Page 28 of The Flavor of Us

Her eyebrows shoot up slightly, her lips parting just a little in surprise. “Into your nest?”

I nod, chewing on my bottom lip as I wait for her answer.

For a moment, she doesn’t say anything. Then Carleen shifts into my nest and the world feels smaller, quieter—like it’s just us and nothing else matters. She moves carefully, like she’s awareof every crinkle of the blankets, every pillow she displaces. Her warm brown eyes flick to mine briefly, her lips curling into the faintest of smiles as she settles herself beside me.

And then—ohgoddess—she pulls me into her lap.

Her strong arms wrap around my waist as she guides me into place. My back fits snug against her chest, my head resting just under her chin. I’m giddy. Like, full-body butterflies, face-flushed, can’t-stop-smilinggiddy.I can’t help the little hum of contentment that escapes me as I snuggle closer into her arms, feeling her warmth seep into me through the soft fabric of my hoodie.

But it’s not justherscent wrapping around me now—it’stheirs.

Ryder and Ashton.

Bourbon and citrus—it’s all there, tangled together with Carleen’s sharp rain and ripe peaches. It’s like some unfairly perfect perfume that I want to bottle up and keep in my nest forever. I don’t even realize I’m sighing into her shoulder until Carleen chuckles softly, her chest vibrating against my back. Her arms tighten around me briefly and I swear I can feel the smile pressed against the top of my head.

For a few minutes, we just exist like this—me eating, her holding me. It’s so easy, so natural, like this is exactly where we’re supposed to be. When I finish the soup, Carleen carefully takes the bowl and sets it aside before picking up the grilled cheese sandwich. “Here,” she murmurs, holding up a bite-sized piece to my lips.

I hesitate, my face flushing with heat as I glance back at her. This is the first time anyone has held me in my nest and seen me the way I need them to. Sure, Carleen held me last night but being awake, sharing this moment is everything to me. I hum softly as I chew, Carleen’s eyes focused on me the entire time.

She feeds me another bite, and then another, until the sandwich is gone and my stomach feels full in the best possible way. I let out a happy sigh, leaning back against her and tilting my head so I can look up at her properly. She brushes her thumb across my cheek, ever so softly, almost as if it isn’t even there.

I don’t know who leans in first—her or me—but suddenly, our lips meet in the softest, sweetest kiss. It’s gentle.Like the slow unfolding of a flower in the morning sun. Her lips are warm against mine and they move against mine with such care, such purpose, that it makes my chest ache.

When we pull away, I’m breathless, my eyes fluttering open to meet hers.

For a long moment, neither of us says anything.

Then Carleen clears her throat softly, her voice low and warm. “I still have a few things to handle with Ryder and Ashton, but…” Her thumb brushes over my bottom lip, her eyes lingering there for half a second before flicking back up to mine. “You’re welcome to come out and meet them properly, sweetheart.”

Panic shoots through me and I sit up a little straighter in her lap. Especially when I look down at my sweatshirt and realize the state I was in this morning. I hadn’t even washed up or done anything with my hair. The St. James’ pack saw me like that and Ashton still called me ‘doe’? Oh, I might die of shame. “Yeah, no. I have some errands today. It’s fine.”

Carleen raises an eyebrow, her lips tugging upward in amusement. “Errands?” She knows I’m full of shit and all of those ‘errands’ could wait for another day.

“Yep!” I nod way too quickly, trying to scramble out of her lap. “So many errands. Very busy Beta over here.”

Carleen’s arms drop away from me as I wiggle free, but she doesn’t let me go easily. She catches my wrist, holding me just long enough for me to meet her gaze again. She grants meanother quick kiss before I rush toward the bathroom and shut the door behind me so that I can gather my thoughts.

My reflection stares back at me from the mirror—flushed cheeks, bright hazel eyes, lips still pink from Carleen’s kiss. My chest rises and falls rapidly, my hands gripping the edge of the sink as I try to process the mess in my head. It hasn’t even been that long since I teased Carleen about a large pack and babies running around and now there are two Alphas in the kitchen that my heart and my Beta so desperately want.

It wasn’t supposed to happen this fast.

And yet my attraction to Carleen was unsuspected and felt like it happened overnight.

Just let it happen,I tell myself.

But that’s going to be hard when I now have three Alphas who can look at me and turn me into a puddle. And yet, it’s kind of exactly the thing I’ve always wanted. To be the center of a small pack, to feel cherished and nourished and loved.

And then my brain throws another fantasy at me with all three of the Alphas taking me apart in my nest, my pussy constricting, telling me that it wants to be filled. Stuffed.Stretched.

Great. Just great.

Chapter twelve

CARLEEN

The faint clink of utensils against metal and the low murmur of voices weave through the air as I step back into the space I know better than the back of my hand. There’s groceries sitting on my counter–most likely from their car because I definitely didn’t have whatever they're currently working with. Ryder is at the counter, a large mixing bowl cradled in one arm while he whisks something with slow, deliberate precision. His sharp blue eyes flicker up the second I cross the threshold, locking onto me with the kind of intensity that makes my stomach flip.

Heseesme. Not just looks at me—seesme.

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