Page 107 of Puck & Her Blades

I drag the silk sheet more tightly around myself.

“How did this happen?” I whisper. “How am I in heat?”

“I don’t know.” Cygnus removes the cloth from my forehead, as he sits back cross-legged next to me. Only now do I notice the purple shadows underneath his eyes like bruises. He looks exhausted and like he needs the cloth more than I do. This has been hard on him too, but he’s putting my needs first. “But we’re all here for you, and seriously, you’re going to love the next twenty-four hours. Being rutted by our Alphas is mind-blowing. If it’s what you want and consent to, while you’re still in pre-heat, then you’re going to have the best experience of your life.”

“I enthusiastically consent.” But then, panic shoots through me, and I clutch my hands into the blanket. “The Blades fucked up the game though. They lost. Roarke is going to destroy us.”

My breathing becomes ragged. My fluctuating pheromones are messing with my emotions.

I’m not used to this.

I can’t control my mood. I’m a hot mess.

I let out a sob.

Instantly, Cygnus lies next to me, embracing me. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. Don’t worry about that now. I promise, the guys are already working on a plan. For once, let others take the strain. You’re not alone. You’re never going to be anymore. You have us.”

I struggle to take deep breaths. Cygnus’ candy violet scent settles me.

My tears still. I calm. My heart steadies.

For the first time, the thought that I am no longer alone, truly takes root in my chest.

I don’t have to take the responsibility for protecting my Omega dad, competing, winning, working for the resistance and writing my blog, surviving in the Institute or as a Reject any longer.

I allow myself to believe that I have men in my life who really do have my back.

I cling to Cygnus, and he tightens his arm around me.

“Where am I?” I raise my head from his delicious swan-like neck reluctantly to glance around myself.

I’ve never seen a room like it.

The walls are white, but they’re draped in velvet, as if with rabbit fur.

It’s like being cocooned in a giant nest.

A fan hangs from the ceiling, cooling the air. There are no windows, but golden lanterns hang around the corners of the room, transforming it into a fairy grotto.

It feels like I’m Alice, and I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole.

Next to the bed is a huge stack of books, and the coziest looking reading nook that I’ve ever seen. It’s a leather couch that’s buried in pillows and blankets.

A mini fridge stands next to the couch, along with a blue sports bag.

“You’re in Blade House,” Cygnus replies. “This is my Omega Chamber. Jackson, Zev, and Asher all helped to make this for my heats.” He pulls at the nest of clothes, dragging them over me like blankets. “I broke Dad’s rule, which forbids me from entering the Alpha wing or Ash’s attic, and borrowed some of their clothes for you, while everyone else was distracted.”

“Borrowed, huh?” Then I pale. “Shit, will you be in trouble?”

I shouldn’t have turned Cygnus into a rebel. He’s too good at it.

He shrugs. “It’ll be worth it to make your first heat perfect. Jackson made sure that mine was.”

My heart clenches. “I always wanted my dad to have an Omega chamber or even a nest. But he wasn’t allowed one. My Alpha parents thought that they showed weakness.”

Cygnus stares at me, shocked.

Finally, his gaze becomes fierce. “Then I’m sorry for insulting my Alpha in-laws, but they’re knotheads. I’m going to ship your dad a huge supply of Omega nesting products from the top supplier. He’ll have the best nest in Virginia.”

---