Chapter 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

Goldie

The sound of Donald’s wailing has grown quieter, now. Kylan scoops me up into his embrace, as Cillian stands behind Alma, and we turn to the two monsters still holding the other villagers. All four of which have pissed themselves.

“Should we tie these ones up, while we speak?” The taller one, who’d been fighting Aldair, suggests.

After they do just that, Aldair, Cillian, Kylan, Alma, and I wait for the two Alpha monsters to explain.

“We’re mates, I’m Sam, he’s Ian. When our home was attacked sixteen years ago, we fled to the human village to hide. We never thought we’d see another one of our kind again. But then, one year ago, someone new came to the village. Mika. He’s from a settlement of our kind. His mate is human too, so he was looking for other unmated Omega’s nearby, as well as any of us that might be in hiding. He’s not from our village, but deeper in the mountains, in the opposite direction,” the big one, Sam, wastes no time explaining. His green eyes are earnest as he looks at his mate.

“When Goldie went missing, we joined the search, then we caught your scent,” Ian explains further.

“And hers.” Sam nods to Alma. I don’t miss the way his eyes linger on her before he continues. “We keep a safe distance between us and the humans, for obvious reasons. If we’d known how bad things were for your mate, we would have intervened. We joined the search to make sure no one was harmed. We were trying to do so without revealing ourselves, but then we saw you.” Sam looks giddy, completely unfazed that there's a dead body ten feet from us, and a paralyzed Alpha right next to it.

“Mika should be returning soon, with some of the unmated Domus from his village. He wanted to wait until Goldie was closer to her first heat…” Ian adds, lifting a hand to the back of his neck. “Obviously that won’t be–”

“She’s already mated.” Cillian bites out, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yes, well, as are we. However…um.” Sam looks from Ian to Alma. My eyes go wide. Alma is only forty-six. She’s unmated. Deltas are rare, like Omegas, but I know nothing about my mate’s people. How their matings work. These men are older. They could teach us a lot. Things that could be important for us to know when we have children.

“Oh my,” Alma says with a giggle, before slapping a hand over her mouth.

“Oh, ew!” Cillian grumbles, and I shove his arm.

“You hush,” I scold.

I don’t miss Ian moving closer to where Alma stands or how his mate’s smile grows with the move.

It’s that moment that my belly cramps, and my fever spikes again. I’m about to go into full heat.

“Oh, fuck, you four should go,” Ian says, looking just as unsettled as I feel. “We can handle that, if you want?” he offers, nodding to Talia and Donald. I don’t want them left so close to Ma’s house.

“What about them?” Aldair asks, pointing to the humans tied to a tree.

“Let us worry about them,” Sam growls, and my cramping intensifies.

I double over in pain. Cillian scoops me up into his arms.

“Wait,” I whisper. I want Donald to suffer but…

“Aldair,” Cill nods to Donald, and I watch as my Alpha stomps over to the small man, kicks him onto his back, making him scream in pain. Then he uses his clawed foot to crush Donald’s skull.

I miss whatever else is said between my Alpha’s and the newcomers, as my heat kicks in, and I try climbing Cill like a tree.

“Don’t hold back. I need you,” I tell him, knowing that once I’m lost to the haze of my heat, I won’t be able to coherently ask for what I need, and my men won’t do anything I haven’t consented to.

“We know, Goldie. We’ll give you what you need,” Aldair confirms as he walks over from the retreating Alphas, and I whimper, as I try to get comfortable in Cillian’s hold. My skin is burning up. I press my nose to Cill’s neck and breathe him in. His cracked pepper scent with touches of sandalwood soothes me slightly, and I let out a purr.

“Even if I’m out of my mind? Or half delirious? Or even asleep? Will you give me what my body needs, even if my mind isn’t all there?” I ask, hoping like fuck they say yes.

“If that's what you want, golden girl. We can give you what you need, if we have your permission now,” Cillian says softly, and I nod eagerly.

“Yes, yes, please! I don’t want to be in pain. Only you can take my pain away. My mates. Your knots…need your cum…” I’m already mumbling, my words making less and less sense as coherent thoughts leave me. “So deep, so good…yes, yes, yes.”

“Fuck, move faster, brother. Before she pulls your cock out and mounts you mid-step,” Aldair grunts, but that doesn’t sound like his worst idea. The sudden rush of cedar, rain, leather and clover that joins Cillian’s scent make it clear my Alpha’s are on board with the plan.

“Settle, Omega, settle,” Cillian growls, and the world goes black.

Everything is hazy, as I groan.

“Fuck, Goldie,” the sound of Aldair’s moan makes me blink. It’s dark, the only light in here is from the fireplace, where a low ember burns. The blankets, pillows, and articles of the guys’ clothing around us soothe my instincts.

“Harder,” I whisper, as I dig my nails into his shoulders. I’m riding my mate's cock, rolling my hips as I try to force him in deeper. I don’t remember how we got into this room, or how long I’ve been in here, but I don’t care.

He’s shifted into his human form, but I don’t mind. He still feels incredible inside me. He’s got two handfuls of my ass, as he helps me bounce.

“Touch your clit, come for me, Goldie. Come all over my knot,” Aldair growls as my eyes fall shut, and I do as my Alpha commands. I only need the lightest touch to send me over the edge. My pleasure only intensifies, as he slams me down hard on his knot, and his cum fills my womb.

“I love you, Aldair…” I murmur, pressing kisses to his chest, as his knot forces my pussy to flutter with orgasm after orgasm.

“I love you, too, little mate.” Aldair presses soft kisses to the top of my head, as caresses my back in soothing touches.

I must fall asleep in his arms after that, because when I wake up, I’m wrapped in his arms, my head on his shoulder. He’s asleep too, so I climb off his lap, and search for Cillian.

All my mates are sleeping. I nibble my lip and consider lying down beside them, but my belly cramps. Cillian will give me what I need. I lie in front of him, scooting my ass back into the curl of his body. He’s on his side, and when I grab his arm, lifting it over me, his palm easily finds my breast.

He grumbles, still sleeping. I must have worn him out already. The thick length of his hard cock slips between my slick thighs, and he thrusts against my core, but doesn’t enter me. I smile when he presses his nose to the crook of my neck and groans.

“So wet for me, my golden girl,” her murmurs against my skin, sleep deepening his voice. He wakes enough to line himself up, and when he rocks forward, his cock pushes inside.

“Mmm,” I mumble, resting my head on the bicep of his other arm, as my eyes fall closed.

“I love you…” Cillian’s thrusts are lazy and gentle as he whispers.

“I love you, Cillian,” I whisper back, as we both drift back to sleep, his cock buried deep inside me.

This time, I’m drawn out of the haziness by someone’s mouth on my pussy.

“Oh!” I gasp, as I look down to find Kylan licking me. He thrusts two fingers into me, as he licks my clit with vigor. His fingers curl perfectly, and my back arches. Aldair grips my chin, turning me toward him.

“Open for me, Goldie. Swallow my cum,” he groans, as his tip slips between my lips, and I suck him hard. It doesn’t take long for him to come in my mouth, and as the salty flavor hits my tongue, Kylan sucks my clit in a way that makes me scream around my mate's cock.

“Come here, Little Omega,” Kylan grabs me by the hips and pulls me up until I’m wrapping my legs around his waist. He slides his hard dick inside me in one thrust, and my head falls back as I moan.

He’s on his knees, holding me up in his arms as he fucks me hard and fast. When he kisses me, I cling to him. I need more. I need everything.

“I love you,” I say against his lips, and Ky groans.

“I love you too, Goldie. More than anything.”

“Fuck, just like that, Ky,” I moan. “Make me come on your fat cock.”

“Shit, Goldie,” Ky grunts, his knot swelling inside me as we both come together.

I don’t know if it’s days, or hours, later, when I wake up this time.

“Here,” Cill says, as he puts something cool and sweet to my lips. “Strawberry,” he says, and I hum my approval as I chew.

“Is she finally coming around?” Ky asks, coming into view as he kneels over my body, peering down at me, and I chuckle, the poor man sounds terrified of the answer.

“I think so.” Cill nods, as he helps me sit up. “If not, she’d already be climbing into my lap for another round, wouldn’t you, my insatiable Omega?” He’s teasing, but I hear the desire in his tone.

“Don’t act like you didn’t love every moment,” I sass, taking another bite from him as he feeds me.

“Oh, I would never. I enjoyed every second. In fact, when is your next heat, pretty Omega? I can’t wait to breed you,” Cillian purrs as he helps me sit up.

“Oh, you hush.” I shake my head at him. “I’ll be in heat again soon enough.” I look over my shoulder, searching for Aldair. It’s as I look around the bed for him that I realize we're in a room I haven’t seen before. I wasn’t paying much attention to my surroundings since my heat started, trusting my Alphas’ to keep me safe.

Not just a room. A nest.

Rock, shimmering with the green veins, make up three of the walls while the last is built from the same timber as the guy's home, letting me know we are likely still in their cottage. Unlike the other rooms, this one has a lower ceiling made of wood that lends a cozy feel. I laugh to myself at the thought the guys might have to duck to fit in here.

The low shelving that sits along the wall across from me holds an assortment of nesting materials and the remains of a meal or two. Beside the door to what I expect is the hallway, double doors lead to a large washroom. The glimpse of the largest bathtub I have ever seen has me thinking of how their monstrous forms might fit.

Covering most of the room, the mattress that holds me sits low to the floor, on a raised platform. The knitted throws, something I recently learned is a hobby of Cill’s, are in a variety of colors that make me want to snuggle down and take a nap. Short of the comfort of our cave, this nest makes me feel the most peaceful I have ever felt in my life.

“This nest is amazing…” I trail off as I shuffle to the end of the bed. Looking up at the wall behind the cushioned headboard, I spot a large carving “Oh, my…” I murmur.

As I stand to take a better look, the heat of my missing Alpha registers before his scent. Pressing along my back, he bends to place his lips upon his claim on my neck.

“Your nest, pretty Omega. We spent years making it for you.” His breath teases the hair at the back of my neck, while I can’t stop staring at the creation hanging before me. “I started this carving when I realized you were ours. Mine.”

Elegantly carved, a woman’s naked figure lies amongst a tangle of taloned tipped limbs. Her breasts and mound are hidden with the possessive grips of the three monsters. Golden hues are darkened in places to show the difference of the furs from her skin. Instead of fear, her face shows passion while they worship her with teeth and claws.

My breath catches the moment I realize this woman is me, and those monsters are my Alpha’s.

I turn in Aldair’s arms and reach down to catch his hands in my grip. Bringing his fingers to my lips, I kiss the tips and tilt my head back to better see my Alpha.

“Your talent, these hands, are capable of so much beauty. I am in awe of what you create. Of how you care for me. You and your brothers. This nest is everything I could have ever dreamed of,” I say as tears build in my eyes. The passion and love for the care he gives echoes down the bond as I tell him how I feel.

“You are my everything. I will spend the rest of my days showing you such.” He gathers me close, lifting me to his chest with a kiss to my forehead, while I wrap my arms around his neck. Breathing in the smell of him, I can’t help the moan that escapes.

When Aldair releases me from his hug, sliding me down his body slowly, and places me back on my feet, I blush.

I turn to see Cill standing in the doorway with a gentle smile on his face, so different from the usual smirk I catch aimed my way. He steps forward and offers a pretty pink dress with a kiss to my cheek.

“Why don’t you get dressed, I’ll go make us a proper meal. Meet me in the kitchen?” Cillian offers, and I nod. Aldair takes a moment to kiss my other cheek before he leaves the room after his brother.

Stepping into the washroom, I set down the dress, and I take a moment to clean my face and brush my hair back. The light pink fabric that lays across the small dresser by the door is adorned with simple flowers embroidered on the hem. I recognize it as one of the ones Aunt Alma had given me. Once I’ve pulled the dress on, I twirl with a giggle and head to the kitchen in search of Cillian.

I step around the corner from the hallway, when large hands wrap around my face and cover my eyes.

“I have a surprise for you,” Cill says, and I giggle. “Step this way, okay, carefully. Three more steps. Perfect. Are you ready?” he asks, and I nod. “Surprise.” It takes me a moment of blinking to adjust to the light, and then a moment more to understand what I’m seeing.

“Cillian!” I gasp, when I realize what he’s done. Clutching one of his arms, I don’t turn away from the piece of my mother’s memory that I had left behind. “Is that?” Sitting in front of the window seat, sits an old rocking chair. Even from here, I can see the swirls of carved flowers on the headrest and the gentle slope of the arms.

“It is. Sam and Ian brought it over. Your father made sure to leave it with them before he left town. Well, they gave it to Ma, who brought it to the door, since other Alpha’s getting too close would have made the three of us homicidal.” Cill shrugs, and I look at him over my shoulder. I choose not to fixate on the idea that my father wanted me to have this or that he is permanently gone from my life. There is too much joy in my life now to think of the past. “There's more,” he nods to the chair. I spin back, and resting on the faded cushion, is a small locket. One, that until very recently, had been broken and tarnished with age.

“My mother’s locket!” I cry, covering my mouth with my hand. The tears that fall are happy ones, as I throw myself into Cillian's arms. Letting my bond open to send my love for his thoughtfulness through, I close my eyes, my face buried against his chest for a long moment as I cry. When he sets me down, I reach for the locket, before sitting in my mother’s favorite rocking chair for the first time in sixteen years. “Thank you, Cill.” I sniff, and my mate tips his head, before heading to the kitchen to make the meal he promised. Rocking back and forth in the chair of childhood, I can’t help the few tears that escape as I rub my finger on the simple engraving on my now-mended necklace. Both may have been a relic of the love my father felt for my mother, but for me, they hold the new memory of an Alpha who puts his mate first. Sliding the chain around my neck, I head to the table to sit with my playful mate.

Cill’s meal that he made for us is full of flavor. The roast is tender and the vegetables crisp. He never fails to amaze me with his ability to create delicious meals. I can imagine that our days will be full of laughter and good food that we'll share with our young.

After we finish eating, Cill hands me a peanut butter cookie and takes the dishes, nodding in the direction of the wooden door.

“You should go find Ky. He’s got something for you, too.”

“Okay” I murmur, kissing his cheek before making my way out the door. I follow the sounds of a happy nicker and walk toward the barn on the other side of the paddock. “Ky?” I spot him feeding Bear an apple.

“Goldie!” He grins brightly at me, and I can’t help but smile right back. “Come here.” I make my way to his side, patting Bear’s muzzle as I do, noticing that he has Bear in tack but don’t get a chance to ask him what for. “Up you go.” Before I know it, I’m in the air and sitting on Bear.

“What?” I ask, but then I feel it. Looking down, I find that the worn saddle of my youth has been replaced with a shiny, burnished brown leather. It’s stunning. “Oh, Kylan. It’s beautiful,” I say.

“Yeah? So you like it?”

“I love it!” I say, caressing supple leather. Unlike its predecessor, this one is built for comfort, with a gently padded seat and pommel. He has taken the time to tool the leather with a swirling pattern that reminds me of gently rolling clouds over most of the seat, but I spot a pattern of trees reaching at the edges. I smile at the nod to our beginning. The white sinew stitching holding the saddle together is meticulously done, and I can’t imagine how long it took him.

“It took me a long time to make it,” as if he can read my mind. I let the love I feel for this gift and the man in front of me flow through the bond. My shy Alpha doesn’t disappoint when pink blossoms across his cheeks over his beard. Leaning down, I give him a kiss. I surprise him when I give Bear a nudge and race off into the small meadow with his echoing laugh filling the air.

That night at dinner, as I look between my men, I know that I’ve found the place where I belong.

The home where I fit just right.