“Having a psychic connection with Hunter is having unexpected consequences.” He winks at me.
Damn, that was hot.
“I know he deserved it, but I don’t want you to regret taking a man’s life.”
Alric cocks an eyebrow at me. “Does it feel like I’m regretting anything?”
For a second, I search through our connection. There’s not an ounce of remorse to be found. In fact, there’s actually a very strong sense of pride coming off him that he defended his mate. Whatever alpha instinct had taken over in that moment is exceedingly pleased with itself.
I take his right hand, forming it into a fist—if there had been any injuries, the heat healed them—and kiss his knuckles over and over again. “You could’ve gotten hurt too, you know.”
He barks a laugh. “Only weak men hurt women. It’s why they never pick on someone their own size.”
I kiss my proud alpha, his hands tight on my hips, and I know he can feel my gratitude on my lips and in our bond. It’s only after a short knock startles me that we break apart.
The door opens to a soft, unfamiliar voice. “Miss Madeline? Are you awake?”
“I am, finally.”
“Glad to have you back with us. Breakfast is here, let me know if you need anything else. Press the button on the wall again when you’re ready for a nurse to come in and check you over, alright? There are robes in the closet as well.”
Once the door shuts, Hunter and Zachary bring over the trays of food, and lift the covers to reveal an after-heat feast.
Everything is high calorie and delicious to make up for this week of barely eating: mounds of steaming bacon and sausage, thick buttery waffles with swirls of whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar, crispy seasoned potatoes and fluffy eggs. All accompanied by a gallon of orange juice and a pot of coffee to wash it all down with.
I don’t bother with silverware. I shove a waffle into my mouth, taking large bites. Hunter licks some lingering whipped cream from my lips when I swallow. We take our time, enjoying the food, and they tell me stories of my behavior during the heat.
Apparently, I was quite a feral, cock-hungry creature. I make them tell me in detail about our bonding moment, brushing my hands over each bite when they do. We shower together and they gently wash away the remnants of my heat, but we don’t fool around. All of us are eager to leave, and a sporadic orgy will only delay my release from here.
Finally, we push the button again. The nurse from the ambulance arrives with a soft smile. “Hello, Madi, my name is Caroline. Nice to officially meet you.”
“Thank you for your help. I know that wasn’t an easy shift for you.”
“It was certainly one of the more intense days I’ve had, but I’m so glad you’re okay. You have quite the pack here.”
My heart swells with pride. “The best.”
She comes in, checks me over, and declares me the picture of health. She even brought me a change of clothes, too. I thought for a moment that these are free clothes given by Omega’s Comfort, but then I realize they’re my own.
“OPS is waiting to speak with you all in the lobby. Your emergency contact is also here. She’s very excited to see you.”
Harper.
I change quickly and race down to see her, ignoring the men in uniform clearly waiting to talk to me. My best friend stands when she sees me, her eyes puffy and nearly the same red as her hair. We run towards each other, colliding in a tangle of limbs for a bone-crushing hug.
“Oh my gosh, Madi, you’re okay!” We hold each other tight.
“I’m so sorry you had to witness all of that. You must have been so scared!”
“Oh, your alphas were incredible. It was like something out of an action movie, racing to your rescue like that. It would’ve been really hot if I wasn’t so fucking horrified.”
We break apart. “I know what you mean. Thank you for bringing me something to change into.”
“I made them promise to call me as soon as they knew you were awake, and I threatened to camp out in the lobby if they didn’t.”
I laugh. “That would’ve been really uncomfortable.”
“Yeah, well, I needed to know you’re okay, but I can tell by those new markings you have that you are.” Her perfect smile is mischievous.
