Shivering, I can vaguely remember just how sexy that was as well. Glancing down at my body, I can still see the healing old bites from when Arthur kidnapped me. They’re more fading bruises at this point thanks to the arnica and medicated cream I’ve been applying to it.
The new bite marks belong to my alphas, and I can feel Tommy and Jasper sending me concern and love through our new bonds.
It’s weird not being alone anymore, but incredibly peaceful to know if I spiral, someone will be there to catch me or follow me down the hole. Jasper still panics when I cry, and I think it’s adorable.
“Hey, what are you thinking about?” Auggie asks as he walks back into the bathroom. Just because he can feel me through the bond, doesn’t mean he can read my mind. I love that he doesn’t try to either.
“How my alphas bites are going to be pretty when they all heal up,” I murmur as he sets up the bamboo tray across the tub.
“Mine,” he grunts with a feral grin. “I fucking love being able to see my bite on your skin. Gabriel is still very proud you claimed him back. I didn’t know omegas could do that.”
Shrugging, I think about it. “I wasn’t sure if I could, but I kept wanting to, so I did. Even if it wasn’t as strong of a connection, it was still something I wanted,” I explain.
Draping a washcloth over the tray, he sets up my bottle of water, phone, and wireless charger in case I need it. Bemused, I smile as I watch how well he loves me. This is just the way Auggie takes care of me. He’s in his element as my alpha.
“Do you need anything else?” he asks, glancing at me with his green eyes.
“I have food,” Gabriel murmurs, setting a bowl of Indian chicken curry next to me. Inhaling deeply, I moan at how good it smells. I remember when I told Jasper I was going to feed him his dinner on the bathroom floor, and my lips twitch.
“It smells amazing,” I admit. “Thank you so much.”
“I’m running out to City Hall to put in our pack paperwork,” Auggie says, leaning over to kiss my temple. “Be good. No fucking. Give her pussy an ice bag.”
My giggles make him grin as he kisses Gabriel’s cheek before he races out the door.
“It looks like you’re ready to divide and conquer the world,” Gabriel teases me as he gazes at my setup. Blushing, I nod as he chuckles.
“I’m going to go call my sister. Holler if you need me?”
“I will, thank you for the food,” I gush, picking up a spoon to take a bite. Holy shit, that’s good.
“Yeah, I’m going to leave before I get in there with you,” he says, giving me a wink as he walks out quickly.
Eating and working through my texts, I answer them as I go. Messages from dancers making sure I’m okay, to Tay checking in, and even Aisling texting me.
Putting my empty bowl aside, I move through my voicemails, uncaring that I’m returning calls in the bathtub. I’m the only one who knows that.
One of my last calls is to Wren and Aisling, because I have a feeling I’ll be on the phone longer. Getting out of the bath first, I take a quick shower to rinse off and then wrap the towel around me after I pat myself dry. Gabriel pops his head in as I start to walk out of the bathroom, brow raised.
“A part of me was wondering if you’d grown gills and a tail,” he teases me. “I’m celebrating the end of training and my last fight.”
“ I’m sad I missed it. I just have one more call and then I’m done,” I sigh as I toss my phone on the bed before walking to the closet. Gabriel makes a strangled sound in the back of his throat as I open it and I groan as I see the bags of trash inside.
“I didn’t know if you wanted to go through it or would rather I just trash it,” he says, wincing.
Biting my lip, I think about the pain I went through, and how I would rather start fresh. My nest should be made up of things that bring me joy and not remembrance of a rough heat.
“Trash it, please. All of it,” I say, taking a deep breath. “I’ll make new blankets in our new house. There’s not enough room for us in the apartment, and it’s silly that Tommy and Jasper are next door.”
“I really want to tell him that,” he confesses with a chuckle. “The bond is so odd, Jas and Tommy are poking at me. It almost tickles.”
Smirking, I shrug. “Guess you should go tell them so he can start looking,” I tease him.
Picking up the trash, he winks at me. “Whatever you want, Mistress,” he says.
Giggling as he leaves, I find a tank-top and soft pair of pants. Then, I sneak into Augustine’s room for a soft blue buttoned-up shirt, shrugging it on as I leave it open and roll up the sleeves.
“Cere, if you don’t make that last call right fucking now, I will ignore what my alpha asked me not to do and come fuck you!” Gabriel calls out as I step into the hallway. “Goddamn, you’re wearing his shirt. I fucking can’t! I’m not made for following directions when you look this sexy.”