“Why the long face? I thought omegas dreamt of shopping like this,” Ronan asked, part teasing, part genuine.
“I don’t like crowds, and I’ve never had a nest,” I said. He reached over and wound our fingers together, looking at them and not me, as if he knew I was vulnerable and couldn’t take it.
I swear under his cocky demeanor was a sweet alpha. Just a bit stabby, too.
“Well, then it’s time we make one and create a few positive memories in it so you can make it your safe space,” he said definitively, like he’d already figured out the solution and the rest of us needed to get on board.
For once, I didn’t argue. I just settled back in the seat, breathing in their scents, both my hands wrapped in theirs, and hoping for the best.
The next thing I knew Leon’s fingers were trailing down my cheek. “We’re here.”
I blinked open my eyes to take in a smaller nesting store than I anticipated. Confused, I glanced over at the guys.
“You don’t do crowds, so I paid off the store for a private shopping experience,” Luca said.
I expected that kind of behavior from Ronan, not him, but I felt a grin taking over my face. They’d listened to my fears and found something that would make it so much easier to face.
“That's so sweet, and such a waste of money,” I said, biting back a smile.
“You’re worth it, so it’s not a waste,” Luca said simply before climbing out. He opened Ronan’s door and all but shoved the alpha out of the way to get to me, holding out a hand. “Shall we?”
This time, I didn’t hesitate. My hand slid into his and I let him pull me toward the door.
A female omega met us at the door. Thankfully, her scent was blocked because not only was I feeling vulnerable, but I was possessive.
I swallowed down my own growl, ignoring Nik’s low chuckle in my ear. The omega didn’t seem to notice, her smile bright, but that fake customer service one that felt detached enough I settled.
“Welcome in,” she greeted, talking directly to me. “Your pack said you prefer a ‘hands off’ approach. You can grab a cart andgrab what you find, bring full carts up here if you go over, and I’ll be up front, just holler if you need help.”
With that, she turned and let us do our thing. I let out a breath as she walked away, before finally taking in the store. It wasn’t as small as I thought, and it seemed to be separated by themes. My eyes were immediately drawn to the red velvet I spotted in the back corner.
I set off in that direction, weaving through the many shelves. Occasionally, other pieces stood out and I’d admire them for a second. The guys didn’t think I noticed how they put them in the cart if I lingered, but I let them have this win.
It was as gorgeous as I thought. There was a long, velvet wall canopy that draped down over the nest. The blankets and pillows were an array of scarlet and deep tones that worked perfectly together.
“This one,” I breathed out, my fingers trailing over the plush velvety fabric. My omega surged forward, a soft sigh escaping my lips that was pure happiness.
“It’s yours,” Luca promised, reaching for the shelf next to the display and dropping one or a few of everything into the waiting carts that Ronan and Nikolai already had waiting. My body tensed as I watched it, but I didn’t fight it.
Ronan watched me as they worked, though he stayed silent until the carts were loaded.
“Why don’t you and Luca go back to the fitting rooms and clothes section. They have some omega-worthy outfits back there.”
“Come on, he’s offering a distraction so you don’t freak out about the price,” Luca whispered as he hooked my arm through his and led me to the farthest spot from the register.
I hated clothes shopping. Every other time I found a set I liked and bought them in multiple colors. I was a simple omega.
The racks were full of oversized sweaters and cute and sexy pajama sets. This time I snagged a few I thought would fit, tossing them into a nearby basket. When I had a few I grabbed an outfit and headed for the dressing room.
It couldn’t hurt to try on one and I could use a bit of fun.
I slid out of my sweater and leggings, trying on the crop top and short set I’d found. Still cozy, but cute.
When I pushed the door open, Luca was there. HIs eyes trailed over, lingering on the strip of skin I’d exposed.
The moment his eyes found mine, I moved, my omega surging forward as we yanked him into the room with us. My nose was running over his neck as I held him against the door.
“Omega,” he warned. “You have to stop. My control is shit right now.”
