Chapter 35

Thirty-Five

LACY

T he next day- I woke up to Ryder kissing me on the cheek. We had all collapsed in my nesting room with all the feathers from the pillows still everywhere once everyone was gone. I curled up into the blankets tighter, trying to ignore him.

"Baby, it's in the afternoon," he whispered, tickling me with a feather on my cheek.

"That's fine, we just got home," I mumbled, turning my head to the other side, but he wrapped an arm around me, hugging me.

I was exhausted after my heat and everything I went through. My body felt heavy, and my legs felt like logs. Ryder's arm around me made everything even more cozy, and I fell asleep again.

Snoring awake, I opened my eyes- horrified to find myself snoring. Something was going on between my legs, a rough tongue licking my clit. I looked down to see a smiling Ryder staring at me with his head between my legs.

"Are you finally awake, love?"

"Oh my god," I groaned. "I am. But why are you licking my pussy? You know that's creepy, right?"

"I love you," he said simply.

"Ryder," I said, trying to move his head out of the way with a weak hand, but he didn't budge. My pussy throbbed, and that would probably explain the naughty dreams I've been having all morning. His tongue plunged inside me, and I moaned. "Ryder, I need…a shower."

But he didn't answer as he licked me repeatedly until I felt my belly clench. His grunts down there made me horny as fuck, as he pretty much ate breakfast from between my legs.

I clenched my thighs around his head, which didn't dislodge his tongue from my pussy.

He licked my clit in a back-and-forth motion as his finger plunged into my pussy next. My breathing quickened as I felt the familiar tightening sensation. I moaned as slick dripped from my pussy. I collapsed back against the giant cushion, my legs spread wide open as he licked me clean.

"So good," he said. "Thanks for feeding me."

"No problem," I said, blushing. He finally lifted his head from between my legs when he was done, squeezing my thighs. "Where's everyone else?"

"They're putting something together for you," he said lazily, kissing my thighs. "I need you to get ready for our big surprise."

"For?" I asked, my curiosity piqued now.

"It's a surprise," he said. "I'll go shower, but I want to see you downstairs, ready to go in a couple of hours."

I scrunched my eyebrows, confused out of my mind. I just woke up feeling like a ton of bricks, just got eaten out, and now he had some weird surprise.

I didn't trust him or whatever crazy plan he was thinking of.

"Listen, I'm used to a schedule and some order in my life," I said, panicking. "I have a job, remember?"

"Call them then," he said, standing up and stretching fully naked. I couldn't help but stare at his hard dick, prominent and big. I was surprised he didn't immediately knot me right away. He must be excited to show me the surprise- and no wonder he kept waking me up. "I promise after today, things will hopefully return to normal."

A few hours later, I sat in the limo beside Ryder while my driver Phil drove us. Phil was excited to see me, and he made sure to open the door for me when I showed up. He didn't show emotion, but I could see his enthusiasm by how fast he opened the door for me.

"Are you going to tell me now?" I asked, rubbing my hand on Ryder's thigh. He looked handsome wearing black jeans and a blue dress shirt. He was casually dressed, and I wondered if we weren't going to a fancy dinner like I imagined. I wore a ruffled pink skirt with a tight black top, long silver earrings, and a silver heart necklace. I dressed fancy today, expecting a nice dinner, so I started to get self-conscious as I sat there next to him.

He pulled my hand from his thigh, kissing my palm.

"Why do you want to know so badly? Do you hate surprises?"

"I don't like being caught off-guard," I whined.

"So you're a perfectionist," he said, kissing my neck and making my earring jangle. My neck heated at the contact, and he pulled away, smiling. "I can smell that you're getting aroused, little omega. Not yet."

"I want you," I said, clenching my thighs under the skirt. I was embarrassed that he had already sensed my need and desire for him.

"Tonight," he whispered in my ear, his arm around my waist, hugging me to him. "Tonight, you will get knotted and fucked by all of us. Are you ready for that?"

"Yes, I think so," I breathed, hoping Phil couldn't hear anything over the loud air conditioner.

When we finally reached the location of the surprise, I was shocked to see the evening sky lit up with lights. Ryder got out of the limo first and took my hand in his. There was a Ferris wheel and rides everywhere.

"Wait, did you take me to a carnival?" I asked, looking around in awe. I was always surrounded by fans and people- a place I usually avoided at all costs.

"Yes, baby," he said, looking at me while I drank in the sight. "And it's all yours for tonight."

"What?" I squealed excitedly, and he smiled. I looked back at the lights and display, my heart pounding excitedly. "Let's go, Ryder!"

I could see he was more excited than I was when we walked towards the front booth. Behind the booth sat Adrian with a smirk.

"Tickets, please," he said, holding his hand out. "Just kidding, kisses for entrance."

I leaned forward, pursing my lips, and he wrapped his hand behind my neck, kissing me sensually.

"God, I missed you this morning," he said, and I drank in his scent. His essence was all around me, and I smiled.

"I missed you too," I muttered against his lips.

"Let's have some fun," said Ryder, his hand still in mine. I grabbed Adrian's hand as well, and when I entered the park, I gasped when I saw my entire family there, along with Ben, Ty, and his wife. They were all dressed in ripped jeans and dark shirts.

"Hey guys," I said to my co-workers.

"It's awesome your pack was able to reserve this entire park!" said Ben.

"We're excited to see you again," said Ty, giving me a one-armed hug. "Glad to see you're okay."

"Thank you," I said. Every time someone mentioned it, I kept thinking back to Olivia. God, how I wished I could see her again. I'd give anything to see her one more time. "I'm glad to be back. I just got home last night."

Next, I talked to my dads, who were astonished to see Ryder and the rest of my men. My dad, Alex, clapped Ryder on the back, thanking him for saving me.

"You made a good choice there, daughter," Alex said to me.

"I thought you'd be mad or something," I said. "You always hated the boyfriends I'd bring home in the past."

"Because I knew who they were," he said. "Look what happened with your ex. It's a good thing your boyfriend killed him."

"Alright, Dad, never mind," I said, not wanting his opinion anymore on my dating life. But I was glad he at least approved of Ryder. After talking to my fathers, I decided to have some fun with my pack.

"Yes?" said Ethan, who was eating cotton candy.

"Let's go to the Ferris wheel," I said as they all surrounded me. They agreed wholeheartedly while I took a ton of pictures. I felt extra cute today, and I wanted pictures. It was an amazing feeling being high up in the air and seeing all my friends and family below us enjoying their day.

Cooper squeezed my hand, and Lucas kissed my shoulder. It was the best day of my life, but Olivia was still missing…

"What's wrong, baby?" said Cooper, who had been observing me the entire time.

"This was one of the best days in my life," I said. "But I feel guilty."

"Because?" asked Lucas.

"Olivia is still trapped in that hellhole," I said.

"I know," said Cooper. "They're looking for her, and they'll save every omega in there. There's nothing you can do now but wait."

I nodded, feeling reassured as I leaned against his shoulder. The ocean looked so beautiful from high up, and being in the same little space with my pack comforted me. I wished it could be like this forever.

After we got off the Ferris wheel, Ryder turned to me and waved over for everyone to come over. I looked around, confused. My family and co-workers stood around us, smiling.

I wondered if Ryder was about to give a speech or something.

Under the glowing lights of the Ferris wheel, my bodyguards and I stood, their faces illuminated with affection and anticipation. The carnival's lively atmosphere surrounded us, but for that moment, it was as if time had slowed down, and it was just us.

"What's going on?" I asked softly. Then they moved away from me, walking backward and forming a circle around me.

I stood there confused and feeling dumb for a moment.

Then I saw the sand light up with the words, "Will you marry us?" in glowing, radiant letters under the night sky.

My breath caught in my throat, and my eyes filled with tears.

The men closed the circle, surrounding me instead with their intense energies around me. The two deltas and the three alphas all surrounded me, with only me in the reflection of their gazes.

Ryder knelt, his head bowed as he faced me, and I gasped. But right at that moment, the rain started to come down, drenching everyone on the beach. The rain was still coming down, but Ryder did not get up from the ground. I was breathing so fast, not from the rain but from my nerves.

Was he really about to propose to me?

"Damn it," said Ryder, and I smiled at him. "It's not supposed to rain, but I can't let another day go by without asking you this question."

I placed a hand on my chest as he opened a small box in his hand.

"Oh," I gasped at the glittering ring inside.

"On behalf of my pack," said Ryder. "As the leader of my pack, I have sought permission from each of your fathers, who have granted me their approval. My beautiful Lacy, you've dropped into our lives in the most unexpected way, and we've all gotten to love you through it all. Will you do us the honor of marrying me, Ethan, Lucas, Cooper, and Adrian?"

It was an actual marriage proposal. And I never expected it to happen right now.

Panic stirred within me, but the feelings of excitement overrode it. I was going to have a pack just for me. A dream that I believed gone long ago.

"Yes," I said, smiling and crying in the rain. He slid the beautiful ruby ring studded with gold onto my finger and stood back up. He cradled my head and kissed me on the lips to the clapping and cheers of everyone around us. "I can't wait for our wedding."

"We're getting married right now," said Ryder with a grin.

Suddenly, I looked up and saw a group of workers hurry a fixture of a tall arch towards us, and suddenly, I was standing underneath an arch with flowers hanging down.

"What?" I said, laughing. I couldn't believe my pack had done all this. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. I was so touched, and my heart had grown ten sizes right about now. I couldn't help laughing when I saw a clown rushing to us with a book in his hand. "Is he officiating?"

"Yes," said Ryder.

Someone had stuck a tiara with a veil over my head before I could even process everything. It was happening so quickly, but I loved it anyway.

I would remember this forever for the rest of my life.

I was afraid of clowns, so when he touched my arm, I screamed, making my family and friends laugh.

But when I looked up, my heart dropped.

It was my idol Hayden Gray, smiling and removing the red rubber nose from his face.

Then I looked at Ryder in shock, to everyone's amusement.

"What?" I said, stunned and shocked that he had gotten the Hayden Gray to officiate my wedding. "I can't believe it."

"Believe it, my love, because we're about to get married," said Ryder, smiling at my shocked expression.

I took a few deep breaths and turned back to Hayden.

"I've always been a fan," I said. "This means everything to me…"

"I am honored to officiate your wedding, Miss Lacy," he said. His voice was husky-sounding and deep, just like his songs. I looked back at Ryder, and I could sense a bit of jealousy rising from him, but he kept it down with a smile. "Let's get this wedding started, shall we?"

"Yes," I said, nodding.

My heart was nearly bursting with all the love in the world for my men. Adrian looked happy as he stood before me, eyes glowing with excitement. Lucas looked serious as he gazed at me, and my heart pit-pattered in excitement. Cooper smiled gently at me, and when I looked at him, he winked, and my heart fluttered again.

"Ladies and gentlemen! We're gathered here to celebrate the union of this beautiful omega to her hunky bodyguards," said Hayden, and we all smiled as the audience chuckled. "I understand that the men have prepared their vows in advance. Why don't you go first, Adrian? You're the youngest and…possibly her favorite." Hayden winked, pulling more laughter from the crowd.

Adrian cleared his throat, and I smiled kindly at him. He looked nervous, his face wet from the rain, which thankfully stopped. His cheeks burned bright red as he held a paper between his hands.

"Lacy," he began. "From the moment I saw you, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving your side. You may think I'm reckless, but you help me balance that. In your presence, I'm calmer and more fulfilled than I've ever been. I love you, babe."

My smile grew wider, and tears came down my face. I loved Adrian with all my heart, and I couldn't wait to tell him when it was my turn to speak. His eyes roamed to my lips, and I shook my head slightly so he knew that we needed to wait until after the ceremony. He gave me a lopsided grin, and I blushed.

"That was beautiful," said Hayden, his voice catching. He pretended to blow his nose, but it squeaked instead. I rolled my eyes, and Ryder smiled. But I took a deep breath, instead taking it in as a memory I wanted to cherish forever.

"Lacy," said Cooper. "You inspire me, baby. Your love of music and everything that goes with it inspires me to chase my dreams, too. Not only that…you bring light and happiness to my soul, especially when we sing together."

I wanted to kiss him so badly right now, but I restrained myself until the very end. My tears were practically flowing by now, and a carnival worker quickly handed me a napkin.

"I've never felt as strongly for someone as I do you," said Lucas, holding my hands in his. I breathed deeply, relishing the roll of his deep voice over me. "Since the moment I saw you, I knew you were mine, sweetheart. I can't wait to grow our pack with you. Our omega and our jewel."

I swallowed. It meant so much coming from Lucas. He was always so quiet, and I thought he secretly didn't want me as his omega, so it was reassuring to hear this. Next, Ethan took my hands in his large, warm ones.

"From the moment I met you, my heart knew it had found its home. With you, I promise to love and cherish you every day for as long as we both shall live."

Lastly, it was Ryder, and my heart was literally beating out of control at this point.

"Lacy," said Ryder, his gaze fully on mine. "Today, we choose you. From the moment I met you to the day I thought I lost you- you've constantly been on my mind. Every morning when I wake up, I think of you. I promise and promise on behalf of my pack that we will protect you until death do us part. I promise to cherish you every day and choose you for all the days to come."

My tears came down freely as I absorbed every word.

"Lacy, would you like to say something to your pack?" asked Hayden. "Before I proceed."

I nodded.

"I never thought in a million years I'd find a devoted pack like you all," I said, my voice shaking with emotion. "In the past, I've been hurt, and I refused to open my heart. But when I met you, everything changed. There is something in my heart now. A light in my soul that I can't explain. I love all of you."

Ethan sniffed, and Lucas wiped his eyes at my words. I tore my hands away from Ryder to wipe my tears again. I could hear sniffling from the crowd, too. Gosh, I never expected to cry so much like this on my wedding day.

"Do you, Lacy of the Westwood Pack, vow to cherish and love Ryder of the Silverthorne Pack? Do you take all five men to be your lawfully wedded husbands?" asked Hayden.

"I do," I said, nodding and biting my lip. These five men would be my husbands in less than a minute, and my life would be forever changed.

"Do you, Ryder, take Lacy as your lawfully wedded wife? To protect and cherish until death do you part?"

"I do," said Ryder in his unwavering voice.

With a mischievous glint, he declared, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may all seal your love with a kiss!"

The crowd erupted in applause when Ryder and I leaned towards each other. He grinned at me, and I smiled back. He kissed me gently, pressing his lips over mine in a quiet passion but full of intensity he was waiting to give. Butterflies swirled in my stomach as he kissed me, letting the world know I was his.

I kissed each man in turn, and Lucas prolonged the kiss the longest- to the cheers of everyone. I pulled back, blushing but excited to be a married omega now. Colorful confetti cannons went off, showering us with a cascade of paper hearts.

Ben and Ty put on a final Electric Rose performance of the night for me, and I watched them teary-eyed and shocked they did this for me.

As we walked back to the limo, hand in hand, the circus performers and acrobats formed a joyful procession, dancing and celebrating around us. I was overwhelmed but pleasantly surprised at everything my men put together so fast for me. The circus music played, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and happiness. My life had taken a whole new direction that I was whole-heartedly prepared for, that I'd denied myself for years.

I was ready to be an omega for a pack who loved and cherished me.