Chapter 23 #2
“My family was rather wealthy growing up,” I said, thinking back on my childhood. “It actually feels weird to consider a budget sometimes.”
“Really?” She asked.
“Yeah, we lived on the Upper East Side in New York,” I said.
“How’s your relationship with your family? I’ve never heard you talk about them,” she asked.
I rubbed my fingers against her hand as I thought for a moment about my parents.
“I was an only child, and was pretty much handed a full daily schedule from the time I woke up until I went to bed. I barely spent time with my parents, both alphas by the way, and I was raised mostly by nannies who alternated in and out of my life. I was lonely most of my childhood. My parents didn’t really allow me time to have friends or play much.
” I felt cold talking about my childhood like that, but it was the truth, and there wasn’t much more to it.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’m surprised they wanted you to dance ballet,” she said.
I laughed softly, shaking my head. “They originally signed me up for classes to complement my music lessons and reinforce my extracurricular activities list for college. They never in a million years thought I’d be good enough or loved it enough to pursue a career out of it.”
There was still a sharp pang remembering the last actual conversation I’d had with them. They hated me becoming a dancer and had vowed to cut me off completely. It was all ironic now that dancing with Ivy would be able to give me the level of success they’d envisioned for me.
“Anyways, we barely speak to one another these days, mostly just happy birthday and merry Christmas text messages, the occasional gift each year.” I looked over to her and smiled. “Tell me more about your childhood. Sounds like maybe your family had to budget a lot?”
“Yeah, money was always tight. I was always the kid who had duct tape shoes in class, extra runs in my tights because we couldn’t afford new pairs till dad’s next paycheck.
I probably pushed myself so hard as a kid to ensure I had a scholarship to keep dancing,” Ivy said.
“Once I hit fourteen, I received a real scholarship to Hillnut Valley. Have you heard of that school?”
“Yes, a very prestigious school. I applied to attend there too, though my parents wouldn’t let me go,” I replied.
“Could you picture us meeting there?” Ivy laughed, leaning against me. Soft purrs escaped from my chest as she gently rubbed against my shirt.
“I would have been eighteen while you were fourteen. I wonder if your omega side would have come out sooner if you’d run into one of us as a teen?”
“Who knows? I definitely would’ve had a crush on you,” Ivy teased.
I was about to reply when Dem found us. “Everything's ordered and should get here by Monday. Shall we head to the nesting shop?”
I helped Ivy up off the bench and gestured for Dem to lead the way.
The nesting store was on the other side of the mall, close to the food court. As we approached, Lukas and Isaac were already waiting for us, each carrying a large bag from the local lingerie store.
“Wow, how much did you buy?” Ivy gasped, trying to peek through the bags.
“Tsk, tsk, Ivy. You’re not allowed to see everything in here yet,” Isaac pulled his bag back.
“The shop owner saw us coming, pointing out every sexy outfit they had,” Lukas smiled. “At least it will be worth it to see you in these.”
“Focus, everyone,” Dem said to the group. “Let’s stay on task here and make sure Ivy gets what she needs for the nest.”
As we approached the nesting shop, that familiar reluctance from Ivy began to surface—the tension was returning through her hand as her whole body turned beet red.
Stepping past the main entrance into the store, the five of us paused, looking around at all the different sections. Even I had to admit, the inside of the store had a lot to take in.
There were tons of furniture options for different sexual positions, each with images displaying how said furniture was meant to be used. Different images of packs together were all over the walls. Various-sized dildos were on display on several shelves. This store screamed pack sex.
Ivy closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. I could sense Isaac and Lukas about ready to tease her, but I held up my hand, mouthing to them to give her some space.
She opened her eyes and turned to me. I could see all over her expression that she felt embarrassed and confused—unsure how to ask for what she wanted.
I gently caressed her cheek, trying to comfort her. “No one is judging you, Ivy. Every pack needs things for its heat. We all want you to get what you need and what will make you feel great during yours. The employees working here sell this every day to packs just like us.”
She grabbed my hand as a smile formed on her face. “Thank you,” she softly whispered to me, kissing my hand.
Anything for you, I thought.
***
Ivy
I felt mortified standing in the middle of this giant sex shop, but this was what I needed to do for my heat.
“Greetings! Welcome to Divine Nesters! I’m Jessica,” a friendly employee said as she approached me. “Is there anything I can assist you with today?”
I turned to smile at Jessica, nodding my head. “Actually, yes, I think you can help us. My name’s Ivy, and we’re a relatively new pack. My first heat is approaching, and I have a very empty nest that needs…stuff.”
“Wonderful!” Jessica said to me. “You’ve come to the right place! Congratulations on finding your pack, by the way. I take it you’re the omega? Are these four handsome gentlemen your alphas?”
“Yes, that’s right,” I said. I must’ve been bright red as I answered her; my face was burning with embarrassment.
“What a good-looking pack! Are you all models?” she asked, pointing to the five of us.
“Ballet dancers, actually,” Preston chimed in. There was that sense of smugness in his answer that made me relax a bit.
“Wow, even better! This might be my new favorite pack,” Jessica said as she picked up a store catalog from a shelf nearby.
“So, gentlemen and Ivy, this is completely up to you, but I find when a new omega is deciding what to put in her nest, sometimes it’s helpful not to have her alphas around.
What do you think? Should I take Ivy for a tour around what we have to offer here? ”
“Yes,” I exhaled, grateful she’d suggested that. I shot my pack a mortified look, hoping they wouldn’t be offended, but they all laughed at my reply.
“It’s not a problem,” Demetrius said. “We’ll stay in the room, but be on the other side if needed.”
I watched them take off across the store before I turned back to Jessica. “Thank you,” I said. “Sometimes it’s hard to ask for things and not feel like I’m being judged, even though they’d never do that.”
“No problem! I’ve seen that look on a new omega’s face before, don’t you worry,” Jessica replied. “Why don’t you tell me how your pack formed?”
I proceeded to tell Jessica all about our story of me discovering I’m a latent omega and the pack’s scent match.
“Wow, that’s quite the story,” Jessica gasped. “No wonder you had this Alice in Wonderland look on your face.”
“Yes,” I laughed. “But honestly, I’m really quite clueless about what is needed. I’ve read six different guides, all giving different advice, all saying the other is wrong, and I don’t know where to begin.”
“This is my recommendation,” Jessica said.
“Picture yourself confined to a room with your four gents for several days. Out of everything here in the store, what would catch their eye to play with? What would catch your eye to play with? What seems fun versus scary? I met a pack once who were told they had to have a stripper pole in their nest, but I could tell they found the idea distasteful. Why burden yourself with someone else’s idea of fun? ”
I listened to Jessica’s advice as my eyes followed my boys across the store. They were periodically checking out different pieces of furniture, testing the inclines, and laughing at each other.
“Your alpha with the half-shaved black long hair, for example,” she said, pointing to Isaac. “I’ve noticed he keeps trying the swings and sex toys. I bet he’s a bit more adventurous than the other three.”
I nodded, watching Isaac pick up two different massagers and testing them on his palm.
“That one is bouncing all over the place; give him an obstacle course,” she said, pointing to Lukas. “The blond one who was comforting you earlier? He probably doesn’t need much, just you in his arms.”
“So far, three for three,” I laughed. “What about my fourth guy?”
“The pack leader, I’m assuming,” she said. “He’s a bit harder to read, very reserved. He might just enjoy a mix of many things; perhaps he has a curious streak to him. Just remember that he goes first with most things concerning your heat.”
“Right,” I said. I was getting ideas on where to start with them, at least. “Perhaps I should start with a few pieces of furniture to populate the room, then add in some practical things for the heat.”
“That sounds like a great idea. Do you have a budget to work with?” Jessica asked.
“Maybe around five thousand?” I said. There was no way I was going to spend as much as Dem had set aside.
“Oh, that’s more than enough, your boys are taking good care of you.”
Jessica led me over to a few of their furniture pieces. “A lot of packs like mats such as this. It’s fun to play on and can be used for several different positions.” The mat had a soft, yet durable top to it, and the height came up to about my hips.
“I like it, let’s put it on the list,” I nodded as Jessica wrote down my thoughts.
“Okay, that is the fourth swing your sexy, devilish-looking alpha has checked out. You have to get one of those,” Jessica lowered her voice as she subtly pointed to Isaac. “Would you have space for it?
“We would. Which model’s the best?” I asked.
“The third model in the softer blue shade. The chains are adjustable, and they can hold more weight,” she said.
“Add that too,” I said, smiling as I watched Isaac casually sit on the swing seat.
We continued around the store—Jessica pointing out things she thought we might like, while we also kept an eye on what my pack was interacting with.
“Are you keeping this a surprise from your pack? Some omegas like their first heat to be a big reveal,” Jessica asked.
“I wouldn’t say a big reveal, but yeah, I’ve told them they’re not allowed in the nest till my heat,” I replied. “I’ve already got the walls and lighting updated, now I just need this stuff in place.”
“Perfect, and you said you had an adjoining bathroom. What about a kitchen space?” she asked.
“There’s a small mini fridge with a few counters and a sink, enough for a few days,” I said. “What should I plan for in terms of food?”
“Easy to grab meals that can be consumed quickly. Calorie-dense breakfast bars that will be easy to eat. Pre-bottled smoothies that will be easy to drink and set down,” Jessica answered. “Key word through all of that—easy.”
“Got it,” I said. Preston will hate all of that.
Surprisingly, talking with Jessica felt very therapeutic.
She was the first non-dancer person I'd connected with, and our personalities meshed well together.
It was very satisfying to joke and talk with her about life, even about something that would normally embarrass the hell out of me, like pack sex.
Our time in the store dragged on a bit longer than needed, but it was so refreshing to joke with another woman who was neither mad nor idolizing me.
As we laughed together for the third time, a pang in my heart grew, thinking about how she must just view interacting with me as part of her job.
"You're really good at what you do," I said, flashing her a smile that had a hint of sadness to it.
"I've really enjoyed hanging out with you and talking. "
"Same!” she replied, shooting a smile at me.
“You seem fun, and you’re not hitting on me.
I usually find most clients annoying to deal with.
Also, your story is crazy, and it sounds like you've been through a lot of changes recently.
" Jessica leaned forward and whispered in my ear.
"I've written my phone number down on this pamphlet if you just need someone to hang out with now and then. "
I beamed, feeling so much joy at the potential of a new friend. "Thank you!" I whispered. "We'll hang out soon!"
We continued walking around the store as she questioned me about any sexual preferences in the pack. Not quite knowing anymore about my boy's preferences, we both agreed that we should keep the nest simple for now.
After we finished looping the store, I smiled as I turned back to Jessica. “Thank you so much. You’ve been a wonderful help today. I feel so much better after coming in here.”
“Of course, I’m happy to help. I’ve got your list of goodies all jotted down right here. Shall we get you all rung up?” Jessica asked.
I gestured to Demetrius to join us, and we quickly purchased everything on the list. With a final wave goodbye to Jessica, the five of us made our way out of the store, joking about the fun things the boys had played with inside.
“We don’t need any dildos,” Isaac said. “You’ve got a full pack, eager to please you.”
“Damn, I just bought ten mega thrusters,” I joked back, earning a laugh from Preston.
“I can't wait to see what you got!” Lukas said, walking behind me as he kissed the back of my neck.
Preston squeezed my hand tighter as he walked by my side. “I’ll just need a few blankets and pillows to kiss you on.”
“Ivy, you came well under budget today,” Demetrius chimed in. “We should find something else to buy for you.”
“I’m starting to think you being in charge of our finances is a bad thing now that you’ve found me,” I teased him.
“I…uh…shit, you’re probably right,” Demetrius laughed, reaching for my other free hand.
As we walked through the mall, I saw several beta girls sending me weird looks. I didn’t even care; I was with my pack, and we were planning for my heat. They made me laugh, and each one of them was arm candy for me. I couldn’t be happier to show them off.