Reina looked between us. "What do you want to do, Luca?"
He ran a hand through his dark hair, making it stick up. "I want to protect you. Both of you. But I don't know how."
"We stand together," I said. "We don't hide. We don't apologize for what we are. We're bonded. Trinity pack. Anyone who has a problem with it can go fuck themselves."
Luca looked at me for a long moment. Then nodded slowly. "You're right."
Reina yawned, leaned against Luca's shoulder.
"You should rest, sweetheart," he said gently.
"Will you both stay tonight?"
"Not going anywhere," I promised.
She stood, headed toward the bedroom. The nest we'd built together weeks ago. Paused at the door, looked back at us.
"Don't take too long," she said softly.
Then disappeared inside, leaving the door open.
An invitation.
But something needed to happen first.
I could feel it through the bond. Luca could too. The air between us was charged, electric.
"I need to wash off the flight," Luca said, his voice carefully neutral.
"Bathroom's through there." I gestured even though he knew. He'd been here before. Helped build the nest. Knew this cabin almost as well as I did now.
He stood, grabbed his bag, headed down the short hallway.
I heard the water start running.
Waited exactly five minutes.
Then I stood and followed.
Didn't knock.
Just opened the bathroom door and walked in.
Steam billowed out, thick and hot. Luca was stepping out of the shower, water cascading down his body. Completely naked. Muscles defined and perfect, water droplets running down his chest, his abs, lower.
He stopped when he saw me. Didn't startle. Just looked at me like he'd been expecting this.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
Not angry. Not surprised. Just curious.
He didn't cover himself. Didn't reach for a towel. Just stood there dripping wet, meeting my eyes.
"Our Omega is waiting for us," I said, grinning.
His eyes narrowed slightly. "And you couldn't wait until I was dressed to tell me that?"
"No."
