In Caryss Cove

Carys

I stare at the streaks of sunlight peeking through the skylight overhead. Nestling deep into my plush nest, I hum, completely content. It’s taken me a few days, but I think my nest is finally ready for my alphas. I want them to snuggle, kiss, and make love to me in it. I want them to love it as much as I do.

Curious to know what time it is, I crawl toward the entrance of my cove, then peek out at the clock on the dresser. Apparently, my nap got a little out of control. It’s almost time!

Judson is coming to dinner.

I can’t believe it. It feels like a dream.

Kofi and Isaac have been excited for me to get to know my old friend, but I’m worried that Swanley is secretly angry about it. He swears he’s not, but my bond with the alpha has been closed-off most of the time. I worry that it’s because of Judson, but I’m not really sure. My bond with Kofi is wide open and filled with his constant love and affection, but the second Swanley leaves for work, his presence completely disappears from my mind. Maybe our bond can only grow when we’re around one another? Or maybe he’s closing it off on purpose to save me from feeling his frustration while at work— at least that’s what Isaac says.

Deciding it’s not good to fret about my alpha’s hypothetical feelings, I force myself to leave my nest. I walk into the massive closet, trying to figure out what to wear. It takes me a few minutes, but I finally settle on a lovely lilac dress with a sash around the middle and little eyelets all along the bust and hem. My hair is a little tangled, but not too bad considering how hard I slept.

“Carys?” Kofi steps into the bedroom. I turn, then gasp. He looks amazing in his pressed black slacks and a simple green button down. I do love him in green. “How was your nap?” He kisses my forehead and I fall into his arms.

“So good.” I snuggle against his firm chest.

“Are you excited to see Judson again?” Kofi asks, and I freeze up.

I know this isn’t a trick question. Kofi isn’t that kind of alpha, but I can’t help but fear that I’ll give the wrong answer.

“Omega?” Kofi cups my cheeks, his big hands covering the whole side of my face. “Talk to me, mate.” His kind gaze holds mine and our bond sings with his love for me.

“I am looking forward to dinner,” I say, wanting to sound happy and at ease, but I’m too stiff. Too scared that I’m going to anger my alpha.

“You know,” Kofi’s thumbs caress my cheekbones, “I can feel how much you adore him.” I immediately pull back, but Kofi moves with me, refusing to let me go. “You’re allowed to have feelings for him, Carys.” He wraps his arms around my waist, holding me to him. “You’re allowed to love him.”

“Really?” I ask, staring up at Kofi’s handsome face. “I’m allowed…” I trail off, not entirely sure what he means, but not brave enough to voice my assumptions out loud.

“I spoke to Swanley and Isaac, and we all have agreed that you can pursue something deeper with the alpha if you’d like.”

All the breath inside me whooshes out in shock. “ Swanley said that?” I pause, waiting for Kofi to confirm.

“He did,” the pack alpha laughs, the deep vibrations dancing all around me.

“So…” I’m clearly in shock. I don’t know what to say or think. I can pursue Judson, and he can pursue me. “Does Judson know?” I ask.

“I’m going to talk to him tonight,” Kofi says, channeling his fingers through my hair. It feels so good. “If he’s respectable and honest, and treats you properly, then we’ll consider letting him join our pack.”

I know there’s probably a proper way to show my gratitude, but all I can do is squeal loudly, then fling myself into Kofi’s waiting arms. “Thank you!” I giggle like a mad woman, making Kofi chuckle.

“Alright,” he kisses the top of my head once again. “Go on.” He pats my bottom. “I’m sure Judson will be here soon.”

A soft knock drifts through the house, and I launch myself out of the bedroom and down the hallway.

Isaac pauses in the entryway, his eyes going wide as I rush to his side. “Excited?” He laughs.

I nod frantically, smoothing out the front of my brand-new dress. “I’m ready.” I fuss with my hair, then put on my best smile.

“You sure?” Isaac smiles as if I’m the cutest thing he’s ever seen.

“Are you two going to let him in?” Kofi asks as he struts through the living room, making his way to the kitchen. “We did offer to feed him.”

Judson knocks again, and I vibrate with excitement. “I’m ready.” I snuggle against Isaac’s side as he turns the doorknob. The door swings open, revealing my old guard.

Judson looks amazing in a pair of fitted jeans and a tucked-in white T-shirt. His dark hair is brushed off of his forehead and he’s holding a bouquet of daisies.

“Carys.” Judson greets me, and I duck my head. He’s just so intense. He reminds me so much of Swanley. “Isaac.” Judson turns to my beta. “These are for you.” He holds out the flowers and Isaac’s eyes go wide.

“For me ?” Isaac slowly reaches for the bundle of flowers. He blinks repeatedly, completely speechless. I can’t help but laugh.

“They say you should impress the pack alpha when meeting with a new pack.” Judson leans in as he looks one way and then the other, then he whispers, “But I know who really runs things around here.” He winks and Isaac blushes.

“Thank you.” The beta ducks his head, holding the flowers up to his nose. “They’re really pretty.”

“Let’s get you a vase.” I squeeze Isaac’s arm. “We can put them in the living room so we can admire them.”

Isaac nods as he follows me toward the kitchen. I can’t help myself, and I look back over my shoulder, giving Judson an approving smile for how happy he’s made my packmate.

“Judson,” Kofi greets the young alpha, shaking his hand as we all file into the kitchen. “I was about to make myself a drink. What’s your poison?” He grabs two whiskey glasses out of the cabinet.

“I’m honestly not really into hard liquor.” He looks from Kofi to Isaac. “Got any beer?”

“I do.” Isaac sets his bouquet on the counter. “Why don’t you three go and sit. I’ll bring your drink.”

Judson thanks Isaac, making sure to hold the beta’s gaze for a second or two, before stepping back into the living room. I quickly follow, not waiting for Kofi.

“How was your day?” I ask Judson, eager to hear all about it.

“It’s wonderful now.” He sits on one of the creme-colored couches. I want to squish up next to him, but I’m not entirely sure if I’m allowed. It also doesn’t help that I have no idea how to flirt.

Awkward silence fills the air while I just stand there like an idiot. Judson just smiles up at me, and I get the feeling he doesn’t really know what to say either. Not sure what else to do, I sit on the couch across from him, deciding it’s probably best to keep my distance, and let Jud decide how he wants to court me…assuming he even wants to

“I hope you like Chinese,” I say, fidgeting with the ribbon around my middle. “Isaac was going to cook, but he ended up spending most of the day cleaning.”

“You don’t cook anymore?” Judson rests his elbows on his knees, leaning toward me. “I thought you enjoyed it.”

I force a laugh, not wanting to tell him how much anxiety it gives me now. “I just never got back into it. And Isaac is a wonderful cook.” I smile at the beta as he enters the room, holding a beer in one hand and his vase of flowers in the other. Kofi is at his side, looking just as handsome.

“This place is amazing.” Judson takes the drink from Isaac. “Have you lived here long?” He turns, giving his full attention to Kofi.

“We bought it about a year ago,” Kofi says, sitting next to me on the arm of the couch. Isaac pulls a face, clearly not liking it, but he doesn’t say anything. After all, it would be rude for either one of us to correct our alpha in front of guests. “Once we knew that we’d be bringing Carys into our pack, we decided to find somewhere more suitable for her needs.”

My face warms at all the wonderful things my pack has done for me.

“I did a lot of research,” Isaac says, sitting down on my other side. “Omegas tend to thrive with lots of fresh air and greenery.”

“You’re so considerate.” Judson’s eyes sparkle as he smiles at Isaac. Little dots of pink stain the beta’s cheeks, and it takes everything in me not to giggle. “And this is the perfect location.” He looks out the big bay window. “I’m sure the mountain breeze out here could cure just about anything.”

Isaac nods, struggling to make eye contact as he fusses with the vase, placing it in the center of the coffee table.

“I noticed a stack of birch wood near the road,” Jud says to Kofi. “Are you building something?”

“We’ve been doing a lot of renovations.” Kofi takes a sip of his whiskey. “Isaac has been wanting a gazebo since we moved in.”

“I’d love to help.” Judson sits a little taller. “I’m pretty handy with a nail gun.”

“Really?” Kofi says as if that’s wonderful news. “I know that would make Isaac very happy.”

“Good.” Judson turns his charm on our beta. “He has an amazing smile. I’d like to see it more.”

“Thank you,” Isaac whispers as crimson crawls down his neck. I’ve never seen him so flustered before. It’s adorable.

There’s a knock on the door, and Isaac jumps up. “The food is here!” He sounds almost relieved to have the focus taken off of him.

“Let’s move outside and get the table ready while Isaac and Carys get the food.” Kofi stands. “I’d also love to get your opinion on where to put the gazebo.”

Isaac carries two big bags of takeout into the kitchen. A good omega would help him, but I’m too distracted by the two alphas now standing on the back porch. Curiosity gets the better of me and I rush to the nearest bay window. Staring at their broad backs, I sit quietly and listen. It’s shameful, but I have to know what they're saying.

“The land is already even.” Judson points at a small plot of land on the other side of the shed. “It would cut down on a lot of landscaping.”

Kofi nods as if agreeing, then he turns to face the young alpha. “What are your intentions with Carys?” His tone is still kind, but even I can feel his authority from here. It’s not a simple question, but a command for the truth.

“She’s my friend,” Judson says.

“No,” Kofi shakes his head. “We both know that no one spends this much time with another alpha’s mate, without wanting something more than just a friend.”

Judson’s throat works and he takes a quick swig of his beer. “I love her.”

And just like that, pure happiness erupts in my chest. I hold my breath as Jud looks up, waiting for Kofi to react. But my pack alpha doesn’t even blink. It’s as if he already knew this. I wish I had, because right now, I’m too stunned to even think.

“I fell in love with Carys two years ago,” Judson continues. “I know I failed her, and she’s been kind enough to forgive me.” He takes a deep breath, looking Kofi in the eyes. “I’m not here to challenge you for her or to snatch her up. I respect that she belongs to you, and I’ll leave if you want me to, but,” he stares down at his drink, “I’d like to pursue her, if you’ll let me.”

“You want to join our pack?” Kofi asks. Judson nods, and my heart flutters. I want to jump up and down, and sing and dance.

Kofi says something else, his expression as calm and collected as ever, but I can’t hear his words.

I fell in love with Carys.

But then all my excitement dims as I think of Swanley, and our very quiet bond. While he has insisted that he likes Judson just fine, I can see it in my grumpy alpha’s eyes—he doesn’t like Jud. And I could never sacrifice Swanley for Judson.

I need to talk to him. I have to know that he’s okay with this.

A few more words catch my ears. I hear Kofi say, “respect my decision” and “if anyone objects”. And then Jud asks something about Isaac, but for the most part, their deep tones are just a background to my pounding heart.

“You look a little sad, omega,” Swanley says, standing in the hallway. He’s freshly showered and dressed similarly to Kofi—dress shirt and black slacks. What is it about simple white button-ups and rolled sleeves? “Everything okay?”

I stand as he moves to me. He opens his arms, then snuggles me close, wrapping me up in his amazing scent. Roasted chestnut and musk. The combination is like nothing else.

“I’m okay,” I smile, but even I can feel how tight it is. “I was just enjoying the view.”

Swan’s dark eyes slide to the window, and his hold on me stiffens. “Ah. Jud’s here.” He stands a little taller. “Great.” He gives me a smile, and it’s the most unnatural thing I’ve ever seen.

“I won’t pursue him,” I say firmly.

“What?” Deep lines etch between Swanley’s brows.

“I don’t want you to be upset or angry.” I lower my lashes, staring at Swanley’s big feet. “I don’t have to have Judson.” I circle my arms around Swan’s middle, hugging him as tight as I can. “All I need is you and Kofi and Isaac. I don’t need him to be happy.”

“Oh, Carys.” Swan presses his nose to the top of my head. “That's very kind of you, omega. But I want you to be happy too, and if Jud makes you happy, then I’m happy.”

I lift my head, resting my chin on his firm chest. Swan’s eyes are so soft and kind as he looks down at me, but our bond is still completely closed off, so I can’t tell if he’s being honest or not. “Open our bond,” I whisper. “Let me feel you.”

Swanley’s eyes widen slightly, and then he smiles. “I’m so sorry. I sometimes forget that I close it off at work.” He presses his forehead to mine and the most delicate emotions rain down on me. Swanley’s love and protection swirls in my mind, just like his musky, chestnut scent swirls in the air. It’s all so lovely.

“Please be happy,” I say, pushing up and kissing him just once.

“Carys.” He sighs, his breath warm as it fans across my face. “I am so damn happy,” he says. “I just want to make sure that Judson doesn't hurt you. Because if he does, then I’ll have to hurt him and that might upset you even more.” He holds my chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I don’t want you to be sad. I kind of like you.”

I giggle at that, smacking his big bicep. “I kind of like you, too.”

“Come on.” Swanley takes my hand, pushing even more affection through our bond. “Let's go and be sociable.” But Swanley wasn’t sociable.

He didn’t say anything all through dinner. He didn’t scowl or argue, and our bond remained fairly calm. But he kept quiet, listening to the conversation and drinking his iced tea. Even when Judson eagerly offered to help with the gazebo, Swan just nodded, his expression almost unreadable.

All too soon, the sun started to set, and the fireflies came out to play. I could feel the evening was wrapping up, even though I didn’t want it to.

Kofi and Judson were teasing Isaac about his color-coordinated spice rack when Swanley suddenly stood.

“Well, I’m sure you need to get home,” he says to Judson.

The table goes quiet, and Isaac and I share a quick look.

Kofi finally turns to Judson, breaking the tense silence. “It was nice having you over.” He pats the young alpha on the back. “Carys, why don’t you walk our guest out?”

I slowly stand, not wanting Jud to go, but that’s not for me to decide.

“I’ll see you at work,” Judson says to Swanley. My red-haired alpha lets out a grunt of a response. “Thank you so much for inviting me.” Jud shakes Kofi’s hand, then kisses the back of Isaac’s. “Dinner was amazing.”

The beta goes beet red once again, mumbling, “Glad you liked it.”

I’m a little surprised that no one follows us through the house or out onto the front porch. And before I know it, I’m standing on the porch, all alone with my old friend…and maybe my new alpha. I’m not really sure how this all works. There’s so much uncertainty and excitement about courting within a pack that I feel a little overwhelmed.

“I want to be honest with you, omega.” Judson steps off of the porch, and he’s magically the same height as me. “I don’t want to be your friend.”

Excitement bubbles in my chest, already knowing what he’s going to say. “Yeah?” I say softly.

“I adore you.” He lifts his hand, touching my fingertips. It makes my spine tingle and my stomach flip. “You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, Carys Day.” Heat blooms in the air and Jud’s cinnamon scent grows. “You are all I think about.” He glances behind me, at the front door. “I want to be a part of your pack. I want Kofi’s leadership and Isaac’s affections. And I want you.” His dark eyes drill into mine, and I stare at him like an idiot, too lost in the feel of his heated gaze on me to answer. “Do you want me?” he asks.

“Yes,” I whisper, suddenly very aware of my tongue. Is he going to kiss me? I really want him to kiss me. “I want you too.”

A sweet smile fills Judson’s face, and I lean into his boyish charm. “Will you let me court you?”

I bite my bottom lip. “Yes.”

“May I court Isaac too?” Twin lines settle between his brows, almost as if he’s worried about my reaction.

“Of course,” I say, knowing for a fact that my bashful little beta would love that.

“Okay then.” Judson’s smile grows and his fingers flex as if he wants to touch me. Please kiss me. “Carys.” He lifts my hand, then leans down. “Good night, my lovely omega.”

I expect him to kiss the back of my hand, but he doesn’t. Instead, he turns it over and presses his thumb into the center of my palm. The pressure feels good, sucking the nervous energy right out of me. But then he presses his lips to the inside of my wrist and sparks shoot straight to my core.

Hot slick gathers between my legs, and I press my knees together. I spent the last two years wishing I could produce slick, and now it seems my body is trying to make up for lost time.

“Sleep well, omega.” Judson releases me, then he struts off. I stare at his firm butt, not taking my eyes off of him until he steps into his shiny black sports car.

I pull in a deep breath, trying to collect myself. Then I open the front door and slip back inside. I instantly pause, overhearing what is clearly the middle of a tense conversation. My pack is huddled at the side of the living room, next to the patio door. I can see Isaac and Kofi’s intense expressions but all I can see is Swan's back.

“You knew this?” Isaac says to Kofi, his eyes narrowed as if upset.

“I did,” Kofi says simply. “But the fact that Judson worked for Carys’s old mate, doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy.” And all the fuzzy feelings inside me instantly die.

“I’m not saying the kid is a piece of shit,” Swanley says, “Just that he used to work for one.”

“Swan.” Kofi looks past the alpha, right at me.

Swanley turns around to face me, and the look on his face shifts from anger to shock. He clearly didn’t want me to hear him. “Carys.” He moves to me, raising his hands as if he wants to touch me. It’s awful, but I take a step back, making his hands fall at his sides.

“Judson did work for…” I trail off, trying not to show the devastation swirling inside me. “But Judson isn’t a bad guy. He didn’t know what Preston did to me. He never,” I shake my head, struggling to find my words.

“Carys.” Isaac crosses the room and I instantly tense up, making him stop in his tracks.

“I meant what I said,” I say to Swanley. “If you aren’t comfortable with Judson,” I swallow hard, “then I don’t have to be his friend. I got to catch up with him, and it’s been nice.” I force a smile and my throat squeezes tight with the threat of tears. “We don’t need to have him over anymore.”

Isaac turns his head, zeroing in on Swanley. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he snaps at our alpha. “You know how hard it is for Carys to talk about this stuff.”

Swanley’s eyes go wide at the beta’s outburst. “Watch it, Izzy.” His voice is a deep warning. “You know that I love it when you speak your mind, but I’m still your alpha.”

Isaac sucks in a quick breath, but his jaw is still tight. “We can all tell that you don’t like Judson,” his voice is softer, more respectful, “but he has been nothing but kind. Just because he worked for….” His eyes flicker to me, then back to Swanley. “That doesn’t mean Judson is a bad guy. He just wanted a fresh start.”

“He didn’t move here for the goddamn view!” Swanley whips his hand out, and I flinch hard, my hands flying up toward my face.

“I’m sorry!” I instinctively yell, curling inward on myself.

“Oh my god,” Issac’s panicked tone slams into me and I start to cry. “Swanley!” he snarls at our alpha.

“I was pointing at the window,” Swan’s voice is soft, shocked. I want to tell him I’m okay, but I can’t even open my eyes.

“It’s okay.” Kofi is suddenly by my side, wrapping me up in his strong arms. I press my nose into his chest, squeezing him tight.

“I wasn’t…” Swanley's voice is filled with so much panic. Maybe even shame. I feel terrible. He wasn’t going to hit me. I know that. He was motioning toward the mountains, but in that moment, stupid fear took hold. “Carys,” Swan falls to his knees in front of me, reaching for my waist. “Omega, please. Look at me.” His fingers curl around my hips.

Slowly, I release Kofi, finally looking at my red-haired alpha. His expression is gutting. His eyes are brimming with tears and his lips are parted as if he wants to say something, but can’t think of the words.

“I’m sorry,” I sniffle. I don’t even know why I’m crying, but I can’t stop.

“I wasn’t going to hit you,” Swanley finally says. “Please, believe me.” His big hands push up to my waist, holding me so carefully, almost as if I were made of glass. “You know I'd never hurt you. I would never ?—”

“I know.” I cup his cheeks, then lean down and place a watery kiss on his lips. His beard tickles my nose, making me sniffle again. “I didn’t mean to upset everyone.” I look up at Kofi, then Isaac. “I’m sorry.”

“Stop that,” Isaac says firmly. “Your body reacted to an alpha who raised his voice and let his temper get the best of him.” Isaac looks down at Swanley, still on his knees.

“I shouldn’t have yelled,” Swanley slowly stands. “I trust your judgment, Carys.” He circles his hand around my upper arm, just holding me. It feels weirdly sweet and possessive at the same time. “And I know that Kofi and Isaac like Jud too. I’m just being…cautious.”

“Cautious?” Kofi raises his dark brows. “Is that the word we’re going with?”

Swanley rolls his eyes, snorting loudly, but I can’t help but wonder if he wants to yell, but is holding it in to keep from scaring me. “I get that I sometimes have a hard time accepting change.”

Isaac guffaws loudly. “You sometimes have a hard time accepting change?” He crosses his arms. “It took six months of Kofi and I dating before you finally agreed to even meet me. And even then, you refused to call me your boyfriend. And I didn’t do anything! I just wanted to be your friend.”

Swanley scratches the underside of his beard. “I see your point.”

“It’s okay, alpha.” I lean into his chest, snuggling him. “I meant what I said. I don’t need Judson to be happy.”

Swanley’s arms wrap around my back, caressing me. “I guess I’ve been a little hard on the kid."

“Perhaps you two should spend some time together outside of work,” Kofi offers.

I can practically hear Swanley’s abs flex. “That's not a terrible idea.”

“Really?” I snap my head up. Shocked. “Do you mean it? Because I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

“I still don’t trust him,” Swanley says, looking directly into my eyes so I know that he means that. “But I trust you. And if you say he’s worth getting to know, then I want to get to know him too.”

Isaac smiles wide, flinging himself into my back, hugging our alpha with me.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Kofi wraps his arms around all three of us. “I’ll let Jud know to come by this weekend so you two can work together on the gazebo.”

“What?” Swanley’s arms fall away, but Isaac and I keep squeezing him. “On the gazebo ? Why?”

“I think you two need to spend some quality time together,” Kofi says simply.

“I see the fucker all day at work.”

Kofi pats him hard on the back. “And now you can spend time as potential brothers.”