Jett presses another kiss to the corner of my mouth. His voice is quiet. "Then we stay right here."
Pine's hand slides up my back, fingers spread wide. His warmth sinks beneath my skin.
Cassian's hand covers mine. "We're not going anywhere."
Finally, my body stops fighting.
The heat rises.
The room seems softer around the edges.
I don't know what comes next, only that I'm not facing it alone. And for a moment, that is enough.
My heart is still racing, but the panic is softer now. It melts under the weight of their attention. The room feels different, hazy and warm, like the air has thickened just to hold us in place. I can't tell if it is the heat or the three Alphas watching me like I am the only thing that matters.
Jett stays close, his shoulder pressed lightly to mine. He watches my breathing, matching each inhale and exhale as if he can guide my body back to calm just by being steady. Pine's hand remains on my back, firm and reassuring. He does not speak, but he does not need to. His presence is weight and comfort and silent promise.
Cassian shifts, stands, and moves toward the small office kitchenette. He returns with a cold bottle of water. He twists the cap open before placing it in my hands.
"Drink," he says. "Slowly."
I take a sip. The water is cold enough to sting, sharp enough to cut through the haze in my head. My throat relaxes, and my breathing settles into something steady. I do not feel normal, but the fear is gone. Only heat remains.
Cassian’s knee brushes mine. He studies my face with careful eyes, calm but focused, the way a firefighter looks at a rising flame he fully expects to control.
Jett watches him from the side, then looks at me. "Tell us what you're feeling."
The question is gentle, not demanding. But honesty sits tight in my chest. My body is full. Every nerve feels awake.
"I'm too warm," I admit. "Like my blood's hot. And it keeps getting stronger."
Pine exhales quietly through his nose. "Your scent's changing again."
I press a hand over my face. "I know. I can feel it leaking out of me. Silly me, forgot to take my suppressants this morning and yesterday too."
Jett shakes his head. "You don't have to apologize for your biology."
Cassian's voice drops. "Especially not to us."
My pulse skips. Something fragile inside me loosens at his tone. I lower my hand, and Cassian reaches out slowly, giving me time to pull away. When I don't, he brushes my hair away from my shoulder. His fingertips skim my neck, light and careful. The touch makes my breath catch.
Pine notices instantly. "Too much?"
"No." My voice is soft. "It feels good. Too good."
Jett smiles slightly, and that alone is dangerous. "That part is normal."
Cassian shifts his hand, letting his fingers rest against the side of my throat, monitoring my pulse. "Your heart's racing."
"I'm being smothered by Alphas," I say weakly. “I’m not scared, just overwhelmed but I do want all three of you.”
Pine’s hand slides up my spine again, slow and grounding. The warmth spreads through me. For a moment I close my eyes. I sink into the couch, into the comfort of their bodies near mine, into the safety I never asked for but desperately need.
Jett moves first. He takes off my blazer and then reaches for the hem of my sweater. His touch pauses there, silent question.
"You are overheating," he says, voice low. "Let us help you cool down."
My sweater clings to my skin. Every inch feels too hot. I nod once.
