Page 20 of Absolute Devotion

I really enjoy my job but an extra few days to relax sounds nice. I just hope that comes with learning more about my mates in between their investigation. There’s just one problem. “I can’t sit here all day, Alpha. I’m getting a little antsy and…”

He bows his head, rubbing his nose against mine. “Then we have an idea. We threw it around a little, thinking it would be nice to spend the day with you. Chief Hart said we could take a little time after your heat before we have to dive back into the investigation.”

I don’t know what he’s talking about. “Like a date?”

“Yes, love. Something light, maybe a walk through town, or a visit to the park. Whatever feels good.” His words are casual but I can see the intention in Xylo’s gaze. They want to give me something I haven’t had before within the circle of their protection. They’ve already proven my scent at its worst doesn’t affect them. For a moment, doubt creeps in, the weight of oldhabits urging me to retreat, to say no. “Are you all coming?” I receive four, firm nods, as I look into their hopeful faces. A small spark of courage blooms in my chest as I take a step forward. “Okay. A day out sounds nice.”

I’ve never had one. There’s never been a day that I was excited to step outside and scour the city where my academy was located. Even with the patches, I was always on alert. Montgomery engulfs me in a hug before pushing me toward the kitchen island for dinner. “You eat. Zahria is going to grab some stuff from your apartment. Is there anything in particular that you need?”

I know better than to push back and say I can go on my own. With all four of my mates here, promising to protect, there’s no world in which I would be allowed to go alone. “Just clothes and the patches, I think.”

The meal passes uneventfully, the occasional joke causing us to burst into laughter. I’m still finding my footing in this space, allowed to enjoy the fullness of my scent around people who won’t attack me. There’s a small bubble of happiness growing in my chest, a sense of belonging that feels foreign but welcome. And as I glance at each of my mates, I realize I’m looking forward to a day when I can call them my forever. I escape to the bedroom and snuggle into my nest, the first nest that I made all of my own. Montgomery’s shirt and Xylo’s socks are expertly woven into the edge, and Zahria’s bra by one of the pillows. I don’t see any of Bear until I realize that I’m in his shirt, not my Alpha’s.

It's a stark contrast from my empty apartment, the need to share this moment with my brother growing. I search around for my phone, eyes widening when Bear returns to the nestand pulls me down with him. I curl into his hold as the dial tone rings, suddenly embarrassed to share my happiness in front of my mate. He just kisses my head and holds me tighter, reassuring me.

“Nala? Hey! I wasn’t expecting a call until later this week. They treating you okay?”

My cheeks heat as Bear chuckles, the deep sound stirring up funny feelings in my belly. I smack his chest and wriggle around until my back is facing him. “Yes, they’re fine. It didn’t last long. The doctor said that it’s okay. That’s not why I called. I built a nest, Joel. My very first one. With pillows and blankets and they bought them all and…” I chew on my bottom lip, waiting for his response.

“You sound so much happier, Nala. And I bet it’s the best nest in the entire world but don’t tell Kieran I said that. He’ll have my ass.”

I snort, unable to refrain from making a joke. “But you’d like that.” My brother’s pack is unconventional at best. Their Omega is more dominant than most Alphas, not that my mates’ dynamic is any less unconventional. Bear is the first Zeta I’ve ever met.

“And that’s when I hang up. Nala, I love you but we’re not swapping sex stories. Besides, I heard a lovely male voice in the background. Am I interrupting something? Please tell me that I’m not.”

A laugh bubbles up from my throat as I shake my head, Bear keeping quiet this time. “No. We’re just in my nest. They’re going to take me to the park.” It sounds dumb when I say it aloud but it’s the first date I’ve ever been asked on and I’m going to cherish this day for the rest of my life.

“A date? I’m jealous. I need to go and ask Isaias when he’s taking us on a date. Hey, Alpha!” Joel whispers a goodbye before hanging up, leaving me curled up with Bear. Xylo peeks into theroom, his gaze finding us over by the bed that they moved over to allow my nest more room.

“Zahria’s back, love. She brought a few options and your scent patches.”

Bear releases me as Zahria slips under Xylo’s arm pressed against the doorway. She shakes a small bag at me and lays it on the bed. I search through and find everything I could possibly need, including a pair of slick panties. “Will you be mad if I put on the patches? I know you guys will protect me but—”

“Angel, whatever you find most comfortable is fine with us.”

My heart warms a little more as I steal the bag into the bathroom as if they haven’t just seen every last inch of my bare skin over the last two days. When I return, I find my mates all waiting by the front door, their smiles mirroring the excitement simmering in my chest. They lead the way out, each of them moving with an unspoken ease, their presence grounding me as we step into the crisp morning air.

Zahria takes up my left hand, Montgomery my right hand, the brothers taking up the rear. I feel fully protected and loved in this moment as we make our way through Emsboro to the small park just beside the school. I haven’t seen much of this place, always shuffling my feet with my head down. I only ever visit Joel’s house or the school, ordering most of my groceries so that I can swipe them from the store on my way home.

For two weeks, I’ve lived almost no differently than I had at the academy. I still haven’tlived.And yet, a few days with my mates and I’ve experienced more than I have in years. With them around, everything is less overwhelming, more vibrant. The presence of my mates by my side turns every step into a quiet reassurance, their closeness a reminder that I’m not alone, that I have a place here.

We wander through the greenery until I find a weeping willow that calls out to me, near a lake that I didn’t even know existed.It seems there’s much about this place that I haven’t seen and I hope to rectify that in the coming weeks. Even with their looming investigation, I want to enjoy my moments with them. I eagerly plop onto the ground, beaming up at my mates as they take seats around me.

Montgomery steals me into his lap, my other mates scooting closer. A rumbling combination of their purrs starts up, lulling me into a soft rest as we stare out at the gentle ripple of the lake. “Can it always be like this?” I murmur. “After you catch those other agents. I want it to always be like this.”

My Alpha wraps his arms around my waist and stuffs his face into my neck. I secretly wish I hadn’t worn the patch so I could feel his lips against the sensitive skin but this is still nice. “Are you ready for something like that?”

I don’t understand what he’s eluding to at first.Bonds. Bites. Forever.“One day. I’ve always wanted it, Alpha but I didn’t think I could. Not without someone reacting to me.”

“I would be honored to give you my bite, Nala. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we would be honored to officially call you our Omega.”

“If I was ready, I’d let you all bite me right now.” That’s apparently the wrong words to say, a collective groan sounding around me as slick coats my panties. Thank fuck Zahria brought the thick ones or this night would end with all of them giving me those looks I won’t be able to resist. “But I’m not ready. No bites tonight. No sex either. I’m sore.”

The groans turn into laughter as I settle back against Montgomery’s chest, content to stare at the reflection of stars across the lake, the stillness of the night bringing a peace I’ve rarely felt. The simplicity of just being here with them, fills me with a sense of contentment I haven’t felt in years. The day stretches on, each moment weaving itself into the fabric of my heart, strengthening the fragile bond that’s slowly taking rootwithin me. And as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over everything, I feel something shift, a quiet acceptance that maybe, just maybe, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

twenty

NALA

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