“I love you too,” she says, steady and sure.
Something in my chest finally loosens.
She looks between all three of us then, resolve settling into her expression.
“I know one way to shut them up.”
I lift a brow. “Yeah?”
She tilts her chin up so I can see her lips clearly. “Mark me.”
The words land heavy, and everything inside me goes still. Then every instinct I’ve been holding back roars awake.
58
Lincoln
The second Bayleighsaysmark me, the room forgets how to breathe.
Her scent hits first, warm, slick-sweet omega, blooming fast and thick in the air. My body reacts before my mind does. A full-body surge of protectiveness, awe, pretty much every instinct bellowing to step forward and claim what’s already reaching for us.
But I stop myself. Because it’s not a quick hit and leave thing. This is sacred, the deepest attachment an omega can have.
I move slowly, until I’m standing in front of her. I lift my hands and cradle her jaw, making sure she can see my mouth clearly as I speak.
“Do you know what you’re asking?”
She doesn’t hesitate, no flicker in her eyes, or worry in her lips, just a nod. “I’m positive.”
Milton’s hand trembles where it rests on her hip. Korbin makes a deep, guttural noise, but he reins himself in. Her knees are tucked up, her body angled toward me so she can read every word I say.
“This isn’t just a bite,” I tell her. “It’s permanent. It strengthens the pack. It deepens your heat cycles. It ties you to us—and us to you. Forever.”
I hold her gaze while I say it, watching her eyes closely, making sure nothing I’m saying frightens her or makes her second-guess herself. I want her calm and clear. I want her choosing this with every part of herself, not swept up in instinct or pressure.
Bayleigh doesn’t look away.
She listens, really listens, the way she always does, eyes steady and thoughtful. When I finish, she lifts her hands and signs.
I know. I want this. I want you. All of you.
My heart beats faster, my stomach does a somersault and my damn cock is rock hard, begging for me to make her mine.
Milton takes her hand gently, pressing it flat against his chest so she can feel the beat of his heart beneath her palm.
“I won’t ever mark you unless you’re ready,” he says. “Tonight or any night. That choice is always yours.”
Korbin moves next, lowering himself in front of her so he’s at eye level. He brushes his knuckle lightly against her knee. “If we do this, there’s no walking away. You’re ours for life, Bayleigh. And we’re yours. No matter what.”
Her gaze moves between us, not rushed or overwhelmed, just considering. Then she signs again.
Now.
Her scent shifts immediately, softening into something warmer, more open, curling through the room like an invitation. I move first, guiding her onto my lap, settling her there like she belongs, her thighs warm against mine, her hands fisting in the front of my shirt. Milton sits close on her right, his shoulder brushing hers with every breath. Korbin stands behind her,one broad hand resting at the center of her back, steady and grounding.
The room fills with our mixed scents. With her mint-soft sweetness, Milton’s bright citrus, Korbin’s honeydew, and my sandalwood all weaving together to smell like home,like our pack.
I lift her chin slightly, so my mouth is close enough for her to read every word.
