I don’t want anyone out there hearing the way she sounds when she comes apart in our arms. And I sure as hell don’t want them catching the scent of her slick and knowing what they’re missing.
Blaze snorts. “That didn’t stop you from choking her on your dick earlier.”
If looks could kill, Knox’s withering glare would have reduced Blaze to ash.
Shade nods and licks his lips, a flush rising up his neck. He’s not unaffected by our current predicament. It’s proof that her perfume might set even the Beta soldiers off.
“It wouldn’t be the worst idea to make it clear to the camp that she’s claimed,” he says, voice low. “Might stop any future… misunderstandings.”
I hate that he’s right.
Our scent didn’t stop the Alpha who attacked her. It didn’t matter how steeped in our scent she was. But if there’s even a chance it might deter the next bastard, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
A wicked grin stretches across Blaze’s scarred face, making him look borderline manic with enthusiasm. “I like this plan. Let’s do it.”
He reaches for her, already half-hard and eager, but Shade swats his hand away with an exasperated sigh.
“We don’t have time for one of your elaborate sex scenes,” he says, tone clipped. “Quick and methodical. It’s a mission. This is about the safety and security of our Omega.”
Blaze snickers. “Of course, it’s all for the greater good.”
“I'm sorry for being trouble, I promise I can take care of it quickly on my own,” she murmurs into my shirt.
She’s always so quick to blame herself and put her own needs aside.
“You’re not trouble, pretty girl. And if you want to handle it yourself, that’s fine too.”
Halley rubs her face against my shirt, her nose scrunching like she can’t quite stand the thought.
“That’s not what you want though, is it?”
She shakes her head and buries her face deeper, clearly embarrassed.
“Wanna tell us what you do want?”
Another small shake. Still hiding.
I share an amused glance with Shade. Shy Halley is adorable. It’s moments like these that I think I understand Shade’s caretaker kink.
Shade steps in close and slips a finger under her chin, gently tilting her face up. “Want us to take control?”
She nods. That pink flush blooming higher on her cheeks.
“Then you’ll need a safe word, baby girl.”
She frowns, brows drawing together. “A safe word?”
The confusion in her voice hits harder than it should. Shame burns hot behind my ribs as I realize none of us thought to give her that—none of us gave her the most basic tool to protect herself from us.
My inner Alpha claws at my chest, furious. I’ve failed her. We all have. An Omega should never have to ask what a safe word is.
Shade reaches out, his voice quiet but firm. “It’s a phrase that means stop. No matter what.”
His thumb brushes along her jaw.
“If you’re ever uncomfortable,” he continues, “or feel unsafe, you need a way to make us stop. Immediately. Without question.”
She opens her mouth, but he keeps going.
