We share a look. If I wasn’t worried about the others overhearing, I’d ask if he’s feeling what I’m feeling. If he knows one day we’ll be sharing a nest with our mates, just like this. There’s a twinkle in his eyes that says he’s known all along, and I’m the one that’s late to the party.
“Let it flow through you. Into everything you feel, all your wants and needs. You’re safe. Nothing can take that from you ever again. You won’t have to fight alone ever again.” I pause, letting him soak it in. “Now imagine Beau there with you, picture yourself pulling him through the open door, and wrapping him up in that same endless comfort.” I watch as his shoulders relax with every word, and when his scent spikes in the air this time, it’s soothing. Controlled and not overwhelming.
Fucking smoky sandalwood soaking into my soul, dragging me right along with him.
“Yes, Apollo, just like that. Such a good Alpha.” Thor sighs. My ears perk with his praise. Does Apollo like it? The full-body shiver and quiet rumble say yes.
After that, it’s easy to fall asleep. I might not know how to take Scott out yet, but when I get my hands wrapped around his fucking throat, I’m not letting go until his head fucking pops.
“I’ve never been safe before,”Apollo murmurs, voice husky with sleep.That’s a sexy sound. Damn.Am I dreaming? I have to blink several times before I’m really awake.
“I’ve never felt safe…until you walked into that facility.” He’s talking about Thor. The night he was saved.
Dream looks up at me, hazel eyes filled with sorrow. His scent is calm, but there’s no denying the pain in his words is making all of us ache.
I don’t resist as she turns in my arms, pressing herself into Apollo’s back so she can wrap herself around him. She nuzzles the back of his neck, letting her scent say the things she can’t just yet.
“I’d never seen an Alpha I was willing to trust, but then again, I’d never seen an Alpha look at me with compassion instead of malice. Like the white knight version of King Kong,” he teases weakly.
I press myself into Dream’s back. I can’t stand not touching them when they’re both in so much pain.
Let me take it from you. I’ll bleed if you need me to.
“I couldn’t think of anywhere I’ve ever felt safe, where I knew I wouldn’t be hurt. Even waking up in ABO Care was terrifying.” He readjusts until Dream is pressed into his side, her head on his chest, right beside Beau’s head. The Omegas are nose-to-nose.
“I’m sorry, Apollo,” Beau whispers, no longer lost to his awakening instincts.
The sun is peeking through the curtain, casting a glow on the floor. We spent the entire night tangled together in each other’s arms. We look like a pack. At this moment, the five of us look like we belong together. I hope they see that too.
“I’ve spent so long looking over my shoulder. Fighting for every second of my survival. Never truly believed I would ever be free again.” The tight, broken sound in his voice makes me want to destroy everyone who has ever caused him pain. “I don’t want to feel like that anymore.”
“Oh, Apollo.” Dream tightens her hold on him, her tears pooling on his chest and joining Beau’s.
Apollo’s bicep is pressed to my chest since he’s wrapped it around Dream. I lift my hand off her waist and gently set it on his forearm. He tenses for less time than it takes to blink, then sighs.
“I’m not going to let anything happen to any of you,” Thor vows, his voice tight with his fight to keep his anger at bay. His dominance settles like a warm blanket over the four of us. Apollo’s shoulders release the last bit of tension, his head sinking into the pillows.
“I’m starting to think you mean that.” Apollo’s confession is a breathless whisper, and all of my instincts start rioting inside me. All I can do is use my scent to comfort them, even though I desperately want to gather them all into my arms and start licking and biting.
Let me bite, so I’ll always know where you are and if you’re okay…
“No one will be able to lay a hand on you while my heart still beats and blood still fills my veins.” My vow slips free, but I don’t regret letting the words out when his scent mixes with Dream’s in an intoxicating way.
I expect a threatening reply, or even a rogue blade to come my way. When Apollo tilts his head in my direction, dark eyes filled with curiosity instead of hostility, I feel like I just won the lottery.
Go on, stab me. I’ll bleed to show you I mean every word.
I don’t know what tomorrow holds or how Dream will feel about me when this is all over. When Apollo no longer needs to hide and can truly be free. When Beau no longer has to lie to the world, and Scott is dead.
Because he will be dead as soon as fucking possible.
Right after Dexter.
What I do know without a doubt is that I’m right where I need to be, and unless I’m in a body bag, I’m never giving this up.
Chapter Fifteen
DREAM
