Luke leaned forward, his dark blue eyes glinting in that dangerous way that made Genesis’s stomach clench. He spoke in a low growl. “Maybe I’ll teach you a lesson right now, and then we’ll see who’s ready for bedtime.”
A rush of slick greeted his words, surprising Genesis with her body’s continued hypersensitive response to these men. It might have been nothing but animal instincts, but the desire felt incredibly real. She was almost dizzy with need.
“It seems we need to move on to the meat of this conversation,” Orlando said in an amused voice. “The most pressing matter is whether you want a sexual relationship with us outside of your heats.”
Three sets of eyes bore into her, waiting for her response. Genesis swallowed hard. They were contracted for a three-month trial period, with the option to extend to six, depending on their compatibility and her needs. Given her irregular heat cycle, she could have several heats over that time span. Still, she wasn’t expecting one for another few weeks.
Was there any reason to wait that long to explore their attraction? They were on a regimen of trusted medication including birth control and suppressants to protect them from the instinct to claim. She could safely have sex with them whenever she wanted to.
Genesis bit her lip, admonishing herself for feeling embarrassed by her desires. They were all healthy, consenting adults, and she knew she wasn’t imagining the longing in the alphas’ eyes. There was no need to play games.
“I think I’d like to start the sexual relationship immediately.”
Chapter eight
Orlando
This woman was going to be a true trial of his self-control.
Orlando couldn’t remember a time when he’d ever had as many hard-ons in a week as he’d had since meeting Genesis Valentine. One night he’d had a wet dream—an actual fuckingwetdream—and the star of his nocturnal emission was their new sexy, doe-eyed omega who smelled like oranges and jasmine and honey and sin. And now she was sitting five feet away from him, offering him exactly what he’d fantasized about since the moment he saw her standing on his porch looking like a reincarnated old Hollywood starlet. He’d known then that he’d made the right decision about taking her on. Genesis was obviously going to shake up their lives. He may have underestimated just how much.
He was surprised that Luke and Gabe hadn’t even made it through dinner before getting physical with her. Orlando had felt his packmates’ excitement through the bond while he waitedat the dining table, and it had taken a considerable effort to keep his seat. He’d soothed his agitation by rearranging his calendar, ensuring he’d be completely free the next day to help Genesis get settled in. He wasn’t even going to check his email or take any calls. He knew plenty of CEOs who worked much less and were still successful. Orlando hadn’t taken a real day off in nearly a decade.
Work had been his escape, a coping mechanism for his grief. Gradually, as he’d healed, he’d found a better balance—working shorter days, often remotely, and insisting on being home for dinner every evening. Yet he’d never fully unplugged in all that time, even when they’d had other temporary omegas. He was changing that for Genesis. And she was already making it more than worth his while.
Orlando had been attracted to Genesis immediately. Each of his packmates had been struck just as quickly, to varying degrees. Orlando knew just how smitten they were because Luke had been surlier than usual all week and Gabriel’s head had been completely in the clouds. With the two of them obviously enamored, Orlando had thought it his duty as pack leader to remain a bit detached. Someone had to maintain a little decorum.
“In that case, we’d better move this conversation along,” he said, breaking the intense silence that followed Genesis’s declaration. “I’m sure you can tell that we are quite happy to oblige you.”
Genesis glanced at Luke, whose lust was written all over his face, then at Gabe, whose expression was a softer version of the same hungry intensity. She flushed prettily, and the honey undertones of her scent grew more pronounced. Orlando suppressed a growl and resisted the urge to get closer to that mouthwatering smell.
“Allof you?” Genesis’s big brown eyes met his, then lowered shyly. Her voice held a note of uncertainty.
Orlando realized with dismay that she was unsure of him. Not Gabe or even the ever-cantankerous Luke, buthim. Somehow, this irresistible creature seemed to think it was possible that he didn’t want to fuck her every bit as badly as his packmates did. Despite her admirable confidence, he’d made Genesis doubt his interest. It was a character defect, he knew, and one that had inadvertently hurt people before. His aloof demeanor worked wonders in the boardroom, but he had to remember to turn it off with people he cared about.
“Please accept my sincerest apologies for any miscommunication,” he said, uncrossing his legs and leaning forward to hold Genesis’s gaze. “If I for one moment gave you the impression that I’m not completely enthralled by you, then let me disabuse you of any such notion. Over the past week, I have mentally devoured you in every way imaginable. Twice. The only reason your thighs aren’t already wrapped around my head is because I need to make sure we have the safety discussion before I make you cum so hard you forget your name. Am I clear?”
Orlando watched with satisfaction as Genesis took a sharp inhale, pupils dilating. He’d let the slightest hint of a bark slip into his voice so that she could hear how she was fraying his self-control, driving him mad with need. Her skin looked so appealing, flushed rose gold. Orlando wanted to see more of it, to have every inch of her beautiful skin laid bare.
“Crystal,” Genesis replied, her husky voice low and teasing. “Let’s talk so we can get to the part where I don’t know my name. That sounds intriguing.”
Orlando laughed, pleased by her playfulness. It had been that way all evening. Genesis had slipped easily into their banter, joining Gabe in keeping the mood light and conversationflowing. She’d even gotten a few good jabs in on Luke, keeping him on his toes and in the moment. It was exactly what they needed.
“We each have our own kinks, and we’re open to exploring yours without judgement,” Orlando went on, once everyone grew serious again. “We’ll do frequent check-ins throughout, but we’d like you to choose two safe words: one that tells us you’re nearing your limit, and another that indicates you’ve reached it.”
Orlando watched Genesis for signs of discomfort. He knew that it was crucial to have this discussion up front, but to some people it implied they were into some seriously kinky shit. They weren’t. Luke liked a bit of rope play and, of course, some spanking and such, while Gabe got creative from time to time, but nothing too niche. Orlando enjoyed playing with control, submission, and delayed gratification. In contrast to some packs he knew, Pack Rossi was pretty tame. However, they weren’t too old to learn a few new tricks. Orlando was certain his packmates were as open as he was to discovering new kinks with Genesis.
They’d exchanged sexual histories during the initial paperwork phase, and Genesis’s was sparse. She’d never been with an alpha, which meant she’d never even been knotted. That could be intimidating enough without being afraid they might be masochists.
Genesis smiled, not looking at all rattled by the question. “Easy. Goldsmith for when I’m getting close and Pulitzer for when I’ve reached my limit.”
Orlando laughed, surprised and pleased again by her unbothered humor. “The top two awards in journalism. How fitting.”
Gabriel crossed the room, dropping to the floor in front of Genesis. He leaned against the couch, wrapping an arm around her calves. It looked so natural, as if he couldn’t stand another moment without touching her. Orlando could empathize. He feltthe compulsion to get closer, but he knew that if he did, there would be no more talking.
“If you safe word, what do you need from us?” Gabriel asked, looking up at her with his puppy dog eyes. “We’d stop immediately, of course, but then do you want snuggles and reassurance, or space, or immediate discussion, or some combination of all that? What will make you feel safe and seen?”
Genesis smiled down at Gabe and the kid practically melted. Orlando couldn’t help his own smile. This was how he wanted his pack to feel. Safe and seen.
