Rickon’s vanilla scent rises as Callisto captures him around the waist and drags him against his chest. “Red’s the only one who has to ride tomorrow, right?” he asks mischievously, leaning in to savor his pheromones.
Rickon swats his head. “Ha! Ride, yes, but I need to keep up with her.”
“Fine. I’ll let you off this time,” our newest alpha says, dropping a kiss in his platinum hair. “Love you, Ricky.”
“Love you too,” Rickon replies, blushing furiously.
Callisto chuckles, and when he catches me watching, he winks. I haven’t seen this side of the lawyer since he’s always consumed with work, but it strikes me this is the person Rickon grew up with. No wonder he fell in love. A happy, relaxed Callisto’s quite the breathtaking sight.
I smile and head to the bathroom.
We take our time starting the day, and it’s thrilling not to race off anywhere. By ten even Zack’s up, though he’s not talkative. When Rickon gets the call for the delivery, Zack reaches for his leash.
“No, Zack,” I tell him, pushing his hand away. “We aren’t leaving the house. This is just like going upstairs.” I point to the ceiling.
“Where?” he grumbles, turning toward the central staircase.
“Not there.” I take his hand. “Let me show you the roof.”
We head out into the corridor and up the service elevator.
“Wow,” Callisto says, popping his hands on his hips as he studies the finished structure on the rooftop. “I saw some photos, but this looks so much better in person.”
I agree. The glass expanse twinkles in the bright sunlight, the peaked roof giving us plenty of height to work with. Rickon’s done an amazing job with the materials, from modern glass to faux stone non-slip flooring, which will suit my design plan perfectly.
The Nest House delivery team bring in the big furniture first, starting with the day bed. I avoided anything that looked like an actual bed, opting instead for a bamboo platform which fits under the existing timber gazebo. A huge, low quilted daybed mattress goes in the middle of the platform, and we use special Velcro patches on the floor to surround it with firmer cylinder bolster cushions designed for marine vessels, since we’ll no doubt make a mess in here. The lovely aqua color makes this area look like a refreshing pool. Lattice goes up on two sides, making the space a little more intimate.
I clap my hands as my guys help the delivery team get the structure assembled. Even Zack pitches in, watching Rickon and Calli from the corner of his eye and copying them. Bless his soul.
Once the framing’s all up, the Nest House staff lug in crates of all the things we ordered. I simmer with glee as I pull out the beautiful red-orange sheer curtains I picked out, the gold threads woven inside glimmering with every movement. Those go up on the corner posts and along the timber outside of the platform’s frame.
I’m up a ladder arranging the drape when I realize I’m making a nest without even a trace of fear in my heart. I sit locked in place for a full minute, the sun warming me through the glass panes as I stare down at the sanctuary I’m creating; a place I intend to bring my alphas for my next heat.
On impulse, I dig my phone out of my pocket and dial Dr Leanne.
“Well, hello blessed girl,” she sings.
“Leanne, have a guess what I’m doing right now,” I say, louder than I intended.
My alphas look up, watching me with questions in their eyes, and Callisto comes to stand at the bottom of the ladder.
My therapist hums. “Gosh, that’s a hard ask. Are you painting?”
“No,” I say with a snort.
“Eating?”
“Not even close.” Unless you can feast on happiness.
“Do I get a clue?”
“I’m up a ladder.”
She pauses, but I’m too giddy to wait for her. “I’m building my nest, Leanne,” I crow. “Can you believe that? A real nest with pillows and sheer curtains.” I glance over at the rows and rows of plants gathering on the floor space just outside the door, possibly more than I can fit inside. “And a fuck-ton of pot plants.” A laugh bubbles out of me.
“Red, I can just hear the joy in your voice, and it’s giving me goosebumps.” Trust the doc to say something cringe, but it still makes me grin. She squeaks happily and goes on. “I’m so proud of you, my darling. Can I get a photo of any part you’re willing to share when you’re ready? I’d love to see what kind of space you create.”
I click my tongue a few times while I think. Then my gaze lands on the open space over the door. “I will, if I can have that blue mountain painting you did in our last session.”
