Page 38 of Wanted By the Wolves

Gage shrugs. “There’s a spell I could use, but it would be better if her omega settles naturally. From what she told me, she was on her own and on the run for a long time before she had to visit the city where she was captured. Omegas don’t do well alone. That’s probably compounding her response.”

My wolf snarls, pissed off all over again at how we found her. My brother doesn’t fare better. Dex stiffens at the reminder, a rumble thundering from his chest.

Gage puts his hands up in surrender. “It’s not good, but it’s something we can fix. Alpha biology makes us the best cure. We just need to make sure she gets plenty of alpha pheromones, scent marking, and lots of cuddling. Making her a proper nest wouldn’t hurt.”

Dex clears his throat. “By alpha pheromones… do you mean?—"

“A knot?” I finish for him, my throat on fire. The visual that accompanies the word nearly takes me down.

Gage nods. “Many. And cum. Hers. Yours.”

I did not need to know that fact.

My littermate asks him a fucking follow-up question, and Gage keeps talking about the magical properties of alpha jizz.

I tap out. If I hear Gage say one more word, I’m not sure I can keep myself from pulling out my dick right here. I try thinking ofrotting garbage, rancid meat, or sad puppies—anything to make me stop picturing the way Nova would look riding my cock, mouth open on a moan. Her scent wraps around me, making it impossible to think of anything but her and sex.

“How the fuck are younotaffected?” I grumble. I’m over here mouth breathing and trying not to come in my pants, and they’re carrying on a full-blown conversation.

Gage cuts his eyes at me. “I’ve had a hard-on since she arrived.”

I did not need that visual either. I grit my teeth, debating whether I can gather the courage to leave this nest.

Nova makes the decision for me. Our little omega curls in on herself, whimpering in pain.

That cry snaps my wolf out of his stupor, and my chest vibrates with my purr. Mine kickstarts Gage’s, and the alpha’s eyes widen in surprise. It’s almost funny how this tiny little wolf wraps us around her finger.

Dex cradles her close. “Wake up, sweetheart.”

Nova makes another awful-needy whine that’s half pain, and I can’t take it.

“Gage?” I growl while Dex speaks softly in her ear.

Nova sits up, throwing her arms around my brother. She tucks her nose into his neck, taking in deep huffs. “It hurts.”

“I know, sweetheart. You’ve been so brave on your own,” Dex says softly, caressing her head.

“We’re here now, and we’ll take care of you. How about I run you a bath?” I ask.

She wraps herself tighter around Dex.

“We’ll go with you? Does that work?” I promise. “Whatever you need.”

Nova gives a small nod of her head. “I’m sorry—I-I’m so needy. I don’t?—”

“Stop it right there. No more apologizing for things you can’t control,” Dex warns.

Nova peeks up at him, her bottom lip wobbling.

“Don’t let this grumpy wolf fool you. That’s just his way of reminding you that this isn’t your fault. Besides, you can be as needy as you want, pretty girl,” I reassure her. At the same time, I telegraph for my brother to chill out before he freaks her out.

Gage finally speaks up. “This is part of the bonding frenzy. Follow your instincts. It’s your body’s way of solidifying your pack. But I think if you can wait for the bonding until the full moon, it will strengthen the magic.”

“Okay,” she whispers. I can almost taste the apology she wants to give.

I hate that she thinks any of this is on her. We need to make it clear that we want her here. Protecting her, loving her, and building a pack with her will be an honor.She never has to worry about being too needy—not with me and definitely not with my brother.The jury is out on Gage.

Dex carries her to the bathroom while I sprint ahead and start filling the tub. Gage comes in behind us, rooting around in the cabinets. He hands me a pile of bubble bath, salts, and oils and heads for the door.

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