25. NEPHELINE

25

NEPHELINE

The morning light streams through the window as it dances across the edges of my nest. I stretch out like a lazy cat, my body sinking deeper into the plush blankets surrounding me. My nest is perfect, layered with items that smell like my mates and I swear it’s the only reason I’m not losing my mind these days.

Darius sleeps beside me, his arm draped across my waist, his face buried against my shoulder. He’s dead to the world and for a moment, I just stay there. Listening. Enjoying the quiet that’s so rare these days.

My mates have been doting on me nonstop—bringing me food, helping me walk anywhere when I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself, fussing over me like I’m glass. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it. They’re impossible to resist when they’re like this and even if I roll my eyes every now and then, deep down? I melt.

The best part is that I haven’t been sick, not even once. It feels like the universe’s one gift to me, considering all the other chaos that’s been thrown my way. I’ve been sitting on the council, keeping up with my duties as Luna, making my way through the pack houses with Mateo to meet everyone individually. I don’t remember a single name, but that’s beside the point. It’s the effort that matters, right?

I let out a satisfied hum and stretch my arms over my head, feeling the soft pull in my muscles. Something flickers at my fingertips— magic . My magic has been dancing closer to the surface lately, a constant hum under my skin and I love the way it feels. Like fire and light and life itself, something alive that belongs only to me.

The lessons with Victoria have been going surprisingly well. I’ve learned to channel it, to push it into something purposeful instead of chaotic. Just yesterday, I brought a dying flower back to life, its petals unfurling like they were breathing for the first time. The look of satisfaction on Victoria’s face had been annoying, but even I couldn’t deny the pride bubbling in my chest.

With a soft sigh, I swing my legs out of the nest, my bare feet pressing against the cool floor as I stand up. My muscles groan slightly, a faint ache lingering in my body, but I shake it off as I move toward the dresser. I grab a pair of leggings and start tugging them up, barely stifling a laugh when I hear Darius shift behind me.

“Where are you going?”

I glance over my shoulder to find him sitting up, his dark hair a mess, his sleepy eyes squinting at me like I’ve just committed a crime. “Nowhere,” I tease, pulling my leggings up the rest of the way. “I’m just getting dressed.”

Darius grumbles something under his breath and flops back down into the nest, one arm flung dramatically across his face. “Unacceptable. It’s too early.”

I roll my eyes, laughing softly. “It’s not that early. Besides, you’ll get over it.”

I grab one of the oversized shirts that’s been left lying around—Remi’s, probably, judging by the scent—and pull it over my head. It swarms me immediately, the hem falling all the way to my knees, but I love the way it feels. Warm. Safe.

But as I step toward the mirror, my laughter dies in my throat.

I freeze, my eyes locking on my reflection as I take in the faint but unmistakable curve of my lower stomach. I press my hands against the fabric of the shirt, smoothing it over my body as if that’ll somehow change what I’m seeing.

My heart stutters in my chest. I’m showing .

The doctor said I’d deliver quickly— three months, maybe less —but I still wasn’t ready to see it. I’m only two weeks in and already, the changes are happening faster than I can wrap my head around. My breasts are sore, my body aches randomly throughout the day, and now this?

I blink, swallowing hard as I stare at my reflection, a strange mix of awe and dread coiling in my chest.

“You okay?”

Darius’ voice pulls me out of it and I glance back to find him watching me carefully from the nest, his brow furrowed. He’s already standing, crossing the room in three long strides before I can even respond. He stops behind me, his hands settling gently on my shoulders as he meets my gaze in the mirror.

“You’re beautiful,” he says softly, his voice full of warmth.

I huff a laugh, even as my throat tightens. “I look different.”

“You look like you,” he says firmly, his hands sliding down to rest on my waist. “And you’re carrying something beautiful. Someone beautiful.”

I let out a shaky breath, my hands lifting to rest over his as I stare at the reflection of us together. “It’s happening so fast,” I whisper. “I don’t know how to keep up.”

Darius leans down, pressing a soft kiss against the top of my head. “You don’t have to keep up, Bambi. You just have to be . We’ll figure out the rest.”

His words settle something in me, easing the tightness in my chest just enough that I can breathe again. He steps back for a second, rummaging through the pile of clothes by the dresser before he pulls out another shirt. One of Mateo’s, judging by the dark color and clean scent.

“Here,” Darius says, holding it out to me with a small grin. “Wear this one. It’s softer.”

I raise an eyebrow, but I take the shirt anyway, pulling it over my head. It’s far too big, even bigger than Remi’s and it swamps me completely, falling like a dress against my thighs.

Darius tilts his head, his grin widening as he steps closer. “Perfect,” he murmurs, trailing his fingers along my jaw before leaning down to kiss me softly. I close my eyes, melting into it for a moment as the warmth of him surrounds me. When he pulls back, his forehead resting against mine, I let out a breathy laugh.

“You’re spoiling me,” I murmur.

“You deserve it,” he replies easily.

It’s difficult to pull away but I’m hungry and my stomach waits for no man. I hop down the stairs two at a time. My oversized shirt sways around my legs as I make my way into the kitchen, my feet barely touching the floor.

The scent of something fresh and warm hits me like a promise and I immediately zero in on the counter. Bread. “Please let there be some left,” I mutter under my breath as I scan the kitchen. My gaze lands on the loaf of bread sitting near the corner, wrapped up lazily in parchment paper like it’s mocking me. My heart leaps. Then sinks.

One slice.

One.

I let out a betrayed groan as I snatch it off the counter. “Are you kidding me?”

From behind me, a deep chuckle fills the room. “You’re late to the party, sunshine.”

I whip around, narrowing my eyes at Remi, who’s leaning lazily against the doorway with his arms crossed. His hair falls into his face, his grin wicked, and he’s wearing that damn smile that says he’s enjoying this way too much.

“Don’t ‘sunshine’ me,” I grumble, holding up the sad slice of bread. “One slice, Remi. One. ”

He raises his hands in mock surrender, though his grin doesn’t waver. “Hey, don’t blame me. You’re eating for two now—you need more than a slice of bread anyway.”

I wrinkle my nose, but before I can fire back, Remi steps into the kitchen and snatches the slice out of my hand. “Sit,” he orders, nodding to the chair by the table.

“I didn’t even get to argue,” I mumble, plopping into the chair as instructed.

Remi’s still laughing as he sets the bread aside and starts pulling ingredients from the fridge. Darius strolls in a second later, looking entirely too awake for someone who was half-asleep five minutes ago. He takes one look at me sitting at the table like a scolded child and snorts.

“What happened here?”

“Bread drama,” Remi answers smoothly. “Nepheline thinks one sad slice is a meal.”

“I didn’t think it was a meal, ” I grumble, shooting a look at both of them. “I just didn’t want to cook. I’m pregnant, not running a kitchen.”

Darius huffs a quiet laugh as he joins Remi at the counter, rummaging through the pantry. “You’re spoiled. Admit it.”

“I am not. ”

Remi glances over his shoulder, his blue eyes sparkling as he grins. “You’re wearing one of Mateo’s shirts like a dress, sitting there while we make you breakfast. What do you call that?”

“…Love?” I try, earning a full laugh from both of them.

“Unbelievable,” Darius mutters, pulling out a carton of eggs and setting it down beside Remi. “You’re impossible to say no to, though.”

I beam, leaning back in the chair as I watch them move around the kitchen together. There’s something calming about this—watching my mates work in quiet sync, Darius cracking eggs into a bowl while Remi butters a skillet on the stove. It feels normal. Domestic, almost.

“What’s for breakfast?” I ask, leaning my elbows on the table.

“Scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast,” Remi replies. “With more than one slice of bread, I promise.”

I pout a little, though I don’t mean it. “I wanted a cool pregnancy craving, you know? Like pickles and peanut butter. Or ice cream and hot fries.”

Darius turns to give me a deadpan look. “You’re upset that your cravings are normal?”

“Yes!” I exclaim, flailing my arms dramatically. “This is boring. I want to be weird.”

Remi bursts out laughing, shaking his head as he flips bacon on the skillet. “Sunshine, I’ll talk to Quinn later. He’ll stock the house with all the bread you could ever want. You’ll be so weirdly happy you won’t know what to do with yourself.”

“Perfect,” I sigh, settling back in the chair as Darius brings over a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and two slices of bread. I don’t know where he got it but it means that they’ve hidden the other loaves. He sets it down in front of me with an expectant look, arching one brow as if daring me to complain.

I narrow my eyes at him playfully before breaking off a piece of bread and popping it into my mouth. “Happy now?”

“Ecstatic,” Darius deadpans, though there’s a soft smile pulling at his lips.

I chew for a second, satisfied, before a thought strikes me. “Wait.” I swallow quickly, looking at both of them. “Do we have hot sauce?”

Remi pauses mid-turn, glancing back at me with wide eyes. “Hot sauce?”

I nod, grinning as I point to my plate. “Yeah. Hot sauce on the eggs. And the bread.”

Both of them stare at me for a beat before Darius lets out a quiet snort.

“There’s the craving,” Remi mutters, shaking his head as he walks over to the pantry to grab the bottle.

He places it on the table with an exaggerated flourish, and I snatch it up eagerly, drizzling it across the eggs with probably more enthusiasm than I should. The second I take a bite, I let out a satisfied groan.

“Oh my gods,” I mumble around a mouthful. “That’s perfect. ” Darius and Remi just look at me like I’ve lost my mind as I happily scarf down the plate. Neither one of them says anything until I’m dragging a finger across the porcelain and sticking it into my mouth. I didn’t even know I was that hungry but they’re always looking out for me.

The temperature in the room seems to heat and I look up, seeing Remi stare at my finger sucked into my mouth. It’s been nonstop with these men ever since they found out I was pregnant—not that I’m complaining but the smallest thing sets them off.

Like now.

When all I did was lick my plate.

Remi grins, stalks over to me, and yanks my finger from my lips before kissing me. His hands immediately start wandering, reaching my thighs and lifting me onto the counter. “Sunshine, you’re fucking gorgeous. You always were and you’ll be even more beautiful carrying our babies.”

My nose scrunches up as I place a firm hand on his chest. “Do not curse me with twins or triplets, Remi. I’ve barely wrapped my head around one kid.”

“Duly noted,” he purrs against my lips, hands continuing to roam. A growl tears from his throat as he shreds my leggings, his Alpha purr growing. “You’re not wearing any panties.”

“Didn’t see the point,” I muse. Mostly because I forgot them. I had only come down for food and was then going to disappear into my nest again.

His fingers trail up my thighs, making me shiver as he reaches the apex of my legs. Slick has already pooled between my thighs, some part of me always needing my mates around me, with me, inside of me . Remi's touch is like magic and I can’t help but rock my hips towards his hand, inviting more. He obliges, dragging his finger through my folds, collecting some of my slick, and then teasing my clit with his thumb.

"Fucking hell," I gasp, my head falling back as pleasure shoots through my limbs. His thumb works its magic, circling and rubbing, sending sparks of delight straight to my core. For some reason, everything has become more sensitive, now that I’m pregnant, my Omega wanting more from my mates. Every touch feels amplified, my body craving more.

"You like that, huh?" he whispers, his breath hot on my neck as he continues to tease me. "I love how responsive you are, sunshine. Especially now, with our baby growing inside you."

I moan, my body trembling as an orgasm starts to build. I hadn't expected to be so turned on, especially with my growing belly. But Remi has a way of making me feel desired, making me forget everything but the pleasure he could give. They all do.

"I-I didn't think I'd want this," I manage to say between gasps. "Not with the baby and all..." The doctor said my hormone levels would fluctuate and my libido may disappear or heighten. I had expected a lot of sleeping and horrid pregnancy cravings but this alternative is good.

It’s fantastic.

Remi laughs, the sound shooting straight down my spine. "Oh, sweetheart, you have more than enough mates to take care of your needs. And I plan on being the first to show you just how good it can feel."

His words send a thrill through me but before I can respond, he pulls me off the counter, his strong arms holding me close. He turns me around, my back against his chest, his cock pressing against my ass. No idea when he undressed but apparently they’re all masterminds in stripping. I let out an unguarded moan, my body already craving more.

One of Remi's hands moves to pull my wrists behind my back, exposing my breasts and offering a perfect view of my bloated stomach. "You're so beautiful like this, momma" he whispers, his lips brushing my ear. The new pet name makes my cheeks flame. "I can't wait to see you carrying our child, to see your belly grow even more."

His other hand moves to my hip, his fingers splaying over the slight curve of my belly. And then with one smooth thrust, he fills me, his knot fluttering against my entrance. My own purr starts up in response, my magic pulsating through me as his hips start pumping against mine. The pleasure is intense, Remi gently sifting a hand into my hair, a gasp falling from my lips.

It's not enough though.

And when my gaze lands on Darius a few feet away, my Beta palming the bulge in his pants, I know why. My Omega wants all of us to experience pleasure. Remi catches on immediately. “Darius, do you know what would make our Omega prettier? Your cock stuffed down her throat. Come here, Beta.”

There’s no room to disobey, another groan coming from me at Remi’s words. I’d expect that from any of my other mates but Remi has always been the sweet one. He isn’t now as he jerks my head back a little farther and slowly moves us away from the counter. I’m not even sure when he stripped, the head of Darius’ cock already against my lips.

“Take what you need, Bambi,” he drawls, his voice hoarse with the same need driving through me. My lips part as he feeds me his cock, a sigh of relief coming from me as I finally feel completely full. Remi picks up his pace again, slamming into my pussy as I suck my Beta deeper into my mouth.

“Look how she’s taking the both of us, Darius. Goddess, she’s going to be so beautiful with that rounded belly. Fuck, I’m going to come.” There’s little warning before Remi thrusts into me, his knot starting to swell inside of me. Darius is already spilling down my throat, my orgasm following seconds later.

I can’t even moan as Remi begins to fill me, his purr reverberating through the kitchen. It’s just on the side of too much, bent over in front of my mates as they give me my pleasure. The moment Darius slides his cock from my mouth, Remi wraps a firm arm around my chest and carries us to one of the stools.

His cock jostles inside of me, pulling a second softer orgasm that makes my legs go numb. Darius is right there in front of me, kissing and licking my lips, tasting himself. One hand drops between my thighs, pressing against my clit but I have to drag him away.

“Too much,” I groan. “I need a minute.”

They both laugh, Remi kissing my cheek before he’s nibbling on my ear just around one of the bond marks I’m still salty about. The one on my tit is even worse and I’ve already let everyone know that they aren’t allowed to touch it. River was slightly pissed but at the threat of not being allowed into any of my nests for the next three months, he gave in.

My traitorous body doesn’t listen to my needs, Remi sucking the bond between his lips, ramping up my desire to come again. Darius chuckles as he leans forward to kiss me, judging my comfort before returning one of his hands to my clit again. Remi’s knot seems to swell larger as I rock myself on his lap, lazily seeking that third orgasm.

It comes sooner than I expect, raw and almost painful as my entire body shudders with the pleasure. I lean back against Remi’s chest, trying to catch my breath as they both pepper soft kisses on my cheeks and lips.

A low clap startles me and I open my eyes to see the rest of my mates entering the kitchen. River's eyes twinkle with amusement as he takes in the scene before him.

"Well, well, what a wonderful thing to come back to," he says, his voice filled with delight. "You know we can all feel that through the bond, right, sweetie?"

I hadn’t forgotten that but I hadn’t been focused on it either. Now it just reminds me of all the moments Mateo was probably meeting with some of the other Alphas or when Asani was in the clinic while Darius was fucking me in my nest. I’m equal parts embarrassed and intrigued.

Asani snorts, shaking his head. “I know that look, precious, and don’t you dare do whatever it is you’re thinking unless you want to be pregnant and barefoot for the next several months.”

A shiver runs down my spine at the thought but I quickly wash it away. One baby is enough for right now and when Asani means several, I don’t doubt he means for a very , very long time. “I’m not thinking anything ,” I muse but it doesn’t help. They’re all still looking at me like they want to eat me so I try to change the subject. “Date at the diner?” It’s an odd question, still sitting on one of my Alpha’s knots, my Beta’s cock still deliciously hanging out of his pants as he stands in front of me.

There’s no contest as I wiggle my way off of Remi’s knot, glad it deflated enough for me to hurry up the stairs and deal with my embarrassment alone. Embarrassment that only got worse as Remi’s cum and my slick slides down my thighs with every step.

Oh, the joys of being an Omega.