Page 114 of Mark & Don't Tell

Time has never slipped by as quickly as it does when I’m with the guys. The ease with which we fall into living together is almost scary. Before I know it, two weeks have passed. Work is torture—pretending I don’t notice when Kai or Linc walks by is easier said than done. Vic even makes appearances, which, from everything I’ve heard, is unusual.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know why he’s suddenly taken a renewed interest in Good Vibes.

He comes to see me. And it’s the sweetest, simplest gesture that puts a goofy smile on my face every time I catch traces of his scent in the office.

Anytime my pack is near, my body lights up with awareness, as if they’re a black hole set to consume the entire universe, and I’m simply a planet desperately trying to escape the pull. But it’s impossible, and more than once, I find myself caged in their arms in some random closet, mouth and body ravished.

Even wearing Vic’s collar has become natural. I take it off to sleep and shower, and that’s it. Otherwise, it’s clasped around my neck because it’s part of what makes me pack.

To say I’m delirious with happiness is an understatement.

So, it comes as no surprise to me that I find myself seeking a midnight snack, body demanding nourishment in preparation for my heat. I’ve gone through it enough times to notice the warning signs. The little fits of grumpiness when I have to wait thirty seconds for coffee. The way I can’t help burying my nose against their throats as soon as everyone is home and we no longer have to pretend like I’m just another employee.

I grab a tub of edible cookie dough and make my way toward my nest.

My treat is sweet, with hints of saltiness—everything I’m craving. I should definitely drink water after. Staying hydrated during a heat is the hardest part, especially when you go through it alone, but with my pack, I doubt I’ll have to worry as much as I did when it happened while I was alone. They’ll be there, with enough sense of mind to make me drink water.

Nudging the door to my nest open, I release a soft sigh and shove another spoonful of dough bites into my mouth, cheeks puffy as I admire my handiwork. I still feel guilty about using the pack’s money, but even I have to admit this is a hell of a lot better than an air mattress.

The walls are now a dark burgundy, with bundles of twinkle lights wrapped around the top like crown molding. I flip the light switch, and they emit a soft, golden glow. Two shelves on either side of the bed hold essential supplies. Towels. Snacks. Wet wipes. Water. Various toys the guys thought I might like. A vibrator with a knot at the bottom for when they’re too tired to keep up with my demands. A tentacle-shaped dildo—because why not?—nipple clamps, a butt plug.

The guys were almost worse than me when it came to picking out things for the nest, always suggesting something more expensive or luxurious than what I originally planned. But honestly? They gave me permission to build my dream nest. The fantasy I’ve been building every time Quinn and I got together to scrapbook ideas. This space is everything I’ve ever wanted.

The best part, though? The velvet, dark-green drapes that create a canopy of sorts over the California king, leaving a seventy-two-inch opening at the end of the bed. The bed itself is one of the best money can buy, the mattress soft yet a little firm at the same time—a perfect combination that everyone enjoys. The four-poster, dark-stained wooden frame is as sturdy as they come. Elegant. Built for fucking.

I head to climb into the nest with my treat, running the pads of my feet through the plush rug that’s covering the floor now and humming in approval. I crawl through the entrance, spoon stuck in my mouth and one hand clutching the tub of cookie dough like my life depends on not dropping it. Inside, the canopy goes as high as the ten-foot ceiling, and the bed is so big it actually feels like a tent. A dim light hangs over the middle of the bed, where the velvet drapes bunch around the canopy ring, emitting the perfect touch of light. Enough that I’m not in total darkness.

Sitting crisscross, I wiggle my shoulders and take another bite, glancing around, counting my pillows and hoarded—stolen—shirts, plush blankets, and the small fans fastened to the top of each post, a much-needed amenity. Almost everything is essential. Honestly, the blankets are for the worst of my pre- and post-heat, because nobody is trying to be wrapped in a blanket when the fever of need hits. When that happens, the bulk of blankets will be stripped away, leaving only the soft sheets covering the slick-proof mattress protector.

Breathing in, I bask in the spice, musk, and citrus of my pack’s scent, more than happy the guys didn’t take their things back.

Someone clears their throat right as I’m taking another bite, and I freeze with my spoon in my mouth, eyes wide, like I’ve been caught doing something naughty.

Linc appears at the opening, crouching to peek inside with a wicked smirk on his face. “Whatcha doing, bunny?”

“Nomfing,” I say around a mouthful.

He chuckles. “You’re nesting.” Not a question.

A fact.

It’s not like it’s a big secret.

I nod and tip my head, sticking my spoon into the tub and offering it to him. His smile makes my chest clench, and he accepts my gift, scooping a spoonful and eating it while he watches me. His pleased hum has my lips tugging back.

“Do you want to come out?”

And leave the safety of my nest? Hell, no.

I shake my head, and he gestures for me to move over. “I’m coming in.”

Lincoln makes his way over to me and carefully brings the cookie dough along with him. Smart alpha. Once he’s upon me, he brushes his lips over mine and licks the edge of my mouth. “You had some chocolate,” he murmurs when he pulls back.

My body is flushed, but I’m not silly enough to let him distract me and steal my snack. I snatch the container from him as he settles beside me, clutching it to my chest and narrowing my eyes.

“I’m not going to take your treats, bunny,” he says with a chuckle. “Couldn’t sleep?”

“I was hungry.”

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