None of us contradict him.
Our silent agreement rings through the room. I can feel it in my chest, the pack bond that ties me to the alphas around me. We’re all completely on board for some omega spoiling.
A hint of worry snakes through. I’m not charming like Nate. Never have the right words to say, unlike Hud. And Cade? He’s got it all.
I’m not about to admit that I don’t have the faintest idea what omega spoiling looks like. If there’s someone to punch, I can do that. Keep someone safe? No problem.
Things like bonds, and gifts, andnesting, definitely aren’t part of my vocabulary.
I need to do some research.
Standing up, I throw a hand up to them.
“Going to bed.”
Heading out on the chorus of goodnights, I’m deep in thought as I head down the hallway. It’s when I pass a certain door that I stop short.
A full hit of hot butterscotch hits me straight in the nose. But it’s not the scent I recognize.
No, this scent is sharp. Acrid. Bitter.
Then the quietest moan filters in through the door.
The scent of an omega in distress.
I’m through the door before I can think about it. The four poster bed is moving, thrashing shapes appearing in the murky darkness.
“Gabrielle?” I call her name quietly, not wanting to freak her out by looming over her.
“Please,” she whimpers. “Please let me out.”
The terror dripping from her words makes me bolt around the room, ripping open the curtain as I look for her.
She’s curled up in a ball, her arms shaking, back covered in sweat as she rocks herself.
My chest caves in.
“Gabrielle.”
My tone is rough, but she doesn’t flinch, doesn’t move – just continues to rock, her small sobs breaking my damn heart.
“Please,” she begs again. “I’ll be good. Just let me out.”
Chest constricting, I consider what to do. There’s a noise at the door and then Cade is there, his hand reaching out as I yank him back.
“What is it?” His voice comes out deep, guttural, picking up on the acrid change in her scent as easily as I did. It feels like a direct punch to the throat.
“She’s having a nightmare,” I say, my mouth dry as my lips form the words.
I don’t know what to do. I’m torn between respecting her space and wanting to shake her awake.
Cade freezes where he is, his uncertainty similar to mine. Nate or Hudson would be much better in this situation, but there’s no sign of them.
Gabrielle twists, letting out a heartbreakingly quiet cry.
Brushing past Cade, I prop one knee on the bed as I reach out, carefully placing my hand on her arm.
“Gabrielle?”
