Chapter Two #2
I straighten and round the corner before I lose my nerve, stepping into the kitchen doorway with all the casual confidence I can muster—even if my insides feel like glitter in a blender.
Three pairs of eyes snap toward me, and my breath stutters just a little.
Amber. Storm gray. Deep, molten brown.
All locked on me like I just walked out of their dreams—or maybe one of mine.
Fox’s eyes drop instantly to my legs, the black fishnets clinging like a second skin beneath the hem of my tight dark purple pencil skirt. Combat boots thud softly with each step, grounding me even as their gazes send heat spiraling low in my belly.
Dare’s stare lingers on the curve of my hips, the way the fabric hugs every dip and rise, and the tiny black cropped sweater that flashes just enough skin to count as a threat.
And Jex—sweet, strong Jex—he’s looking at my face. Like he didn’t expect me to hear him. Like he’s halfway to unraveling and terrified I’ll pull the last thread.
God, they’re all stupidly gorgeous.
And if I wasn’t slicking up my thighs before, I definitely am now.
“Evening, gentlemen,” I drawl, leaning against the doorframe like a walking sin and a half. I toss my curls back for dramatic flair, even as my cheeks burn under their full-attention gaze. “You three having fun gossiping about me?”
Fox’s lips twitch, his mouth curling into a slow, devastating smirk. He looks like he’s seconds from either pinning me to the counter or feeding me a line I won’t be able to walk away from.
“Only good things,” he says, voice like rich velvet, deep, low, and so unfairly hot. “Promise.”
I arch a brow, all teasing challenge as I shift my gaze to Jex, who hasn’t taken his eyes off me once. That warm amber stare holds me in place, intense and unflinching, and despite my best efforts at bravado, my pulse stutters under the weight of it.
“Hmm,” I hum, letting my voice drag slow and smoky.
“Very good things, I gathered.” My eyes drift down his frame, deliberate and unapologetic, lingering over the broad line of his shoulders, the way his shirt clings to his chest. “And trust me,” I add, the words curling sweet and sharp, “very appreciated.”
Jex’s lips pull into a slow, satisfied smile—the kind that makes my insides twist and heat all at once. “Good to hear, sweetheart. Maybe you come a little closer and tell us exactly how appreciated.”
I push off the doorframe, laughing softly as I strut forward with exaggerated ease. My voice is dipped in velvet and sass. “Careful what you wish for, big guy. You might not be ready.”
Fox lets out a low chuckle, deep and delicious, and I swear I feel it echo in my spine. Dare’s grinning now too, eyes lit up like he’s watching a game he fully intends to win.
“Oh, we’re ready,” Dare drawls, voice all heat and challenge.
I pause just inches away from them, lifting my chin in mock defiance. “We’ll see about that, won’t we?”
Jex visibly relaxes, shoulders loosening as the tension he’s carried since stepping into my house finally starts to ease. His smile grows softer for a breath—just a flicker of boyish charm beneath the Alpha heat—before he narrows his eyes again, pinning me with a look that could melt steel.
“Sweetheart,” he says, voice firm, “why is your kitchen void of food?”
I cringe, shoulders hitching, caught red-handed. I already know there’s no winning this one.
“Okay,” I say, trying for sweet and innocent and probably landing somewhere closer to guilty raccoon. “Trust me, you don’t want me to cook. Like… ever. I’ve managed to burn a pot of water. Twice. ”
Dare bursts into full-blown laughter, bright and rich, the sound wrapping around me like a blanket.
Before I can make another quip, he grabs my waist and tugs me into his arms like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
I squeak, unprepared for the sudden closeness, but gods—he’s warm.
He smells like bourbon and cinnamon and something darker, something safe.
Then something weird happens.
A low noise slips from my throat—soft, unfamiliar, embarrassingly animal.
Did I just purr ?
I freeze, eyes wide, heart skipping. Did I seriously just…?
The sound cuts off immediately, my brain short-circuiting with confusion and horror.
Can omegas purr? What the actual hell was that?
But Dare doesn’t seem surprised. If anything, he grins, leans in—and starts purring back.
It’s a different kind of sound. Deep. Steady.
Resonant. I feel it more than hear it, a low vibration rumbling through his chest and into mine.
And then I catch their scents—Fox’s calming sage and saltwater, Jex’s warm espresso and dark chocolate.
They mix with Dare’s heat, wrapping around my lemon frosting scent like they were meant to be together.
The effect is dizzying.
My muscles melt. Every knot of tension I’ve been carrying slips loose as I collapse into him, my face burying instinctively into his chest. I feel like I’ve been holding my breath for weeks and finally, finally, I can exhale.
“Thank you,” I mumble into his shirt, voice muffled and more raw than I’d like. The words tumble out without permission, soft and honest and terrifying.
Dare presses a kiss to the top of my head—gentle, reverent—and something in me cracks wide open. I didn’t know how much I needed this. How empty I’d gotten without it.
I didn’t realize how touch-starved I’d become until now.
Usually, when things got too heavy, I’d curl up with Fallon or Odette—tangled limbs and whispered sarcasm until the world felt softer. But Fallon has her pack now, all growly affection and possessive warmth. And Odette… Odette’s been dodging me.
Every call goes to voicemail. Every text is answered with clipped can’t talk right now replies that sting far more than I want to admit.
It’s like she’s slipping through my fingers, and I don’t know how to reach her.
I don’t even realize I’m frowning until Jex’s voice wraps around me, low and velvety, grounding me.
“How about we go out and grab dinner?” he offers. “And on the way, we can get some actual groceries.”
I glance up, craning my neck to meet his gaze— gods, he’s tall. Big in the kind of way that makes you want to climb him like a tree and thank him for existing. And despite everything… he still looks at me like I matter. Like I’m his.
I open my mouth to answer, but before I can, Dare reluctantly releases me.
Only for Fox to immediately steal me away, tugging me back against him like I belong there.
My back presses to his chest, his arms wrapping around me with unshakable certainty. I huff, but don’t bother trying to wriggle away.
“Wouldn’t you guys be more comfortable at your house?” I ask, not unkindly.
Fox leans down, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. “We want to be where you are, doll,” he murmurs, voice like smoke and honey. “But would you want to come to our house?”
I freeze, tension creeping in like frost around the edges.
That’s the real question, isn’t it?
Not where they want to be—but where I feel safe. Where I feel ready.
Slowly, I shake my head. My voice is quieter when I speak again. “I still don’t know you. Not enough. I’m not comfortable with that yet.”
The air shifts—charged, uncertain—and for a second, I brace myself for pushback.
But it never comes.
Jex nods, his smile gentle. No pressure. No disappointment. Just… space.
“How about we compromise?” I offer, glancing between them. “Let’s order in.”
Fox presses a kiss to the top of my head, lingering there like a promise, his breath warm against my hair.
“Sounds perfect, doll,” he whispers.
And for the first time in a long time… it almost feels like things are settling into place.
Violet
May 17 th
7:40 P.M
The living room smells like takeout and comfort—garlic knots, greasy pizza, and three towering alphas who are currently shouting at the television like it personally offended them.
“This idiot deserves to die,” I say, pointing a slice of pepperoni pizza at the screen as the blonde girl slowly backs toward the dark basement stairs. “Who goes toward the creepy noise? In heels?”
“She deserves a better flashlight,” Fox mutters around a mouthful of crust. “That thing looks like it was made in the ‘90s.”
“It’s always the basement,” Jex groans, flopping back against the couch like this entire movie has betrayed him on a spiritual level. “Why is it always the basement? I swear if I ever hear a noise like that—”
“You’re going first, ” I cut in, smirking as I pop a bite of crust into my mouth. “Alphas first.”
Dare barks out a laugh, nearly choking on his soda. “ Alphas first, huh? Is that the rule now?”
I shoot him a sweet smile. “Look, I’ve seen how big you guys are. If the monster gets one of you first, I’ve got at least five seconds to run.”
Fox shakes his head, fighting a grin. “Ruthless.”
“I prefer strategic. ”
Jex grunts, eyeing me from the other end of the couch, legs stretched out like a king surveying his chaotic kingdom. “You’d make a damn good villain.”
“Please,” I say with mock outrage, tossing a napkin at him. “I’d be the final girl. I’ve got just the right amount of trauma and snark to survive.”
Dare raises a brow. “You’re assuming we’d let you go in alone.”
“You think I’d let you stop me? ” I challenge, and that earns me three different looks—fond, amused, and something that’s almost reverent.
The pizza box is nearly empty now, only a few lonely slices left, and I’m tucked between Fox and Jex on the couch while Dare’s sprawled on the floor in front of us, leaned back against my legs like a smug human heater.
One of Jex’s arms is draped lazily across the back of the couch, his fingers brushing the ends of my curls.
Fox has a plate balanced on his thigh and one hand wrapped protectively around my ankle like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
I don’t even know when I stopped guarding myself—but I realize I haven’t tensed in hours.
No edge. No fight. Just… this.
Laughter, warmth, the brush of knuckles and knee and cheek, the press of their presence all around me.
I sip my soda and glance at the screen just as the killer lunges from the shadows, blade gleaming.
“See?” I yell, jabbing a finger. “Should’ve stayed upstairs, Karen!”
“Damn it, Karen,” all three of them mutter in unison, and I burst out laughing so hard I nearly spill my drink.