I know immediately what he means. The tattoo. The one I finally got three weeks ago after months of thinking about it. The phoenix rising from flames, positioned just above my bonding mark where it transforms the simple symbol into something more complex and beautiful.
I shift on the couch and pull down the collar of my sweater, exposing my shoulder and the fresh ink that's still slightlytender. The phoenix is done in shades of red and orange and gold, its wings spread wide as it emerges from stylized flames. Below it, the three overlapping circles of my bonding mark are incorporated into the design, made part of the phoenix's foundation.
Pine reaches up and traces the edge of the tattoo with gentle fingers. His touch is reverent, careful not to press too hard on the still-healing skin.
"It's perfect," he says. "The symbolism. Rising from what was into what is. Transforming pain into something beautiful."
"That's exactly what I wanted," I say. "A reminder that everything I went through brought me here. That the hard parts weren't wasted. They were necessary."
Cassian leans closer to examine the tattoo, his gray eyes tracking every line and curve. His fingers join Pine's, both of them touching me with the kind of gentle attention that makes my breath catch.
"You're art," Cassian says softly. "You know that? You're walking, breathing, beautiful art."
Jett's hand slides up to cup the back of my neck, his thumb stroking along my jawline. His cedar scent intensifies, mixing with Cassian's smoke and Pine's sandalwood until the air is thick with alpha pheromones.
"You're trying to seduce me before dinner," I accuse, but my voice comes out breathier than intended.
"Is it working?" Jett asks, his mouth close to my ear.
"Maybe," I admit.
Pine stands smoothly and moves to sit on the coffee table directly in front of me. His knees bracket mine. His hands find my face, thumbs stroking my cheekbones.
"We have time before dinner," he says. His voice is low and deliberate. "We have all the time in the world."
Cassian's hand slides under my sweater, his palm warm against my lower back. Jett's fingers tighten slightly on the back of my neck. Pine's dark eyes hold mine with an intensity that makes everything else fade into background noise.
"Upstairs," I say. It's barely a whisper but they hear it.
We move as a unit. Jett stands and pulls me up with him. Cassian's hand stays on my back, guiding me toward the stairs. Pine leads the way, already pulling his henley over his head to reveal the full canvas of his tattoo sleeves.
The bedroom is warm, the heat turned up against the winter cold outside. Someone lit candles earlier and they're flickering on the dresser and nightstand, casting dancing shadows across the walls.
Pine turns to face me, and his hands find the hem of my sweater. He pulls it up slowly, giving me time to change my mind, but I raise my arms to help him. The sweater comes off and cool air hits my skin, making me shiver.
Cassian is behind me immediately, his chest pressed against my back. His hands slide around my waist and up to cup my breasts through my bra. His mouth finds my shoulder, kissing along the edge of my new tattoo with gentle reverence.
Jett moves to my side, his hand tangling in my hair as he tilts my head back to kiss me. His mouth is demanding and thorough, his tongue sliding against mine as his other hand works at the button of my jeans.
Pine watches for a moment, his dark eyes tracking every touch and kiss and movement. Then he's kneeling in front of me, helping Jett pull my jeans down my hips and legs. I step out of them and suddenly I'm standing in just my bra and underwear while three fully clothed alphas surround me.
"Not fair," I manage to say between Jett's kisses. "You're all still dressed."
"Easily fixed," Pine says, standing and stripping off his jeans in one smooth motion.
Cassian releases me long enough to pull his sweater over his head. Jett breaks the kiss to yank his t-shirt off. Within seconds they're all in various states of undress, their bodies on display in the candlelight.
I reach behind me and unhook my bra, letting it fall to the floor. My underwear follows. And then I'm completely bare while three alphas look at me like I'm something precious and perfect and theirs.
"Bed," Cassian says, and his voice has dropped into that alpha command tone that goes straight to my core.
I move to the bed and settle in the center. The sheets are cool against my heated skin. I watch as they finish undressing, as three perfect alpha bodies are revealed in the flickering candlelight.
Pine climbs onto the bed first, settling between my legs. His hands slide up my thighs with deliberate slowness. His dark eyes meet mine.
"Tell me if you want me to stop," he says.
"Don't you dare stop," I respond.
