He clutched his chest and dipped his chin. My shoulders dropped as I sent him away with a subtle wave of my hand.
Now that we were alone, I refused to wait a moment longer.
“Come,” I said, extending my hand. “I have a gift for my wife.”
At the prospect of a present, my omega perked up, an adorable squeak shaking her slim shoulders. That sight undid me as her tiny hand slid into my larger one. Soft skin brushed against my callouses as I entwined our fingers, bringing her knuckles to my mouth and kissing her ring.
A pretty flush crawled up her chest. Instead of letting her walk, I slid my arm under her knees, cradling her like the precious parcel she was. Something that sounded like a squawk echoed around the room. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I carried her up the stairs, careful not the step on her dress.
“Kaelen. Alpha,” she hissed, the slight lilt in her tone giving her away. “Put me down.”
“No.”
I nipped at her chin, and she moaned the prettiest noise. The wooden door to our room groaned as I backed into it, kicking it shut harder than I intended. Books rattled on the shelves, and my omega grinned at me with dark, playful eyes.
“Patience, Alpha,” she cooed, running her nails through my beard. “Where’s my present?”
My teeth dug into my tongue as I guided her to the floor, resting my hands on her hips. I adored her like this, unguarded and wanting. While the gown hugged her beautifully, I needed to feel her skin under me as I teased and wrung pleasure from her trembling body.
“Needy thing,” I said, spinning her.
Her chest rose with a tiny, indignant huff, her breasts straining against her dress.
When Willow first started staying in this room, she asked me what all the loud construction was behind the door. I shrugged itoff, telling her it was another closet. Luckily, she let it go after that, not the least bit interested in another room for clothes.
I walked her toward her gift, and she looked at me, a cute V nestled between her brows.
“A closet?” she asked, unable to hide the disappointment in her tone.
“No, mo chroí,” I said, opening the door and gesturing for her to step inside.
It was important that I didn’t intrude on her space. I stayed a respectable distance away as she stepped inside. An omega’s nest was special, and only when she invited me to join her would I step all the way in.
I leaned against the doorframe, tracking her movements.
After some persuasion, I made sure Willow’s nest was completed before today. Granted, I still hadn’t physically seen the finished project. My contractor sent me photos after having it professionally cleaned to remove all lingering scents.
With her back to me, I couldn’t see her face. After taking a few short steps, she froze, her head moving as she took in the entire space. Pale slate gray covered the walls, while floor to ceiling windows stood along the side opposite the door.
In the center of the room, an oversized bed draped in sheer silk canopies sat covered in thick, brightly jewel-colored blankets.
She toed off her flats, digging her toes into the plush carpet as she ran a finger over the end of the jacuzzi tub by the windows. During her heat, the tub could be adjusted to a cooling temperature that would soothe her.
When she reached the bed, her head fell forward. Her torso shook with the sobs she couldn’t quiet, and my alpha demanded that I help our omega. Acid burned my esophagus as it felt like shards of glass stabbing me in my chest.
“Invite me in, Omega,” I said, struggling to keep the bark out of my tone.
It had to be her decision. I couldn’t compel it. My nails dug into the supple wood of the doorframe, my entire body tightening.
“Alpha,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she faced me with glassy eyes. “Please. Join me. I need you.”
Those three words were a balm to my panicked alpha. In three long strides, I closed the distance between us. My arms curled around her waist, turning her to face me. Her lip wobbled as her eyes darted between me and the bed.
“This is mine? My nest?”
A tentative purr started in my belly, soothing my sweet girl. Her shoulders fell from the pinched position by her ears. I ran my fingers through her silky hair, gently nudging her face to rest in the crook of my neck.
“All yours. If there is anything you don’t like, we can change it.”
