It's cozy as hell, and I couldn't dream up a better place to be right now.
I glance out the window and find I'm on the same side of the cabin as the third-floor balcony. We're not on the edge of the cliff, but I can see the vast, sprawling mountain just outside the window. It's breathtaking. I watch birds swoop down from the sky. Notice a lake that, even from this distance, looks massive and deep.
I pull away and wander to a narrow hallway, finding a bathroom. It's small, just big enough for a little clawfoot tub and shower sprayer. I use the bathroom and splash cold water on my face, and just… breathe.
After months of sleeping outside, icy streams and truck stop bathrooms, this all just feels so safe.
How can I feel at home in a place I've never been, surrounded by strangers?
I told you, Mona. Youarehome. You are safe.
Beep says it more softly this time. I don't bother asking againwhyI feel this way. I look into the mirror. I can almost see her move behind my blue eyes. They glitter, like she's right there at the surface, watching with me.
I smile at her. I think she smiles back.
Whatever it all means, whatever Orion's explanation about omegas and what happened with his enforcers, if I really am safe right now, whatever the reason…
Well, fuck.
I'll take it.
That's good, you're ready. Now, go find your mates.
"Of-fucking-course you'd say that. You can't give me five minutes to enjoy this?" I pin her—me, really—with a glare in the mirror before exiting the bathroom.
The narrow hallway continues a little further with a closed door at the end. Curious, I wander down and swing open the door. I should have learned my lesson by now about entering places I wasn't invited, but this room is just calling to me.
But when I step inside, I stop short.
There's a massive bed—the largest I have ever seen—lit only by the light in the hallway behind me. I feel around for the light switch and flick it on. The bulbs glow amber, low and warm, bathing the room in honey.
My omega perks up.
There are mounds of pillows, too many to count, in varying shades, sizes, and textures. The mattress itself is empty, no sheets or comforter—the room seems largely untouched, stripped of scents. It feels wrong somehow, bare like this. I have a strange urge to gather armfuls of blankets and build a fort on this monstrosity.
Just cuddle and snuggle in, surround myself in warm, soft darkness.
I want more cozy blankets. More pillows. Fuzzy. Fluffy.
Piles of soft to tuck underneath me while I writhe around.
Something itches beneath my skin, spreading through me. Heat builds between my legs. My omega pulses, urging me into the room.
When I realize I'm practically rubbing my thighs together, seeking friction against the sudden ache, I yelp and jump back. Fumbling for the light switch, the room plunges into darkness. I slam the door shut and flee down the hall.
I don't know what it is about that room, but I'm suddenly, irrationally horny.
God, being a wolf is so weird.
When I get back into the bedroom, I pull myself together. Then I debate for all of two seconds before fortifying my resolve and leave my new little sanctuary.
The sounds I heard earlier are louder now, and though I don't remember the way exactly, I follow the voices down the stairs and into the kitchen.
I brace myself, knowing I'm going to see him again.
Not him.
His twin.
