17. Chapter 17

Chapter seventeen

Orlando

G enesis’s heat was more intense than even Orlando had imagined.

He’d thought it would come on much sooner, but the altercation with her fathers and her subsequent frenzied work on her new project seemed to have delayed things. Though she’d been showing all the signs—dwindling appetite, spiking temperature, mood swings—it was as though she’d postponed her heat by sheer force of will. The woman was an absolute marvel.

Orlando and Gabriel didn’t leave her side for the first two days of her heat. Even if their instincts had allowed it, her needs wouldn’t have. Genesis was insatiable, as though all the years of suppressed, untended heats had accumulated. Orlando was so focused on her, in fact, that he didn’t have time or energy to spare Luke a thought. However, on the third day, his patience began to wane.

He left Genesis and Gabriel fast asleep and padded silently downstairs with his cell phone in his hand, prepared to call Luke Wyatt and tell him in no uncertain terms to get his ass to the cottage, but he saw there was no need. When he reached the first floor, he found the offending packmate stretched out on the pullout sofa. He scowled at Lando and sat up, obviously wide awake.

“Do you actually enjoy being an asshole, or can you just not help yourself?” Lando asked, keeping his voice carefully level as he poured himself a glass of water. He regarded Luke shrewdly as he drank, trying to read his mood and gauge how best to approach the conversation. It was obvious his packmate was miserable and exhausted, but he was trying to hide it behind a churlish expression.

“I told you bastards to let me know when it was time for my shift, but you haven’t left that loft in days,” Luke grumbled. He stood and stretched before stalking over to sit at the island and glare at Orlando. “I’ve had my fucking cell phone on me and I’ve been sleeping down here just in case.”

Orlando pursed his lips disapprovingly. “You’ve been sleeping down here because you can’t stay away but you’re too stubborn to admit it. It must be torture hearing her moans and smelling her perfume, but you’d rather mope than give both of you what you need.”

Luke ran his hands through his salt-and-pepper hair and gave Orlando a dark look that would’ve cowed a lesser man. Of course, being pack leader and having dealt with Luke Wyatt’s bullshit for many years, Orlando wasn’t at all fazed. He simply held Luke’s gaze, finishing his water in a few long gulps before refilling the glass and grabbing a protein bar. He waited.

“This isn’t how we normally do things,” Luke said finally, sounding more tired than angry.

“It isn’t,” Orlando agreed. “This is different. She is different. Even if we weren’t courting her, as you agreed to do for the remainder of the contract, we wouldn’t be able to tend her in shifts. She’s suppressed her heats for far too long and needs constant tending. Gabriel and I haven’t had the time or inclination to coddle you into stepping up and giving the omega in our care the attention that she needs.”

Luke’s eyes flashed hotly, and Orlando knew he’d hit his mark. The damn idiot was shirking his duties, and it must be wearing on his instincts terribly. Of course, since he was determined to punish himself, resisting his natural urges probably gave him a perverse satisfaction.

“I’m doing the best I can, Lando,” Luke said quietly.

“No, you’re not,” Orlando replied, giving his packmate a cool glare. “You’re resisting with all your might, fighting yourself and us every step of the way. Is a decade of penance not enough for you?”

Luke’s scowl returned. “I deserve worse.”

“Do I?” Orlando demanded. “Does Gabriel? Because your pain hurts us too. You understand that, don’t you? That’s what it means to be pack. We share everything, Luke Wyatt, including the weight of your guilt.”

Luke looked stricken, his face going pale. Orlando felt sorry for him, but he tamped the emotion down. He’d given Luke plenty of sympathy over the years. Now he needed some tough love.

“Tell yourself whatever you have to in order to get through the next few days. After that, you can go back to dealing with your shit however you see fit, though I’d prefer it if you could be less of a dick.” Orlando turned away, tossing the protein bar wrapper into the trash can and placing his glass beside the sink. “Just get your ass upstairs and take care of Genesis.”

Orlando grabbed a vitamin water from the refrigerator and stalked toward the stairs without waiting for Luke’s response. He was halfway to the loft when he heard his packmate’s heavy tread behind him.

Genesis stirred as he entered, big brown eyes opening and immediately searching for him, making Orlando’s heart soar. He crossed to the bed and bent to kiss her forehead, breathing in the aroma of jasmine and honeyed oranges, now coated in his and Gabriel’s scents. It was almost perfect.

“Alpha,” she sighed, her eyes briefly fluttering shut. They popped back open as she clutched her stomach, her cramps apparently returning. She whined pitifully. “Please. I need you.”

“Hush, Tesoro, we’ve got you,” Orlando murmured, holding her water to her lips and making her take a few sips. He glanced over his shoulder to find Luke still hovering on the threshold. “Don’t we, Luke Wyatt?”

Luke hesitated, but then Genesis spotted him, and they locked eyes. She whined low in her throat, her big brown eyes wide and wet. As though that sound unleashed him, Luke launched himself across the room. He took her face roughly in his hands and kissed her hard, almost desperately. Genesis moaned into his mouth, reaching for his belt. She unbuckled it eagerly, before unbuttoning his jeans, tugging down his zipper, and squeezing his cock.

“Greedy little thing, isn’t she?” Gabriel said sleepily. He grinned at Orlando, then at Luke. “Glad you decided to join us. Welcome to the party, pal.”

Orlando laughed as Luke gave Gabriel the middle finger, before grabbing Genesis’s legs and yanking her to the edge of the bed. In one fluid movement, he pushed her knees up to her chest and shoved into her roughly. Genesis cried out, her back bowing off the bed as Luke set a frantic, relentless pace.

Orlando could feel Luke’s relief blaring through the bond. The damn fool. He’d been suffering for days when he could’ve been here with them the whole time, enjoying this precious treasure of a woman. Orlando caught Gabriel’s gaze and could tell his younger packmate was thinking the same thing. He rolled his eyes and Gabriel smirked, then turned his attention back to Genesis.

Orlando was happy to settle into an armchair and watch as his packmates pleasured their omega, coaxing her to yet another orgasm in record time. Gabriel licked and sucked her nipples while Luke continued his punishing thrusts. Genesis quaked and writhed on the bed, her hands tangled in Gabriel’s hair, slick pooling on the bed beneath her. The slapping of flesh and the delicious music of her juicy pussy filled the room, making Orlando’s dick throb in anticipation.

“Fucking hell,” Luke groaned, burying his knot and collapsing onto Genesis. “Woman, you are a goddamn sorceress.”

Gabriel burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the room, filling it with light. Orlando smiled. The room smelled better now—it smelled right, like pack—and their bond hummed with pure pleasure. Everything felt right.

It felt even better when, a few hours later, Genesis began to nest.

Luke and Genesis had gone into the ensuite bathroom to shower, so Orlando thought it would be a good time to change the bedding. Though the special sheets absorbed the bulk of the moisture, the bedding was still damp with cum and slick. He’d just begun to strip the bed when Luke and Genesis reentered the room, wrapped in fluffy towels, skin rosy and fresh. Luke looked more relaxed and content than Orlando had seen him in ages. Genesis looked just as happy, until she glanced around the loft and saw the partially stripped bed.

Genesis took one look at what Orlando was doing and growled. He froze, surprised by the sound. The omega stalked toward him, snatching the comforter from his hands and tucking it back into place.

Realizing what was happening, Orlando stepped back to give her space. His chest swelled with pride as she began rearranging the pillows and blankets, muttering quietly to herself the whole while. Gabriel, who’d been downstairs grabbing a bite to eat, walked back into the room and stopped beside Luke, his face filled with wonder. Luke’s expression was more difficult to parse.

Genesis growled in frustration when she ran out of pillows to stack. Orlando moved carefully to the piles of new bedding he’d brought in, grabbing a couple and holding them out to her. She cocked her head before taking one, tossing it aside, then inspecting the other. She gave it a tentative sniff before rubbing it against her face and squeezing it a few times. Apparently deeming it worthy of her nest, she found a spot for it with the others she’s positioned around the bed.

After that, she really got to work. The three alphas watched in silence as she dug through the many piles and bags, pulling things out to inspect, selecting some and discarding others decisively, often nodding or grunting to herself. Occasionally, she would claim an article of Pack Rossi’s discarded clothing and tuck it in among the pillows and blankets, purring in satisfaction.

Orlando tried to quell the unbridled happiness he felt watching her make her first nest and fill it with the scent of his pack. He knew she wasn’t theirs—not yet—but dammit she sure felt like it. Orlando never thought he’d feel this way again. It was scary and wonderful, and he didn’t want it to end.

When Genesis was satisfied, she curled up in bed, turning her doe eyes toward him and reaching for him in invitation. Orlando climbed in beside her, Gabriel following immediately to press himself against her other side. Luke stood alone in the middle of the room looking heartbreakingly helpless. His indecision writhed through the pack bond. For a moment, Orlando wondered if his packmate was going to ruin this perfect moment by running away. If he rejected her again, refusing the invitation into her first nest, Orlando would have to murder him.

“Alpha,” Genesis whimpered, extending a hand toward Luke.

Luke Wyatt shivered, his face twisting into an expression full of raw emotion. Just when Orlando thought the idiot might actually turn away, Luke dropped his towel and took a tentative step forward, then another, before climbing into bed, settling himself near its foot and resting a hand on Genesis’s shin. She purred.

They lay that way for a long while, listening to her purr and breathing in the scent of peace and home and pack, pack, pack.

Genesis’s heat lasted for eight days. By the end, Orlando’s balls were empty and his back ached (getting old was a bitch) but he felt more relaxed and content than he had in years. He rose early on the ninth day, prepared to order a huge breakfast for them all, and knowing Marco would be happy to oblige. It’d seemed physically painful for the chef to prepare sandwiches and other easy-to-grab meals during Genesis’s heat. They’d all appreciate a home-cooked meal after the exertions of the last week and a half. Orlando most certainly would.

Luke disappeared before Orlando had even made coffee, grunting something about neglected chores before practically running from the cottage. Orlando sighed, disappointed but unsurprised. By the time Gabriel bounded into the kitchenette with more pep in his step than he should’ve had after the intensity of the past eight days, Orlando was seated at the island, sipping coffee and catching up on his email. Gabriel grabbed a cup for himself and plopped down on the sofa, scrolling his cell.

Genesis emerged from the loft bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, taking her cup of coffee straight to her laptop. Orlando couldn’t help but smile. Her ambition was unbelievably sexy, as was her brilliant mind. And from what she’d shared of her work so far, Orlando was sure she was working on the piece that would take her career to the next level. He hoped they got to be at her side, cheering her on while she took the world by storm.

“Holy shit!” Genesis exclaimed, pulling Orlando from his reverie. “Serenity Rhodes emailed me back to schedule an interview!”

“That’s wonderful, Carino!” Gabriel’s smile was wide, as it was so often these days. “With Serenity’s interview and mine, and whatever you find out about your mother, this piece is going to be epic.”

Genesis beamed at him. Gabriel had mentioned that she’d decided to feature Evie as a part of her investigation into omega health and safety, and Orlando had approved. Luke had only grunted, keeping his opinion to himself.

“I’m happy to answer any questions you have as well,” Orlando offered. “Whatever you need. We’re so proud of you, Tesoro.”

Genesis turned her smile on him and Orlando thought it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. The sun could completely disappear, as long as he had the light of that smile.

“A representative from my mother’s family replied as well,” Genesis snorted. “No comment. Surprise, surprise. Their loss. I didn’t care about their side of the story anyway. I hope they’re ready for the world to hear the truth.”

Orlando watched in awe as Genesis dove back into her work. He had to drag her away from her computer when the staff arrived with a massive breakfast for four. They piled the cottage’s little table with French toast and scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, potatoes and biscuits and gravy.

“I’m starving,” Genesis declared, filling her plate immediately. “I guess a water and cum diet will do that to you.”

She smirked at him and Orlando was shocked when his dick stirred to life in response. For the love of god, would he ever get enough of this woman?

“Take it slow,” he warned her. “Just because last night’s soup stayed down, doesn’t mean your stomach is ready for a feast.”

“Where’s Luke?” Genesis asked, taking a small bite of French toast. She moaned in delight, licking syrup from her lips. “Holy cow, he’s missing out. This is delicious.”

“Fuck if we know. Somewhere being a jackass.” Gabriel shrugged, saving Orlando from having to respond when he was trying not to bend Genesis over the table and earn a few more of those throaty moans.

Genesis’s lips quirked in a knowing smile. “Somewhere freaking the fuck out, you mean.”

“Most likely,” Orlando agreed, glad that she seemed amused rather than hurt. “He’s a stubborn bastard but he’ll come around.”

Orlando hoped that was true. When he’d given Luke final say on seriously courting Genesis, he’d been sure his packmate would make the right choice. Now, he was starting to second guess himself, something Orlando rarely did.

A few minutes later, however, the surly asshole swaggered back into the cottage, freshly dressed in his customary jeans, t-shirt, and flannel, and carrying a large package. He set it on the island, before taking his spot at the table, and digging into the breakfast spread without comment.

“What’s that?” Genesis asked, gesturing at the box he’d brought, her brown eyes bright with curiosity.

Luke shrugged, taking a big bite of sausage before answering. “Andrea said it came during your heat. From your dads.”

Genesis eyed the package, chewing her food thoughtfully. Orlando knew she hadn’t talked to her fathers since the disastrous dinner, aside from a few texts and emails. As angry as he’d been on her behalf, he still hoped they might reconcile. He could tell how much their rejection had hurt Genesis. He could also see that they were trying—in their belated, bumbling way. He thought Genesis would be happier if she could find some way to have a relationship with them, even if they’d never be close, and he wanted that for her. He wanted his omega to be happy, to feel surrounded by love. If her fathers couldn’t manage to give that to her, Orlando damn sure would.

“Hmm,” was all Genesis said, before turning her attention back to her meal.

They took their time enjoying their food, Luke slowly thawing as the conversation grew livelier. At one point, Genesis glanced at her phone, then did a double take and started tapping on it rapidly.

“No phones at the table, Buttercup. You know that,” Luke warned. “Now that your heat’s over, you can earn punishments again.”

“Spank me then.” Genesis tossed him a saucy grin that made Orlando’s dick twitch again. “But not now because I just got the best message from Avery. Her mates are away next weekend, and she and the boys want to come visit me. She says she has a surprise for me. It’s obviously a thinly veiled excuse to finally meet you because she’s nosey as hell, but it would still be nice. Do you mind?”

As if they could deny her anything when she looked at them all bright-eyed and eager like that. Before he even answered, Orlando was already planning ways to make her friend’s visit as pleasant as possible. Anything to make his omega happy.

“Of course, Tesoro,” he said with a smile. “We would love to meet your friend.”

Genesis squealed, doing a little dance in her seat, and it was like she’d filled his heart with helium. Pleasing Genesis was a drug, and Orlando was completely addicted. He wasn’t sure exactly when he’d become so completely smitten with her, but he was too far gone now to turn back.

Genesis Valentine was going to be his.