Chapter 39

CHAPTER 39

ADIRA

T he next week flies by when I get a reminder email for something I agreed to attend ages ago, because it was so far away. My only experience with women for the most part is omegas at the shelter. I’m not looking forward to this event.

Hello Adira,

I hope this email finds you well. The Whalen Society Spring Fling is in two days, and I wanted to confirm your attendance. We understand you’re very busy.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Noreen Hayes

Growling under my breath, I respond, because I have no other choice but to go. I’ll need to look up a makeup tutorial to hide the last of the bruising along my eye.

I finally am no longer getting as many stares at school, and I can almost hide in the background again.

It’s amazing that it’s nearly the end of March, and that I’ll need to contact Shaw for another pill to skip my heat.

Time is getting tight, I’m a little scared sex will be uncomfortable or possibly throw me into a trauma induced panic if I’m forced to deal with it before I’m ready.

I’m especially concerned it may throw me for a loop if it’s in a haze of slick and heat when I’m completely out of my mind the way I was at the auction.

This entire conversation in my head is going to have to be tabled for now, since I don’t think I can handle it. Maybe I need to get back and talk it out in a podcast.

It’s scary to toss out so much inner trauma to the world, but at the same time if I pretend it’s just me and the computer, it helps.

Omega Link is a great way to upload podcasts, even though the comments are ruthless.

Miss Noreen,

I very much appreciate the reminder. It has been a very hectic few weeks, but I will absolutely be in attendance at the Spring Fling. Can you send me the address again, please?

Thank you so much,

Adira Firestone

I may look like an airhead, but I’m not. I was never sent an address, my way is simply the more diplomatic way of communicating this. Closing my laptop, I blow out a breath. It’s only Monday, for goodness sakes, and I am ready for a nap.

“What’s wrong?” Damon whispers across from me in my library nook. Whenever we aren’t in class, we’re at the library in between classes. It’s become our thing so I’m never alone for too long, since our schedules differ from each other.

That is, except for the days he purposefully had his schedule changed to the same courses I’m in.

“The Whalen Society is having a party I have to attend,” I explain softly. “I knew it was something I had to do, I just forgot when it was.”

“I’d forget everything if I was you,” Damon mutters. “Be nice to yourself, Adira. Your life is hectic.”

Nodding, I sigh as I open up my math book to work on some new problems. The room in the rental has been helping me feel more comfortable in the space.

I stole shirts from all four pack members from their dirty laundry baskets when they weren’t looking and stuffed them under my blankets. I’ve only had one nightmare this week, and the four of them ran into my room with their guns drawn.

It was awkward, but the four of them climbed into the queen bed or slept on the floor when they realized my mind was the enemy, and not an intruder. Not one of them mentioned the clothing they found stuffed under the blankets.

Any big transition makes me twitchy, so going between the Kelly’s home and the rental is difficult for me. I need to stay in one place for a little while. All the changes are making it hard for me to manage my instincts.

I completely moved out of the shelter as of three days ago and did my exit interview. Aisling and I both cried, though we have a lunch date soon. My emotions are a tumultuous mess.

I was laughing yesterday at something and then began crying hysterically. Poor Morris and Jed didn’t know what to do. Kane tackled me gently in a hug and let me cry it out, while he glared at the other two.

It would be funny if it wasn’t also so embarrassing.

I have one more class today, and then I’m done for the day. I desperately need a nap, but I have to go by Finnegan’s Bar to officially quit. See what I mean about changes? Caleb was there for me and gave me a job even when I was a nobody with zero experience.

I hate everything about goodbyes. I don’t think I’ve ever had to do as much as I have in the last few months.

“Adira, come here,” Damon growls. “I need to hold you. I’m feeling so many conflicting emotions from your mind. Fuck the math work, you’re a damn genius and you know it.”

“I don’t know about all that,” I grumble, pushing away my math book. My arm and wrist don’t hurt anymore, and I am really happy I don’t have to wear the splint and sling anymore.

It opened me to so many stares and unsolicited questions.

Damon moves the book he had in his lap to make room for me, and I stand to walk over to him.

“I feel unsettled and my mind is really loud,” I say softly, sitting in his lap.

“Tell me more,” he murmurs, shifting me, so he can wrap his strong arms around me.

As an omega, I’m touch starved. I won’t give into group cuddles with Pack Dresmond as often as I should, because of my roiling sea of emotions.

“I’m a mess,” I whimper.

“You're human, little omega,” Damon whispers, breaking open the barrier of tears I’m holding back. “There it is. Adira, tell me what’s going on. I can’t even catch any thoughts in your head, because it feels like a dull roar.”

“The roar is pretty loud for me,” I mutter. “I’m sad so much is changing, excited about possibly buying a house that will settle my need for stability. This will be mine, and I need that. I’ve never had that before.”

“The rental is temporary,” he agrees. “We’re sick of it too, and we’ve never had a stable place either. We moved between different homes often as kids and through adulthood. The four of us have been talking about getting a place, but it makes the most sense for you to buy it. We just care that we can secure it for all our safety. Outside of that, we aren’t picky. We also decided you’re stuck with us. We’re done being pushed away, baby.”

“I’m getting that feeling,” I mumble. “A part of me wants to move past things, find a way to accept you all as my mates.”

“There’s no rush,” Damon says. “Even when you accept us all, we’ll treat you like our queen. Kane and Jed are working on their relationship with Morris. I don’t know much outside of the fact that he’s struggling to completely open up with them. I think he really was going to walk away from the pack.”

I’m not the only one hurting. I need to remember that, even when my emotions feel as if they’re going to drown me. A beta and omega are what balances a pack.

“He can’t do that. It’s obvious that Morris keeps you all on the straight and narrow,” I say.

“He does. Even when I just went through the motions of things, he would keep us on track,” Damon says. “I think Morris may think I don’t care about him, but I didn’t worry about anyone or anything until you, Adira. You woke me up from being in this dark stupor.”

“I went from being numb to feeling too much,” I admit. “It’s as if the faucet in my emotions went to full blast, and now I can’t get it to stop.”

“Name a few,” he urges. He keeps asking me to talk to him, but he may regret it.

There’s a lot.

“For instance, I hate goodbyes. I haven’t had to leave so many people in my entire life,” I sigh. “The shelter, I have to quit my job even though Caleb has probably already replaced me, it’s a lot.”

“You can still go to the events at outreach,” he reminds me gently. “Maybe check out the group therapy sessions.”

“I may, talking about my life is depressing,” I tell him. “I’m melting down talking about a minute portion of my brain vomit, I can’t unleash that on anyone else, Damon.”

He chuckles under his breath, his hand rubbing my back as he snuggles me. “Again, I think it helps not to keep everything bottled up, so keep talking,” he says. “As for Caleb, no one is stopping you from swinging by to see him whenever you want. It’s not completely goodbye, even if it feels like it.”

“I know that, but my brain is a liar,” I mutter. “And then there’s…”

“Mmhmm,” Damon urges. “What else is your mind lying to you about?”

“Sex,” I say so softly I’m not sure he hears me. “My body wants things, but what if the bitch in my head decides to ruin it? I’ve only ever had sex half out of my mind, Damon.”

“The bitch in your head sucks,” he says. “Whoever you decide to have sex with will need to keep your mind on them. As someone who doesn’t have the best track record regarding sex, it’s hard for me to say what would help. You’re the only other person I’ve had sex with since the time my brother drugged me when I was eighteen.”

“Really?” I ask, eyes wide.

“Since my dad was insisting that this was the best way to celebrate my designation as an alpha, he pulled me into a brothel and told me I had to fuck her,” he says. “I was out of my mind from the drug. Watching you on the auction stage reminded me of that and I had to be knocked out, despite taking something that was supposed to help me keep it together. All I could see was myself.”

I don’t have any words that feel big enough for what he’s telling me right now. I’ve heard pieces of this story, but it feels as if he’s giving me another shard of his heart and soul.

“I tried to have sex once, several years ago, but I freaked out and left. I couldn’t do it. When you went into heat, it was so hard for me to process that you needed me,” he explains.

“Jed apologized for the ways he had to keep me safe, and suffice to say that Dad has fucked all of us over without care. I don’t like to be out of control, but once I gave myself to you, it felt different. It was a natural submission. My only suggestion is to try to do something different from the way sex has been for you in the past. It’s been rough and mindless before.”

“Are you suggesting I need sweet sex?” I ask him, my lips twitching at the thought.

Damon’s hands encircle my waist, lifting me until I’m straddling him. “You deserve it all, baby. Whether it’s sweet, with the edge of a knife, or rough. There’s no correct way to fulfill your fantasies and needs,” he says.

My tears dry at the words, but my pussy slicks. It is such a fast transition, I gasp as I perfume, sitting on Damon’s hardening cock.

“Hey,” he says, his voice thickening with lust. “God, you smell so good, Adira.”

His scent of cedar makes me whimper as I rock slightly over him, simply enjoying how good he feels.

“You feel good,” I moan. “Why am I always turned on in the most inappropriate of places?”

“There’s no one on this floor, baby girl. If you want to ride my cock, it’s yours. No one’s stopping you,” he purrs. “Fuck, I never thought I’d say that to anyone.”

We’re two peas in a fucked up pod. We’ve been flirting with kisses and make out sessions for several weeks. Leaning down, I kiss his lips sweetly. It’s innocent, slow, and feels good. Damon rolls my hips over his dick, letting me grind on him as his other hand hugs me as he kisses me. It’s an all encompassing experience as his soft groans vibrate through me.

“You have to tell me what you want,” he groans. “It’s all you, baby. I’m here for whatever you need. Let me give you everything.”

“Please,” I whisper, pulling my sweater over my head. My skirt gives him easy access, I don’t even have to get naked all the way. “I want your lips on my breasts.”

Damon pulls down the cups of my new pretty bra, sucking on my breasts, the slight bite of his teeth as they scrape over my nipple making me moan. His fingers feel good as they move over my skin as well. There are tiny scars that just add to the stimulation, so different from the alphas at the auction.

The little details help keep me here and present with him, making me want more.

“I can feel you soaking my pants,” he rasps, sounding proud of himself. “I want to taste you, but you’re in the driver seat, baby. You’ll look so pretty bouncing on my dick, too.”

My pussy clamps down on nothing, making me whimper. As much as I would love to drown him in my slick, I think I need him inside of me now.

“I really want your cock please,” I mewl. “I don’t think I can go really slow. Is there supposed to be a progression of how things happen? I feel like I’m rushing things.”

Damon pulls me down to kiss him again, shifting to pull his cock out of his jeans. Our jackets, gloves, and things are piled neatly in a corner, the first thing to be removed when we came up here to work on schoolwork.

“I don’t think there’s a set way that you have to do things,” he says, his hands running underneath my skirt, massaging my legs. It reminds me that my tights are also wet. It’s rough being an omega. “Follow the thread of what feels good, baby. You’re so wet, you won’t need much foreplay unless you think you’ll have the patience to let me eat your pretty pussy.”

Damon’s words make me whine, and his eyes darken even more with desire. His pupils are blown, but he’s so gentle as he squeezes and rubs up my body.

“Maybe later,” he growls, his fingers sliding under my waistband. “I’m going to take your tights and panties off. I won’t even tear them like my Neanderthal brother.”

Trying to keep my giggle in, I rise up on my knees to give him room to pull them down. Taking that as consent as I nod, he yanks them to my ankles. Squealing as the motion pitches me forward, I find myself grinning once he hugs me.

“I got a little excited,” he says, also smiling. “You’re so damn beautiful, Adira. I love all of your noises. It’s one of the many reasons why I love you.”

Moving my skirt out of the way, I let my mind clear as I slowly sink down on his cock. My eyes roll as I gasp, my body accommodating his large girth.

“Fuck,” he gasps, dropping his head on my chest as he holds me.

Life isn’t easy, trauma fucks us all over at some point. How can I continue to punish Damon for this? All four of the men of Pack Dresmond had their reasons for selling me, and at the end of the day it wasn’t personal.

It wasn’t about me at all. It wasn’t even about my father, outside of Rock’s consuming need to take everything he had. Some of the reasons are murky, because of his association with my aunt, but that doesn’t matter right now.

Shifting my hips helps me take Damon deeper inside of me, and I love the gasp I’m able to pull from him.

“That’s it, baby. You’re taking me so perfectly,” he rasps. “How are you doing?”

“Good, so good,” I moan. “I’m still thinking too much.”

“Think later, baby. Feel me now,” he reminds me, his hands helping me move over him. My pussy clenches on his dick as I slick down it. His lips close over my nipple, gaze on mine as he slowly tortures me with pleasure.

Damon wraps one hand around my waist, so the other can rub my clit with his thumb.

“Oh,” I sigh, head dropping back as pleasure rolls over me. My body is flushed with desire, even as I decide I don’t need to forgive them for circumstances outside of their control.

I simply need to kill the people who put the cogs into motion. My mind runs in leaps and bounds, making connections three steps ahead of where I think I am. Yet, this feels right, finally.

“Adira,” Damon reproaches, pinching my clit. Gasping, I shudder, my eyes hooding with excitement.

“You have my attention,” I purr, my fingers tugging on his hair.

“Good, now bounce on my cock like a good girl,” he growls. The shift in power dynamic between us feels right, even if he appears a little uncertain.

Knowing Damon is worried he’s pushing too far, I rise and fall on his cock, moaning as my pussy stretches around him. He feels so good, and with every movement, his cock lights up the nerve endings along my walls. The slight pinch of pain with every shift of my hips, as I work to take all of him, feels good, because it grounds me and reminds me of where I am.

I’m with my scent match, riding him in the middle of the day in the library. I seem to have a thing for sexual encounters in inappropriate places, but I’m having too much fun to care.

“Fuck yes, baby,” Damon grunts. “You’re strangling my cock. Is it possible to die from sex?”

“I certainly hope not,” I tease him. I didn’t know sex could be almost silly, that there could be banter and fun with the intensity.

The slow build of my orgasm feels nice, there’s no hurry, my stomach isn’t cramping, it’s just us.

My thighs touch his for a moment, and Damon moves his hand, so I can grind my clit on his knot.

“Use me, sweet girl,” he moans. “Does that feel good?”

“Yes,” I whine. “I feel so full and yet, I want more. Mmmm. I need to move.”

“Please. I'm going to want to fuck you onto my knot if you don’t,” he hisses, moving so he can drop his head back on the couch we’re fucking on. He looks perfectly composed outside of his messy hair. Like a perfect alpha God, expected to be ridden.

The thought makes me moan as I move, rocking and twisting my hips as I bounce on his cock. The only sounds in the nearly silent room are of his grunts and my whimpers as we fuck. The wetter I get, the more my pussy sucks his cock deeper inside of me. His now slouched position allows him to rub perfectly over my G-spot, and I can feel my toes begin to curl.

My breaths are shorter as I find myself getting closer to an orgasm, and Damon sits up to kiss me. His tongue feels as if he’s fucking my mouth the way his cock is, swiping, tasting, devouring. Holding me tightly, he swallows down my strangled scream as I tumble over the edge of my orgasm.

“Fuck yes,” he growls. “I need to knot you, Adira. Please.”

“Yes, Alpha,” I gasp.

His hands grip my hips as he fucks up into me, and I hold onto his shoulders as my head drops back in pleasure. His knot is thick, making me whimper as I feel it begin to push inside of me. My slick is coating it completely, and I can feel the way my pussy is sucking at the top of it, eager to be filled.

“Yes, baby. I love when you call me alpha,” Damon groans. “One day you’re going to present your pretty, dripping cunt to me and say those words. A little more, you’re doing so well.”

Mewling, all I can do is dig my nails into his skin as he rocks my hips over his thick knot. The deeper he goes, the better it begins to feel. My next orgasm crashes over me without warning, and I rock forward to bury my face into his neck as I sob.

“I’m good, so fucking good. Please don’t stop. I’ll die. Please, Damon,” I beg.

Twisting his body, he moves so I’m underneath him and he’s covering me. Kissing my neck, he whispers how proud he is of me as he pushes his knot until it’s nearly all the way in.

God, I may die. It’s too much and yet not enough. I’m on the razor edge of pain and pleasure, and I’m quite happy to lean into this.

“So close, Adira. Just a little more,” he groans before it pops into place.

Damon rocks and pistons his hips twice more, his pelvic bone grinding on my clitoris.

“Come with me again, baby. Fuck, I love you so much. Please,” he begs.

My legs are wrapped around him, my fingers tangled in his hair as he fucks me. I’m feeling my emotions and his, and I’m overloaded by sensation.

Keening, I come with him again, and a small whisper in my mind tells me I’d follow him anywhere.

Trauma bonds hold tightly, a reason why our scent match bond is as strong as it is. My body bows as I shudder, milking Damon’s cock as he roars.

We’re not doing a great job of staying quiet, but I’m too far gone to care. Ropes of Damon’s cum fill me up, and he’s barely keeping himself from collapsing on top of me.

“We haven’t talked about birth control,” he rasps in my ear. “I got carried away and it just occurred to me a little late, I’m afraid.”

“There’s a lot we haven’t talked about,” I tease him, giving into my need to scent mark his cheek. I have his cock and knot inside of me, I want to mark him as mine even though he has my bite.

“It’s true. Since I’m not going anywhere, how do you feel about babies?” he asks, kissing my lips. “I can’t get enough of you. If I could keep you plugged full of cum, I think I would. Woah, that’s a weird instinct.”

“I think we’re past normal,” I tease him, feeling light and airy as I sigh. My problems aren’t gone, they just feel a little less heavy than they did earlier.

“I like babies. I love how they smell, the squishy little faces they make, and watching them explore the world. I don’t have a lot of experience with them outside of my time at the shelter, though.”

“Do you want any with me? With the pack?” Damon asks.

My fingernails scratch gently over his scalp as I think about it, my lips tilting up as I imagine it.

“Do you think Jed or Kane could handle changing diapers?” I ask, answering a question with a question.

“I’m pretty sure Jed may have changed some of mine,” Damon says with a deep chuckle. “Purely out of necessity at times when he was left with me for too long. We had a nanny, but I don’t think she liked me very much. She was killed by Dad when I was six in front of Kane. I remember she was probably a little older than Kane is now. Lorena used to pinch me whenever my father would come into the room to distract him.”

“Bitch,” I mutter. A part of me wonders if Rock may have forced himself on her, but using a child to shield you is shameful.

“The only people I’d ever want to have kids with are my pack, which you are. We’re not all bonded yet, but I’m willing to say it to you. I’m also never going to step outside of our pack either. If accepting your bid for courtship, God I can’t believe I said that, will ease any sort of anxiety about it, then I accept.”

Easing onto his side, taking me with him, since we’re still connected pelvis to pelvis, he grins at me.

“I didn’t think you’d be entertaining the option of being with anyone else, but I was trying this thing where I give you choices,” he murmurs. “You’re mine and I’m yours, that’s all there is to it.”

“You’re contradicting yourself,” I tease him, though life isn’t all one thing or the other. There are degrees of what an alpha can let slide before he needs to make his stance known.

At least, that’s what I’m seeing with Pack Dresmond.

“No I’m not,” he says with a lazy grin. “So you’re ours?”

“I… love you,” I say instead, gasping because that’s not exactly what I planned to say. It’s no less true, the feeling has been bubbling up. “The ‘ours’ part is up to them. I know where I stand, though.”

Nodding, he holds me until his knot deflates and I have to do a very messy and awkward run to the restroom to clean up.

Totally worth it though.

KANE

I am driving Demon and our little rabbit after they finished with their classes to see Caleb Finnegan. I dropped them off this morning, happy to know they’re together. While she’s proven over and over that she can protect herself, I want to know that she isn’t on her own.

Luck and skill will win out only so often, there’s no such thing as a one-hundred-percent success rate. It’s not worth the risk.

Parking the car on the street, I glance over at Adira.

“You look different,” I murmur. Her hair is a tumbled mess of curls and the color is high in her cheeks. “Demon, are you fucking our little rabbit at school?”

Adira gives a shy, embarrassed smile, while my baby brother snorts.

“The library will have very special memories for me,” he says smugly. “Don’t tease her too much, Kane.”

“I won’t, I mean I’m not, but wow,” I grunt. “Please tell me he made you come, little rabbit.”

She holds up three fingers and I whoop. “Fuck yeah,” I crow. “You look so relaxed. The post sex glow looks good on you, baby. Let’s get this done then.”

Opening the door to the SUV, I climb out of the vehicle, confusing Adira and my brother. I’m not jealous, if that’s what they may be worried about. It feels right that she and Demon had sex first, because of their connection. I think he may be the gentlest of the four of us as well.

Just because I call him Demon, doesn’t mean he isn’t the most sane of us all, as he cracks open the self imposed ice he’s kept himself in. Nothing could touch him until the little rabbit came bounding into our life.

Demon and Adira follow after a beat, and the bar doesn’t seem to be open yet. Knocking on the door, she bites her lip as she waits. Caleb lopes over, unlocking and opening it.

“Hey stranger,” he grunts, surprising her by pulling Adira into a hug. “Are you okay? Is the other guy dead yet?”

It’s only six in the evening, and he’s asking about murder on the street just as calm as can be. I think I like him.

“Not yet, and I’m getting there,” Adira says as Caleb ushers us into the bar. “He got away and Cian has everyone looking for him. The attack sprained my wrist and arm, and busted my face pretty badly. I had a concussion that left me with severe headaches, but they’ve let up.”

“Dad told me you impressed him,” Caleb says, smirking. “He isn’t happy to have it pointed out so plainly that there are issues in his city, but it’s been long overdue. The auctions are a problem, as are the men trolling the streets for omegas. It’s not going away just because he isn’t directly involved in the business of it.”

“Agreed,” Adira says with a sigh. “I have a place in the good ole boys’ club, and it’s really weird. Add on the fact that I’m meeting with the Whalen Society in two days, and it looks as if I’m firmly enmeshed into the mafia world.”

“It’s not so bad,” he teases her. “You’re here to quit, huh?”

“I am,” she says, cringing. “I’m sorry?—”

“Please don’t be,”Caleb says. “I’m very happy you’re not walking home alone anymore. It’s simply not safe. You don’t need the job anymore, either. This was always a stepping stone until you got to your next place in life, Adira. Don’t be a stranger, yeah?”

“Thanks for everything,” she says. “You and this bar were a life saver.”

“You remind me of my sister, and I couldn’t tell you no,” he mumbles. “It’s why I helped Aisling too when Lars told me she needed a job. She disappeared when she was fourteen. I hope if she showed up somewhere, that someone else would help her too.”

Adira’s eyes grow wide with worry, but there’s no time to ask questions, because his bartenders walk in and pull her into conversation.

Minutes later, we’re back on the street as they get things underway for the night, and Adira looks shell shocked.

“I didn’t know that about his sister either,” I murmur as I direct her toward the car. Demon follows, eyes on Adira. “I wonder how many people do.”

“I don’t think many,” she says as Demon helps her in and I head to the driver's side to get into the car. “Theo was really defensive when he was speaking to me, which makes me want to know even more.”

“Not today, curious little rabbit,” I tell her as I turn on the vehicle and push it into drive. Making sure they’re ready, I pull onto the road to drive home.

“We’re going home, maybe watching a movie. You’ve been a busy girl. Maybe get you some water to drink to rehydrate after all those orgasms too.”

Demon barks out a laugh while Adira blushes, and I consider my mission for the day complete. I have to have my fun somehow.

ADIRA

Two days later

My dress is bought, I know where the party is, and I’m really fucking nervous.

“Your anxiety is making my voices want to kill things, baby girl,” Kane growls under his breath as he watches me pace. It’s only three in the afternoon and my last class was canceled today. I let Damon know and Morris picked me up.

Kane came home from the gym, showered, but now has been watching me lose my shit. Playing with the edges of my hair, I have an idea.

“What if I decided to cut my hair and get it done for tonight?” I ask, tracking a conversation I’ve been having in my head.

Kane watches me, and I fidget as he takes his time responding. “Are you cutting your own hair or do I need to look for a hairdresser?” he asks shrewdly. “Unless you have some kind of training, I suggest the second option, little rabbit. While I think you’d be beautiful bald, you may think differently.”

Grinning, I shake my head. “No, I don’t have any training,” I murmur. “I want to look nice tonight. While I can get away without a stitch of makeup on and messy hair in my face for a meeting with the senior mafia members, I don’t think that’ll fly here. The Whalen Society is made up of a lot of the mates of the crime families. Women seem to be pickier about things.”

Aisling told me they were lovely people, and she’s had dealings with them before, when they wanted to meet her and Wren, to get some donations together for Omega’s Haven. Apparently, some of them are also her pack mates’ mothers.

This should have made me feel better, but it doesn’t. She said she adores her pack’s families, yet just because they like her doesn’t mean they’ll like me.

“Fuck it, let’s go,” Kane says with a shrug. Pulling out his phone, he texts a few people before frowning, texting again and grunting in assessment. “Alright, I found a place.”

“How?” I ask, frowning. A tendril of uncertainty fills me as I wonder at his words.

Is he texting a woman? Is that how he knows where to go?

“Little rabbit,” he drawls, standing to slowly walk toward me. It feels as if the alpha is stalking me, steps measured and purposeful. “There are two people who are romantically involved in my life. One of them is?—”

“Me,” Morris says, stepping inside the door as he enters the apartment. “Why are you doing this right now, Kane?”

“You’ll see,” the alpha purrs. The skin on my arms begins to blossom in goosebumps, my heart beat increasing. I’m not afraid of him, but Kane is the most unpredictable of the brothers. “As you heard, little rabbit, Morris is one of them, which makes the other one you.”

Morris moves to stand behind me, while Kane sandwiches me between them. His strong fingers drag up my neck until they very loosely wrap around my throat. Morris presses a kiss on my head as he rubs the skin where my shirt has ridden up over my stomach.

“There will never be anyone else, Adira,” Kane growls, tilting my face up, so he can kiss me.

“Fuck,” Morris whispers. “So gorgeous together.”

“Come taste with me,” our alpha murmurs, tilting my face until I’m gazing up at Morris behind me.

His lips curl into a smile, leaning down to press a kiss on my lips. Slowly, I open my lips in invitation, Morris’ answering groan making me whimper.

“Adira,” he rasps, his breath moving over my skin before he kisses me again. It feels as if he really is tasting me, his tongue flicking over my lips to get me to open wider for him.

Being kissed by this beta is an experience, his kisses an exchange of air and moans as he slowly explores my mouth.

“I need to watch you two more often,” Kane mutters. “I definitely have a voyeurism kink.”

Morris smirks against my lips and then Kane is leaning in to kiss him. I’m pressed between them, their hard bodies feeling solid against me, while Morris tries hard not to grind his cock against my ass as he holds me. It’s the hottest experience in my life yet.

Eyes wide, I press my thighs together as I whimper, perfuming. Kane and Morris groan together, and then I’m pulled into their kiss. Lips, tongue, the faintest hint of teeth consumes the next few minutes of my world, and hands roam as I writhe between them. Just as a hand moves to slip under my panties, the door opens and Morris jerks in surprise, turning and pulling his gun at the door.

Kane and I are breathing hard, moving to watch as Jed and Damon come inside the rental.

“We have to get out of this apartment,” Jed complains. “One day I may end up getting shot walking in.”

My lips twist in mirth as I attempt to regulate my breathing, sighing as Damon glances between us. He looks amused as he walks over to steal me away, hugging me to him.

“What were you up to,” he whispers in my ear. “All I can smell is snickerdoodles and strawberries and cream. Did you come home early to make out?”

“No,” I say with a grin. “Class was really canceled. I need to get ready for this party tonight, and I need to cut my hair.”

“Need?” Jed asks, brow raising as he locks the door. “I love your hair, but I’m sure we can find someone to do it who will do a good job.”

During the long hours I spent in my house reading novels and doom scrolling through the internet, I’ve learned that some men have very big opinions about what a woman wears or what she does to her hair. Pack Dresmond has never cared outside of whether or not I’m comfortable in what I’m wearing.

This is one red flag these men don’t have.

“I texted Duncan, and he recommended a place,” Kane says, answering my earlier question with a smirk. “I’m going to take her now.”

“Can I come with?” Damon asks. “My brain is fried and I need a time out from my books before I work on a paper due soon. I managed to get some done, but I got distracted.”

The unspoken words ‘when my cock fell into your pussy’ that whisper through my mind make me snicker.

“Don’t blame me,” I tell him, grinning.

“Ooh, you have voices in your head, but it’s Demon,” Kane teases me. “Share with the class, little rabbit.”

“You know already,” I say, heat high in my cheeks. I don’t know if I need to tell Morris and Jed, but the curiosity in their gazes helps me decide to. “Damon and I had sex in the library.”

“You did not,” Morris gasps. “You’re such a good girl, though. Where in the library?”

“She can still be a good girl, and bounce on my cock in the stacks,” Damon says drolly.

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation,” Jed says, though his lips are pressed together to hide his smile. His dark, almost black eyes, glitter, so like Kane and his father’s eyes. “Alright, fuck it, I have questions. Most importantly, did he make you come?”

“Jed,” Damon groans.

“Ah, yes. Do you need the number of times?” I ask, raising my eyebrow. I’m feeling a little bratty. It must have been all the orgasms.

Damon huffs out a laugh at my thoughts, kissing me hard.

“Three times!” Kane crows. “There’s nothing wrong with a little public sex. Damn, it’s been awhile since you’ve participated though.”

Morris rolls his eyes, moving over to kiss Jed hard. His arms move around him, and I watch as Morris devours his mouth. It’s hot, filthy, and a really fucking good kiss.

“No more pussyfooting around,” Morris growls. “The pity party is over. We move forward, not back.”

“Does this mean no more thoughts of leaving us?” Jed asks, his lips puffy from the kiss. “I won’t have to take your gun at night, because I’m scared you’re going to eat the fucking barrel?”

I knew this, knew he was struggling, it’s been staring me in the face. Yet, watching Jed glare at him is a new, stark reminder of it.

“We move forward as a pack,” Kane repeats, moving to cup the back of Morris’ head. “No more talk about not being needed.”

“You’re mine, so you can’t leave,” I say, stepping away from Damon. It feels odd to have their eyes on me without the tether of Damon’s arms, but I’ll live. “I’ve decided you’re all mine. What happened, happened. It wasn’t because I did something or you felt you needed to give me up. None of you fucking knew me.”

“It wasn’t personal,” Damon rasps. “God, it felt really fucking personal, though, baby.”

“I know, but that’s because we’re scent matched,” I remind him. “Jed’s end goal was keeping you all safe. It sounds like he’s been in charge of that for a really long time.”

“Yeah, I have been,” Jed grunts.

“And Morris you follow what’s needed to keep everyone safe,” I say, taking his tight nod as an agreement. “Rock is the person who is to blame for all of this. Staying divided just lets him win.”

“What are you saying?” Morris asks. “I had you bite me so you could have peace of mind. I didn’t actually think it would mean you’d want to keep me.”

“I’m saying you’re wrong,” I murmur, coming within grabbing distance until I’m between the two older brothers and Morris. “I was always going to keep you, I think, I just didn’t know it then. You’re needed here. Don’t go.”

The sound of Damon chuckling as they kiss me, along with a three way kiss with Morris and Jed, solidifies the decision before Damon reminds us of my haircut. Fuck, do I really still need that?

“Ugh, yes, I need my hair cut,” I grumble. “I need something that doesn’t scream young and dumb.”

“You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met,” Damon says, swatting my ass, while I squeal.

“Book smart is very different,” I mutter as we walk out the door into the world.

I just need a change, one that I’m choosing instead of it choosing me.