He has no idea.
I lean further back against him, indulging in his relaxing touch.
The ends of his silk scarf, which he still hasn’t removed, float against me in the water like seaweed.
Worry shoots through me.
Why is he so traumatized about his bond mark? Did something bad happen to him with a previous pack?
What happened?
I focus back on Icarus and Zero. “Seeing those two together is helping me.”
“They look good together, don’t they? Plus,” Piper leans to whisper in my ear, “they’re good for each other. Wings can give our Beta the steady hand that he craves, and Zero is such fun that he can make even Wings remove that stick from his ass.”
Icarus breaks away from the kiss to shoot a glare at Piper. “I can hear you.”
“I know,” Piper replies with a sunny smile. “Why do you think I said it?”
I thought thatIwas a brave Omega.
I’ve never met anyone like Piper. I’m so fucking lucky.
All day, I’ve been adapting to this pack and growing to know them better.
Icarus took Lionzio away to the study for an intense conversation, which I was worried would be further questioning but by the way that they came out with their arms around eachother and Lionzio’s choosing to sit next to his fellow Alpha for the rest of the day, was probably more like an apology followed by a heart to heart.
The pack themselves are noisy and joyful.
They ordered Icarus and my favorite food and drink, checked in that we were okay at regular intervals, asked us what movie we would like to watch, and filled the suite with their raucous banter.
Piper also made me the best cup of coffee that I have ever had. I’ve learned that not only does he smell of coffee cake, but he’s a coffee obsessive.
Win for me.
Despite their clashing personalities, they’re deeply in love. They don’t need to say it to each other for it to be obvious.
It’s based on a close friendship. Lionzio worships Piper, and Zero and Piper worship each other.
It’s authentic and feels like the greatest gift that I have received to be invited into a pack like this. Actually, that a pack is being courted byIcarus and me.
If we can pull off the hotel heist, then they will becomeourbonded pack.
Hell, I want that in a way I never thought I would.
“Get changed into your pajamas,” Icarus commands Zero, smoothing his hands down the Beta’s sides.
“What pajamas? I sleep naked.” Zero wriggles athletically out of Icarus’ grasp, before pushing down his simple white trousers and yanking off his ivory cashmere jumper.
“You’ll be freezing,” I say with great difficulty because a naked Zero is fast becoming one of my favorite things.
“You can warm me up,” Zero offers, looking hopeful.
“When will you stop being impulsive, stella mia?” Lionzio’s face scrunches in worry. “You’re already shivering. Do you want to catch a cold just at this crucial…? I mean, just beforeChristmas? You’re the worst patient, always insisting that you shouldn’t stay in bed or let anyone take care of you. Please remember that you now have people around you who will be made miserable if you’re sick. Don’t ruin our holidays.” He yanks off his own suit jacket and stalks to roughly slip it over Zero’s naked shoulders, pulling it closed to cover him. “There. Keep that on until you’re under the warm bedding.”
My brows rise.
Lionzio is the caretaker of the pack, although he hides his genuine concern under fake scolding, while making sure everyone has enough to eat, drink, and are warm enough.
