It’s more than I ever thought possible. That seems to be a constant thought swirling inside of me. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I knot Lakelyn with one final thrust, and she clings to me as we ride the wave together. “I love you,” I say, and I’m not sure who I’m talking to because, at that moment, it’s all of them.
The link is complete, the bond unshakable. Every heartbeat, every shared breath, every whispered need, thrumming throughthe connection between us. It’s all-consuming, a final surrender to the unity of the pack. I’m fully lost to them, and I know now that nothing could ever break us apart. They are my forever.
Finally.
CHAPTER 45
Lakelyn
I blink awake,still enveloped in Chad’s nest, disoriented and unsure of what day it is. Memories drift in fragments, hazy and warm, as I stretch slowly, every muscle protesting even the smallest movement. My stomach growls, a reminder of hunger surfacing for the first time in what feels like days.
Dean is curled around me, his arm draped protectively over my side, tucking me securely against him. Chad presses in from behind, his warmth radiating from him, while Mason is nestled close behind him, completing the protective cocoon they’ve created around me.
As I lie there, cocooned between them, the memories start to sharpen. Flashes of heat, the rush of their touch, and—oh.
I’m—anomega.
I can feel it now, feel the change in me like a pulse, steady and undeniable. As the realization settles, my perfume fills the air, stronger than ever. Blueberry pie, sweet and warm, wraps around us, as real as the bond between us all. It’s proof, unmistakable now that it wasn’t just some fever dream; I really did present as omega, and the pack felt it too.
With my senses heightened, everything comes into focus. The steady, grounding rhythm of Dean’s breath feathering over my skin. Chad’s warmth, his body curving instinctively toward mine. And Mason, just a touch removed but close enough that his presence anchors me. I inhale deeply, my scent mingling with theirs, the mixture so familiar yet more intense than before. This new awareness spreads through me, bringing with it a feeling of belonging—like I’ve finally slipped into the place I was always meant to be.
It’s a lot. The feelings almost overwhelm me, at the same time, the bond between us settles me. It’s a strange combination.
I carefully slip out of bed, moving slowly to avoid disturbing them. I pull on my sleep shorts and the tank top. My body still feels deliciously worn out, but the pang of hunger keeps me going. Softly, I pad out of the nest, brushing away a stray feather from one of the pillows that’s clung to my shirt, and make my way toward the kitchen.
The house is quiet, the morning light filtering in through the windows, and I start searching through the cabinets, pulling them open one by one. Nothing but a box of tea bags and a bag of rice. I glance around, hoping for something, but it looks like Chad hasn't exactly had time to stock up.
Just as I turn around, a warm pair of arms wraps around my waist, pulling me into a solid, comforting chest. I sink back into him, relaxing as Chad presses a soft, lingering kiss to the side of my neck. His heat must have broken just like mine.
"Morning," he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly, the sound vibrating against my skin. I can’t help but melt into him, tilting my head slightly so he can nuzzle closer.
"Good morning," I reply, smiling as I feel his arms tighten around me. I turn my head enough to catch his sleepy gaze, his dark eyes softened with that barely-woken haze. It’s like I canfeel him everywhere, his scent still clinging to my skin, and I never want to move from this spot.
But my stomach has other ideas, letting out a loud growl. He chuckles, low and rumbling against my back, and I sigh. "I don’t think there’s anything here for breakfast," I admit, pulling away just enough to gesture to the empty shelves.
Chad glances around the bare cabinets and nods. “Yeah… I got pretty wrapped up in building the nest. Never had one before.”
I turn in his arms, looking up at him in surprise. “You’ve never had a nest?”
He gives me a small, self-conscious smile and shrugs. “I guess I never felt… safe enough. Subconsciously, maybe I didn’t believe I deserved one.” His voice is soft, almost hesitant, as if sharing something he rarely lets himself acknowledge.
My heart clenches at the vulnerability in his words, and I tighten my arms around his waist, resting my head on his shoulder. "You deserve it," I whisper, pressing a gentle kiss to his collarbone as if I can convince him with the warmth of my touch. "And you deserve all the breakfasts and all the lazy mornings in it, too."
He sighs, hugging me close, his chin resting on the top of my head. “Well… maybe this one, at least.”
A warm sense of belonging fills me, and after a few moments of quiet, I lift my head, brushing my hand over his chest. “How about I go pick something up? You can get a little more rest.”
He shakes his head, a resolute look in his eyes. “Not a chance,” he says, a soft smile lifting his lips. “We’re going together.”
I raise a brow, giving him a teasing smile. "You sure you’re up for it? Sun’s barely up."
He chuckles, leaning down to press a playful kiss to my forehead. "I’d go anywhere with you. Besides, breakfast withmyomega isn’t something I’m about to miss."
“Maybe you’remyomega,” I counter, tilting my head up with a smirk.
His eyes sparkle, and he pulls me closer, voice warm and low. “No ‘maybe’ about it. I’m all yours.”
