes over my breast. I gasp, arching into his palm, as he grazes my nipple.
“I love these little tits,” he hums against my tongue. “So sweet and perfect.”
My body tingles, and slick soaks into my oversized shorts.
“Alpha,” I moan then gasp when Alex pinches my nipple.
I’m so lost in the feel of his mouth and hands, I don’t hear the front door open. It’s not until the sound of heavy boots thud across the entryway that panic grips me.
Alex jerks back right as Knox’s deep voice calls out, “I’m home!” about two seconds before he sees us.
I mean, it’s not like we can hide what we were doing. The couch is only a few feet from the front door.
“How was work?” Alex pulls his hand out from under my shirt, sinking back into the couch like he wasn’t just kissing the life out of me.
Knox smirks as he tosses his keys onto a nearby table. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.” His dark eyes lock on my face.
I tug the blankets up to my chin, trying not to look as flustered as I feel.
Knox steps up to the back of the couch, green eyes glinting with amusement as he takes in the scene. “Did you two have fun today?” he asks, teasing.
“You did say to keep her busy.” Alex mimics the pack alpha’s playful tone.
Knox’s hand comes over the back of the couch, fingers locking on the back of Alex’s neck.
He pulls the red-haired alpha to him, then leans in.
“I guess I did.” He steals Alex’s mouth for a second, then turns and presses the same brief kiss to mine.
The way his soft beard tickles my cheeks makes my breath catch a little.
“Do we know what Tadeo’s making for dinner?” Alex asks once Knox lets me go.
“He texted me about fifteen minutes ago,” Knox says, straightening to full height. “He’s working late. We’re on our own.”
“Sandwiches it is,” Alex says, like he couldn’t be happier, but Knox frowns, clearly wanting a proper meal.
I sit a little taller, trying to stifle the throb still pulsing between my thighs. “I can make dinner,” I say, eager to please my alphas.
“Nonsense.” Alex drags a hand through his shaggy hair, eyes soft. “You don’t have to cook.”
“He’s right,” Knox says. “I can make dinner. You rest, little one.”
“No.” I shake my head and shove myself up, crawling out of my portable nest. “You’ve been at work all day. Plus, I want to cook.”
Something soft flickers across Knox’s face, his smirk shifting into a sweet smile. “Alright,” he says at last, rolling one broad shoulder in a shrug. “Lead the way, omega.”
I stand, dragging the blankets off my shoulders, and grab Knox’s hand. “Come on,” I say, tugging him toward the kitchen. “You can entertain me while I cook.”
Alex stretches, rubbing his face with one hand. “You two enjoy that,” he says, sliding off the couch. “I’m taking a cold shower.”
I glance back at him over my shoulder, catching the heat in his eyes and the bulge in his shorts. I can’t help but grin. “Don’t take too long,” I tease.
Knox chuckles, letting himself be guided like I’m the one in command for the moment. As we step into the kitchen, I feel the strange, wonderful mix of nerves and pride. I’m cooking for my pack. My pack. And for once, I’m really looking forward to it.