She gives me a watery smile, then looks around at all of us. "So... what happens now?"

Rhys strokes her hair, his voice soothing. "Now, we take care of you through your heat. And after that, if you want, we start building a life together. As a pack."

Ophelia bites her lip, looking uncertain. "But what about... my job? And the other alpha? And?—"

"One thing at a time," Mace interrupts gently. "Right now, you need rest and care. We can figure out the rest later."

Troy nods in agreement. "He's right. Let us take care of you, Ophelia. You don't have to face anything alone anymore."

I watch as Ophelia's eyes fill with tears again, but this time, there's a smile on her face. "Okay," she whispers. "Okay."

I reach out, unable to stop myself from touching her. My fingers brush her cheek, wiping away a stray tear. Ophelia's eyes lock with mine, and the world narrows to just us. Her scent envelops me, sweet and intoxicating. Before I can process what's happening, her lips are on mine.

The kiss is electric, sending shockwaves through my entire body. Ophelia tastes like heaven—a mix of ocean and jasmine and something uniquely her. I cup her face, deepening the kiss, savoring every second of this moment I never thought I'd have.

"Maybe Maddox should get her ready first," Mace's voice breaks through the haze of desire.

I pull back, breathless, and look at Ophelia. Her cheeks are flushed, her lips swollen from our kiss. She nods, giving me permission.

"Gladly," I murmur, my voice husky with want.

I stand, stripping the loose sheets off the bed. Ophelia watches me, her blue eyes dark with desire. I crawl back onto the bed, capturing her lips once more. My hands roam her body, exploring every curve and dip. She arches into my touch, a soft moan escaping her.

I trail kisses down her neck, reveling in the way she shivers beneath me. Her skin is like silk under my lips, and I can't get enough. I make my way down her body, worshipping every inch of her with my mouth.

When I reach the apex of her thighs, I look up at her, silently asking for permission. Ophelia nods, her fingers tangling in my hair. I dive in, tasting her for the first time.

She's exquisite—sweet and aromatic and perfect. I lose myself in her, using my tongue to explore and tease. Ophelia's thighs tremble on either side of my head, her grip on my hair tightening as I find a particularly sensitive spot.

I double down on my efforts, determined to make her fall apart. Her hips buck against my face, and I hold her steady with my hands on her thighs. I can feel her getting close, her body tensing beneath me.

"Maddox," she gasps, her voice breathy and desperate. "Please, I need?—"

I redouble my efforts, sliding two fingers inside her as I suck on her clit. Ophelia cries out, her back arching off the bed as she comes undone. I work her through it, gentling my touches as she comes down from her high.

When I finally pull away, I look up to see Ophelia staring at me with wide, shocked eyes.

I can't help but grin, feeling a surge of pride at her reaction. "Just the beginning," I promise, crawling back up her body to kiss her deeply.

I pull back slightly, my breath coming in short pants as I gaze down at Ophelia. Her blue eyes are dark with desire, her lips swollen from our kisses. I can't help but marvel at how beautiful she looks, flushed and wanting beneath me.

"Are you ready for more?" I ask, my voice husky with need.

Ophelia nods frantically, her hands gripping my shoulders. "Please," she gasps out, her hips bucking up against mine.

I groan at the feeling of her heat against me, barely able to control myself. But I know I need to take this slow, to make sure she's ready for what's to come. I look over at Troy, who's watching us with hungry eyes.

"Why don't you come give our omega a kiss?" I suggest, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.

Troy doesn't need to be told twice. He moves up the bed, capturing Ophelia's lips in a searing kiss as I begin to push her legs apart. I can smell her arousal, sweet and intoxicating, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to bury myself in her right then and there.

Mace and Rhys move closer, their hands roaming over Ophelia's body. Mace cups her breasts, thumbs brushing over her nipples, while Rhys trails his fingers along her sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

Ophelia moans into Troy's mouth, her body arching into our touches. I can't take my eyes off her, watching as she comes undone under our collective attention. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

Finally, unable to wait any longer, I position myself at her entrance. I lock eyes with her as Troy breaks the kiss, giving her a moment to catch her breath.

"Ready?" I ask again, needing to hear her say it.