In the Sunroom
Mari
P ajamas and snacks. That’s the theme this afternoon. And I kind of like it.
At first, I wasn’t on board with lazing about on the nesting couch, but Everly and Dassy had spent all morning walking with me all the way down to the treeline and across the whole back of the yard. I owe the beta a peaceful few hours. I think she was secretly hoping I’d take a nap, but it’s actually been one of the best afternoons.
Dassy and Everly have chatted quietly, while I munch on cookies and crackers. There’s no pressure to talk or join in. Just three people, enjoying a sunny afternoon in our comfy clothes.
“Do you like your new jammies?” Everly asks, and I open my eyes. It’s hard not to drift off with an alpha gently braiding your hair.
“I do,” I say as Dassy scratches his nails across my scalp. It feels amazing. Each tug and twist sends soft tingles up and down my spine.
“Teal is a good color on you,” Everly compliments me. They’re not fancy pajamas. Just a pair of cotton shorts and a button up top. The bottoms barely cover the scars along my thighs, but I’ve been too hot lately to wear pants.
“How can you wear that??” I ask the beta, taking in her blue plaid pajamas. The pants are so long they cover her toes when she walks. “Aren’t you hot?”
“No,” she says simply as she looks down at her soft flannel outfit. “They're just right.” She gives me a sweet smile.
Everly smiles a lot. Like, a lot . People that smile too much usually bug me, but it feels so genuine coming from the beta. I can’t help but like it.
“I heard Andres say he was making a chocolate cake for after dinner,” Dassy says to no one in particular.
“Oh! That sounds heavenly.” Everly hums with deep pleasure. “Chocolate cake might be the greatest invention on earth.” She crawls to the edge of the nesting couch, grabbing my cup of iced tea. The whole couch is perfectly circular, with a high back that you have to jump over to get in or out. It’s very cozy.
Carrying my cup, Everly shuffles toward me, bringing the straw to my lips. I open and take a sip. While I’d normally refuse to be doted on like this, I am kind of thirsty and the alpha braiding my hair has me in a trance. I swear his fingers are magic.
“Do you like chocolate, goldie?” Dassy asks, flinging my finished braid over my shoulder. I touch the ends, twisting my finger around a curly tuft of hair.
“Omegas loving chocolate is a very real stereotype,” I say, glancing at the alpha over my shoulder. He’s wearing black gym shorts and a fitted white T-shirt. The thin fabric exposes his tiny nipples as well as a faint outline of the tattoo on his lower abdomen. It’s a really good look on him. “I don’t think I’ve ever met an omega that didn’t like it,” I say, trying like hell not to stare at his broad chest.
“What if I told you that I hated it?” Dassy leans back, resting one arm over the back of the couch. He looks so relaxed with his boyish smirk.
“You hate chocolate?” I turn around, facing him. His long legs stretch out, curving around my body, but he’s careful not to touch my bare legs. He’s surprisingly respectful.
“I despise it.” Dassy’s bright blue eyes flash as he emphasizes his hatred. He’s taking an awful lot of pleasure in his silly confession, and it makes me want to smile.
“Ignore him. He’s a psychopath.” Everly moves to the alpha’s side, tucking herself under his arm. Dassy pulls her close, smelling the top of her head. She looks so small curled up next to him. “Should we take Mari to see the old cemetery?” Everly glances up at the alpha.
“ Cemetery ?” My eyes widen, not sure if I heard her right. Who hangs out at a cemetery?
“Everly loves that damn place.” Dassy rolls his eyes, and Everly balks as if offended.
“It’s beautiful,” she says defensively.
“It’s creepy.” Dassy gives me a pointed look, and I have to bite my bottom lip to keep from smiling.
“It is not .” Everly smacks one of his pecs as she pushes away from him. She glares at the alpha before turning her vibrant energy on me. “It’s best to go at midday, when the sun is overhead. The light streams through the tree branches, making the whole space look magical,” she says like it’s the greatest place on earth. “There are a few old mausoleums and some weathered headstones. There’s even a statue of a fallen angel.”
“It’s two condemned structures and a handful of cracked rocks,” Dassy corrects her.
Everly lets out a strained huff, but she doesn’t look at him, keeping her big gray eyes on me. “The plants are reclaiming the land with vines and moss on everything,” she says as if in awe. “It’s stunning.”
“It’s overgrown,” the alpha says with an eye roll.
“Stop it!” Everly smacks Dassy’s chest again, but this time he flexes, making both of his firm man-boobs bounce. A laugh jumps from my throat and he winks at me. “We don’t have to go there.” Her voice is a little flat, clearly deflated. “But I think you might like it. It’s very…interesting.” She shrugs as if it’s a stupid idea.
My mood shifts wildly, and I’m no longer smiling. I’m upset for the gentle beta, and my eyes move to Dassy. The urge to snap at the alpha is very strong, but he seems completely oblivious to Everly’s delicate feelings. Alphas are so stupid.
“I think it sounds wonderful,” I say loudly. That’s a complete lie—I think it sounds silly—but I don’t have the heart to pile on and hurt her feelings like Dassy did. “I'd love to see it.”
“Really?” Everly sits a little taller. She holds her breath, and I nod. “We can have a picnic out there or just spend the afternoon. Whatever you want to do!” She’s filled with bubbly energy again. It’s very cute.
“Let’s do it,” I say, moving my attention from Everly to the alpha next to me. The urge to put him in his place for upsetting Everly is strong. “Just because an alpha is too scared to hang out at a cemetery, doesn’t mean I am.”
Everly instantly giggles and Dassy frowns as if struggling to understand me.
“You want to hang out with a bunch of dead bodies and crumbling rocks in the middle of the woods?” he asks like it’s the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. It makes me want to do it even more.
“I like ghosts,” I say simply. “They don’t boss me around.”
Dassy’s expression shifts and a playful smirk takes hold. “You don’t like being bossed around? I thought omegas loved that shit.”
“Fuck, no,” I snap, and Everly laughs again.
“What are you laughing about, little one?” Dassy turns his intense energy to the beta at his side. “You love being told what to do.” His voice is deep and rumbly, filled with a devious meaning.
Everly’s eyes go wide and her cheeks dust pink. “Do I?” she asks, but I can hear the uncertainty in her voice. She’s nervous. Maybe turned on?
“Yes,” Dassy says in a deep purr, and my core begins to tingle. “You love being told exactly what to do, and what a good girl you are when you do it.” He pinches Everly’s chin with his thumb and forefinger, making her open her mouth. The movement is so controlled and forceful at the same time. It makes me shift, eager to see what he’ll do next to the beta. “You like being a good girl for me.” He pushes his thumb into her mouth, slipping it over her wet, pink tongue. “Don’t you, pretty girl?”
Everly lets out a soft hum and her eyes float closed.
The scent of thick alpha pheromones grows, filling my lungs. Dassy smells so intense. Soft earth and deep, spicy basil swirl around me and my nipples go tight.
I wish Izan was here to pull the ache out of my pussy. I jerk at the wild thought, ripping myself back to reality.
Panic grips me, followed by rage.
You don’t want Izan, I remind myself. You don’t want him to touch you or lick you, or to make you come like no man has before.
Images from last night flash through my mind, consuming me with depraved sights and sounds: I can see Izan’s firm, chiseled body and long, thick shaft. I can practically feel the way his fat cock drove into me, over and over again, until I shattered around him. I came so hard last night, my pussy ached for hours afterward.
My clit pulses from the memory and my eyes flutter as the sound of kissing fills the room. The swift tingle in my nipples grows, spreading to my belly, and I grow dizzy.
What’s happening to me?
Alarm bells go off, and I fear it might be an early symptom of my heat. It shouldn’t be starting this soon. The medication Havenfield gave me should keep my hormones under control for a full thirty days—at least—and it’s only been just over a week. I should still have time.
But apparently, not much.
“You’re home early!” Everly gasps excitedly, her sudden outburst making me jump. She squeals as she crawls over Dassy and out of the nesting couch.
I suck in a deep breath, then force myself to focus. My pussy still tingles with desire, arousal making my folds slick, but I do my best to ignore it, as I turn slightly.
Izan and Hutch both pause to greet Everly as they enter the spacious sunroom. Izan’s cut muscles display through his tight gray slacks and black button-up. Hutch is in a black shirt and jeans, his physique identical to Dassy’s. I wonder if their bodies feel the same too.
Is Hutch as commanding with Everly as Dassy is?
Do they kiss the same?
Fuck the same?
Or are they wildly different? Identical bodies, giving their lover two very different experiences?
“You okay?” Dassy whispers, pulling me from my shameful thoughts.
“What?” I shake my head as I squint, caught off guard. “What did you say?” I lick my lips and swallow, thankful he can’t tell what I was thinking about.
“You looked like you went away for a second there,” Dassy says softly, slipping his thumb down the side of my face. It’s such a delicate touch, so sweet and loving.
I like Dassy . I just can’t help it.
“It’s time for bed,” Izan says loudly, and a treasonous twinge of excitement flutters in my belly, followed by swift annoyance. This is how the asshole warns me that he’s going to fuck me. But it’s too early in the day for that. Normally, we’d eat dinner, sit and chat for a bit, then Izan declares it’s my bedtime like I’m a fucking toddler.
“But we haven’t even had dinner,” Everly says. There’s a note of disappointment in her sweet voice, and I perk at that. Maybe I can get her to make Izan leave me alone. My heart drops at my own thought, and it takes everything in me not to scream at the top of my lungs.
It’s horrible living in a body that’s at constant war with your mind. Both want two very different things. My mind wants freedom and revenge, desperate to find my brother, but my pussy just wants to be stuffed.
This is why stupid omegas are so much happier. They just do what their bodies tell them.
“Mari,” Izan says my name as if he’s said it repeatedly. “Get up. It’s time for bed.”
“I don’t want to go to bed,” I say like a brat, crossing my arms. Izan’s dark eyes narrow at my challenging glare, but he doesn’t snap at me. He never does. I’ve found he’s a hard alpha to rile up. “I’m not tired.”
“ Good ,” he says the single word like it’s a threat. Anger burns through me as my pussy grows wetter.
I hate Izan so fucking much.
“Get up,” the pack alpha commands me, and my body obeys.
I shift onto my hands and knees, crawling over the back of the couch. But the second my feet hit the ground, something wild takes hold, and I do something completely ridiculous— I run.
My body angles forward and my legs pump hard and fast.
“Shit!” Dassy gasps as I fly across the room.
“What the—” Izan is frozen in place, a look of shock on his face as I race around him. I hit the hallway before any of them can process what just happened.
And honestly, neither do I.
I have no idea why I’m running, but the thrill of catching all three alphas off guard has me flush with excitement.
It doesn't take long before heavy feet pound the hardwood floor. All three alphas aren’t far behind me, but I’ve got a decent enough lead.
I have no idea where I’m going or what I hope to accomplish, but it’s too late to stop now. My heart races as I cut down one hallway, then another. I take several sharp turns, deciding to head toward the garden. Maybe I can hit the treeline and disappear into the night, never to be seen again. It’s not likely. They’ll catch me long before then, but that doesn't stop me from laughing at the image of all three alphas frantically searching for me.
“Give it up, goldie!” Dassy yells somewhere behind me. His voice is vibrant, filled with the thrill of the chase.
“Mari!” Izan doesn’t sound like he’s having any fun. His tone is hard, obviously upset that I caught him off guard. Alphas are so easy to piss off.
I race past the kitchen as fast as I can. My heartbeat pounds in my ears as adrenaline floods my veins. The heavy footsteps grow closer, but it only spurs me on. I feel so free, running through the house with nothing to stop me. And even if one of them does manage to snatch me, no one will hurt me. Not even Izan. Not a single one of them has it in them… I hope .
“Omega!” Izan growls, his voice shockingly close.
Pumping my arms and legs as hard as they will go, I angle left into an open door. Shit . I made a wrong turn.
“She’s in the library!” one of the twins yells.
My pace slows as I move to the center of the massive open room. The enormous walls are lined with bookshelves that tower two stories over me. There are a handful of couches, loungers, and a few coves that have a table and chairs, but there doesn’t appear to be anywhere decent to hide.
“Fuck,” I whisper harshly. I’m scared that I forced myself into a dead-end, but then I see it—another door on the other side of the room. Determination grips me as I zero in on my target. I’m within inches of the doorknob when something barrels into me, sending both of us flying through the air.
A squeal leaps from my throat at the same time a triumphant growl pushes from Hutch’s chest. We hit the floor, his big body shielding me, rolling us so his back takes the brunt of the impact.
“Got you.” Hutch’s eyes flash with excitement as he flips us, pinning me beneath him. His broad chest heaves, brushing against my breasts with each sharp inhale. “I knew you wouldn't get far,” he growls as if he’s accomplished some mighty feat.
“I let you catch me.” I pant as he grabs my wrist, lifting them slowly above my head. The motion makes my nightshirt lift, revealing my stomach. My body feels so sensitive and exposed stretched out like this.
“Do you like to be chased, little Marigold?” he growls as he brushes his nose against my cheek. “Do you like being hunted?” His gravelly voice is like an electric current, sending sparks straight to my core. I want to squeeze my legs together, but Hutch’s big body makes it impossible.
“Get off me,” I growl high in my throat, flashing my teeth. My harsh tone makes Hutch snarl, and his grip on my wrists tightens. My body instantly responds and slick gathers between my thighs. Dammit .
“Oh, my sweet Mari.” Izan struts into the room with Dassy not far behind.
Both alphas are shirtless, displaying trim waists and cut abs. Dassy’s tattoo is on full display, and the detail is amazing. The two snakes aren’t black, but a dark green, and they coil around a line of black roses with thorns dripping with blood. I stare at the curved lines, trying like hell to ignore the heavy alpha on top of me.
“Do you feel better?” Izan moves closer, so his big body towers over me. But I’m surprised by his expression. He doesn’t look angry. In fact, both he and Dassy look happy. Excited.
“Actually, I’m tired,” I say, trying to pull my wrists free, but Hutch squeezes again, making it clear that I’m not going anywhere. “I’d like to go to bed.” I narrow my eyes at Izan. “ Alone ,” I snap loudly.
“Don’t talk to your pack alpha like that,” Hutch snarls in my ear, and I turn to face him. He looks so possessive and powerful hovering over me. “You need to speak with respect.” His blue eyes drift over every inch of my face. “Now, are you done being a brat?”
Clenching my jaw, I tip my chin up. “Are you?” I should be scared of his reaction, but for some reason I’m not. In fact, I’m more curious than anything else. What does it take to really piss off these alphas?
“Watch it, omega.” Hutch’s tone is a warning. “You don’t want to be punished.” His tongue swipes over his lower lip. He wants to kiss me. I can see it in his eyes. And I hope he does. I want him to press his mouth to mine, and slip his tongue between my lips, so I can bite it clean off.
“Get off of me,” I demand, trying to pull my hands from his grip. They don’t even move an inch. “I don’t want you—” Without any warning, Hutch crashes his lips to mine.
I’m too shocked at first, scared that Izan will rip the alpha off of me, and then beat him for touching me. I don’t want that. Not because I care about them, but because I hate it when alphas fight. It’s scary.
“Open,” Hutch whispers against my lips, and I do as I’m told. The second his tongue sweeps across mine, I lose all ability to think. Hutch’s kiss is intense and hard, tasting every inch of my mouth. I can’t hold in the moan trapped in my throat, and it erupts at the same time as a gush of slick pushes from my pussy. “Fuck.” Hutch breaks the kiss, scenting the air. “She’s ready, alpha.” He turns, looking up at Izan.
My lips are still parted as I loll my head to one side. I feel dizzy and lost inside my own body. My pussy aches and I arch my back, trying to pull Hutch back down on top of me.
“Everly is preparing my room,” Izan says to Hutch, but his intense green eyes are on me. “Let’s show our omega what it means to belong to a pack.”