37. Candy

We stood outside Club Heat, looking up at the building from the other side of the road.

People rushed past us from both directions, throwing us scowls and glares for standing in the middle of the pavement with two suitcases blocking their way.

I thought I'd want to take more. Apart from the things in my nest and a few sets of extra clothes, nothing in my apartments was mine, anyway. The next host could have them.

Michael had given us four days to clear out my apartment. We used two of them for the rest of my heat and to relax. Once we had packed up everything from their pack house, we'd board a private jet straight to Rio. I'd already said my goodbyes to the other hosts. Some of them prodded me about what was happening, but I kept my promise to Michael, and to Benny. Not a single word.

"We'll make a real pack house," Zeus said, keeping as far away from me as possible without driving us both mad.

We couldn't risk anyone seeing us from the club windows. As far as everyone else was aware, we were just waiting for a car to drive us to the airport.

"We'll find somewhere in Rio that has the perfect space for your nest," Zeus continued. "Anything you want, any size you want. Even if it's a teeny tiny house on wheels in the middle of a sheep field, it's yours."

I laughed, disgruntlement beating off Odin as he glowered at his brother.

The idea of the four of us trying to live in a house that small was hilarious. I wanted a house that reflected all of us, that gave us each space while keeping us close together at the same time. I didn't want to buy the most expensive mansion on the market. I wanted to take my time to find us a real home, one where we could all be safe, and maybe one day raise a family.

I spun on one foot to face them, pouting. "Are you sure you want a penniless omega? I spent one hundred and fifty thousand on you three. And you let me get kidnapped."

They were in their black work suits, and it was hard not to rub up on them when they looked so sexy, even in public.

"It's a good thing I love you all," I said, cocking a brow, my hands on my hips as my alphas grinned back at me.

Whatever the favour was, I hoped Michael would give us years together before he called us.

Our newer contracts simply stated that, no matter the request, no matter our situation, we would come when Michael needed us. There were no get out clauses and no wiggle room, because it was just a sheet of paper. Our previous contracts had been like books, outlining every single detail of our lives down to our diets and shopping habits. In a way, the shorter contract was scarier, because we had no idea what it really meant, or what was waiting for us in the future.

"Come on, darling." Odin wrapped his fingers around my forearm as Apollo sent me a beaming smile. "The car is here."

My shoulder blades were buzzing. They had been for days. Odin had started on his next tattoo—another raven, spread across his back, a mirror to the one on his chest. This one was to represent everything we had gained and all we loved about each other. For all the good things coming in our future, and to put the past behind us.

I drew in a deep breath, looking at my mates, at what I had been given, at everything I had gone through to lead me to them. I sighed into their touch, my heart bursting with joy.

Apollo stepped forward to open the door as Odin and Zeus piled my suitcases in the boot.

After everything, we had finally made it. Part of me couldn't believe it. And I was sure it would feel that way for weeks, maybe months, because freedom always seemed out of reach for us.

When my mates were finally inside the car, I paused, peering up at Club Heat and the shiny black glass that made up the building. Sixty floors of guests and hosts, as well as memories I'd treasure, and others I wanted to forget. And we'd never have to enter that building again.

"Candy?" Apollo asked from within the car.

I let go of my tension, sending my love out to them, letting it pulse through the bond, showing all three of them how much they had given me.

"I'm coming," I called back to him.

I took one last look at the building I'd called home for two years, a fond smile tracing my lips before I slipped into the car.

No guests, no contracts, nothing to tie me to the place.

Just the start of a new life with three alphas who loved me and would never let me go.