Ashton grimaces immediately, an apology forming on his lips. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a mess. I should have—"
Dustin reaches out and pulls him closer with his free arm, the one not supporting his weight over me. "You're perfect too, love."
The endearment makes Ashton's eyes widen, surprise and something that might be hope flickering across his face. His mouth opens like he's going to respond when I hear a key in the lock, then the door opening with a soft click.
Both Stefan and Kade step into the room and they look fierce as shit. There's tension in every line of their bodies, alertness that speaks to danger recently faced. Stefan has his gun still tucked into his waistband, his hand resting on it casually but ready to draw. Kade's knuckles are slightly swollen, evidence that he hit something or someone.
But they're both clearly unharmed, no visible injuries or blood beyond Kade's bruised knuckles. Relief floods through me so intensely it's almost painful.
I let out another whimper, this one relief rather than distress. They're okay. They're here. Everything is fine. The terror that's been gripping my chest finally loosens, allowing me to breathe properly.
Kade's expression shifts as he takes in the scene before him. Me locked on Dustin's knot with Ashton curled against my side, all three of us marked and messy and clearly satisfied. There's heat in his gaze, appreciation and arousal mixing with something softer.
"I never thought I'd find something more beautiful than my Alpha fucking my Omega," Kade says, his voice carrying heat and appreciation that makes me blush. "But damn, that's a pretty sandwich."
I blush furiously, heat flooding my cheeks and spreading down my neck. Stefan makes a sound of agreement, a low hum that sends shivers down my spine. "Yeah, I couldn't agree more."
Kade moves closer to the nest, his eyes tracking over all three of us with obvious interest. He doesn't look jealous or angry about finding Ashton with us. If anything, he looks pleased, satisfied by the tableau we present.
"How do you want us, sunshine?" Kade asks, his voice gentle despite the intensity in his eyes.
The question makes my breath catch. He's asking what I need, what would make me feel better. Not demanding, not taking, just offering himself however I want him.
"Here," I manage to say, my voice rough from the earlier panic and the moaning. "I want you here. And then I want to know what happened."
I need them close. I need to feel them, safe and whole. The nest won't feel complete until they're both in it with us.
Dustin shifts slightly, adjusting our position so his knot isn't pulling uncomfortably. "After, Solana. Right now, just rest."
I want to argue, want to demand answers immediately. But the combination of post-orgasm bliss and Dustin's knot keeping me full makes it hard to work up the energy. And honestly, having them all here and safe matters more than knowing the details right now.
Kade and Stefan start stripping down, their movements efficient and practiced. Kade pulls his shirt over his head, revealing the expanse of his dark chest and the tattoo over his heart. Stefan follows suit, his body carrying more scars than Kade's, evidence of a harder life.
They exchange a look, some silent communication passing between them. Stefan pauses when he's down to his boxers, uncertainty flickering across his face. He looks at me, then at Kade, clearly unsure if he's welcome in the nest.
"You can come in.Please," I say, making the decision for him. My voice carries no hesitation, just certainty that this is right.
Permission granted, Stefan strips off his boxers and climbs into the nest. His cock is half-hard, responding to the scents and sights around him. Kade moves in behind Dustin, his larger frame bracketing my Alpha's back. His chest presses against Dustin's shoulders, one arm draping over to rest on my hip.
Stefan settles on the other side of Ashton, his body mirroring Kade's protective position. His arm wraps around Ashton's waist, pulling the Omega back against his chest. Ashton goes willingly, melting into Stefan's embrace with a sigh of contentment.
Something just clicks into place, like a puzzle piece finding its home. The anxiety that's been humming under my skin since those loud pops disappears completely. This is perfect. This is right. All of us together in the nest, safe and protected and whole.
I can finally breathe properly, my lungs expanding fully for the first time since I heard those sounds. The panic is completely gone, replaced by a bone-deep sense of rightness that I've never experienced before.
Stefan's arm drapes across Ashton's waist, creating a chain of contact that connects all of us. Even Dustin seems more relaxed, his body losing the tension it's been carrying since the loud sounds.
This is pack. This is what I've been craving without knowing it. Not just Kade and Dustin, but all of us together. Stefan's protective strength, Ashton's gentle presence, the way we all seem to fit together like we were designed for this.
Chapter forty-three
Dustin
I'm so exhausted I can barely keep my eyes open as I drag myself out of the nest, every muscle in my body screaming in protest. Three days of Solana's heat have left me completely wrung out in ways I didn't think were possible. My legs feel like jelly, my arms ache, and there's a pleasant soreness in places that remind me exactly how thoroughly Kade worked me over while we took care of our Omega.
The shower calls to me like a siren song. I need to wash off the sweat and slick and general mess that comes from spending days in a nest during an Omega's heat. My skin feels sticky, my hair is a disaster, and I probably smell like sex and pheromones so strong it could knock someone over.
I make it about three steps toward the bathroom before Solana's hand shoots out and grabs my wrist. Her grip is surprisingly strong for someone who should be as exhausted as I am, her fingers wrapping around my arm with determined possession.
