And God, I can still smell them.
A dark, smoky richness drifting from somewhere in the house. It’s heavy and aggressive, smelling like something left on the stove too long. Dax. Probably prowling around, trying to burn off rut energy. The scent makes my pulse jump, and more slick gushes from my body, my omega practically begging me to go find that alpha and let him do whatever he wants.
I grab one of the pillows and press it over my face, letting out a muffled groan of frustration.
This is fine. I’m totally handling this.
My body chooses that moment to prove me a liar by sending another wave of heat rolling through me. This one is stronger, more insistent. It starts deep in my core and radiates outward until my whole body is flushed and aching.
My thighs clench involuntarily. My hand drifts down before I can stop it, pressing against my lower belly, trying to ease the pressure.
It doesn’t help. Nothing helps except the one thing I’m refusing to acknowledge.
The music Cole set up is still playing. Ambient rain sounds that should be soothing, but just remind me that I’m trapped in here while a literal storm rages outside and four alphas deal with their ruts somewhere beyond my door.
I force myself to breathe through it. In for four counts, holdfor four, out for four. The wave eventually passes, leaving me sweaty and shaking but still in control.
Still me.
I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling, counting the texture patterns in the paint. Anything to distract myself from the throbbing ache between my thighs and the way my body keeps producing more slick, preparing for an alpha that isn’t coming.
My gaze drifts to my bag again. To that purple silicone that’s practically calling my name.
I can’t put it off anymore.
My hand is in my bag before I fully register the decision. I pull out the smaller one first. A slim vibrator, nothing too intense. Just something to take the edge off. Just enough to think clearly again.
I shimmy out of my underwear. It’s ruined; soaked through with slick. My shirt goes next because the fabric is torture against my skin. Then I’m naked in my nest, toy in hand, trying to remember how to breathe.
Just to take the edge off, I tell myself. Just enough to survive.
I turn on the vibrator, and even the low buzz makes my pulse spike. I trail it down my body slowly, over my collarbone, between my breasts, across my too-sensitive stomach. By the time I reach where I need it most, I’m already trembling.
The first touch makes me gasp. I bite down on my lip, hyperaware that there are four alphas in this house who can probably smell my arousal even through the walls. I work the toy slowly, trying to be quiet, trying to be quick.
It feels good. The vibrations, the pressure, the way my body responds eagerly to even this small stimulation. My hips rock against my hand, chasing the sensation.
But even as pleasure builds, I can feel it’s not going to be enough. Not really. This will take the immediate edge off, but the heat is already building again underneath, waiting.
I press the vibrator more firmly against myself, biting downon my pillow to muffle the sounds threatening to escape. The pleasure coils tighter, tighter, until finally it crests and I’m coming with my face buried in soft cotton, body shaking with release.
For about thirty seconds, I feel better.
Then the heat comes roaring back, and I realize with sinking clarity that I just wasted my effort.
It’s already worse than before. The brief relief only seemed to make my body more demanding, more insistent. More slick pools between my thighs. My skin feels even more oversensitive, if that’s possible.
I need more. I?—
A soft knock at my door short-circuits my brain.
I freeze, the small vibrator still in my hand, my body flushed and aching and definitely not satisfied.
“Sierra?” Jalen’s voice, muffled through the wood. “You okay in there?”
No. Absolutely not. I just tried to take the edge off and somehow made it worse, and my entire body is screaming for alpha attention, and I can smell him through the door! Toasted marshmallows and spiced cider, warm and sweet and comforting in a way that makes my omega purr with need.
Another pulse of slick. My nipples tighten despite the orgasm I just had.
