“Who gives a fuck what anyone thinks? No one but Ian would have to work, and this whole pack could survive a few generations.”
I blink at him a few times and laugh. “But you work, Ezra works.”
“We got lucky, having passions that produce income. But if I wanted, I could just be in my greenhouse and never sell a single thing ever again.”
“But what would I do? What would I contribute?”
He shakes his head, stamping out the joint and exhaling one large puff of smoke. “You, you’d be contributing yourself. That’s all any of us needs.”
I blink at him and wonder how that’s even possible as he stands and holds his hand to yank me upright.
He’s quiet as we walk up the stairs, stopping at the same mutual point in the hallway.
“Goodnight,” he says.
“Goodnight.”
Yet again I find myself going to Ian’s room. He doesn’t wake up this time, but the comfort I feel sharing his bed lets me get some much needed sleep
There’s a tight pressure on my hip as I wake up and look down. Ian’s massive hand is touching me, will this ever get old.
“I’ve got a few things to do today. Your dress will be in your room, and the girl is coming over at three to do your hair and makeup.”
“Wha?” I say groggily. Surely he didn’t buy me a dress and set up to have someone do my hair and makeup in such a short time.
“Have a lazy day, go back to sleep if you want. Sharon will be here at three.”
“Um, okay.” He kisses my hair, and I wonder when the fuck this man is going to give me a real kiss. I sigh and plop my head back on the pillow as he gets ready for the day. I’m tired, but I don’t like the idea of laying here by myself in Ian’s bed. I’m wearing pajamas as I pad down the hall, and I wonder if I’m crossing a boundary as I lightly tap on James’ door.
“The fuck?” I hear him mumble, and I crack the door open and peek in. It’s pitch black in his room. They must have gotten some serious curtains for his windows; the light from the hallway is the only thing that allows me to see where the bed is.
“Can I sleep in here with you for a little while?”
“Yeah,” he says softly. I shut the door behind me quietly and tip toe to his bed, which is stupid, he’s already awake.
“If this is a boundary for you, you can tell me. Ian has to work, and Ezra already went to the zoo, and I didn’t want to be alone. I don’t want to seem like a needy Omega, but maybe I am, and I just never realized it. I know you like your personal space, so if you want me to go to my own room I totally can.” I keep rambling. It’s like it won’t stop spewing out of my mouth. “This was dumb. I’m so sorry for waking you up. We can hang out later?”
“Luna?”
“Yeah?”
“Shut up and lie down.”
“Okay,” I say, glad that he can’t see how embarrassed I am. When I sit on the bed and scooch in, he puts the blanket on top of me. The room smells just like him, and it puts me at ease instantly.
I expect James not to touch me, and that would be fine. Being around him is enough. But I’m happily surprised when he plops on his stomach and wraps his hand gently around my forearm. It might not be the all out cocoon that Ian gives me and I imagine what Ezra wants to give me, but at this moment, it feels like everything.
Simply put, I feel like a goddess. Of course the dress that Ian got me fits like it was sewn specifically for my body. It’s nude with a shiny gold overlay that sparkles every time I move. The front dips low, showing just the right amount of cleavage, and the back dips even lower. A long beaded chain at the back of my neck is the only thing trailing down my spine.
Sharon gave me loose curls and makeup that isn’t too over the top, but just enough eyeliner and lash to make me look seductive.
I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more beautiful than I do now as I hook the strap of my heel and stand to look in the mirror.
There’s a light tap on the door that startles me as I turn and see Ezra enter the room. I give him a soft smile. His expression is full of heat as he looks me up and down.
“Oh, fuck it, I’ll pay the ten grand for another plate.”
“Each plate is ten grand?” I say shockingly, and he waves off my question by coming closer to me and putting a hand on my hip.
