“Why?” Cole asks from the nest, genuine confusion in his voice.
“Because I should be able to walk to the bathroom by myself,” Sierra says. “I’m a functioning adult.”
“You’re a functioning adult who just went through an intense heat,” Malik corrects. “Give yourself some grace, Sierra.”
I carry her toward the bathroom, hyperaware of every point of contact. She’s so light in my arms, so warm, and she smells like all of us now. Our scents have soaked into her skin until she’s walking pack pheromones.
Mine, my alpha growls.Ours.
I have to actively fight the urge to pull her closer, to bury my face in her neck and breathe her in properly.
“I can take it from here,” Sierra says when we reach the bathroom door.
“You sure?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. She needs this. This small moment of independence, of doing something for herself.
“I’m sure.” But she doesn’t immediately pull away. Just looks at me with those light-brown eyes that are clearer than they’ve been in days. “Thank you, though. For... everything.”
The way she says it makes something constrict in my chest again.
“Always,” I say, and mean it more than I’ve meant anything.
I set her down carefully, keeping one hand on her waist until I’m sure she’s steady. She sways slightly but catches herself on the doorframe, and I force myself to step back. To give her space.
“I’ll be right out here,” I tell her. “If you need anything.”
She nods, and I think I see something flash in her eyes. Gratitude, maybe. Or something deeper that I might be imagining because I want it so bad.
The door closes softly between us.
I lean against the wall outside, listening for any sounds of distress. My alpha is prowling restlessly, unhappy about the separation even though it’s only a door and a few feet. Want to be closer. Want to make sure she’s safe.
Want to keep her.
The bathroom door opens a few minutes later and Sierra emerges, looking slightly more alert but still unsteady.
“Okay?” I ask.
“Okay,” she confirms. Then, with a small smile, “Ready to be carried back now.”
The admission makes something warm bloom in my chest.
I scoop her up again, and this time she settles against my chest more easily. Like she’s getting used to being held by me. Like it’s becoming natural.
When we turn, I notice Jalen is missing from the nest.
“Where’d he go?” Sierra asks, echoing my thought.
“Preparing something,” Malik says mysteriously. He’s sitting up now, looking more awake. “You’ll see.”
Before Sierra can ask what that means, Jalen appears in the doorway. His expression is pleased, satisfied in a way that makes me curious.
“It’s ready,” he announces.
“What’s ready?” Sierra asks.
“Come see,” Jalen says, holding out his hand.
I carry her to the main bathroom and stop, letting her see what Jalen’s done.
