Jethro shouts, already running towards the stairs. “Sandra!”
We’re right behind him, our hearts pounding, fear gripping us. Something’s wrong. Terribly wrong.
Of Peace and Guilt
Sandra
I’m trapped. Nero and Emilio press in, their scents suffocating, their hands all over my body. I scream until my throat goes raw.
“Sandra! Wake up! You’re safe. Wake up!”
A voice cuts through the nightmare. Deep, firm. An Alpha command grabs hold and pulls me out. My eyes snap open.
Air floods my lungs. My heart thuds so loudly it drowns out everything else. Sweat slicks my skin. It takes a few seconds to place where I am. The familiar scent: sage, honeysuckle, and marshmallow; they settle my inner Omega. Then it hits me. I’m in Oli’s nest. I’m safe.
Jethro kneels beside the nest, hands steady on my shoulders. His hazel-green eyes scan my face as his jaw tightens. Ross, Caleb, and Oli stand behind him, tense and alert. The four of them fill the room, and for once, the closeness helps. Their scent surrounds me, blocking out the last of the nightmare.
I gasp for air and my body shakes. Tears spill down my face as a sob rises from my chest. I’m so thankful and yet still soterrified at the same time. As if those awful men will come out of the shadows and tear me away from here.
Jethro’s arms pull me into a tight hug as he makes light shushing sounds. His palm moves in slow circles along my back. I cling to him, pressing my face against his chest. The steady thump of his heart beat eases my panic.My Alphas are here and I’m safe. I know they won’t hurt me or letmebe taken again.
“You’re safe now.”
A small nod is all I can manage. My breath catches in my throat, but I focus on the strength in his arms and the warmth radiating from his body.
“Please,” I croak. “Don’t leave. Stay. All of you.” The idea of being alone terrifies me. “You calm my Omega.”
He shifts me so he cup my face, thumbs brushing away tears.
“We’re not going anywhere.”
Oli steps forward and climbs into the nest on my left side, slipping his hand into mine. Ross moves in closer, eyes steady. Caleb follows, quiet and unreadable.
Ross nods. “We’ll stay.”
“All night,” Caleb adds.
Jethro glances at the others. A silent exchange passes between them before he climbs into the nest.
He lies on my right, close enough for warmth without crowding. Oli settles to my left. Ross stretches out beside Oli, and Caleb finds space beside Jethro.
Their scents deepen in the enclosed space. Smoke, ginger, dates, and marshmallow create a blanket of comfort I didn’t know I needed. I breathe it in.
The tension in my chest eases. A soft rumble replaces my sobs. A purr. It slips out before I can think to stop it. I don’t think I’ve ever done that before.
Is this what it feels like to be a content Omega?
Jethro leans in. “Try to sleep, sweetheart. We’ll be here when you wake.”
I hesitate, then rest my cheek against Jethro’s chest. Part of me braces for rejection. Instead, his arm runs along my back, his hand settling on my hip. I reach behind and find Oli’s. Linking our fingers, I guide it across my waist. His deep purr joins mine, vibrating into Jethro’s arm and my spine.
Whatever tomorrow brings, it can wait. For now, wrapped in their warmth, something unfamiliar stirs.
I don’t want this feeling to end.
The first rays of sunlight slip through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow. Warmth lingers under the blankets, and my body stays curled into Jethro’s side. My head rests on his chest, where the steady beat of his heart whooshes beneath my ear. Oli’s arm stays looped around my waist.
Jethro shifts beside me. His movements are careful, slow, as if trying not to disturb me. My eyes blink open.
