"You're not eating?”
“Of course we are,” Brooks says, glaring at Riley and me, then shoving plates in front of both of us.
“We are now,” Riley grumbles, and Brooks shoots him another look. I sigh, this has been a tense day for all of us.
“You said the nest is done,” I say. “How do you like it?”
“I love it, it’s—” Sage cuts herself off, then darts her eyes around the three of us. “I mean, I think it’s good. I hope you’ll all like it.”
“Why wouldn’t we?”
“I don’t know,” she says, poking at her food. “I was always told alphas don’t like a lot of colors, but now I think… Maybe… That was a lie?”
Brooks swallows a growl and my hand clenches on my fork.
“You’re correct in that whoever told you that was lying. Alphas like all different colors, just like anybody else.”
“Oh,” she says, a small frown on her face. “Okay.”
“We’d love to see it,” Riley says.
“When you’re ready to show us,” Brooks interjects.
Sage takes another bite, chewing and swallowing slowly.
“I want to show you, but I’m scared you won’t like it.”
“I promise that’s not possible, Petal.”
“How do you know?” she asks. Her voice is so vulnerableit makes me want to build actual brick walls around her to keep her safe.
“Because it’s you,” I say.
Brooks and Riley both nod in agreement, and we all watch the confusion and uncertainty play across her face. Finally, she pushes her mostly empty plate away and stands.
“I’d like to show you now, then. Before my nerves get the better of me.”
We follow her up the stairs like a line of ducklings, only for her to stop outside the door.
“Close your eyes,” she says.
We all obey immediately, and I hear scuffing feet, then small hands grip my arms and tug me forward. I feel Riley in front of me, and Brooks’ massive bicep brushes against mine.
“Okay. Keep them closed until I say.”
The door opens, and the most beautiful combination of our scents flows out. Brooks groans, and Riley and I suck in deep breaths.
Soft lavender and sweet vanilla.
The earthy tones of mine and Brooks’ scents weave together into notes of warm musk, smooth and woody. A summer forest with blooming chamomile.
Fresh lemon intertwines them all.
“Okay,” a soft voice calls out. “Open your eyes.”
I barely suppress a gasp when I open my eyes, and Riley doesn’t bother to cover his.
“Sage,” I breathe, my eyes darting around the space.
