Chapter 19

Chapter

Nineteen

"I'msorry.I'm so sorry. Ididn'trealize what was up here.I know thatI probablyshouldn'thave gone snoopingbutI got bored. I was on the phone talking to my friend, and I have this stupid habit of walking around whileI'mon the phone–"

Demetri'seyes widened as he put up a hand. Slowly, my rambling came to an end.

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"he asked, genuinely confused as he looked around the room as ifin search ofsomething I broke.

"The nest…"

"The nest."Demetri'seyes widened as he took in my words.

"I mean, I am sure you didn't want me up here." I shifted on my feet.

Ididn'tknow much about omega culturebutI knew enough from reading that anomega'snestwas usually seenas something precious. My goodness, I knew that my stupid bed of pillows back at my apartment was soimportantthat I made Liam go back for them even if I cared a little less about them since Cal was keeping me company most evenings.

"Ella,"Demetri said,"You are allowed togo anywhere in this house, including up here."

"Iknow you said that, but–"

"I'm not angry."

Was he sure?I mean,hedidn'tlook upset, but Icouldn"timagine that the nest came with good memories.Did their last omega in the house spend time up here? She probably did.

"We know youhaven'tbeen sleeping well. The idea did come up to show you the nest. Wedidn'twant to overwhelm you,"Demetri explained.

Because he was right. I was… overwhelmed. Clearly.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath."I'msorry."

Slowly,Demetri'shand hovered in theair,as if making sure I noticed it before he gently touched my elbow. His thumb swiped back and forth over my skin. Asmallnoise hummed through the air before I realized what it was, and it seemed to shock Demetri just as much.

Did he justpur? It was only for a moment, but I swore I heard it.

It was something an alpha did to calm an omega. And I was feeling a bit more at ease. Still, purring felt so out of the ordinary. Omegas could technicallypurtooifthey found their true mates, not that I felt like purringthoughthe thought was suddenly right here inthe front ofmy mind.

"Come here," Demetri whispered. "If you'd like."

I stared before taking one step towards him, and then Itook a stepback and shook my head."I'mgood."

"Are you sure? If youwantI can lay down with you."

"Lay down…"I glanced to our side. Inthe nest.

We were going to lay down in the nest–A nest that wasmore or less empty aside from the thick cushion and pillows lining the outside.

There were no blankets or anythingexactlyspecial, but myheart felt like it was going to burst at even the suggestion, my stomach turning over in somersaults as I looked between Demetri sitting down on the edge and waiting for me to join.

Nests were like a fantasy, and now I carefully climbed on top of the mattress that felt like a cloud.

My eyes fluttered shutandI nearly wanted to melt into the nest. It was empty, but also itwasn't. The scent of sharp sweetness and clove wrapped around me as Demetri testedwrappinghis arms around me, lowering me back into the pillows.

How did I never realize just how wonderful he smelled? Like rich deluxe chocolate. If I could just…

Why in the world did I want to lick all these men?

"What is so funny? Though I'm glad you're laughing rather than shaking now," said Demetri.

I shook my head."Nothing. Just, um, my omega."

"Does your omega speak to you loudly?"

"Not much in words."

"I see."

"You do?"

"Yes."

My eyes widened.

I mean, I noticed how Cal looked at meandI remembered what happened between Liam and me, but for some reason, Ididn'tthink Demetri wanted me here for any other reason but out of kind obligation."Youdon'tknow me."

"But I'd like to," he said. "And it doesn't matter. My alpha's been thinking about holding you like this since I first made it back in the house."

"Really?"

"Mhm,"Demetri said."I left work early because we were uneasy. Youaren'tthe only one ruled by your designation, Ella.It'snatural."

"Iguess,"I said, resigned to the fact that the beast inside of me was sick of being suppressed with pills and deodorizers.

"I promise."

"And youaren'ta man who breaks those promises."

He twisted until he looked me in the eye."I'mnot."

"Promise?"

He chuckled with me, seeing thesmallsmile on my face."Promise. We want you here, Ella. I want you here."He added the final words as if he heard my previous doubt.

"Thank you."

"You don't need to say that."

"Ido.You'vedone nothing but attempt to keep me safe, Demetri."

His chest rumbled at the response and I couldn't help it. I placed my palm rested over his chest catching the last bit. Our eyes met yet we still didn't say anything.

I whispered as Iwas gently pulled overhis chest."Thank you."

"You'rewelcome. Always. Rest. I think we both need it."

I think he was right. I curled in tighter to him before a rustle sounded across from us. I peeked my eyes back open.

"Find the nest, Els?" Cal asked from the doorway. "I wanted to show it to you right away but I was outvoted until you became more settled."

Demetri huffed. "We didn't want to make you uncomfortable."

"She looks pretty comfy to me."

I was.

I looked up at him.Demetri'sgrip on my arm held on tighter as he sighed."I may never get any time with you myself, huh?"

I shrugged with a smile, seeing the genuinemirthon his face.

"Come on, beta,"Demetri offered.

Caldidn'tlet the time go byany further, jumping into the bare nest and crawling up to the other side of me.