Page 144 of Ashley & the A-Listers

“Thank you, Ashley,” he said, voice utterly affectionate. He leapt at her and Dylan scooted out of the way as the omega wrapped around her—just. Out in the world. In the parking lot, where anyone could see.

She laughed, her entire expression melting as Cameron hugged her.

River glanced at Dylan, but the only emotion he found on the alpha’s face was one of… affection. None of the jealousy River felt between his ribs.

They looked… good together. Next to Cam’s slim frame and dirty blond hair, Ashley looked every bit the alpha, even with her muscles mostly hidden by the thin sweater she wore with jeans. It was the way she hugged him back, the way she inhaled—even if subconsciously—capturing Cam’s scent for her own.

“It’s beautiful,” Cam said as they finally parted. “It’ll look great in the nest.”

Her cheeks flushed. “You’re very welcome. Super. I’m glad it’ll go… there,” she stumbled, and Dylan’s face went very still as he stifled a laugh.

It was just a blanket—there was no need for this spike of bitterness to grow in his chest. River had gotten Cam a blanket, too, just that morning, to soften the blow of his heat coming. River hadn’t quite been koala’d, but he’d gotten a kiss.

Plus he had more surprises waiting at home, in the nest, including a new toy.

As far as he could tell, there was no damned vibrator in that bag.

So. It was fine.

He’dbe spending the heat with Cameron anyway. Not Ashley.

River buried the feelings deep and bid everyone goodbye as they parted ways.

Cam cuddled up with him in the back of the vehicle, and everything should’ve been right once more, but something gnawed at the back of his mind. He spent the whole ride home ignoring it, and offered Cam a sheepish smile before he opened the door to the nest.

“River!” Cam cried. “This is too much!” And yet he was dropping down into the depths of the nest to start opening the presents.

River’s grin hurt his cheeks as he watched Cam reveal the blankets, pillows, robes, silk boxers, and even the toy he’d gotten him with gasps and smiles.

“Oh, we’ll be putting this to use,” Cam murmured, tugging him into the nest amongst all the plush, colorful items.

Ashley’s blanket was tossed to the side, and River was unsure if he felt smug about that—as if he’d won some imaginary competition—or disappointed, because he liked her scent, too.

As Cam’s lips met his own, he decided it didn’t matter.

River had Cameron.

“Love you,” River said into the kiss.

“I love you, too. I can’t wait to see this heat through with you,” Cameron sighed, sinking back into the cushion and pulling River with him.

They cuddled for exactly sixty seconds before Cameron sighed loudly.

River chuckled. “Do you want me to leave so you can begin nesting?”

Cameron grumbled, pouting up at him, but nodded. It was normal for an omega to want their space to organize their nest, but it still hurt a bit.

River kissed him once more, powerless when he put his bottom lip out like that.

“Alright. Just let me know when you want me.”

“Always,” Cameron breathed.

God, River hoped that was true.

31. NESTING

CAMERON

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