In one quiet wing, he opens a door to a playroom. It’s bigger than my apartment, and already filled with books and toys.
Wandering further into the room, I run my fingers over a super soft pile of blankets, nudge the rocking chair to get it moving, then stop in front of a set of French doors that have about twenty locks on them.
Just outside is a huge, custom-built playground. How long has it sat unused?
Tears burn the backs of my eyes for their loss, for the yearning and heartache they must have felt every time they’ve approached an omega with the same offer they gave me only to be turned down.
Before I have time to contemplate or stop my mouth from opening, I hear myself say, “I’ll do it.”
There’s a hitch of a breath behind me. Turning to look Alex in the eyes, I blink a few times as his face becomes blurry with the tears I’m struggling to keep from streaking down my cheeks.
“What did you say?”
Taking a deep breath and steeling myself, I nod. “I’ll do it. I mean, I’lltry. I can’t guarantee I’m even fertile after being on birth control for so many years, but…yeah.”
It doesn’t matter how many times I blink – the damn tears fall over my lashes and run in hot rivulets down my cheeks.
“Are you sure? I swear I didn’t show you this to entice you either way. I want the decision to be completely yours.”
I nod as he speaks but I’m pretty sure I made up my mind within the first few minutes of meeting these men.
Holding up a hand, I stop him as he begins to rush toward me. “As long as it stays honest. If I ever find out you’re not, I walk.”
He stopped when I held up a hand, but now that I’ve stopped speaking, he rushes me, wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me from the ground.
A ridiculous giggle leaves my lips as he buries his face in the space between my neck and shoulder and spins me in circles until my feet swing outward.
“Thank you,” he whispers against my neck, his lips and breath so warm. “Can I tell my mates, or would you prefer to give them the good news?”
He finally sets me on my feet, cupping my cheeks so he can look me in the eyes. Why does that feel so natural? Why does his touch feel so damn good?
I can’t stop smiling.
Neither can Alex, Mason, or Des.
Alex bursts into the room, me still in his arms, shouting the news. Mason tackles us in a hug; Desmond just cries.
I don’t have the heart to remind them nothing’s certain yet.
Hours later, I’m curled on the couch with my head in Alex’s lap, while Des rubs my feet, and Mason constantly fusses over me. It’s domestic, sweet, surreal.
I’m sure this level of attention will fade with time, but for now, my omega instincts are soaking it up.
Eventually, my lids grow heavy. I mean, we’re currently on our third movie and I did end up eating a crapload of junk, but only after they begged me to eat something. Because I have to keep up my strength and nurture my body, after all.
Not sure popcorn, chips, soda, and a buttload of chocolate will nurture anything, but it was fun being hand fed by three gorgeous alphas.
As my lashes flutter and my eyes close, I sink further into the cushions and nuzzle my cheek against Alex’s thigh when a purr lifts on the air and settles my heart in a way no drug or alcohol ever could.
Then I’m floating. Except there’s something firm and warm wedged against me. I’m just awake enough to realize I’m being carried but not quite with it enough to open my eyes.
Doesn’t matter; I’m surrounded by peppermint and whipped cream as though I’m sinking into a Christmas treat.
Mason. I’m in Mason’s strong arms. His chest vibrates with a purr, lulling me further into dreamland.
I don’t remember being lowered onto the mattress, don’t remember having the duvet pulled up to my chin.
The last thing I feel before sleep claims me is rightness, as though I’ve already come home.
