I don’t know how the fuck I managed to carve out a slice of paradise in this fucked-up world, but I know I’ll protect this peace with everything I am.

Chapter 27

Nova

The thump of boots on the wood motivates me to wash the remaining dishes at double speed. They’ve finally let me take on some of the household chores, but I’m going stir-crazy. It’s been eight days of off-and-on winter storms with the power working sporadically.

The guys go out and check on the compound's buildings during each lull, shoveling enough to keep the courtyard clear, but they have yet to let me help. While it’s been fucking awesome to be snowed in with my pack, I’m used to spending my time in the forest. All the time inside is making me antsy.

“We’ll be back this afternoon, sweetheart,” Dex calls. “If you need anything, Gage is in the greenhouse.”

Briggs tacks on, his voice playfully singing, “Don’t get into too much trouble.”

Neither of my alphas comes into the kitchen to give me a kiss goodbye—probably because this is their second attempt at leaving for the day. The first ended up with me spread out on the dining room table, Briggs between my legs and Dex in my mouth.

I huff at the sound of the closing door, well on my way to a full-on omega pout. My instincts don’t care that they’re tryingto be practical; I want at least a goodbye kiss if I’m stuck inside again.

With dripping hands, I shove my fuzzy socks into my new boots and quickly lace them. I grab one of Gage’s coats, wrapping it around me and taking a whiff before I race out the front door to try to catch the brothers. The outside air hits with a blast of ice, making my lungs burn.

I speed up, my body coming alive at the crisp white world of new snow.My wolf wants out, scratching at the surface. I ignore her for now, chasing my alphas.

They’re already halfway across the shoveled courtyard between the buildings on Gage’s property. Their strides are wide and commanding, telegraphing that they’re hunters on the prowl. It’s probably twisted how sexy I find their lethal look.

I whine at their retreating forms, wanting them close. “Wait. I’m coming with you. I could help.”

Dex and Briggs turn at the sound of my voice. The pause lets me catch up, and I stop before them, a little breathless. Dex’s eyes flash with his alpha, the silver almost appearing to glow. I swallow around the lump in my throat, not liking his expression.

My big alpha shakes his head. “I’m sure you could, but I don’t want to risk it. This is the first time the weather has held long enough to check the perimeter. We don’t know exactly what we’re gonna find.”

I cross my arms defiantly. “Which is why I should go with you. The ferals at the border freaked me out the first time, but now I know they’re there. I’ll be fine. I’ve dealt with worse.”

Dex clenches his jaw, the muscles under his skin jumping. “Baby girl, you’re not dealing with worse on my watch. You stay here.”

Fuck me. His words have me pulled in two different directions. I’m mad as hell and equally ready to climb him. The power of his deep voice hits my core like a dam breaking, andslick pools between my legs. The space between us fills with my perfume.

Briggs takes a deep breath, his eyes closing as if in pain. “You’re killing me, pretty wolf.”

“I never want to say no to you, but I’m not budging on this. Your safety is too important.” Dex traces his knuckle down my cheek.

I open my mouth to protest.

Dex’s growl cuts me off. “Don’t fight me on this, or you’ll end up over my knee.”

That absolutely did not help the slick situation between my legs.

“I don’t think that’s the deterrent you think it is, big guy.” Briggs chuckles. He leans in, the two brothers so close that they’re caging me between them now. “You’d like that a little too much, wouldn’t you, pretty girl?”

Dex’s snarl is my only warning, then I’m ass up over his shoulder.

“You want a spanking, you can have one, but you’re not going on the perimeter check.” He swats my ass through my thermal leggings, his hand so big it grazes my pussy.

Holy cow. Growly Dex is seriously hot.

He stomps across the courtyard, each step crunching in time with his heavy palm across my ass.Slick gushes. I should be mortified, but it just makes me more desperate. I’m pretty sure I whine and beg. All I really know is that I need him.

A door opens, and the lush scent of the greenhouse greets me. Dex pops my ass again, and my pussy flutters, empty and aching.

He sets me on wobbly feet. “Be a good girl and stay with Gage until I get back, and I promise I’ll give you what you want.”