“Pretty baby,” Courtland coos, teeth skimming the same spot he bit me last night, pressing just a little harder, like he’s considering actually bonding me right here. I jerk a little, pulling away. Because as much as I want that, want his teeth to sink into my flesh, to be claimed by him. I don’t want it to happen like this.
He huffs the smallest little sigh and then kisses the spot tenderly.
I turn slightly, until I can see both of them. Piers watches Court cautiously, some internal thought I can’t read flickering over his face which has me turning toward the alpha too, only to find him already watching me.
Silky black hair brushes my temple as he presses his forehead against mine, green eyes searching my face. There’s something tight there. Something careful.
“You okay?” Court asks softly. “Really okay?”
I nod, even though my chest still feels bruised from the inside out. “Yeah. I think I just needed… grounding.”
Piers chuckles under his breath. “That we can do.” He shifts, one arm staying around my waist while the other rubs slow circles into my back. “You’re safe, Ren. No one’s sending you anywhere tonight.”
Tonight.
The word lodges somewhere strange in my ribs, but I don’t pull away.
Court’s thumb brushes under my chin, tilting my face up until I have to look at him. His expression is warm and steady. “Listen to me, pixie. Whatever happens, okay? Whatever this stupid show throws at us… you didn’t imagine last night.”
My breath stutters. “I didn’t?”
“No.” His voice roughens, just a little. “You didn’t misread us. You didn’t push too far. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
I search his face for the lie, for guilt, for something that tells me this reassurance is false. All I see is sincerity. And conviction.
“I wouldn’t let you think that,” he continues. “Not ever.”
Something in his tone settles my omega completely, the last of the panic draining out of me. I sag forward, pressing my forehead into his chest.
“Okay,” I whisper.
Piers kisses my temple. “That’s my girl.”
Court’s arms tighten around both of us. For just a second, it feels like this could be normal. Like I could get used to belonging right here, between them, wrapped up and held together. Protected and… loved.
The door creaks faintly as someone passes by outside. The hum of production. The ever-present reminder that nothing here is truly private, or permanent.
Court exhales slowly, nose dragging along my hairline, like he’s memorizing the weight of me, the feel of me. “Come on,” he murmurs. “Let’s get you some food. I know you didn’t get the chance to have breakfast before they dragged you away.” Hepresses a chaste kiss to my forehead. “Can’t have you getting hangry.”
Piers laughs. “Smart man.”
They guide me back out into the light, hands warm and steady, and for the first time since Lulu showed me that video, I believe them.
I believe that I’m not leaving.
I believe that last night mattered, that it wasn't a mistake.
I believe that whatever choice comes next… it won’t be cruel.
And that’s the worst part of all.
Episode 30: Midnight Strikes
I blame the date.
Florence’s date.
The one that was so perfect and relaxed, it let me forget for a single night who I am. What my duty is. Somehow, after knowing us for only a few weeks, Ren was able to give us all exactly what we needed.
