Chapter 24

Chapter Twenty-Four

AUGUSTINE

C ere looks gorgeous in a flowing teal skirt with a slit up the side for her knife, a white cropped tank-top that says ‘ Feed me or Die' and sandals when she steps out of her bedroom. I'm so used to seeing her in combat boots, they threw me.

My little omega just gave me a shy smile and shrugged, her hair curled and beautiful.

Holy shit, this is what it's like to go on a date with my best friend.

I've been dreaming of this moment, despite the fact that I had sex with her and Gabriel just half an hour ago.

"Wow," I murmur. "You look gorgeous. That slit is going to tease me all day, but you know that, don't you?"

"Mmhmmm," she says with a grin. "I'm having a hard time not stripping you of your clothes and tasting your skin myself."

I'm wearing a black band T-shirt with jeans and nice boots, my hair's looking a little wind blown too. The way she gazes at me tempts me to keep her home until I need to go to the club, but her stomach rumbles, reminding me that she hasn't eaten yet.

"You need to stop looking at me like that, Sweetheart, and get your sweet ass out the door," I tell her, swatting her ass as she walks away.

I remind myself I should work out more with Gabe to keep her looking at me just like that. I hate getting up early, but it just may be worth it.

The drive downtown passes with us teasing each other and laughing.

"Are you going to try anything spicy today?" she asks. I am a baby about food that's really spicy, and I grimace as she giggles. "What restaurants are on the list?"

"It's food trucks," I correct, loving the way her eyes light up. There's been a lot of new growth in Minneapolis we haven't had a chance to explore yet.

"Hell yes," she says with a grin as I park.

"Let me get your door?" I growl, enjoying her shiver as she nods. Opening the door, I come around to help her out, my hands easily lifting her up.

"This is new," she says, winking at me as she looks up into my eyes.

"You're mine, and I can finally stop pretending you're not," I tell her. "As soon as you're ready, I'm going to bite both you and Gabriel to make it official. I don't want to freak you out, but?—"

"I've been convincing myself that you can't be mine for years," she says softly. "I know you'd never hurt me. You're the best alpha I know."

Leaning down to kiss her, I rub my nose against Cere's, loving the whine she gives me in return.

"Jasper and Tommy may not make the best decisions all of the time, but I'm pretty sure they'd rather cut their hearts out than hurt you," I whisper against her lips. "Do you know that?"

"After the way Jasper looked like he wanted to shit himself when I burst into tears this morning? Yes, I know," she murmurs. "We had a rough beginning."

"Yes, but that just makes their ‘falling over themselves to worship you', so much more fun for you," I tease her. "Your birthday is tomorrow, and I didn't have a chance to pick up all of my surprises. Everything spoiled with the accident."

"Really?" she asks, jaw dropping. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"Ha! As if I would ever forget your birthday, silly," I tell her. "The guys are going to pick up your favorites in Chicago, so I can make you a proper dinner. You deserve to be spoiled."

"Did you just spoil a secret?" Cerenity asks as I shut the door behind her and lock up. Pulling her into motion, I roll my eyes as I realize that yes, I did.

"Oops," I say, unrepentant. "Pretend to be surprised, would ya?"

Tossing her head back, she laughs as we walk together. Her butterfly tattoos peek out of her crop-top, ending at her neck. It makes me wonder where I'll mark her. Bites become iridescent once they heal, so people can easily see them if they care.

Unfortunately, that's half the fun for an alpha: to kidnap and hurt an omega with a pack. My hand spasms as I wrap my arm around her waist so she won't notice. I still find myself watching her while she sleeps, semi-terrified that something is going to happen to her. I don't think I'd survive it, and I'll end up as sad and broken as Corbin Murphy.

"You good, Auggie?" Cerenity asks, looking up at me.

"Perfect. Thinking about all the ways I love you," I say. It's a slight lie of omission, but no less true. Xavier's murder rocked me more than I'm willing to admit, even to myself. Someone has a hidden agenda regarding my omega, and I hate that I can't put her in a bubble to protect her.

Cerenity would fucking despise it if I did.

"I love you too, but there's more," she says, rolling her eyes.

"Xavier's death is kind of bothering me is all," I tell her, blowing out a breath. "There's too many unanswered questions there."

"I agree," she says as we step up to where there's a group of people gathered for the tour. "We're going to be pretty safe today, so I forewent the boots for cute sandals. I still have my knife just in case though, it's going to be fine."

Nodding, I agree. "Yes, and I'm here. Will you let me know if you go anywhere after I leave for the club tonight, please?"

"Yes," she says easily. I gaze at her, wondering if she's been abducted by pod people. The tour guide begins to speak and I pinch Cere's ass, loving her gasp as she attempts to hold back a squeal.

"I said I would," she hisses.

"I'm amazed," I grunt as we begin our walk through downtown Minneapolis.

The food trucks are amazing, and Cere and I took turns being that annoying couple who feed each other. We had a long road to get here, but damn was it worth it.

Tacos, an Asian inspired fusion truck, and mini gourmet donuts were my top picks from today. Rubbing my stomach, I groan with happiness. The walking today definitely is helping me digest.

"Everything was so good," Cerenity moans. God, her happy food noise is so close to the one she made in the shower, my cock immediately twitches.

"Baby," I whimper. "It was all so good, but you're making me crave a snack between your thighs."

Walking up to the truck together, Cere checks her phone for the time. "We don't have time for that," she says with a smirk.

Helping her into the vehicle, even though I know she doesn't need it, I groan at how gorgeous she is.

"Don't remind me," I say with a pout, closing the passenger side door behind her and walking around.

She's texting someone as I climb into the truck, and glances over at me.

"Tommy says he's about an hour away from Chicago," she says. "He wants me to check in while you're at the club."

"I think that's a good idea. I'm already about to insist we not open today, so I can have sex with you all night," I grumble as I turn on the car.

Her snickers make me smirk, but God, I'm so close to doing just that. Being responsible sucks sometimes.

CERENITY

Stretching in bed, I smile sleepily as I see Augustine is snuggled against me.

"Good morning, birthday girl," he growls, kissing my shoulder.

Auggie woke me up when he came home at two in the morning with birthday sex. It was fucking amazing.

"Good morning, baby," I sigh happily. Things feel good right now, despite the date in my phone that's currently mocking me. My heat is supposed to come soon, but there's been no real sign of it.

"The guys want you to call them. Call Tommy so he feels special," Augustine says with a smirk. "He said they're staying at his house while the movers pack. Make it a video call."

"That's very Alpha of you to notice," I say, raising my eyebrow. Augustine is a natural leader and problem solver, but Tommy is used to people following him without question.

If we become pack, how will that all work?

"Is it?" he asked, shrugging. "It's not hard to see he wants your time and to know you're safe. Tommy is trying to make sure he's not overbearing through it all."

"Hmm," I murmur. "You all want me, you've made that clear. I am trying to figure out what it all looks like though."

"Tommy and Jasper defer to me when it comes to things about you, I've noticed. I thought it was because I knew you the best?" Auggie asks, looking confused. "I don't know, we'll have to call a pack meeting and lay it all out. Hopefully, not on a blow up mattress this time."

Giggling as I remember the way it popped, I wave Augustine away when I snort. Grinning, he walks out of the room to hopefully start coffee as I find Tommy's contact.

Touching his name, I wait as the video call connects. My smile grows as I see Tommy's face. His blue hair is down around his shoulders and he's laying back in bed half dressed. It's only seven in the morning, so I'm not surprised.

"Hey, birthday girl," he purrs, making me shiver.

"Hey, Daddy," I whimper, unable to hold back the words.

"Fuck, I really love when you call me that," Tommy murmurs, his eyes hooding. "Am I getting you fresh out of bed?"

Glancing down, I blush as I realize I'm naked under the blankets.

"God, what I wouldn't give to be there right now," he groans. "It'll be late when we get back tonight, so Augustine said he'd hold your birthday dinner. We'll be arriving with treats."

"I'm excited," I admit, eyes widening when his door slams open.

"I knew you were talking to her," Jasper says, jumping onto Tommy's bed. The alpha in question turns the phone, allowing me to see Gabriel standing by the bed as well.

"Hi guys," I say shyly. Things have been such a whirlwind, and I've had sex with everyone but Jasper at this point.

"Hey, Peanut," Gabriel says, finally deciding to climb up onto the alpha's bed too.

"Hi, Tiny. Are you having a good birthday?" Jasper asks, moving to lean against the headboard.

"I am," I admit, smiling. "I kind of miss you guys."

"Kind of?" Tommy asks, chuckling. "Maybe we shouldn't go back tonight."

"No! I miss you," I squeal, rolling my eyes.

"Show me what's under the blanket if you miss us," Tommy growls. Gabriel and Jasper's gazes heat as they watch me closely.

"Ooh, naked secrets," Jasper says with a chuckle.

Rolling my eyes, I drop the blankets, pushing them completely off of me. Pulling the phone away from me, I give them an eyeful.

"Fuck, I can almost imagine how good you must smell right now," Tommy rumbles.

"Will you give us a show, beautiful?" Gabriel murmurs. "Let us watch you work your pretty pussy over until you cream for us."

Biting my lip, I reach over to pull out a vibrator from my nightstand. Auggie wanted to know if I owned any toys to help me through my heats, and I showed him my collection. My heats still sucked, but orgasms helped usually, even without a knot.

I'm scared I won't be able to deal without having one now.

Showing them the vibrator Augustine and I used last night, the alphas and beta practically salivate.

"What does it do?" Gabriel asks, eyes wide.

Smirking, I show them how one side is thick and straight, while the other sucks the clitoris. Augustine found that toys make good teammates when the rest of the pack is gone.

Fuck, pack.

Taking a breath, I say what's on my mind.

"My heat is supposed to come tomorrow," I say to them. "Augustine, I swear, tracks them, but I've always kicked him out because I was worried I'd beg him for help. Now… I don't think I can handle not having a knot during my heat. I know things are new, and I just…"

"Mistress, we're pack," Jasper growls. "We may not be official, we haven't put in paperwork, and bites haven't been exchanged, but that'll all happen when it's meant to. We'd be honored to help you through your heat."

"Have you had any cramps or anything?" Gabe asks, eyes wide as if he's just now realizing that he's six hours away from me.

"Not a twinge," I sigh. "I've been kind of twitchy the last few days, but I haven't even felt like nesting really. Maybe it'll be late? I don't know what my body is doing right now."

"Regardless, please tell us the second you do? I don't like that we're so far away right now," Tommy mutters.

"I'll tell you," I reassure him, beginning to feel a little lighter.

"Bluebell, you're ours," he rumbles. "We started out on the wrong foot, but we're all serious about courting and loving you. Things are moving fast, and it's okay if you're not there yet. We want to be there for you during your heat. Please."

His words make my heart flip-flop and I nod. Gabriel has quickly been wiggling himself into my heart, and Jasper and Tommy aren't far behind. It is all happening quickly, but I want to trust it so badly.

"Yes," I whisper.

"Are you going to use that toy, or just tease them with it?" Auggie asks, leaning against the door frame as he takes a sip of coffee. "I know how you sound when you come when you use it, but I think the boys deserve to as well. I have something special planned for you, but birthday sex is definitely on my list of things to do."

"You're going to spoil me," I tease him. "How many things do you have planned?"

"Just enjoy it," he purrs. "They're so far away, and they should get to see their girl come before they start their day."

The sound of cheering on the phone makes me laugh, and I really can see Augustine as our alpha.

Propping up my phone so they can watch, I drop my legs open wide, enjoying the groans of my alphas and beta. Turning on the vaginal vibration portion, I slide it through my slick, shivering as the tip of the vibrator rubs over my clit. Working myself up doesn't take long as I feel their eyes on my body.

It's a heady feeling, knowing they're watching and can't touch, and that Auggie is restraining himself. My alpha is even growling as he inhales deeply, setting aside the coffee.

Seems he can't even pretend anymore.

My breath hitches as I push the vibrator inside my pussy before I turn the clit sucker part on and place it on myself. Keening, I writhe as I feel more slick get pushed out of me as the toy sucks and pulses on my sensitive nub.

Moaning, I let the sensations run over me.

"Fuck, Sweetheart, you've got us in a damn chokehold," Augustine groans, pushing off his boxers as he walks over.

"I don't think I've ever been so jealous of a piece of machinery before," Jasper whispers. "Fuck, your slick is all over the blankets underneath you, Mistress. So damn pretty."

Gabriel chuckles under his breath. "You too? There's something about her that's enough to drop a man to his knees," he mutters.

"Fuck, there's no where else I'd rather be, though," Jasper grunts.

Augustine smirks as his pierced cock bobs in front of him, already leaking pre-cum before he leans over to kiss me. He tastes like cinnamon and a hint of grapefruit, another layer of pleasure for my senses.

"You're shaking, you're so close," he coos, one hand stroking his cock while the other begins to torture my nipple. Heat rushes over me as I shudder, but it doesn't hurt. It's different from my actual heat.

This is all Augustine, and the intensity of my impending orgasm.

Whimpering, I arch up for another kiss, and he chuckles as he gives it to me. Ghosting his fingers over my skin, he surprises me by pushing them inside of me alongside my toy. A porn star worthy groan echoes through the room as I clench down on him, because it's exactly what I need.

While the toy is one of the thicker ones that I own, it's a thin comparison to a knot.

My eyes roll back as his fingers curl inside of me, shuddering as I find my release.

"Such a good fucking girl. Do you want your reward, birthday girl?"

I can't breathe normally yet, much yet form words that exist outside of mind, yet it appears they're unnecessary. I desperately want my reward. Auggie removes his fingers and the toy, tossing it away before he flips me onto my stomach.

"Present that pretty pussy to your alpha, baby girl," he growls, making me desperate to make him happy. This feeling should scare me, but it doesn't. I know he won't abuse his power over me, and as an omega, I want his praise.

Scrambling onto my hands and knees, I widen my stance so he gets the best view. I've almost forgotten the guys are on the phone until they curse under their breaths.

"I was not expecting us to be stroking one out this morning as we watched you get fucked on your birthday, but I can't say I'm unhappy about this," Tommy growls.

Gasping, I look over my shoulder to see them lazily fucking their fists as they watch.

"You're the star here, Cere," Augustine says, his large hands grabbing my ass and spreading them wide. "Look how wet she is, knowing you're watching. She's our gorgeous girl."

"Auggie," I whimper. Climbing onto the bed behind me, he coats his dick with my slick as he slides it over my core.

"I know," he murmurs. "Neither of us can wait to prep you as much as I usually do?—"

"I don't need it," I whine. "I need you now."

"She's so fucking perfect," Jasper rasps from the phone. "Give her what she wants. She deserves the whole Goddamn world on her special day."

"You're my favorite—" I scream as Auggie thrusts into my tight channel, my fingers clawing at the sheets in pleasure as his cock finds the perfect rhythm. "Auggie."

"You remembered who's cock is inside of you," he teases as his hands squeeze my hips tightly. "I'm going to make you come, baby girl. I'm your best friend and your fucking favorite. They can watch."

Keening as his piercings rub even deeper, rocking over my G-spot, I drop my cheek to the mattress as he plasters his chest to my back.

"God, you're so damn sweet when you're like this," he growls. "Pliant yet spicy. You can tell me to go to hell for drinking your coffee later, right now I need you to drown my cock in your slick."

"You don't play fair," I gasp, though I will always take orgasms before caffeine. I just won't tell him that.

Chuckling, he kisses my back, reaching underneath me to firmly rub my clit.

"No, I don't," he agrees, his breath steadier than I'd expect it to be as his shaft pistons in and out of me. "I don't have to when I'm fucking you. As long as you're using your words, we're good. Green or red?"

"Green, Daddy," I gasp. Gabriel groans, and I can hear him coming as I shudder. "Oh fuck!"

"I am," Auggie teases me with a chuckle. "I clearly need to do better."

Before I can tell him he's doing a damn fine job of turning my insides to mush, he pulls out of me and flips me onto my side. Lifting my leg over his shoulder, he smoothly lines his cock up with my entrance and pushes inside of me. The air in my lungs seems to evaporate as my eyes roll.

Shit that feels even better somehow.

"Goddamn, look how her pretty pussy stretches around his cock," Jasper grunts. "Fuck, I'm gonna come."

My toes begin to curl as my body begins to tighten. Whimpering, I writhe on the mattress, consumed by the need to come.

"Attagirl," Augustine groans. "You're strangling my cock so well. Relax, you can do it."

His words of encouragement make me keen as I slick for him, the pressure before release building up in my body. My legs are shaking, and I gasp as my fingers torture and twist in the blankets.

One last thrust of Augustine's cock makes me scream, shuddering as I come. Chest heaving, Auggie roars as he follows me over the edge.

"Happy birthday, Cere," he whispers, carefully putting down my leg and gathering me into his arms. Hissing as his cock shifts inside of me, we both gasp as I hold him tightly.

"Happy birthday!" Gabe, Jasper, and Tommy yell before disconnecting, making me giggle.

"I can't believe that happened," I say breathlessly.

"Believe it," he murmurs, picking me up. "I think we're just going to have a naked breakfast. There's no reason for clothes."

Shaking my head, I happily go along with it, because it's my birthday, and clothes are overrated when his cock is still inside of me.

"What are we doing here?" I ask, looking around at the arts and crafts store.

"Gabriel gave me an earful while you were in the shower one day, but I think he's right," Augustine begins. "You need a proper nest until we find a house."

"A house, huh?" I murmur, seeing a turquoise sheer piece of fabric that transitioned into purple at the bottom.

"Mmhm," he says. "We're a pack, Cere. I agreed to live in the apartment until I found my scent match, remember?"

God, I can't believe I made him promise that.

"Yes," I grumble. "We do need a larger space, and I'm itching for somewhere I can paint the walls."

"Exactly," he says with a nod. "How would you feel about making your bedroom a nest until we move out permanently?"

"I don't know why I've never thought of that," I say honestly.

"I do," he murmurs, linking his fingers in mine to tug me toward the fabric I'm looking at. "You've been suppressing your natural instincts, and you hide away during your heat. There was no reason you'd think about spreading out."

Nodding, I agree. "I stuff a lot away," I admit with a wince as I touch the fabric. God, it's sheer and beautiful. It would be pretty as curtains. "I love this."

Augustine nods as he lifts two full panels from the fabric. "Curtains?" he asks as I nod. I have two big windows in my room, and this will be perfect there. "What else are you thinking about?"

"I haven't seen my mother in a really long time," I whisper as he puts the fabric inside the cart. "I think I should go soon. I stopped when each visit ended in her screaming at me."

"You don't owe someone your peace if they're not well," Augustine growls. "I don't know everything, but you've been taking care of her since you moved to Minneapolis. The facility was the final option."

Biting my lip as we walk through the aisles, I sigh. "In the beginning, she really was trying to keep me safe," I explain. "My fathers would have killed me when they found out I was a girl. They told her as much when she ran the first time and they dragged her back. There was a woman who helped her disappear, but Mama was paranoid, always worried they'd find us. So we were always on the move."

"You were so young," Augustine mutters. "How do you even explain to your kid that her fathers are assholes?"

"I was like sixteen when she laid it all out for me," I tell him. "That's when I decided I never wanted a pack. When I was twenty, someone talked me into going to a dating roulette type event, which is when I met you. I'd already been using my alpha pheromone blocker spray, though the first one wasn't really the safest."

"Fuck me," he grunts. "I hate that you decided that was the best option."

"It's why I agreed to the fundraiser when Aisling and Wren asked to do it at the club," I say. "Services are shit for omegas, unless it's as a glorified assisted living facility for broken omegas. Everyone who works at Weeping Willow Home is a beta or omega, because alphas tend to set off those who live there. They also rarely have openings unless there's a death. It's not somewhere you check in to get better."

"Aisling and Wren found a place to start building," Augustine says with a grin.

"They called me," I tell him. "Aisling said she was almost in tears when she saw Jasper. He handled it well. Didn't panic at all."

"I think you're the only one he panics around when tears are involved," Augustine says with a snicker.

Shrugging, I decide I'm okay with that. "I may see about volunteering some time once they're up and running," I confess. "I think it'll help me as much as the people I talk to. What do you think?"

"I think that's a great idea," he says, lifting a pillow he saw me linger on. "If you want to see your mother, do it, but let one of us know, please?"

None of them can come with me since they're alphas, and Gabriel is large enough to be confused for one.

"I promise," I agree. "Can we buy a bigger bed?"

"This is your birthday present, so yes. You get whatever your heart desires," he says, kissing my forehead. "I'm at your disposal. Curtain hanger, furniture mover, whatever. Fuck, if you need more sex toys, I'm down."

An older woman glares at us as she walks by, and I slap his chest as I bend over laughing. My face is flaming, but I'm having the best fucking time.

Happy twenty-sixth birthday to me.