Page 25 of Absolute Devotion

I kiss his cheek and then take the plate from him. “I think that’s one title I can handle.”

Zahria’s laughter rings out as she places another plate in front of me, a playful grin lighting up her face. “Careful, Nala. You’re going to make yourself indispensable around here.”

It’s a strange feeling, this casual affection, the ease of their company. I had spent so long bracing myself for rejection, preparing for the inevitable moment when I’d be pushed away. There was always a reason I couldn’t have a happy ending, always a reason that being alone would be better than having a pack. But here, in this kitchen, with my mates, I feel the tension in my chest unraveling, thread by thread.

Xylo catches my eye from across the room, his usual intensity softened into something almost tender. “You okay, Nala?” he asks.

I nod, unable to fully put into words what I was feeling. “I think… I think I’m more than okay,” I say, the admission surprising even me. “I didn’t know it could feel like this. Like I actually… belong somewhere.”

Montgomery, who had been standing quietly at the edge of the counter, watching the interaction unfold, steps forward. “You do belong, princess,” he says firmly. “You’re part of this, part of us. There’s no question about it.”

“I want this,” I say, reiterating everything that’s happened this afternoon. When Xylo starts to speak, I shake my head. “I mean that I want all of it. I thought my heat might change things but it hasn’t. I want a forever, with bonds, and a pack, and a family.” My mates stare at me, obviously shocked because I told them just a day ago that I wanted to wait.

“Princess, you don’t have to rush things.”

“I know but it doesn’t feel like rushing. I want everyone to know that you’re mine.”

“We are yours, sweetie,” Zahria purrs into my ear, brushing back a stray lock. “I think we always have been and we’d be honored to bond you. Whenever you’re ready.”

I refrain from sayingtonightbecause I don’t want to terrify them so I suggest a movie night instead. Maybe coaxing them into this need I have will be easier than springing it on them. When I meet Montgomery’s stormy gaze, I realize he’s already caught onto my plan but I don’t care. So long as he bites me tonight, I don’t care about anything else.

I’m also going to ignore the fact that I’m doing this in some part because of those four Alphas lingering around.

I curl up in the corner on Montgomery’s lap, my favorite cocoa in my hand with a new bag of green marshmallows. Bearshowed me the cabinet in the kitchen full of marshmallows in all different colors. I didn’t even know there were that many options. There’s even one with little twists and shapes but I just grabbed the green ones for this evening. They match my eyes.

Zahria is laying across the rest of the couch, Bear in the armchair and Xylo sprawled out across the floor, his head propped up on a cushion as he stares at the ceiling, a lazy grin stretching across his face. “You know, we’re going to have to teach you how to cook eventually,” he said, glancing up at me. “You’ve got to pull your weight, Nala.”

I snort, rolling my eyes. “Good luck with that. It’s safer if I stay out of the kitchen.”

Bear chuckles from his spot across from me. “We’ll just have to make sure you get some hands-on lessons. Trust me; we’re patient teachers.” He wiggles his eyebrows and it takes me entirely too long to grab onto the innuendo. I just grab a few of my marshmallows and drop them into the mug before sipping the chocolate. “God, Nala, that’s really not how you’re supposed to drink that.”

“It’s not about the chocolate, Bear. It’s about the gooeyness of the marshmallows. It’s the best part. It’s like a s’more without the crackers and without the mess.” It’s also become a comfort drink over the years. I sip at the mug again, waiting for one of them to turn on some insufferable rom-com so we can change the conversation. Zahria finds something on Lifetime, Montgomery and Xylo letting out twin groans.

Zahria smirks, nudging Xylo with her foot from her perch on the couch. “Hey, I’ll have you know some of these are classics. Besides, I think we could all use a little sappiness.”

I settle in, making sure to wiggle a little more than necessary as the movie begins. My mates are relaxed, focused on the TV but I’m intent on changing that as I continue to shift inMontgomery’s lap. At some point, he grunts and holds me steady, his large hands gripping my waist. “Princess, stop that.”

I have no intention of stopping anything, so much so that I reach up to my neck and peel the patch off, my mates suddenly alert. Slowly, I crawl off Montgomery’s lap, breathing through the uncertainty of this moment.I want this,I tell myself. I want to be part of something. I want a pack. I want my own family. And although they said I don’t have to rush this, I don’t want to wait anymore.

“Love, you don’t have to rush this.” Xylo stands and grabs my hands as tears gather in my eyes. “We’ll still be here regardless of what happens or changes. We’re not going anywhere.”

“It’s not that.”

“Those Alphas aren’t getting anywhere near you,” Bear growls from the armchair. “Nala, you don’t need a bite for us to protect you. You are stillours;I can promise you that.”

That’s not enough, though. I need more. Zahria steals me away, cupping my cheeks in her soft hands. “Sweetie, I need you to be honest with us. I know what you want but is it only because you’re scared? We don’t want to mark you before you’re ready.”

“No, I want this,” I state firmly, my voice still wobbling against my will.

She glances around to the others in the room and whatever she sees in their eyes is enough. “Where do you want us, sweetie?”

“Right here.” Moving to my nest might change their minds. I want all of them, right here, right now. Granted, I don’t know how a bite from Xylo and Bear would work, or if it’d work at all. Zahria guides me back to Montgomery, gently kissing me as she undresses me. I resist the urge to cover up, my heat haze not here to protect me from the embarrassment.

“You’re beautiful, Nala. Every part of you.Allof you. And you giving us this gift means more than you’ll ever know.” The adoration in her eyes has me settling, the sound of a zippercausing my breath to catch in my throat. I glance back at Montgomery with his cock out, his hand firmly wrapped around his length. Slick gathers between my thighs as Zahria helps me onto his lap, the tip pressing against my entrance. My lips part in a gasp, Zahria taking her chance to kiss me again.

Montgomery slowly fills me until my ass meets his lap, his knot swelling against my entrance. Bear and Xylo are close by, each taking one of my hands to hold as Montgomery grabs my hips again. He thrusts up into my heat as Zahria continues to kiss me, each of them touching and holding me as my Alpha fucks me from below. Pleasure rocks through me as I give myself over to my Omega, Zahria swallowing my cries.

When I asked for their bites, I didn’t think they would completely overwhelm me. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. Two different hands grab my tits, massaging and plucking my nipples until I can’t hold back anymore, an orgasm ripping through me. My pussy clenches around Montgomery’s cock as I pull away, mumbling what I truly want. “Together. All of you.Please.”

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