22. In the Sunroom

Demi

Soft light pouredin through the big open windows, making the sunroom warm and inviting. I stared at the powder blue couch, too nervous to face Max.

The lock on the door clicked into place, and Max's warm body moved behind me, his energy so intense. I've always been confident in my sexual appeal. I liked being the one in control. But with Max, I felt delicate and shy, and if I'm honest, it had nothing to do with my transition. He had always made me feel that way.

Bracing myself, I turned to face the alpha. "I know you're concerned for my health, but I?—"

"Demi," he cut me off. "I am not concerned for your health." His words made me freeze up, more confused than offended.

"What?" I took a step back, but he followed me.

"I am not concerned for your health," he repeated. "I don't want to mate you out of some biological need that omegas have to survive." His scent grew thick, making my wolf whimper. "I want to mate you because of how you make me feel. You are perfect." He punctuated the word, his eyes flashing red. "Every fucking inch of you. You are smart and sexy, and filled with so much fire," he growled, and I swallowed thickly, unable to speak. "I love the way you look at me and tease me, the dirty things you say, and the way your pussy fits so perfectly around my cock."

A breath rumbled from of his throat and slick gathered between my folds.

"Demetria," Max growled, taking my hand in his. "You are the only thing I want in this life." He sank to his knees, looking up at me with so much intensity. "Please," he kissed the back of my hand, "forgive me for not telling you sooner. Forgive me for upsetting you."

A tight shiver worked through me, making my wolf purr and shimmy. I cleared my throat, then licked my lips. "No."

Max's eyes went wide, before narrowing. "No?"

"I mean yes." I flinched, shaking my head. "I do forgive you," I stammered, trying like hell to focus, "but I think the reason I got so upset by what you said was because you were right."

Max slowly stood, still holding my hand in his. "What do you mean?"

"The life that I knew is over," I said simply. "The Pack Alpha doesn"t want me to work in the packhouse anymore. I can't travel anywhere alone, and if I refuse to mate, then I'll more than likely die." A frustrated tremor gripped me, and I snarled. "All I can think about is the wildflowers that grow in the wildlands. They're so varied and lovely, and I'll never see them again." I pushed out a pained breath, tipping my head back. How was it possible to feel this tired? "I'm sorry. I'm struggling with a lot right now."

"Do you want to be my mate?" Max asked, and my eyes flew open. Alphas didn't ask omegas to be their mates. They took them. Sometimes even screaming and kicking.

"And if I say no?" I waited, hoping my question didn't anger him, but I had to know if he was really giving me an option or if it was a game.

"Then I'll learn to live with a broken heart," he said. His words were so honest and filled with a shocking amount of pain. "You've lived your whole life doing what makes you happy and going where your heart takes you. I want to be one of those choices, not something you settle for."

My throat squeezed with the threat of tears, and my nose began to run. "I don't really know what I want." I sniffled. "I love you, but I'm not really in a position to make a decision that will affect the rest of my life. It's a bit much right now."

I expected Max to offer some kind of comfort, but he stared at me, his lips parted as if in shock.

"You love me?" he asked as a slow spreading smile took hold. "Do you truly mean that?"

A chuckle bubbled from my chest. "Yes." I wiped my nose with the back of my hand. "And you have no idea how inconvenient that is for me." I crossed my arms over my chest, pretending to be angry. "I had plans to leave this damn village. It was boring until…" My mind shot to that fateful night—Max fucking the barmaid against the woodshed in the trees. The way he grunted and snarled. Everything about his powerful body and impressive control gripped me, enticing my wolf like no alpha had before.

"Until what?" Max ran his fingers over my braid.

"My wolf likes you," I said, avoiding his question. "She likes you a lot." I closed the space between us, drifting my hands up his muscular arms.

"Does this mean you forgive me?" He brushed his thumb over the edge of my jaw, and I nodded. "That won't do." He looked deep into my eyes, and heat bloomed in my chest. It traveled down, down, down, making my sex throb.

"What do you need?" I swallowed hard, struggling to think of something sexy or witty to say. This used to be easy.

"What do I need?" Max fell to his knees once again. "I need you, Demetria." He moved his big hand up my calf and behind my knee. "I need you to keep those beautiful green eyes on me." He lifted my leg up, resting my foot on his shoulder. "Talk dirty to me, omega. I've missed that sultry voice too much."

My mind spun, as I struggled to think straight. So I let my instincts guide me, eager for Max's touch. "You missed my voice?" I slipped my hands down my stomach, reaching for the hem of my dress. Max's eyes flashed as I slowly pulled it up, exposing my slick-soaked panties. "Lick me."

A deep growl pushed from Max's chest as he leaned in, then he sucked in a rumbling breath, inhaling me. "Such a sweet little pussy." He opened his mouth wide, then fell into me.

He sucked at the wet fabric, humming as my slick hit his tongue. My slick.

It was so weird. Everything was familiar but brand new at the same time.

The way Max felt and the way he touched me was the same, but my body's reaction was different. Before, it was a slow sizzle between us that intrigued me. But now, my draw to Max was like a moth to a fucking forest fire. My skin was twice as sensitive and my apprehension was completely gone. It was as if consequences didn't exist as long as Max was with me.

"When did you start wearing panties?" Max hitched his finger into them, pulling the wet fabric to one side. He licked his lips, admiring me. "I don't care for them."

"They're to keep me from making a mess of myself." I panted, wishing he'd stop torturing me and get me off already. "They help keep my slick from running down my legs."

Max's lips twitched as he looked up at me. His eyes flashed red, his wolf moving just beneath the surface. "But what if I like your slick running down your legs?" he asked, cocking his brow.

I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could, Max pushed his tongue out, then licked me in one long swipe. I gasped, throwing my head back as he kissed and flicked.

"That's my girl." He sucked gently at my clit, his warm fingers exploring between my folds. "Let's see how hard you can come." His tongue swirled and electricity shot through my body. His hands moved, cupping my ass, and allowing him to suck harder, and lick deeper.

My hips rocked, and I squeezed my breasts. "Max," I moaned, struggling to stand. "I need to come on your cock." He nipped at my clit, and I squealed. "Please!"

"You need my cock?" He leaned back. Slick covered his lips and chin, dripping over his Adam's apple. "Would that make my omega happy?"

I nodded fiercely, my movements frantic.

"Yes, ma'am." Max stood, but he was moving far too slowly.

A haze overtook me, and my wolf rushed forward. "Sit!" I snarled, pushing him backward into the small blue armchair.

He plopped down, palming his huge bulge. "I can't wait to fuck you into your pretty, little nest."

"Give me." I lifted the front of my dress, straddling his lap. "Mine." The word fell into a slow growl as I tugged at the alpha's belt. Max moved his hands over mine, trying to help me, but I shoved them away. "No!" I yelled, and something sharp pushed at my gums. The pressure was intense, building behind my nose and eyes. Panic gripped me, and I hovered my hands over my mouth, not sure what to do.

"It's okay." Max purred softly. "Don't fight it, omega. Let it happen."

"What—" A rip of unbearable pain cut through my mouth. Then all at once, the pressure disappeared as two fangs punched into place. Confused, I slipped my tongue over them, feeling the point on each end.

"Careful," Max warned me, pressing his thumb to the tip of one of them. "While an omega's fangs are not as powerful as an alpha's, they can still cut."

I kept my mouth open, not sure what to do. My mouth still throbbed, and my nose ran. "Hurts," I whimpered.

"I know." He popped the first several buttons of his shirt. "The first time is always a little shocking." He tugged the collar to the side, exposing his right shoulder. "Bite me."

Shock cut through me, making me flinch. "What?" I let out a nervous laugh. "I can't do that."

"Omega." Max leaned forward, hovering his mouth over mine. "If you don't push those pretty little teeth into my flesh, I will be forced to punish you."

A tremor ripped through me, and my head spun. It had been far too long since I had received a good spanking, but I feared I wouldn't be able to enjoy it. My mouth hurt too much.

"Bite, Demi." Max leaned back, pointing to the thick muscle between his neck and shoulder. "Now, omega."

Nervous, I rested my hands on his biceps, then licked my lips. "It won't hurt you?"

Max chuckled deep in his chest. "It's a good hurt." He squeezed my breast through my dress, pressing his thumb over the spot where my scar was. "You know what it feels like."

I wanted to tell him that I didn't actually like being bitten. But that was when I was a beta. Now, staring at Max's smooth, tanned skin, it was all I wanted. I wanted to bite and mark him, just as I wanted the same done to me. It was an odd compulsion, but one that had my wolf salivating with anticipation.

"Right here, omega." Max turned his head to one side, giving me ample room. "Release the pressure in your gum."

Determination flowed through me, and I leaned in. I opened my mouth wide, then closed my mouth around the perfect spot.

"That's right," Max encouraged me, smoothing his hands up the length of my back. "Go on."

Pulling in a deep breath, I braced myself to break his skin. Then I bit down hard.

Blood flooded my mouth, followed by Max's intense essence. It was warm and spicy, similar to his masculine scent. It made my heart pound and my head spin. I sucked hard, needing more.

"That's a good girl," Max purred as he reached between us. His thick cock sprang free, smacking right up against my soaked pussy. "Lift those hips." He guided my body as I continued to push my fangs in deeper, and deeper. It felt amazing.

All the pain was gone, replaced by a euphoric pressure that flowed through me. My nipples tightened and my sex dripped.

"Sit on my cock," Max commanded, positioning himself at my entrance.

I did as I was told, sinking down, filling my overly sensitive pussy with his glorious dick. It stretched and throbbed, making me groan when my hips fell flush with his. My vision blurred as all thought left me.

"Fuck," Max snarled. Then he gripped my hips, moving them for me. He handled my body as if I was simply a hole to be abused. And it thrilled me.

Hot slick flowed from my body, coating Max's lap and slacks. My fingers curled into his skin, while he used me. Forcing my body up and down, over and over again.

"Nnggh!" A strangled moan left my mouth, and I bit down harder.

"Mark me up, omega," Max snarled, letting his head fall on the back of the armchair. "Make it scar." He forced my body down on his cock, lifting his hip at the same time. He hit something deep inside me and I released his flesh, gasping loudly.

"Don't stop!" I begged, throwing my head back.

Pleasure mounted in my belly, coiling tighter and tighter. Max's thumb found my clit, pulling all the air from my lungs. I channeled my fingers through his short, black hair, letting my alpha command my body.

Max thrust up into me, making my body jerk and bounce with him. My breasts jiggled wildly and he palmed one, squeezing my nipple hard. My pussy spasmed at his rough handling and a low moan vibrated between us.

"That"s it," Max growled. "Come on that cock."

My inner walls fluttered, and I crashed my mouth to his. He held me to him as intense pleasure ripped through me. It was an explosion of sensation, rippling from my core. Max moaned into my mouth as his cock jerked inside me. It pulsed, pumping me full of his release.

Then I collapsed, letting my head fall onto his bloody shoulder.

"Such a good omega." Max's voice was rough but his fingers were soft as they caressed the length of my back. "I love you, Demi."

And just like that, my entire world shifted again.

Max wanted me. To keep me and love me.

But my stupid wild heart could only think about the things I was giving up. The things I'd never be able to do again.

Shame beat down on me, and I closed my eyes tight.

Why was this so hard?

Max was very busy the next few days, getting the village ready for Lady Morana's funeral. A few visitors arrived, taking up all of Calia's time. Florence and I ate in the kitchens, which made my wolf wallow and whine. She wanted to be near Max at all times, hating that he was standing guard with Calia and not by my side.

It also didn't help that I had yet to return Max's affections. He told me he loved me every chance he got. In the morning, before bed, during sex, and when we cuddled. I love hearing the tender words, but I couldn't return them. Not yet.

"That's a nice dress, Omega Demi," Florence nodded in approval as I stepped into the sitting room of our little cottage. It was a simple black dress with long sleeves and a high neckline. I had elegant black dress robes for these kinds of occasions, but the fabric was too stiff now. I had tried it on and immediately had to rip it back off. It felt as if my skin was going to tear.

"Is my tie straight?" Florence lifted his chin, showing me the slightly off center knot.

"Let me fix it." I popped his collar up, re-positioning his black tie. The rest of his tailored suit was a deep gray, with shiny black shoes and crisp black shirt. "I fear the jacket will be too warm," I said, taking a step back to assess my work. The tie was perfectly center.

"I'd rather be slightly uncomfortable and well-presented, than to be seen as frumpy." Florence cut me a stern look. "How we dress affects people's opinion of Calia. I'd never give someone a reason to speak an ill word against her."

"Well, the pressed lines in those pants are sure to draw some wonderful compliments." I winked at the beta before moving to the mirror over the fireplace. I checked my hair. I had spent the time curling the ends, giving my blonde tresses a lovely bounce.

"I know it's none of my business," Florence tugged at the ends of his jacket sleeves, making it pull straight, "but what's going on with you and Max?"

My brows shot up at his bold question. Outside of arriving to work on time, Florence didn't seem to care what I did.

"He's my friend." I shrugged, not sure what to say. I loved Max, and it was clear that he loved me. But I was a mess right now, too confused to commit to anything that life changing.

"Friend?" Florence cut me a tense look. "Alphas and omegas can't be friends. Especially when they are…fraternizing." He whispered the word as if it were the most scandalous thing he had ever said. It made me want to laugh.

"Why can't alphas and omegas be friends?" I smiled widely, eager to hear his reasoning.

"Demi." Florence stepped up to me, placing his hand on my shoulder. It was an oddly tender touch. Almost affectionate. "Alphas need to claim their omegas. They are driven with a need and desire that betas simply can't understand. I know you haven't had your first heat yet?—"

"Please, don't talk about my heat." I frowned. "It's weird."

Florence nodded, letting out a long sigh. "Agreed," he said flatly. "But Max's control with you will only go so far. Once you go into your…cycle," he grimaced at his choice of words, "his alpha instincts will take over and he will mark you. It's what his kind do."

I wanted to snap back and tell him I might not get a heat at all. Johns really had no idea what was going on with my body, why I transitioned so late, or when my heat would start. I was a walking mystery.

"Why are you telling me this?" I narrowed my eyes, trying to figure out why Florence cared.

He let out a long sigh, and the sharpness in his eyes shifted. Deep concern pulled at his features as he said, "I know we don't always get along, but I know you very well." He squeezed my shoulder gently. "You've been restless since the day we arrived in Casin. I expected you to up and leave at any moment, but you always stayed. I never understood why since being a maiden clearly wasn't your calling."

I opened my mouth to protest, but the words wouldn't leave my throat. He was right. Calia's mother gifted me this position, so she'd have a confidant to watch over her daughter. At the time, I saw it as a gracious promotion, but deep down I missed my old life. Adventures, parties, and wild love affairs were something I enjoyed.

"If you don't want to be with Max," Florence continued, "then you need to cut it off before you go into your heat and you end up in a situation that you don't want."

My face warmed and my head spun with the truth of his words. "Why do you care?" I looked into his bright blue eyes. "You don't even like me."

"I don"t agree with the idea that omegas can't choose their own mates." Florence fussed with his cufflinks, making sure each one was in place. "We all know the risk involved for older omegas, but I never understood why they weren't allowed to remain unmated if they were okay with taking that choice to the grave." He looked down at me, his eyes filled with a surprising amount of understanding. "You shouldn't be forced to take a mate if you don"t want one, but I fear that Max might make that choice for you. Alphas struggle to control those urges."

His words touched me. They were so kind.

"Max is a good alpha," I sighed. "But I'm struggling with my purpose. Omegas are expected to rest and sleep and fuck their alphas. They don't do anything." I let out a jerky laugh.

"To be fair," Florence leaned in, "you didn't do much while being a beta."

"You aren't helping." I swatted his arm, making the beta gasp.

"Such violence is more becoming of an alpha." He rubbed the spot where I tapped, pretending I landed a horrible blow. "Are you sure the healer has assessed your dynamic correctly? An omega would never?—"

"I really don't like you," I said firmly, turning away from him.

"Yes. I'm very used to that reaction from people." He stood tall, straightening his jacket once again. "Now, you can fret about whether you want to travel the world or commit to Max later. Today is for mourning the death of Alpha Davon's mother. Calia needs us to be focused."

"You know," I smirked at the beta. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were fond of me."

"Absolutely not," Florence"s tone shifted, snarky, "My concern is for Max. He's far too good for you. I'd hate to see the alpha stuck with someone that can't even master the simple task of punctuality. I can only imagine what a chaotic house you'd manage." He opened the front door, gesturing for me to take the lead.

A laugh jerked from my throat. "If you didn't make the walk to work so insufferable, I might get up a bit earlier." I swayed my hips as I walked out the door. "You might be the most boring beta I've ever met in my life."

"And you're the most spoiled one I've ever met." He marched next to me, walking far too quickly. "Pick up your pace. I know you love to be late, but we really should go."

Florence droned on about our duties during the funeral services as we walked up to the packhouse. He cut me angry looks, lecturing me on not riling Calia up. It was kind of comforting.

Everyone else spoke to me as if my whole being had changed since transitioning, but not Florence. He treated me exactly the same. Same cutting glare, and demanding tone. And I loved him deeply for it.

But I'd rather die, then tell him that.