When I step back into the bedroom, all three of them look at me at once.
It’s not sexual.
It’s not possessive.
It’s something heavier.More reverent.
Like they’re making sure I’m real.
Kael clears his throat and moves to the side of the bed.“Lie down.We’ll stay until you’re asleep.”
I swallow hard.“You don’t have to—”
“We want to,” Finn says gently.
Atlas doesn’t say anything.His eyes say enough.
I climb onto the bed and pull the blanket over myself, feeling small and oddly exposed even though not a single bit of skin shows beneath the fabric.The mattress dips slightly as I settle into the center.
Kael sits on the edge beside me, one knee on the bed, one foot planted on the floor.He doesn’t touch me.He simply waits, letting me choose.
I take his hand first.
I don’t plan to.My body just does it, reaching for him without my permission.His fingers fold around mine, large and warm.
A breath escapes me in a shaky rush.
“It’s okay,” Kael murmurs.“You’re okay.”
Finn moves next.He climbs onto the other side and sits cross-legged facing me, one hand resting near my thigh, palm up.Not touching unless I ask.But inviting.
I slide my free hand into his.
His thumb brushes my knuckles once—barely there, but enough to make heat coil low in my stomach.
Atlas hesitates the longest.
He stands at the foot of the bed, breathing like he’s trying to keep himself contained.His eyes meet mine and hold.
“Can I...”He stops, clears his throat.“Can I sit with you?”
My heart clenches.“Please.”
He exhales like he wasn’t sure I’d say yes.Then he steps forward and sits carefully by my feet, back against the wall, legs stretched long beside the bed.He looks like a silent sentinel—massive, warm, protective.
The room goes quiet.
Not heavy.
Not tense.
Different.
Like the air is thick with things none of us have words for yet.
Kael strokes his thumb over the back of my hand once, slow, gentle, grounding.“You’re safe.”
Finn shifts closer, his knee brushing the blanket near my hip.“We’re right here.We’re not going anywhere.”
