“Fuck,” he mutters. “You smell so good. Like—God, like everything I’ve ever wanted.”
He carries me to the nest they just rebuilt. Every step sends little jolts of electricity through me where our bodies touch. My oversensitive skin registers every point of contact. His arms under my legs, his hand against my back, my side pressed to his chest.
When he lowers me onto the fresh sheets, I immediately miss his warmth. My omega whines at the loss of contact, the sound a soft little whimper that leaves my lips.
But then the others are there.
All four of them surrounding the nest, surrounding me, their scents mixing and layering until the air is thick with alpha. My omega is purring so loudly I’m sure they can hear it, completely abandoning any pretense of restraint.
This is what she wants. What she’s been screaming for since my heat started.
Pack. Alphas. Safety.
Dax reaches out slowly, giving me time to pull away if I want to. When I don’t, his hand cups my cheek, and his thumb brushes away a streak of moisture I didn’t realize was there. Rain or tears, I’m not sure which.
“You’re shaking,” he says quietly. His dark eyes search my face, and I can see the concern there beneath the rut-hunger.
“Heat,” I manage, my voice a soft, breathy thing. “And maybe nerves.”
“We’ll go slow,” he promises, and the rough sincerity in hisvoice makes something in my chest tighten. “We’ll follow your lead. You’re in control here, Sierra. Always.”
The others nod in agreement. Malik settles on the edge of the nest near my feet. Cole kneels beside Dax, and Jalen climbs carefully into the nest on my other side, close but not touching yet, waiting for permission.
They’re all waiting for permission.
These four alphas in full rut, surrounded by an omega in heat who just invited them into her nest, and they’re holding themselves back with visible effort because they want me to be sure.
The realization makes my eyes sting with fresh tears.
“Sierra?” Jalen’s voice is concerned now. “If you’ve changed your mind?—”
“No,” I interrupt quickly. “I haven’t. I just—” I have to swallow past the lump in my throat. “Thank you. For being careful. For making sure.”
“Always,” Malik says firmly from his position at my feet. His hand settles on my ankle. A light touch, barely there, but it sends warmth radiating up my leg. “We’ll always make sure you’re okay with this. With us.”
I nod, not trusting my voice again.
Jalen shifts slightly closer. His hand comes up slowly and settles against my jaw. His thumb traces my cheekbone, and I can feel him shaking with the effort of maintaining his control.
“Can I kiss you?” he asks softly.
The question surprises me. Of all of them, I expected Dax to make the first move. Or maybe Malik with his controlled intensity. But Jalen, with his gentle hands and soft questions, feels right in a way I can’t quite explain.
“Yes,” I breathe.
He leans in slowly, giving me every opportunity to change my mind. When his lips finally brush against mine, it’s surprisingly soft. Sweet. A question more than a demand.
I answer by pressing closer.
The kiss deepens, and suddenly I’m drowning in toastedmarshmallow, in the taste of him, in the feel of his mouth moving against mine with increasing urgency. His hand slides into my hair, and he angles my head, taking the kiss deeper still.
My knees would buckle if I were standing. As it is, I sway slightly, and suddenly, there are more hands steadying me.
Dax’s hand on my waist. Cole’s fingers curling around my wrist, his thumb finding my pulse point. Malik’s grip on my ankle tightening just enough to anchor me.
All of them touching me now. All of them helping to hold me steady while Jalen kisses me like I’m oxygen and he’s been drowning.
When he finally pulls back, we’re both breathing hard. His deep brown eyes are nearly black with rut, and his scent has gone so thick and sweet it’s like being wrapped in warmth.
