54
Phoenix
I woke to the soft, insistent pressure of lips against my inner thigh, a warmth that seeped into my skin and pulled me from the edges of sleep. My body stirred before my mind could fully grasp what was happening, a low, involuntary hum escaping my throat as the sensation traveled higher, closer to the heat building between my legs.
The room was still dark, the faintest hint of dawn peeking through the curtains, but I didn’t need light to know who it was. Kage. His crisp apple and tobacco scent was everywhere, filling the space around me like a tangible presence. His hands were gentle but possessive as they slid up my hips, his fingers digging slightly into my flesh as if to remind me I was his.
“Kage…”
I murmured, my voice thick with sleep and something else, something that sent a shiver down my spine.
He didn’t answer, not with words. Instead, he pressed a kiss to the apex of my thighs, his tongue flicking out to tease the sensitive skin there. My breath hitched, my hips arching slightly off the bed as he repeated the motion, slower this time, more deliberate.
“You’re awake,”
he said, his voice low and rough, the sound of it sending a jolt of heat straight to my core. His breath was warm against my skin, and I could feel the curve of his lips as they brushed against me. “Good.”
I tried to speak, to ask him what he was doing, but the words died in my throat as his mouth closed over me, his tongue pressing flat against my clit in a slow, languid stroke. My back arched off the bed, a moan tearing from my lips as he worked me with a precision that made my toes curl.
“Kage…”
I gasped, my hands twisting in the sheets as he settled into a rhythm, his tongue flicking and circling, teasing and taunting as he explored every inch of me. His hands slid under my thighs, lifting my hips slightly, giving him better access, and I could feel the smirk on his lips as he deepened the connection, his tongue plunging into me with a sudden intensity that had me crying out.
“Fuck…”
I whimpered, my hand flying to his hair, tangling in the soft strands as he worked me over, his tongue relentless as it drove me closer and closer to the edge. My thighs trembled around his head, my body taut with tension as pleasure coiled low in my belly, threatening to explode at any moment.
His hands tightened on my hips, holding me in place as he continued his assault, his tongue flicking and circling, driving me higher and higher until I was teetering on the edge of release.
“I’m—”
I started, but the words were cut off as his lips closed around my clit, sucking gently as he flicked his tongue over the sensitive bundle of nerves. My body tensed, my hips jerking against his mouth as pleasure crashed over me in a wave so intense it left me breathless. My moan echoed through the room, my fingers tightening in his hair as I shuddered through the sensation, my body trembling as he drew it out, coaxing every last bit of pleasure from me before finally pulling away.
He kissed his way up my body, his lips soft against my skin as he moved over me, his weight pressing me into the mattress. His hands framed my face, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks as he looked down at me, his eyes dark with emotion.
“Thank you,”
he said, his voice rough but sincere, his gaze locking with mine. “For staying.”
I blinked up at him, my mind still foggy from the intensity of what had just happened, but his words cut through the haze, piercing something deep inside me. My heart clenched in my chest, a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with the orgasm he’d just given me.
“Kage…”
I started, but he cut me off with a kiss, his lips capturing mine in a slow, deep caress that left me breathless all over again. His tongue slipped into my mouth, tasting me, claiming me, and I melted into him, my arms wrapping around his neck as I kissed him back with everything I had.
When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine as he stared down at me, his eyes soft with an emotion I couldn’t quite name.
“You’re mine, Phoenix,”
he said, his voice low and possessive. “And I’m yours. Always.”
My heart swelled at his words, a warmth spreading through me. I reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his face, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw as I stared up at him.
“Always,”
I whispered, my voice barely audible, but he heard me. I could see it in the way his eyes darkened, in the way his lips curved into a smirk that sent a shiver down my spine.
“Good,”
he said, his voice rough with need as he kissed me again, his hands sliding down my body to grip my hips. “Now, let me show you how much you mean to me.”
◆◆◆
Sitting on the patio, the cool California breeze ruffled my hair, a soothing balm against the heat of the afternoon sun. I held my phone close, anxiously tapping my foot against the wooden floor. The past few days had been a whirlwind of change, and I could feel my heart racing as I waited for Dove to pick up.
When her voice finally came through, a wave of warmth washed over me. “Phoenix! I was just thinking about you!”
“Hey, Dove,”
I replied, my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside me. “I have some big news!”
“Oh? Spill it!”
she urged, her enthusiasm palpable even through the phone.
“I’m staying in California. With Kage, Parker, and Zeph. I’m going to give this pack a real shot,”
I said, the words flowing out as a weight lifted off my chest.
There was a beat of silence before Dove responded, her voice measured. “You’re sure about this?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Yeah. I am.”
“I mean, I get it,”
she said, exhaling. “They’ve got that whole Alpha charm thing going on, but last time we talked, you were barely tolerating them. And let’s not forget what they put you through.”
Her tone wasn’t accusatory, just cautious. Protective.
“I know,”
I admitted. “But things have changed. They’ve changed. They’ve put in the work, and… I feel stronger here.”
Another pause. Then, softer, “As long as you’re happy. But if any of them screw up, you know I’ll be on the first flight over, ready to handle it.”
I let out a small laugh, the tension easing. “I’d expect nothing less.”
Dove sighed, then her tone lightened. “Alright, then. Tell me everything.”
“Well,”
I said, relaxing into my chair. “There’s something I’ve been thinking about. I want to start my own PR firm—one that’s actually inclusive for Omegas. Something I wish had existed when I was starting out.”
This time, her silence felt different—thoughtful. When she finally spoke, her voice brimmed with excitement. “Oh my God, Phoenix, that sounds incredible! You have to do it! I’d love to help in any way I can.”
“Really?”
I couldn’t help but smile. The thought of starting this journey with her support made the idea feel even more attainable.
“Absolutely! I could even invest if you need it. This sounds like something worth putting my money into,”
she said with conviction.
“Could it be a partnership?”
I asked. “You know I don’t like just taking your money. Especially after what my Mother tried to do.”
“Nix, you are nothing like that woman. I’d happily give you any money you need, but if a partnership makes you more comfortable, then that’s exactly what we’ll do. I want to see you thrive. You’ve always had such a good head for business, Phoenix. And this is meaningful, especially for other Omegas who might feel out of place in the industry.”
I took a deep breath, gratitude swelling in my chest. “Thank you, Dove. It means the world to me.”
“So what’s the next step?”
she asked, her tone shifting to a more serious note. “Have you started planning anything?”
“Not yet, but I want to gather my thoughts and maybe write a business plan. I’m going to spend the next few weeks talking to people in the industry, figuring out what I need to get started,”
I explained. “I just want to make it a place where everyone feels valued, where Omegas can have a voice.”
“That’s brilliant,”
she replied. “You’ll have to keep me updated on everything. I’m so proud of you!”
“Thanks. It’s a little scary, but I think it’s time to take that leap.”
There was a pause before Dove spoke again. “Speaking of leaps, I have some news of my own,”
she said, her tone shifting slightly.
“What is it?”
I asked, my curiosity piqued.
“I’m being courted by a pack,”
she revealed, her voice brightening with excitement.
“Are you serious?”
I gasped, my heart racing. “Dove, that’s incredible! You deserve the world! Tell me everything!”
“It’s still early, but they seem really great. They’re respectful, and I feel comfortable around them,”
she explained, her enthusiasm infectious. “I’ve met a couple of them already, and they’re genuinely interested in getting to know me.”
“I can’t believe this! I’m so happy for you!”
I said, my heart swelling with joy. “You’ve always put everyone else first. It’s your turn to be cherished.”
Dove chuckled softly, and I could almost picture her, that beautiful smile lighting up her face. “Thanks, sis. It feels good to have someone interested in me for me, not just as an Omega.”
“I can’t wait to meet them,”
I said, my mind racing with the possibilities. “You’ll have to tell me all about them when we get together next.”
“Definitely. We should plan a sister weekend soon! I want to hear more about this PR firm, too.”
“Absolutely,”
I agreed, my heart buoyed by the thought of us both moving toward our dreams. “We can figure it all out together.”
As we chatted about our plans and hopes for the future, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Not only was I ready to embrace my place in this pack, but I was also excited to carve out a new path for myself and my fellow Omegas.
With Dove by my side, I knew I could make it happen.
After hanging up, I looked out at the horizon, feeling a rush of hope.
I was finally ready to step into my future, not just for me but for all the Omegas out there searching for their voices.
The world felt a little brighter, a little more promising, and I was determined to seize it.