Sunshine (Cosmic Bonds #3)

34. Sunshine

Chapter 34

Sunshine

W hen I walked into the kitchen, Logan came around the countertop and pulled me into a tight hug. I buried my face into his chest, his rosemary and thyme scent enveloping me.

“We missed you last night.” His voice was a rumble.

“I missed you too.”

“How’s Talia?”

I frowned. “Heartbroken. She always dates these aloof, asshole alphas who treat her like crap for being a beta, and then they dump her and she’s sad.”

Logan frowned. I pulled him into a kiss, searing my mouth against his. Behind us, some of the line chefs whooped.

Logan looked breathless when I pulled away. “I’m glad I don’t have that problem.”

“I’m glad we’ve managed to not make you feel that way.” Logan cupped my face in his hands. “We love you.”

My heart leapt into my throat, and I almost told him I had packed half my cottage last night and it was in my trunk.

I could wait. It would be a nice surprise tonight. “You’re my entire world. All three of you.”

Logan gave me a rare grin. “Good.”

A server opened the door to the kitchen. “Miss Ginny Larson is here for an interview?”

Logan stepped back. “Show her into the banquet room. Ask her what she wants to drink.”

I smoothed my hands down dress. It was a poplin material that was structured but flowed around my waist. “That’s my cue.”

“You can have a lunch meeting.” Logan casually gestured at the kitchen, like there weren’t seven chefs running around with quick efficiency, and he had all the time in the world to cook for us. “I’ll walk you over.”

I followed Logan, a little sorry I couldn’t drag him into his office and have my way with him.

In the empty banquet room, a petite blond omega stood to the side. She wore a white button-down shirt, a gray blazer, and matching slacks paired with sensible pumps. She held a shiny black purse in front of her like a shield, and had a sweet, round face with big blue eyes.

“Chef Kahele, hi.” She nodded at Logan and looked at me. She reminded me of a bunny, scared and skittish. “Ms. Kahele, hi, nice to me you. I’m Ginny Larson.”

She stepped forward, with her hand outstretched.

I hid my wince, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Larson. But it’s still Ms. Sullivan.”

Her face fell. “I’m so sorry. The way Chef Kahele talks about you, I just assumed.”

I grinned, elbowing Logan lightly. “That’s nice to hear.”

“Nice save, Ginny.” Logan chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m getting back to work. I’ll bring some lunch out in a little bit.”

“Thank you.” Ginny watched Logan leave.

I didn’t sense a hint of attraction between either of them. I waited to feel insecure, to feel jealous. But Logan treated her like his kid sister if anything, and Ginny kept stealing glances at me.

She was nervous. She wanted the job, and she wanted to impress me. I straightened up and sat down at the table. The banquet room was wallpapered a deep red with oak wood accents. The tables were covered with white linen and sparking glasses. It felt fancy but also relaxed.

I almost pinched myself, feeling like the adult in the room. I’d had professional meetings with clients before, that was part of the job, but I’d never felt like an adult before. Like, a real adult. Who presumably had their ducks in a row.

I did not have my ducks in a row. I didn’t even know where half of them were, and the other ducks were doing laps on the pond.

“It’s nice to meet you on short notice,” I said, sitting down. “Logan speaks highly of you.”

“Thank you.” Ginny sat down opposite me, smoothing her hands over her slacks. “He’s highly sought after to cater at Azalea Acres.”

“Is that where you work?” I smiled. “I’m sorry, I haven’t even looked at your resume.”

Ginny blushed. “Yes, I help coordinate the events at the club.”

I picked up her resume and scanned it. “That’s a good place to start. Why not tell me about your current job, and why you’d want to make the transition to being a full-time assistant?”

There, that sounded professional. I’d stolen the “make the transition” phrase from Raina and it sounded right.

The waiter brought us bread while I listened to the young omega talk about her job. She was barely twenty, so only six years younger than me. But despite her shy personality, she opened up as she talked about her work.

She called and scheduled service providers like caterers, flowers, and décor. She double checked on the orders, made sure things were delivered properly, and oversaw during the event.

In short, she did everything I did except the actual planning piece.

“Do the owners ever take your suggestions?” I asked. Logan had brought us some chef salads, and it was hard not to squeal at how yummy the vinaigrette was.

Ginny’s eyes widened. She’d sounded surer of herself as she talked about her job, but some of her shyness returned. “Oh, no. I’ve suggested ideas before, but they said it wasn’t my job to have opinions.”

“I like suggestions,” I said. “You don’t have to make them, but I like bouncing ideas off people so I wouldn’t mind.”

Ginny looked relieved. “Whatever you’d like.”

“I have to warn you, I’ve never had an assistant before.” I buttered a piece of bread. “It was Logan’s suggestion. I keep trying to do everything myself and I’m realizing I can’t.”

“You have a standard of quality,” Ginny said, sounding a little awed. “I was at the last two events Cosmic Bonds organized. I loved how you tied the botanical theme to the menu and the outdoor garden.”

I smiled, remembering the bright outdoor party. “I loved doing that garden show.”

“Whatever sort of help you need, I’m your girl,” Ginny said firmly. “I want to plan events like you do.”

“In a panic and at the last minute?” I laughed. “I have really great ideas, but I’m honestly struggling to prioritize.”

The pretty young omega was looking at me like I’d hung the moon, and it made me feel like an imposter. I was not this rock star planner like she thought. I was three raccoons in a trench coat barely holding on.

“That’s why you need an assistant.” Ginny still sounded firm, like when Ember talked about her computer program. “I can help you get things scheduled, check on orders, walk the space with you, whatever else you need. I’m very organized.”

“Good.” I swirled my salad around, just as Logan walked in with the entree. Salmon in a lemon butter dill sauce, and rice pilaf. “Oooooo.”

“Ladies.” He nodded at us and left.

Logan was bringing us our food himself, and it made warmth sparkle inside me.

“I’ll work very hard,” Ginny said. “Even during my heat, I was able to schedule some things from home. I promise, it won’t be a problem.”

She said the last bit like she was facing a firing squad.

I frowned. “You worked during your heat?”

I flashed back to Julian’s heat, thinking about the brief moments of being lucid only to swing back to insatiable need.

“Yes.” She nodded for emphasis. “It won’t get in the way of me assisting you.”

I cocked my head. “Ginny, you know both of my sisters are omegas. And one of my cousins.”

“I do.” Ginny’s cheeks turned a little red. “I filled out the free online questionnaire last year.”

“Did you get matched? I’m sorry I don’t remember you, I usually don’t handle intake.” Guilt speared me. I should have double checked the system.

“No.” Ginny shook her head. “My mom is really…old fashioned, and I didn’t have the money for the rest of the profile. The free questionnaire was really helpful though.”

I frowned. We all wanted to make sure the community had what they needed. In addition to paid services, we offered a lot of free resources.

Maybe it was time to look into scholarships. “Do you have a pack?”

Ginny flinched. “Not yet, Ms. Ka—Sullivan. But I swear, my heats won’t be a problem.”

“Okay, so first of all, being forced to work during your heat is cruel. And illegal.” I added.

“Oh, they didn’t make me. I had the time off,” Ginny said quickly.

“Right. Of course.” I almost rolled my eyes. Her bosses probably made a big stink about the time they would lose to her heat. Ember had had people act like her being out of commission for a week or two every three or four months was too much.

“You get paid heat leave. Completely off. If your heat comes early, no big deal.”

Ginny watched me like a deer in the highlights. “Okay.”

“I’m a beta, obviously, but I grew up around omegas and Julian’s an omega. You need that time for yourself.” I took a bite out of the salmon and sighed. “I think we’d work really well together, but I’d like for us to have a trial run. Like say a month?” I cocked my head. “After that we can talk about how we feel it’s working out and if there’s anything we need to iron out.”

Her entire face lit up. “Yes, Ms. Sullivan. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

“You’ll be paid an hourly wage, health benefits, and you’ll be able to enter the matching program for free.”

“Really?” She squeaked. “I wouldn’t expect you?—”

“You’re an employee. We want you to be able to speak about the process with comfort.”

My family would love her. I already wanted to wrap her up in blankets and give her some hot cocoa. They would take her under their wing and even if for some reason she didn’t work as an assistant, which was unlikely based on what she was already doing, we’d find a spot for her.

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Ginny shook her head.

I shifted the conversation to safe topics like music and TV shows. She came out of her shell again, and I smiled. This would work out. Logan was a genius.

Lunch finished, and we stood up.

“When do you want me to start?” Ginny asked. “I’ll put in my two weeks’ notice, but I’d like to start helping you right away.”

“That’s a lot of work,” I shook my head. “Two weeks is fine.”

Ginny fiddled with her purse. “Ms. Sullivan, I think I should at least get familiar with the accounts and tasks.”

“You can call me Sunshine.” I smiled. “How about this? On your day off, you come over and I’ll start showing you the ropes. This way you’re familiar with the space.”

Ginny beamed, probably relieved I didn’t bite her head off when she contradicted me. Good. She had a backbone, and I wanted her to feel comfortable enough to disagree with me.

We exchanged phone numbers, and I saw her to the door and went back into the kitchen. “Logan, you’re brilliant.”

Logan looked up from his station. “Isn’t she a doll?”

“Yes.” I came around the side of the counter.

“Not that I’m interested in her,” Logan said quickly. “She’s like a sister, sort of. Little cousin.”

“I know.” Logan stepped away from the cutting board, and I took the chance to lean against him. “She’s adorable, like a little puppy.”

Logan kissed my temple. “Exactly.”

“We’re going to match her at Cosmic Bonds. She’s going to come over and get acquainted with the business.”

“Good.” Logan captured my mouth with his. I sighed against him, the warm scent of herbs surrounding me. Time spun out, his lips soft and sure against mine. I forgot the crowded kitchen, the steamy smells, all in favor of Logan’s hands on my waist.

Desire curled through me, and I licked into Logan’s mouth. I’d wanted them last night, and the longing had turned into a downright craving.

Logan growled and pulled away from the kiss. He grabbed my hand and dragged me into his office, shutting the door, and pressing me up against it.

Like gas to the flames, heat flared up. “Aren’t you working?”

“Prep can wait.” Logan growled, nibbling down my neck. “Unless you’re not comfortable…”

He paused, and I shivered. “Don’t stop. I need you.”

Logan growled again, hitching me up so I wrapped my legs around his waist. He walked us over to his desk and set me on top of the smooth surface.

Yes, sexy desk sex. I ran my hands up the sides of his body. He kissed down my chest, before traveling on to my shoulders. He pushed the straps of my dress down, baring my shoulder.

“So glad I wore a dress today.”

“Me too.” His voice was pure gravel, sending heat licking up my spine. I arched my back, pressing into him. He canted his hips down, his erection in line with my pussy.

Electric pleasure pulsed through me. If not for clothes he could be inside me. My pussy clenched, getting wet quicker than I thought possible. I’d never been so horny, but being around Pack Kahele was making my sex drive ramp up.

I pulled on the drawstring of his pants. Logan kept kissing down my body, his hands cupping my breasts and squeezing gently. Logan pulled the top of my dress down, baring my breasts. He wasted no time fastening his mouth to my nipple, sucking through the soft cotton of my bra. These men could not get enough of my breasts, and I for one was happy about that.

“Logan please,” I gasped, squeezing my legs against his waist. “I need you.”

His mouth on my breast was pure heaven, and I didn’t want it to end. He shifted his weight, pulling his trousers down. I hitched my dress up, some of my skirt pinned between our legs. He pushed my panties out of the way and pressed the head of his cock at my entrance.

I saw stars. I gasped in air, the sensation of the blunt head of his cock rubbing at my entrance erotic and sensual and so good it felt like he was inside already. He rubbed himself along my folds, dragging his cockhead over my clit before moving down.

I squirmed against him. Everything went hazy. “I need you to fill me.”

“Yes, darling.” Logan pressed inside me, slowly, moving inch by inch.

I moaned, pulling him tight against me until he was seated all the way inside. He was still so big, the stretch was exquisite.

He shifted his weight, letting me get used to him, until I rocked my hips. “I’m ready.”

“You are.” Logan sounded pained. “I don’t know what I did to get such a gorgeous beta who is always dripping wet for me, but I’m a lucky man.”

I shuddered as he pulled out and pushed back inside me. “It feels so good when you touch me. Hold me. Kiss me.”

“You’re mine. Mine, mine, mine.” Logan thrust inside me harder still.

I squealed, trying and failing utterly to be quiet.

Logan covered my mouth with his hand, and the possessiveness scorched heat into my veins.

I clutched myself against him, letting him set the pace and the angle. I couldn’t do anything but breathe and moan. He moved slowly, sensually, filling me completely until the orgasm shattered over me, spiraling around me like a wave.

But he didn’t stop, he didn’t even slow down. He just kept moving inside until the orgasm dragged out, pleasure coursing through me. Like we were one person, connected together. Joined at our most intimate places.

“More, more, more,” I pulled him tighter against me even though he was pressed against me. I needed something, a deep yearning opened up inside me, and even his cock buried inside me couldn’t fill it.

He pressed his face into my neck, taking a deep breath, and biting down hard.

If I hadn’t had his hand on my mouth, I would have begged him to bond me. The thought had been there, in the back of my mind for so long I was aching for it. But he retreated at the last moment, licking the swollen skin, and I could have cried from the loss.

The orgasm shattered over me, and I shuddered against him. He dropped his hand, pulling me tight. We panted together, my heart pounding an unsteady rhythm.

I was moving too fast. I’d just decided to move in. Surely bonding was out of the question. They hadn’t even asked me.

Because I’d told them I wasn’t ready to move in, duh. I almost rolled my eyes at myself. Of course they hadn’t ask to bond me yet.

Logan shifted us, sitting down in the chair, and pulling me into his lap. “You’re okay?”

“I’m amazing.” I nuzzled against his neck. “I’ve decided I would like to move in.”

He froze and then broke out into a grin. “No shit, really?”

I nodded, feeling sated and happy. “Yep. Got stuff in the back of my car and everything.”

Logan stole a kiss and pulled away. “Gonna have to give you more earthshaking office sex if that’s the result.”

I laughed and we got cleaned up. We did the walk of shame back out to the kitchen, and I helped with prep until Logan’s shift was over.

We drove back to the house in our separate cars, but Logan got out and helped me carry my boxes inside.

“You can have whatever space you want.” Logan opened the door for me, putting my box on one hip. “We have a spare room we can convert to your space.”

“I don’t need my own room.” I kept walking to the bedroom, carrying two of my suitcases. “I will however need closet space.”

“Of course.” Logan hurried over to their big walk-in closet and started shifting clothes around.

“You don’t have to move clothes right now.”

He was so eager, it stole any last bit of hesitation.

Luca came home as we finished stacking some of my boxes in the living room, his arms full of shiny paper bags.

“Did you tell them?” I grinned at Logan.

“No, this is just a Tuesday for Luca.” Logan shook his head, looking amused.

Luca’s gaze bouncing between me and the boxes. “Does this mean…”

“That I’m moving in? Yes.”

“Really?” Luca closed the distance between us, smashing me into a hug. “You’re not toying with us?”

“Really.” I inhaled his cinnamon vanilla scent.

“I brought you some presents.” Luca lifted up a shiny foil bag. “Logan and Julian too.”

I sat down on the couch, and Logan and I opened our presents. Julian being at work was harshing my happy vibes, but he would be here tomorrow.

My presents were some really sexy lingerie, a sparkly charm bracelet, and a music box. I loved how his presents ranged from thoughtful to sexy.

Luca paced around the living room. “We can clear out the spare room this weekend.”

“You don’t have to. I just need some closet space.” I held up the lingerie. “Looking for a sexy night?”

“You’re getting more than closet space,” Logan grumbled. “If you’re moving in, you should put up photos, knickknacks, whatever. Maybe we should have spent more time at your cottage.”

He looked remorseful, and even Luca pouted. “You’re right, we should have?—"

I shook my head. “My bed is way too small for all four of us. It’s fine.”

“Okay, but we’re going to give you all the space you want for your things in the spare bedroom.” Luca said, curling up on my other side. “I don’t want you feeling like you’re living with us. If you’re moving in, this space is just as much yours as ours.”

“Tomorrow after work I can swing by and help you bring more stuff over.” Logan rubbed his chin. “We can?—”

Luca and Logan both jumped like a ghost had goosed them. They got identical far away looks, frowning.

“What’s wrong?” I glanced between them.

“Julian’s on a call.” Logan shook his head like he was trying to ground himself.

“You can feel that?” I was instantly jealous they could feel Julian’s emotions to that level.

“Yeah.” Luca leaned against me. “He’s usually really focused on a call, but he’s extra…focused. I don’t know how to explain it. Like he’s diving underwater. It must be a big one.”

I bit my lip, reaching for my phone. I wanted to text him, tell him I loved him, but it wouldn’t matter. He wouldn’t see that until after the call.

I shifted in my seat, Logan and Luca taking up position next to me.

“Sorry kitten.” Luca sighed and kissed my hand. “I’m overjoyed you’re moving in.”

“Don’t be sorry.” I shook my head. “ I’m distracted and I can’t feel his feelings.”

“It’s usually like ambient noise or reading someone’s body language.” Logan pulled a blanket off the back of the couch. “But he’s so focused on calls we sense it.”

I wished then with all my heart I’d had the courage to tell them to bond me during Julian’s heat. Or after.

I would be able to be there physically for Julian too. He was on a call for who knew how long.

The need to be there for Julian, connected to him during a horrible time, completely eclipsed my worry that it would all fall apart, and they would be stuck with me.

We turned on a mindless movie, but none of us could focus. We crawled into bed but didn’t sleep. I texted Holly some details and said I’d work from home the next day so I wouldn’t have to worry about when Julian was coming home.

I drifted off only to come fully awake. Logan and Luca had me pressed between them, and I took a long slow breath in.

Was Julian okay? They would know if something terrible had happened, right? Raw panic set all my nerves on fire, and I twitched.

“He’s okay?” I whispered to Logan, knowing he was still awake.

“Still on a call. But okay.”

His tone said as okay as he could ever be. I sighed, Luca pressed me closer between them. We cuddled the rest of the night. I tried and failed horribly not to watch the clock. Julian got off his shift around seven, and was home around eight, but if his call went long, he wouldn’t be able to leave until the site was deemed clear and they could pass everything off to the next crew.

Eight in the morning came and went. I shifted and wiggled until I couldn’t take to be in bed anymore. I let out a breath and checked my phone.

“I think they’re off the call.” Luca kissed my cheek, looking to Logan.

The other alpha nodded. “Probably will be another hour or two.

Julian had been on a few late calls since I’d been with them, and he always came home and crashed. Otherwise, I would have suggested breakfast.

“I’m going to work from home.” I rolled my shoulders, glad I’d worn the soft omega fabric nightgown.

“Me too,” Luca said, rolling out of bed. He wore his boxers and nothing else, and I took a moment to admire the shift of his muscles.

“Let me see what I can do.” Logan shifted out of bed.

I wrinkled my nose. “Poor honey. You didn’t sleep either.”

“It happens.”

I felt like a zombie pulling on some sweatpants and shuffling out to the kitchen. I pulled some eggs out, although with flour, milk, and other ingredients for waffles. I wasn’t really hungry, but breakfast gave me something to focus on.

Logan came into the kitchen and pulled me against him. I sighed against his chest, his tart herbal smell enveloping me. I relaxed, feeling safe in his arms.

“I know he won’t be hungry, but I wanted something to do.”

“It’s a good idea.” Logan kissed the top of my head. “I’ve shifted shifts around, so I’m off today and working the weekend.”

Part of me wondered if Logan wasn’t a full-time chef in his own restaurant and catering business so he could work around Julian’s schedule better. The answer was probably yes.

Julian came home and I immediately went to the door, pulling him against me.

He hugged me. “Hey babe.”

His scent was burnt, even under the blankness that was scent canceling products.

I squeezed him, my heart pounding so hard. It felt like he’d come back from death.

I burst into tears.

“Hey, I’m okay. It’s okay.” Julian stroked his hand through my hair.

“I’m sorry,” I sobbed. “You need comfort, not me.”

Julian angled us to the couch, where he pulled me down and wrapped a blanket around us. “We can comfort each other.” He gave me a ghost of a smile. He looked tired, but calm.

I couldn’t stop crying, my heart pounding heavier in my chest.

Logan and Luca gave him apologetic looks. “It was a long night.”

Luca sat down next to me, and Logan sat down next to Julian. I tried to get myself under control, but relief that he was here, he was alive, he was okay coursed through me.

I held my omega fiercely. “I was worried you would die.”

“Babe.” Julian curled his hand through my hair.

I kept running my hands over him, touching his dragon tattoo peeking out of his t-shirt, playing with his silky black hair. He was alive and he was here. I couldn’t put words to my nameless dread all night until I saw him, relieved he came home to me.

“I didn’t mean to freak you out.” He held me against him, Luca’s hard body warm against me. I let out a breath and then another one.

He was okay. He wouldn’t be taken away from me.

“It’s okay.” I huffed in his burnt coconut and pineapple scent. “I’m sorry I’m freaking out.”

“I love you too.” He squeezed me against him. “I’m sorry it’s hard when I’m on a bad call.”

“It’s fine.” I rubbed my cheek against his shirt, annoyed that it was a work uniform shirt, and not the softer fabric he usually wore. “I’ll get used to it.”

Julian looked at Logan and Luca. “I’m okay.”

Logan nodded, rubbing Julian’s shoulders. “Good.” He kissed Julian’s shoulder, right where the bondmark was hidden by his shirt.

“What’s those boxes?” Julian sounded more like himself. “Are we moving out?”

“No, I’m moving in.” I grinned at him.

“Really?” His entire face lit up and his scent bloomed around us, softening the burnt edges. “Even after I made you worry about me all night?”

“Especially after.” I pressed my mouth against his plush lips. “I love you guys so much. I have to stop letting fear make decisions for me.”

Julian cupped my face. “I’m sorry I made you worry.”

“It’s not you.” I sighed into his touch. “I keep thinking I’m going to do something to make you not love me anymore.”

All three of them made soft “aww” noises in their throats.

“Aww, babe.” Julian locked eyes with me. It was like his brown eyes saw directly into my soul. “You’re my beta. You’re it for me. If it takes you ten years to realize we love you and we’re not going anywhere, so be it.”

“You’re mine. Ours.” Luca growled, digging his fingers into my hip. “We’re not letting you go.”

Logan nodded. “You’re stuck with us.”

“What if I break some priceless heirloom?” I asked, looking around the house. “Or kill someone?”

“We’ll help you hide the body,” Julian said immediately. “I know a lot of good places.”

I laughed. “Julian.”

He gave me an innocent look. “What? If you ever committed murder, they had it coming.”

“You already saw me be an anxious mess the other night,” I said, trying to put words to the twisting fear inside me of not being enough. Of not measuring up. “But what if two years from now, you’re tired of dealing with it?”

Julian cocked his head. “Are you going to get tired of having bad nights because I’m on a call?”

“No.”

He frowned, concern leaking through his expression. His scent dipped. “Are you sure? I freaked you out last night, and I know it.”

“I’m sure.” I knew in my heart it wouldn’t make me love him less.

Nothing could.

“That’s how I know.” Julian’s tone was firm. “I wanted you the moment I saw you, and now that you’re mine, I’m not letting go.”

“I love you,” Logan said, squeezing my shoulder. “I don’t know what I’d do without you in my life.”

“These two are acting like you have a choice, but now that you’re ours I’m not letting you leave.” Luca’s voice took on a rasp. “I will hunt you to the ends of the earth, send you a thousand love letters and roses if that’s what it takes.”

Julian snorted. “Caveman.”

“You like it.” Luca nipped Julian’s bottom lip.

“I do.” Julian’s scent was still burnt, but the edges were smoothing out.

I rubbed my face against Julian’s chest again, reassuring myself he was safe. He was here with me. They weren’t going anyway.

“You take all the time you want,” Logan said. “We’ll move at your pace.”

“And if you aren’t comfortable bonding for years, that’s okay.” Luca nuzzled my neck.

“But when you’re ready.” Julian ran his hands through my hair. “When you’re bonded, that worry will go away because you’ll feel how much we love you, all the time.”

Tears prickled the corners of my eyes, and I buried my face in his shirt. We sat quietly, Julian stroking his hands through my hair.

Could it be that easy? I say yes and we bond, and they were mine forever?

My heart lurched at the thought. I wanted to believe Julian, that nothing would happen to make them stop loving me.

But if I didn’t know that now, would three years really change anything? I took Julian’s hand in mine and squeezed. Even when we were friends, he made me feel seen and heard. Logan was always there for me, and Luca flirted despite worries that it would push me away.

Could I really keep myself from bonding them, knowing I loved them with my entire body? What good was loving them, having the pack of my dreams, if I was too scared to let myself fully love them?

I had to let go and let them love me. It was that simple. Simple, but not easy.

I looked up at Julian and studied his face. His eyes were closed, his scent closer to normal. His thick eyelashes sat heavily on his cheek. He was pale and there were dark circles under his eyes, but he seemed perfectly at peace. His black hair was out of its ponytail thanks to me and Logan and swept over his shoulder.

Logan was looking at both of us, his eyes half open. His brown hair was sticking up in weird places from not sleeping and then cuddling, and he had a five o’clock shadow. He was pale too, but he seemed content. I looked over my shoulder at Luca. His wavy black hair was mused too and curling around his ears. His tanned skin contrasted against mine. He gave me a soft smile that warmed me to the core.

I loved them with every fiber of my being. I wanted to be as close as I could to them. Bonding almost seemed secondary after feeling the weight and comfort of their love.

It didn’t matter that I’d been hurt before, because they never treated me like I was secondary. I wasn’t an omega, and for once it didn’t seem to matter. They loved me and didn’t wish I was different. It wasn’t an obstacle for them to get around so much as part of me they loved.

“Okay,” I said.

Julian opened his eyes and gave me a soft smile. “Okay what? I’m the greatest omega in the world?”

“I’m ready for bonding.” I looked between the two alphas. “When we decided we want to.”

Julian blinked. “Am I dreaming? Are you serious?”

“I am.” I smiled. “I have to stop letting my worry for the future keep me from accepting love.”

“So wise.” Luca murmured into my neck.

“For real?” Julian broke out into a huge grin. “Let’s do it now, right now.”

“You haven’t slept,” I laughed. “Also, we were making waffles and forgot all about them.”

“Screw the waffles.” Julian looked at me like he was afraid I would disappear. “You’re sure? I didn’t pressure you?”

“No, you reassured me.” I corrected.

“I don’t need sleep, I need you.” Julian pulled me into a kiss. His mouth was soft and light, feathery kisses that relaxed all the tension from my body.

I breathed in his tropical scent, as Luca shifted behind me.

He purred, dragging his cheek over my shoulder. “I want to be the first to bond you.” He glanced up at Logan, who gave him a nod.

Luca’s spicy sweet scent rose around me as he dragged his mouth over my skin. Logan shifted to my side, so I had my pack around me. Touching me, kissing my bare skin.

I let out a shuddery sigh, blissful tension coiling through me.

Julian lifting my t-shirt over my head. I giggled, pulling his own shirt off. I paused, indulging in the feel of his lean torso. I ran my hands from his pecs down to his stomach with a sigh.

“I love it when you look at me like that.” Julian purred, his perfume getting stronger.

“I love touching you.” I ran my hands down his stomach, his abs flexing.

Julian shifted to face me, and I climbed onto his lap, wanting to feel all of him. Wetness seeped out of my core, and I tried to pace myself. But Luca’s mouth on my neck made me arch into Julian, made me crave the nip and bit of his mouth.

“Slowly, kitten, slowly.” Luca whispered, licking the shell of my ear. “We’re going to take our time with you.”

I moaned, craving turning into need. I ground my hips down onto Julian’s lap, and we cried out together. Logan moved his hands between us, shifting our hips so he could take off my pants and Julian’s shorts without us moving too much.

Logan turned it into a tease, cupping Julian’s balls as my omega arched underneath me. I gasped, and Logan slipped his hands between my legs.

His fingers took sinful little nudges between my lips, and I yelped, trying to ride his hand. He grinned, pressing a quick kiss to my shoulder before removing his hands from both of us.

“Looks like it’s up to us,” Julian said breathlessly, hand on my hips. I angled myself over him, helpless to resist the urge to rub myself on his length. He groaned, pushing up into me as I pushed down, and for a moment we just rocked against each other.

“Oh, please take me.” Julian whimpered. “Please Sunshine, I need you, I’ve needed you so long.”

“Yes.” I panted, positioning myself over him. I was definitely wet enough, and I slid down onto him easily. We both groaned at the same time, our bodies starting to move in unison. The stretch of him was delicious on top, with none of the soreness that usually came from being this full.

Logan leaned over and trailed kisses down Julian’s chest. I skimmed my hand over Logan’s back, tugging on his shirt. “Get naked.”

“Yes ma’am.” Logan pulled his shirt over his head, and Luca helped him shimmy out of his pants, “accidentally” touching his hard cock.

The three of us looked at Luca, who grinned. “As my pack wishes.”

We helped Luca out of his clothes, touching and kissing and licking before I turned back to Julian, resuming lifting myself all the way up to slide back down. I did it over and over, Luca sliding up behind me to press his hot body against mine, and I squealed.

Luca’s hand snaked around me, finger covering my clit. I jerked up, before squeezing onto Julian. My omega bucked under me with a groan and Logan put his hands on my breasts, squeezing gently.

This is what I wanted, loving these men, forever. For the rest of time.

Luca growled, nipping my shoulder. “You’re mine. Ours.”

“Yes alpha,” I panted. Luca positioned himself between my legs, and the next time I slid off of Julian’s cock, he worked himself inside me.

Julian and Logan groaned at the same time. “Let’s work her over at the same time,” Julian panted, his eyes glazed over. “Fuck our beta, alpha.”

My body ignited, Luca sliding his thick length inside me, stretching me. Logan’s hands on my breasts and clit tweaked my nerves, making a tug between my pussy and my breasts, my body filled with sensation. Luca pulled out, and pushed me back onto Julian, and they went back and forth, taking turns inside me until we were all panting. Their scent around me was coaxing and alluring, making pleasure coil tighter inside me.

I pulled Logan into a searing kiss, wanting to feel him, and he thrust his tongue into my mouth, fucking me like Julian and Luca. He devoured me and as Julian thrust harder and harder inside me, I rocked into my omega until he came with a shout.

I was so close, but Luca pulled me off him. I whined but he spread my legs over Julian and buried himself inside me. His knot ground at my entrance as he thrust inside me over and over, my back bowing out.

Logan groaned, raking his hands over my breasts, my hips as Luca pushed me higher and higher. Julian moaned underneath me, holding my hips in place for his alpha.

“Mine,” Luca growled, digging his fingers into the nape of my neck. “Ours.”

He pulled my head back, baring my throat to the other two like I was an offering, and bit down on my shoulder.

The bond snapped into place with a force like it had been waiting for the slightest chance. I cried out, coming around him, filling the rush of the deepest love I’d ever, passion and pleasure and joy.

I shuddered, my body twisting around the orgasm as pleasure came in waves. “Sunshine,” Julian gasped, sitting up to cover my mouth with a kiss. Luca kept moving inside me, sliding in and out with a slow but steady rhythm.

Luca’s love followed over me, sensual passion and fierce possessiveness, coursing with Julian’s bouncy energy and desire, winding around Logan’s deep sea of tenderness, so sweet and pure.

They loved me with every part of their being. Any doubt that I loved them more, that they would someday decide I was somehow both too much and not enough was gone in the tsunami of feeling from the bond. I gasped, coming again, twisting around Luca’s cock.

He came, the earth-shattering peak crashing over me, and I lost the ability to hold myself upright. I collapsed against Julian, Luca following me.

I didn’t know where I ended anymore, where my pack started. I just knew I was safe and warm. Tears leaked out of my eyes, the sensation of my own love and awe bouncing back at me. Luca licked the bondmark on my shoulder, sending a fresh wave of sensation through me.

Logan purred, and Julian held me tight against him. I hoped I wasn’t squashing him, but all I could do was lay there and get used to the sensation of feeling love through the bond. Like being dropped in an ocean of pure bliss.

“I love you.” Luca whispered, licking the bondmark again. “You’ll always have a place with us, kitten.”

I gave a happy sigh. “I can feel that.”

“Bonding’s great, isn’t it?” Julian grinned, looking a little punch drunk. He leaned up and kissed my nose.

“It is.” I sighed. “I’m so happy those assholes broke up with me.”

Julian laughed. “Right? Sorry for your heartache but you belonged with us.”

Luca growled. “Damned straight.”

Pure possessiveness, like a steel core wrapped around love shot through me from Luca, and I giggled. I shifted so I could face my alpha, rubbing my cheek against his. His cinnamon and vanilla scent was heady around me, and it felt like Julian was in heat again, hormones flying.

Luca stroked his hand through my hair. “Your ours. Forever.”

I nodded, emotions choking inside. Julian’s pure bliss kept washing over me, like waves on the water and threaded with that, his desire.

I grinned at my omega. “So you’re thirsty all the time.”

“I am,” he grinned. “Not even sorry. I keep thinking about how Logan’s going to bond you too and getting hot and bothered.”

“We can pace ourselves.” Calm patience came from Logan’s part of the bond, and it took me a minute to figure out it was Logan and not my own acceptance.

“I want you.” I looked at Logan. “I want my both of my alphas to bond me.”

Logan growled and claimed my mouth. He licked inside me the way he had when Julian and Luca were taking turns, like he could sear himself onto my soul.

Desire raced over me, magnified by Luca’s and Julian’s own arousal.

I gasped when Logan pulled away from my mouth. “Dear heavens, how do you get anything done if you feel each other’s desire all the time?”

“That’s why bonding leave exists.” Julian shifted his hips, grinding his hard cock against me. “You have a lot of sex, especially in the beginning.”

Logan gave me a smoldering look. “Do you want me to take you the same way Luca took you? So Julian can help me prepare you?”

“Yes,” I whined, my core clenching at the thought of them taking turns again. All of my sexy dreams were coming true.

Luca stayed lying on his side, kissing Julian’s neck while Logan shifted behind me, his herbal scent blasting the room. I took a deep breath, sliding back onto Julian. He moaned, and I gasped as his feelings rocketed into me—love, desire, and affection.

I whimpered, and Julian beamed up at me. “It’s a lot at first. Are you okay?”

I nodded, trying to ground myself enough to keep going. I wanted to make love to him, knowing I could feel his love and he could feel mine. Knowing that Luca’s heartbeat was pulsing love into me and Julian, and Logan was next.

Logan helped me, wrapping a thick arm around my body and holding my hip with his other hand. Slowly I sank onto Julian, revealing in the stretch and push of him. I whined, and arched back, looking at Logan. I wanted him inside me too, wanted his herbal scent to cover me like I’d been rolling around in the garden.

“Come on darling, spread your legs a little bit.” Logan angled his hips against my ass, his cock pressing against my pussy.

I whimpered, leaning forward. Luca helped, hands on my hips as I spread out for Logan.

Logan groaned and pushed inside me the second Julian pulled out. He kept a slow, rocking rhythm, his knot grinding against my clit. I was breathless, overwhelmed in the best way.

“It’s okay babe, it’s okay.” Julian panted, pulling me into a kiss. He worked himself back inside me, keeping to Logan’s pace, and the grinding rhythm unraveled me.

I whimpered. The orgasm built inside me, gathering in my fingertips and racing through my limbs. My scalp prickled, and my toes curled as Logan sank inside me again.

I whined, a needy whimpered, and arched my back against him. “Knot me.”

Logan growled. “It’s going to hurt.”

I whined again, sure I could take his knot in this position. Julian panted, cupping my breasts. “We’ll get her wet enough.”

“We know how to make her scream.” Luca leaned over and licked our bondmark. Love and passion fired off inside me, and I gasped. Luca focused on my body, kissing and touching my breasts, my shoulders, my arms, my clit, every place he could reach along with Julian’s roaming hands.

My omega alternated slow grinding thrusts with Logan and then pulled out to rub his cock against me as Logan worked himself back inside me.

They drove me to the brink of orgasm, only to pull back, over and over, until I was a quivering mess.

“Please.” I begged, not sure if I was begging for an orgasm, knot, or bondmark. Maybe all of the above.

Logan slid inside me, groaning. “You’re so wet. You sure you want to try getting knotted outside of a heat?”

“Yes,” I panted. Luca licked his bondmark, and it sent heat straight to my core. I twisted, the walls of my pussy squeezing around Logan.

“AI can’t deny you.” Logan licked my neck. “I’ve known you were ours the moment I saw you. You’ve always been our pack.”

“Mine,” Luca purred, fastening his mouth on our bondmark.

I gasped, trying to buck up but unable to move between Logan and Julian.

“Come on, babe.” His breathing was erratic as his hips jerked up, faster and faster until he came, burying his face into my neck. Julian pulled me into a kiss, and Logan sank his teeth into my shoulder, the bond forming between us immediately.

I cried out, the orgasm exploding inside me. My walls clenched and wave after wave of heated pleasure coursed through me. Logan gave another thrust and knotted me, coming with a shout. I came again, helplessly twisting around him. It was a big stretch, but the line of pleasure and pain was perfect.

For long moments I gasped and panted, floating on pure bliss. The afterglow of the orgasm was magnified three times between the pack. Logan shifted us so he cuddled behind me, his knot firmly lodged inside me. He stroked my hair, whispered soft nothings in my ear and licked the new bondmark.

Julian shifted so Luca could lay on my other side and lick his own bondmark. I whined at Julian’s loss, and he curled up behind Luca, angling himself a little above us. “You need aftercare,” he said, reaching over Luca’s body to hold my hand. “We can cuddle later.” He pulled a blanket over us, rubbing his face into Logan’s neck.

I closed my eyes and floated on happiness. I’d found my pack. Any echoes of doubt or insecurity was gone in the face of so much love coming from their bonds.

It was like finally coming home.