He really is just like a teddy bear, despite his hardened demeanor. Before I realize what’s happening, my bottom lip juts out slightly, and I nod. And then, just like back in the Caruso Pack house, my omega takes charge. That’s the only way to explain how I have the courage to reach my hand out, my fingers brushing against his.
The contact sets something off in Maverick, and he grabs my hand, pulling me towards him before gathering me in hisarms, and sitting on the edge of the mattress with me in his lap.
His arms around my waist make me feel like I’m the most precious thing in the world, and it takes less than half a second for me to relax into his hold, his leather and lemongrass scent soothing me.
Looks like I’m getting used to the whole “physical affection” thing really quick. In fact, I find myself already wanting to snuggle with both Brennan and Ethan too. I guess it’s kind of like how you don’t realize how thirsty you are until you get that single drop of water, and then you can’t get enough.
“Please don’t talk like that again.” I don’t know where the confidence to voice my wants comes from. Maybe it’s how Maverick’s holding me, or maybe it’s how Teddy, Ethan, and Brennan are all looking at me like they wish I was in their arms instead. But…something inside clicks into place. I can feel it, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is my pack.
“I’m sorry,” Maverick murmurs, pressing a kiss to my hair. Then he freezes. “Was…was that okay?”
A small giggle leaves me. Finally, someone who seems just as nervous about this whole thing as I feel. I turn my head, looking up at the alpha. “That was more than okay.”
A small smile tilts at his lips, and then Brennan is clearing his throat. “Since we’re all on the same page now, I—”
Teddy harrumphs, glaring at Brennan.
Brennan sighs. “Teddyand I, wanted to present you with your first courting present.”
My brows shoot up. When would they have had time to get me acourting present?
In a flash, Brennan runs from the room and returns, holding two items. The first is a c-shaped pillow, with a weird triangle shape jutting out of the top, and the second is a box, a bit bigger than a cell phone.
“You can use it while you’re sitting in bed, on the couch, or wherever—” Brennan demonstrates, putting the pillow around his waist like a belt. “And then—your phone, book, e-reader, whatever—is propped up on this bit.” He points to the triangle shape.
I almost want to laugh, the vision of Brennan—this ripped, tough-looking alpha—wearing a pink polka-dot pillow is too cute to handle. But more than that though, is the incredible feeling of warmth that spreads through my chest. Even when I would receive gifts for my birthday, it was never anything I wanted, or that anyone who actually knew me would think I wanted.
Right after I presented, I received a book on how to be the “Perfect Omega”.
Before that, death-trap high heels.
Etiquette lessons.
More scratchy-as-fuck dresses.
But never something like this. Something completely frivolous, unrefined, and enabling lazy behavior.
I fucking love it.
My jaw drops. “Oh my gods.”
“That’s not all,” Teddy grins, holding up the box I noticed earlier. “This li’tle beauty is equipped with thir’y ‘ours of screen life per charge, a subscription to that romance book site you’ve been talkin’ ‘bout, and a protective case.”
“An e-reader?” My eyes grow wide. “Really?”
Teddy grins, nodding. “That’s right, Dove. I know you’re gonna miss your books, but—oof!”
I’ve scrambled out of Maverick’s lap and launched myself into Teddy’s arms. “Thank you!” I all but squeal, before turning to Brennan and putting my arms around him as well. “Thank you so much—” Then I realize I’ve thrown myself at him when we haven’t even so much as shaken hands yet. “Fuck, I’m sorry.” I try to take a step back, but Brennan returns my embrace, and my face presses against his chest. Vetiver and blood orange have me melting, and my heart singsmine.
“I think we’re all in agreement,” Brennan murmurs, pulling back and cupping my face in his hands, “that we will gladly soak up whatever affection you’re willing to give us, Song Bird.”
Song Bird.
“Hate to break it to you,” I mutter, looking down, “but I can’t sing for shit.”
I can hear the smile in his voice. “I’ve never heard you sing, but I don’t need to. Just your voice alone is like listening to the sweetest song I’ve ever heard.”
When I look back up at him, my face warm, I don’t know what to say. Luckily, I’m saved from having to respond to the ridiculously sweet statement by Teddy. “Oi, Bren, cut it! You’re makin’ the rest of us look bad.”
