8. Colton

The boardroom air felt thick,saturated with tension and recycled breath as Colton"s gaze flicked from one animated face to another. Jaxon and the rest of the board members were embroiled in a heated debate, each point countered with a sharper one, voices rising like the temperature in the room. Colton's patience was threadbare as he weighed in when necessary, steering the conversation away from conflict and toward resolution.

When the final gavel came down, signifying an end to the prolonged deliberation, a collective exhale seemed to sweep through the room. Jaxon leaned back in his chair, his smile laced with relief and mischief.

"Coffee anyone? I think we've earned it. Brewed Dreams?"

Colton"s posture relaxed at the mention of the coffee shop. The thought of their rich blends—and more so, who might deliver them—acted as a balm to his frayed nerves.

"Yes," he agreed without hesitation.

Jaxon pulled out his phone, fingers tapping swiftly as he placed an order online. He added an extra note with a generous tip attached: Requesting Delcy for delivery. Colton's pulse thrummed with anticipation.

They retreated to Jaxon"s office to continue sifting through business matters. Yet Colton"s attention wavered; his eyes repeatedly strayed to the door. Time stretched taut, minutes ticking by until finally, Delcy appeared.

Outside Jaxon"s office, the staff"s heads turned almost in unison toward her. Whispers buzzed through the open space like static. Colton caught glimpses of curiosity mingled with envy from some of the females within their ranks. Their stares seemed to claw at Delcy's presence, seeking to assert dominance or challenge her right to be there.

The chair scraped against the plush carpet as Colton stood, a towering figure amid the sleek furnishings of Jaxon"s office. Outside, his staff"s attention swiveled toward him.

"Delcy!" His voice cut through the hum like a finely honed blade, turning heads and halting whispers in their tracks. The surprise that flashed across Delcy"s face softened into something gentler as their eyes met.

As she approached, navigating between desks with the coffee carriers in her hands, Colton"s chest swelled with protectiveness. The hostile glares from some of his staff seemed to curl around her like smoke, but Colton stood as her shield, his presence a silent decree that she was under his care.

Behind him, Jaxon chimed in with his own greeting. "Hello, Delcy."

"Hi," she said, her voice a soothing melody to Colton"s ears.

Without shifting his gaze from Delcy, he instructed Mike and Emma, "Take those to the old fogy in the boardroom. And, Delcy, come in."

Mike scrambled to comply, seizing one of the carriers that held six cups. Emma took two cups from the carrier still in Delcy"s hand. Together, they withdrew in the direction of the boardroom.

Colton watched as Delcy came into Jaxon"s office, her grace amidst the sea of scrutiny igniting a sense of pride within him.

As the door closed with a click, sealing off the outside world, Colton felt a shift within him; a lightness bloomed in his chest as her scent—a delicate blend of coffee beans and something uniquely hers—permeated the air around them. Her presence chased away the lingering shadows of the boardroom debates.

Delcy's hands moved to her face mask, peeling it away with graceful fingers. The action wasn"t lost on Colton. It was as though she allowed them a glimpse into her vulnerability.

He watched intently as her features became fully visible, her eyes bright and lips parting in what might be considered comfort. She handed them their coffee with an elegance that belied her humble attire. Their fingers brushed during the exchange, and sparks danced up Colton"s arm from the fleeting contact. A smile tugged at his lips as he savored the touch.

"Thanks for bringing these over," Jaxon said cheerfully.

"It's no problem at all," Delcy said, her voice threading through the space between them with ease.

As they settled around Jaxon"s desk with steaming cups cradled in their hands, Colton remained acutely aware of Delcy"s every move, the way she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear or the way she shifted.

There was an undeniable chemistry brewing among them, a dynamic charged with potential and promise yet grounded in a simple pleasure found within shared moments like these.

It had become their ritual to order coffee from Brewed Dreams with Delcy as their designated courier. Sure, they could"ve visited the shop themselves after work hours, but this was about more than caffeine. It was about her scent permeating their space, subtly marking it as hers, too.

Colton sipped his coffee slowly, feeling its warmth cascade down his throat while observing Delcy. The brothers were territorial by nature—their office space, their penthouse, and especially their bedrooms were sacred grounds reserved for those they deemed worthy. And Delcy—Delcy was more than worthy.

"How's your day been?" Jaxon asked.

"It"s been good," she said. "Busy. You?"

"I"m on the hunt for the perfect restaurant for our date," Jaxon said playfully.

A rosy hue bloomed across Delcy's cheeks, a sight that stirred something possessive within Colton's chest.

"You"re not a vegan or anything, are you?" Jaxon asked with a casual tilt of his head. "I want to make sure we pick a place you"ll actually enjoy."

Delcy"s chuckle rippled through the room, light and unguarded.

"No, I"m not," she said. The sound seemed to vibrate along Colton"s skin, stirring the air around him into a current charged with her presence.

Jaxon"s lips quirked up at her response.

"Good to know," he said with an ease that belied his calculated interest. "I want this dinner to be perfect."

Colton remained silent, his coffee cup held loosely in his grasp as he absorbed the scene before him. Delcy"s laughter had settled into a comfortable rhythm between them, and he could almost feel the balance shift as they each vied for her attention in their own way.

The dynamic was clear—Jaxon with his lighthearted charm and himself with a quiet intensity that seemed to pull at Delcy like an invisible thread. Yet there was no overt competition between them. It was more akin to a dance, a careful negotiation of steps around each other"s presence.

"Any particular cuisines you prefer?" Jaxon continued.

Colton took another sip of his coffee, its bitterness grounding him as he waited for Delcy's reply. She seemed thoughtful for a moment before answering.

"I"m pretty open when it comes to food," she said. "I love trying new things."

Her words sparked an idea within Colton, an opportunity to explore something beyond the usual sterile business lunches and formal dinners that populated his calendar. What would it be like to experience new flavors alongside Delcy? To witness the play of emotions across her face as she tasted something extraordinary for the first time?

Jaxon nodded approvingly. "That"s great! It gives us plenty of options, then."

Colton set his cup down on the glass surface of the desk, his thoughts churning. There was an excitement building within him at the prospect of sharing an experience with Delcy, an eagerness he hadn"t felt in quite some time.

He watched as Jaxon stood up straighter, running a hand through his hair, a gesture Colton recognized as one part nervousness and two parts excitement.

Delcy shifted on her feet slightly, her hands clasped together in front of her as if anchoring herself amidst their alpha presences. Her smile remained, though, a sign that she wasn"t entirely uncomfortable with their attention.

His eyes traced over her figure, over the soft curves concealed beneath modest attire and the way she held herself with both grace and resilience. It wasn"t just physical attraction that pulled at him; it was everything she represented—strength amid adversity, beauty in simplicity.

"So no dietary restrictions, then?" Colton found himself asking before he could filter the impulse.

Delcy turned toward him, those bright eyes locking on to his with clarity and warmth.

"None," she said with a nod.

The corner of Colton"s mouth twitched upward into what might have been considered a smile, a rare expression reserved for moments that truly moved him.

"Well then," Jaxon said, breaking into Colton's thoughts. "That settles it."

The air in Jaxon's office hung heavy with unspoken words and burgeoning desires as Delcy prepared to leave. Colton watched her every move intently, committing it all to memory—the way she smiled politely at Jaxon's quips, how her gaze flitted between them both like a butterfly seeking nectar from two rare blooms.

"Thanks for bringing these by," Colton finally said when she made to depart, his voice low and laced with sincerity.

Delcy nodded with a small smile that set off flutters in Colton's stomach, a reaction both foreign and exhilarating.

As she exited the room, leaving behind traces of her scent in the air, Colton realized this was no mere infatuation or alpha possessiveness; it was something far deeper. She"d seeped into their lives seamlessly yet irrevocably, and now he found himself standing at a precipice he hadn"t known existed—teetering on the edge of something profound and life-altering.

* * *

Colton stoodby the panoramic windows of his penthouse, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon swirling in his hand. The aroma of herbs and searing meat wafted from the kitchen where a private chef was crafting an extravagant dinner, his movements orchestrated with Mrs. Danvers" assistance.

Jaxon lounged in an armchair across the room, his legs casually draped over the side, his own glass dangling lazily from his fingers. The playful glint in his eye matched the half smile that always seemed to dance on his lips.

The air between them hummed with the day"s recollections, and both brothers wore their thoughts about Delcy like cloaks—visible only to each other.

Hawkins moved through the dining area with silent grace, placing elegant chinaware upon the table. The soft clink of porcelain on marble underscored their conversation as Jaxon scrolled through his phone, a list of high-end restaurants at his fingertips.

"You think La Lumière is too much for a first date?" Jaxon"s voice broke through Colton"s contemplation of the wine"s deep color.

Colton took a sip, allowing the flavor to settle on his palate before answering. "It might be. We don"t want to overwhelm her."

Jaxon chuckled softly, setting his phone down on the armrest.

"Maybe we should just invite her here. Wouldn"t that be more comfortable? Intimate?"

The suggestion caused Colton to pause, considering the notion for a moment. The penthouse was indeed a sanctuary away from prying eyes and expectations, but it was also their world, one that Delcy might not be ready to step into just yet.

"It"s too soon for that," he said, turning to gaze out at the city lights beginning to twinkle alive. "It"s only a first date, Jax. We have to take it slow, especially knowing how reluctant she is."

A sigh escaped Jaxon as he took a thoughtful sip from his glass.

"You"re right," he said after a moment. "But I"m telling you now, by the third date, she has to come here." His eyes held a gleam that spoke of more than just desire; it was near reverence for the omega who had unwittingly captured their attention.

Colton raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he considered his brother"s words. The idea of Delcy in their home—her laughter echoing off these walls, her scent mingling with theirs—was tempting and terrifying all at once.

"I want her scent to permeate my home," Jaxon continued, almost dreamily. "So I can bask in it." His gaze drifted toward the kitchen where aromas promised an imminent feast.

Colton watched Jaxon"s expression soften at the thought and knew he felt much the same way. But Delcy was not just any omega; she was resilient and fiercely independent. They couldn"t rush this, couldn"t afford to scare her away with their intensity.

"We"ll see how it goes," Colton said, taking another sip of wine as he turned back to look at his brother.

Jaxon met his gaze with a nod, understanding passing between them without the need for further words.

The chime of the doorbell resonated through the penthouse, pulling Colton from his musings. He watched Hawkins stride with purpose toward the entrance, his steps measured and discreet. The door swung open and in burst a whirlwind of energy and exuberance.

Louise didn"t just enter a room, she owned it. Her rich chocolate hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders, a stark contrast to the bright lemon-yellow dress that clung to her frame and ended just above her knees. The fabric accentuated her slender waist and flowed with every movement, as if it were part of her vibrant persona.

She approached Colton with a smile that could outshine the most lavish chandelier.

"Evening, big bro!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in an affectionate hug.

Colton returned the embrace, a soft smile gracing his features as he felt her warmth. She planted a kiss on his cheek, a routine gesture filled with sisterly love.

"Good evening, Lou," he replied, releasing her to take in the full view of her outfit.

The dress was a daring choice, bold in color and cut, much like Lou herself. It paired perfectly with the delicate gold chain that draped around her neck and the matching earrings that danced at her lobes with each tilt of her head. Her eyes, bright blue like his own, sparkled with mischief and curiosity.

Jaxon rose from his chair, abandoning his phone entirely as he approached Lou with open arms.

"You look like summer come early," he teased as he embraced her.

Lou giggled at the compliment before pulling back to meet Jaxon"s gaze.

"That fashion gala was awesome. Too bad you were too busy to escort me," she said animatedly. "As for our dear Colt here, he might as well have been a handsome statue. I can"t fathom where his thoughts wandered. Maybe Mars? Venus? Perhaps even Jupiter. Or potentially to a distant star system altogether."

Jaxon"s laughter filled the room, rich and genuine.

"Really? That"s unlike you, Colt." He shot Colton a knowing look, one that spoke volumes of their shared secret without uttering a single word about Delcy.

Colton shifted uncomfortably at the memory of how distracted he had been at the event. It wasn"t like him to be so caught up in his own headspace, especially not in public.

"And what about at Sterling Galleria?" Lou prodded, tapping a manicured nail against her lips thoughtfully. "You were miles away there, too. You were standing there staring at one of our boutiques across the café as if you"d seen a ghost."

Colton felt Jaxon"s interest spike without even looking at him.

"Here I thought we share everything," Jaxon said with feigned hurt.

"Grunt all you want," Lou said playfully, nudging Colton"s shoulder. "I know something, or someone, has been occupying your thoughts."

The conversation flowed around Colton as if he were caught in its current. He tried to deflect their probing with noncommittal sounds and half-hearted shrugs but knew it was futile against their combined force of nature.

"So who is she?" Lou pressed on with relentless cheerfulness.

Colton"s silence was met with an exaggerated gasp from Lou as she turned to Jaxon for answers.

"You"re holding out on me too? Betrayal!" she mock-accused, placing a hand over her heart dramatically.

Jaxon grinned broadly at their sister"s antics before glancing back at Colton with an expectant raise of his eyebrows.

"We"ve met someone," Colton said finally, knowing full well that once Lou got wind of something intriguing, there was no stopping her until she unearthed every last detail.

Lou"s eyes widened like saucers as she clasped her hands together excitedly.

"Oh my gosh! Tell me everything!"

Jaxon moved to sit beside Lou on one of the plush sofas dotting the living room area.

"Her name is Delcy," he began as Colton watched on silently.

"Delcy?" Lou repeated the name as if tasting it for the first time. Her gaze flitted between the brothers expectantly.

"She works at Brewed Dreams," Jaxon continued while Colton found himself studying his wineglass intently, anything to avoid spilling more than necessary about Delcy and how she had infiltrated his every waking thought.

"An omega," Jaxon added after a pause for effect, glancing at Colton who nodded almost imperceptibly in confirmation.

Lou leaned forward, intrigued by this piece of information.

"And what"s she like?"

"She"s..." Colton searched for words that would do Delcy justice without revealing too much of his inner turmoil. "Different," he settled on saying finally.

"Different good or different bad?" Lou probed further while twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

"Different exceptional," Jaxon supplied smoothly when Colton hesitated.

The room hummed with questions left unasked and answers not yet given. It seemed as though every detail about Delcy was being dissected under an invisible microscope by his sister"s keen senses, and all without having met the woman who"d caused such an upheaval in their lives.

Lou settled back into the cushions with a satisfied hum as if filing away this new information for future use. Her curiosity never waned but instead took root deep within her, ready to spring forth at any given opportunity, and Colton knew there would be many more opportunities now that Lou had caught wind of Delcy.

Colton savored the last sip of his wine when the doorbell chimed again, its tone slicing through the banter between Jaxon and Lou. Hawkins moved to answer it, his steps silent and sure.

Moments later, Landon and Aston, their cousins, entered the room. Landon, with his hair stylishly disheveled, sported a mischievous grin that reached his steely blue eyes. He was dressed casually yet elegantly in a crisp white shirt paired with dark jeans that did nothing to hide his lean, athletic build.

Aston trailed just behind him, exuding an air of composed sophistication. His hair bore hints of auburn that gleamed under the ambient lighting, complementing his sharp jawline and crisp suit that he wore with an effortless grace. His ocean-blue eyes held a seriousness that contrasted starkly with his younger twin Landon"s playful demeanor.

"Louise!" Landon called out with cheerful familiarity as he spotted his cousin. His approach was confident but relaxed, a stark contrast to Lou"s sudden intensity.

Lou"s expression morphed into one of indignation as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Landon Sterling! You ditched me!"

Landon chuckled, undeterred by Lou"s glare.

"Guilty as charged," he said with a shrug. "But I promise I"ll make it up to you."

"You better," Lou retorted, though her tone had softened at his easygoing charm.

Colton watched the exchange with a small smile before turning to Aston who had greeted Jaxon with a hug and a back slap.

"Care for some wine?" Colton offered, gesturing toward the assortment of bottles that graced the sideboard.

"Wouldn"t miss it," Aston replied as he accepted a glass from Colton.

With everyone settled and glasses in hand, conversation blossomed anew amidst laughter and clinking crystal. Lou"s voice cut through the most, a lively melody against the deeper tones of their male counterparts.

"So," Lou began after recounting an amusing encounter from her day at the boutique. "I"m on the hunt for something fresh for Opus Chic, something sophisticated and unique that fits our slogan and brand."

Aston nodded thoughtfully as he took a sip from his glass.

"Each Stitch a Masterstroke," he recited the tagline with appreciation.

"Exactly," Lou affirmed. "The designs need to stand out. They should be walking pieces of art."

"As they always are," Landon chimed in. "Opus Chic is where fashion meets innovation, a testament to our family"s dedication to excellence."

Colton watched as Lou beamed at their support before Hawkins" discreet announcement that dinner was served shifted their attention.

They migrated to the dining table where an array of beautifully plated dishes awaited them, each one a testament to culinary artistry.

The conversation turned toward business as they enjoyed their meal, talk of numbers and strategies intermingling with compliments on the chef"s skill.

"We"re due to leave for Singapore again soon," Aston said between bites of seared scallops resting atop a delicate pea puree.

"Ah yes," Colton acknowledged as he savored a forkful of perfectly cooked lamb. "Sterling Bayfront Tower."

Landon leaned back in his chair slightly, his gaze thoughtful.

"It"s coming along well," he said. "We"ve been working closely with some impressive architects, ensuring everything aligns with Sterling standards."

"The Sterling name is synonymous with luxury," Jaxon said while reaching for another slice of bread from the basket in the center of the table.

"And sophistication," Lou interjected before taking another sip of wine.

Aston raised his glass in agreement. "And we intend to keep it that way."

Colton listened intently as Landon outlined some innovative features they planned to incorporate into both establishments, a mix of luxury retail spaces and exclusive amenities designed to cater to an elite clientele.

"It sounds ambitious," he said after swallowing a mouthful of wine-braised short ribs.

Aston smiled confidently. "Ambition has never been something we lacked."

Lou turned toward Colton suddenly, her eyes alight with an idea she"d just conceived.

"Colt, you and Jax should bring Delcy around Opus Chic sometime, get her perspective on our latest collections."

Colton paused mid-chew at Lou"s suggestion, mulling over how Delcy might fit into this aspect of their world—a world where every thread spun into fabric was steeped in wealth and expectation.

"She has quite an eye for art and detail, I think she"d appreciate our work there," Jaxon said supportively while reaching for his glass once more.

Colton felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through him at Jaxon"s words, an acknowledgment that Delcy was already becoming part of their considerations without even being present.

"It would be interesting to see what she thinks," Colton said cautiously as he placed his cutlery down on his plate with precision. The idea was enticing but he would have to tread carefully, Delcy"s comfort was paramount above all else.

Landon"s interest piqued as he forked another piece of lamb, chewing thoughtfully. "Who"s Delcy?"

Colton could feel every pair of eyes at the table shift to him, their gazes weighted with varying degrees of curiosity. He placed his wineglass back on the table, the contents barely disturbed, and met Landon"s gaze with a measured calm.

"She"s someone Jaxon and I have recently met," he said, his voice betraying none of the turmoil that name stirred within him.

Lou leaned forward, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she took up the narrative thread.

"Oh, she"s more than just someone. Colton and Jaxon are actually interested in her."

Aston raised an eyebrow, a rare flicker of surprise crossing his composed features.

"Really? That"s unexpected." His voice was tinged with a mix of intrigue and skepticism.

Colton shifted slightly in his chair, the undercurrents of doubt from his cousins stirring an uncomfortable heat beneath his collar. He took a sip of water, willing the coolness to temper the reaction he struggled to suppress.

Landon"s grin broadened as he set down his cutlery and folded his arms on the table.

"I"m intrigued," he said. "You two are known for your... let"s say, fleeting connections."

A light laugh echoed around the table at Landon"s diplomatic phrasing. Colton felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth, an acknowledgment of their reputation that was both accurate and misleading.

"It"s always been flings and one-night stands with you two," Aston said, resting his chin on steepled fingers. "What makes this woman different?"

The question hung in the air like smoke, dense and probing. Colton could sense Jaxon"s eyes on him, a silent nudge for him to field this one.

"Different," Colton began, choosing his words carefully as if they were chess pieces being maneuvered into place. "She has... a certain resilience that"s admirable." He glanced briefly at Lou who nodded encouragingly.

"And," Jaxon added with an easy smile that belied the depth of his feelings. "She has an air about her, a quiet strength that sets her apart."

A murmur of acknowledgment circled the table as Landon nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like she"s made quite an impression on you both."

Colton let out a slow breath, conceding to that truth silently while maintaining his outward composure. The very thought of Delcy sent ripples through his usually placid exterior—ripples that threatened to become waves if he wasn"t careful.

Lou looked between her brothers and their cousins with an expression that danced between mischief and pride.

"They"re smitten," she declared, folding her napkin neatly beside her plate.

Colton tensed at Lou"s declaration. Smitten was a word fraught with implications he wasn"t ready to examine too closely just yet. But there was no denying the pull Delcy had on them both, an allure that defied explanation.

"Smitten?" Aston echoed with raised eyebrows, a hint of humor in his tone now mingling with genuine curiosity.

"Utterly captivated," Lou confirmed with a dramatic flourish of her hand.

Colton felt Aston"s gaze settle on him, a perceptive look that seemed to delve beneath the surface, searching for something more profound than mere captivation.

"Interesting," Aston mused aloud after a moment. "I would have never taken you for one to be so easily charmed."

The word charmed lingered uncomfortably in Colton"s mind—too light, too insubstantial for what he felt when it came to Delcy. It was something deeper, a connection that tugged at parts of him he had long since barricaded against such entanglements.

He met Aston"s gaze squarely now, steel-blue eyes locked in silent communication.

"It isn"t charm," Colton said quietly but firmly. His voice held a resonance that seemed to carry more weight than mere words. It carried conviction.

Jaxon chuckled softly beside him, a sound that held both camaraderie and commiseration. He understood all too well the strange territory they found themselves navigating.

The conversation drifted to the safer waters of business ventures and upcoming projects as dinner progressed into dessert and coffee served in delicate porcelain cups that Mrs. Danvers poured with practiced hands.

But even as they discussed market trends and financial forecasts, Colton couldn"t shake off Aston"s observation or Lou"s playful accusation of being smitten. He found himself distracted once more, his thoughts straying beyond this room filled with family and familiarity to where Delcy might be at this very moment.

* * *

The penthouse fell silent,a stark contrast to the laughter and clinking glasses that filled the air just moments ago. Jaxon had flashed his mischievous grin before leaving. Lou had embraced him with her usual exuberance, and Aston, ever the gentleman, had offered a polite nod. Landon's parting smirk lingered in Colton"s mind as the door closed behind them.

Colton navigated the expansive living space, the remnants of family chatter dissipating into the night. He stood at the window, his reflection merging with the cityscape beyond. There she was again, Delcy"s image flickering in his mind, the repetition of images as stubborn as the persistent hum of traffic below.

With a deep sigh, he turned away from the glass pane and headed toward his private sanctuary. The bathroom"s marble tiles felt cool underfoot as he shed his clothes, one piece at a time. The shower came alive with a hiss, steam curling up to greet him as he stepped inside.

The water cascaded over him, hot streams tracing paths down his skin. He leaned against the cool wall tiles, his thoughts wandering unbidden to Delcy. The curve of her smile, that spark of defiance in her eyes—images danced behind his closed lids. How would her softness contrast with the hardness of these walls? Would she gasp as he drew her close, water rushing over them both?

He imagined her here with him, their breaths mingling in the humid air. Her fingers would trace the lines of tension along his shoulders, soothing away the weight of expectations that always clung to him.

Colton pushed back against the wall and let out a ragged breath. The water sluiced over him, but it was Delcy"s touch he felt—gentle yet capable of igniting something fierce within him. In his mind"s eye, he saw her delicate form bathed in the warm water, her omega scent intoxicatingly sweet. Her dark hair, usually tied back in a practical ponytail, was now loose, clinging to her damp skin. The sight of her like this, vulnerable yet defiant, sent a surge of possessiveness coursing through his veins. Her eyes were locked on his, filled with a mixture of fear and desire. It was a potent combination, one that only served to fuel the fire of his lust.

With a growl, Colton stepped closer to her in his imagination. He reached out, his fingers tracing the contours of her face, her neck, her shoulders. She shivered under his touch, but whether it was from cold or anticipation, he couldn"t tell.

"You"re beautiful," he said, his voice low and husky. "So damn beautiful."

In his fantasy, she didn"t respond with words. Instead, she simply stared up at him, her eyes conveying a thousand unspoken thoughts. Her lips parted slightly, as if she was about to say something, but then she closed them again, biting down on her lower lip.

The gesture sent a jolt of pure, raw desire straight to Colton"s groin. He could feel his cock hardening. He wanted her. No, he needed her.

He pulled her close to him, her wet body pressing against his. She gasped softly at the contact, her breath warm against his chest. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart, matching the frantic rhythm of his own.

He kissed her, his lips moving urgently against hers, their tongues tangling together in a dance of passion and desire. Her hands roamed over his body, her touch sending tremors through him, igniting a fire that burned deep within his soul.

Colton"s hands traveled down her body, exploring every curve, every dip. When he reached her hips, he gripped them firmly, lifting her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her heat pressing against his throbbing erection.

With a groan, he pushed into her, filling her up completely. She cried out, her back arching as she adjusted to his size. He paused for a moment, allowing her time to acclimate to his invasion.

He began to move. Slowly at first, savoring the feeling of her tight, wet heat wrapping around him. But soon, his rhythm quickened, becoming more urgent, more demanding.

He was lost in his fantasy, his body responding to the images in his mind. He reached down and gripped himself, stroking in time with the imagined thrusts of his hips.

He thrust harder, deeper, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, a dance of raw, untamed desire. Colton"s breathing quickened as he neared his climax, his body tense with the effort of holding back. He wanted to make it last, to savor the feeling of Delcy in his arms.

She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders as he thrust into her again and again. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, each one sending a shiver down his spine.

"Colton," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rushing water. "Please..."

The plea in her voice sent him spiraling over the edge. With a roar, he drove into her one final time, burying himself deep inside her, his body shuddering with the force of his release. She cried out, her body squirming as her own release washed over her.

He leaned against the wall of the shower, his breath heavy. His body was still tingling with the aftermath of his orgasm, and he could still feel Delcy"s imagined touch on his skin and smell her sweet pheromone in the air.

As she stood there, water streaming down her face, he couldn"t help but feel a strange sense of... peace? Contentment? Whatever it was, it was a feeling he hadn"t experienced in a long time.

But then, just as quickly as it had come, the feeling vanished, replaced by a familiar sense of restlessness. This was just that—a fantasy. The reality was that Delcy was still out there, living her life, completely oblivious to the storm of emotions and desires that raged within him.

The steam blurred his vision as he reached for a towel and wrapped it around his waist. After donning black silk pajama bottoms, he headed into his bedroom and slipped between cool sheets.

Colton"s imagination roamed free, once again, in the quiet darkness. He envisioned Delcy lying next to him, the scent of her hair filling his senses, her skin soft against his own. His heart raced at the thought of exploring every inch of her, discovering what sounds she made when pleasure overtook her.

In this world of fantasy, he made love to her, a symphony of whispered promises and fervent caresses played out on satin sheets. Each imagined touch was both question and answer, each sigh shared was a vow.

His hands would caress her gentle curves as he worshipped her with his mouth, kissing lower until she was gasping in pleasure. He could almost hear her cries of ecstasy as he feasted on her slick folds, driving her toward release with his lips and tongue. Her back would arch off the bed, fingers tangled in his hair to keep him against her. He would devour her until she shattered in his arms.

Then he would blanket her body with his, their limbs entwining as he entered her in one smooth stroke. She would cling to him, nails raking down his back, while he took her hard and deep. He would pound into her relentlessly until they were both crying out in shared rapture.

Colton ached to lose himself in her, to be surrounded by her heat as their bodies joined together. He wanted nothing more than to claim her as his. She consumed his thoughts, this precious omega that had somehow captivated him so completely.

He found release to the imagined sounds of her ecstasy, groaning into the darkness of his bedroom. As he came down from his high, he could still envision her there with him, curled against his side. He wrapped his arms around his jacket she had touched, pretending for a moment that it was her as he inhaled her sweet scent that still lingered on the sleek material.

Satisfied yet still craving her presence, he eventually drifted off to sleep, and his last conscious thought was one of contentment, a feeling alien yet welcomed in its novelty.

But peace proved fleeting as shadows crept into Colton"s dreams, distorted scenes swirling through his subconscious. Heat engulfed him, an all-too-familiar blaze that clawed at his insides with merciless intent. A girl lay beneath him—face obscured.

He was back there again, seven years past—the same overpowering heat driving him beyond reason or control, lost in the haze of pure animalistic need. His hands were both captor and liberator as they pinned her down. He could not stop his body from taking her again and again, his inner alpha consumed by lust. She cried, but he was deaf to everything except his own primal urges.

Colton jolted awake, heart hammering against ribs that felt too confining for its frantic beat. He gasped for air not thickened by dreams and buried his face in his hands. Shame and self-loathing crashed over him.

Why now? Why must these memories return to haunt him when he"d worked so hard to cage them? They were specters from a time when arrogance ruled over empathy, a time before he understood consequences lived beyond moments of heated rush.

That incident was his greatest regret, that time he had lost control. He had been little more than a rutting beast. And she? She had been a mere slip of a girl, faceless to him during his heat, barely legal at the age of eighteen.

Colton swung his legs off the bed and planted them firmly on solid ground—ground that did not shift beneath guilt's weighty gaze like it did in dreams.

He rose and moved through the darkness until he reached the balcony door. Night air kissed his skin, a soothing balm to still-smoldering embers within. There stood Colton Sterling—alpha by birth but man by choice—grappling with specters of regret.