Page 153 of Lavender and Honey

The world slowly comes back into focus as I float in the aftermath, trembling with aftershocks that ripple through my entire body. Elias remains inside me, his forehead pressed against mine as we both gasp for breath. I can feel the dual marks on my neck pulsing in tandem, two distinct rhythms that somehow harmonize perfectly—Lucian's powerful claim and Elias's gentler but no less profound connection.

When our breathing finally steadied, Elias brushed a gentle kiss against my forehead. "Beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction. "Perfect."

I felt oddly shy suddenly, despite everything we'd just shared. The heat had receded momentarily, giving me a brief window of clarity. I reached up, touching the spot where I'd marked him in return, feeling the indentations my teeth had left.

"I didn't ask," I whispered, suddenly worried. "I should have asked before I—"

Elias silenced me with a gentle kiss. "It's exactly what I wanted," he assured me, his eyes warm with affection. "The perfect gift."

Finn's hand stroked soothingly along my side. "You need to rest," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "And eat something. The heat will return soon."

“Then it will be Finn’s and my turn” Soren purred, as he looked me over. The promise in Soren's voice sent a shiver through me despite my temporary satiation. His eyes glinted with mischief and heat as he leaned closer, tracing a finger along the curve of my jaw.

"Can't wait to make my own mark," he murmured, gaze dropping to the unmarked side of my neck. "Right here." His finger traced a spot that made me shiver, my body already responding to his touch despite my exhaustion.

Elias carefully withdrew from me, both of us gasping at the sensation.

"Yes," I gasped, the thought sending a fresh wave of heat through me despite my exhaustion. "Finn and Soren."

Elias smiled, pressing one more kiss to my forehead before carefully withdrawing from me. I whimpered at the loss, my body already missing his presence despite the brief respite from the burning need. He pressed a final kiss to my forehead before moving aside, allowing Finn to help me into a sitting position.

"First," Lucian said, his voice gentle but firm as he moved to the tray of food he'd brought earlier, "you need to eat and drink. Heat takes a toll on your body."

The mention of food suddenly awakened a hunger I hadn't realized was there. My stomach growled audibly, drawing amused smiles from all four men.

"See?" Finn said, carefully helping me sit up against the pillows. "Your body knows what it needs."

Lucian brought the tray over, setting it carefully across my lap. The assortment of fruits, cheese, bread, and water looked more appetizing than any feast I'd ever seen. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for a piece of cheese, suddenly ravenous.

"Slowly," Elias cautioned, his hand gentle on my arm. "You don't want to make yourself sick."

I nodded, forcing myself to take small bites despite my hunger. The water was especially welcome, cool and refreshing against my parched throat. As I ate, the four men arranged themselves around me—Elias and Finn on either side, Soren at the foot of the bed, and Lucian standing nearby, his eyes never leaving me.

I couldn’t help the warm feeling of being taken care of fill me. I was happy with my choice, these men meant the world to me and I was glad I made the impulsive choice to go to the farmers market that one day.

One choice really can change your life.

Chapter Eighty-Four

Ihad eaten and taken a nap, when I woke up with the burning feeling was back. A whine of distress leaving me as I slowly opened my eyes. The fire beneath my skin roared back to life, a relentless heat that made me whimper as I twisted in the sheets. Sweat dampened my hair, plastering it to my forehead as I blinked into the dim light of the room. I could feel slick gathering between my thighs, my body's desperate preparation for what it craved.

"She's awake," a voice murmured—Finn, his steady tone somehow cutting through the haze of my heat. I turned toward the sound, finding him sitting beside the nest, watchful and patient.

"Finn," I gasped, reaching for him with trembling hands. "Alpha. It burns."

He moved immediately, gathering me into his arms with careful gentleness. His skin was blessedly cool against my burning flesh, and I pressed myself against him, seeking relief.

“We got you.” Soren spoke coming from the other side of me, his purple eyes dark as he looked over me. I try to respond, but another wave of heat steals my words, leaving only a desperate whimper in their place. The marks on my neck—Lucian's and Elias's—throb in tandem, sending pulses of sensation throughout my body.

I press myself closer to Finn, seeking relief from the burning heat consuming me. His solid presence anchors me even as my body trembles with need. I feel Soren move to my other side, his touch lighter but no less deliberate as his fingers trace patterns on my overheated skin.

"Alpha," I whisper, the word both plea and recognition. "Need you."

Finn's arms tighten around me, his chest rumbling with a sound that's almost a growl. "I know," he murmurs, his lips brushing my temple. "We're here, Lydia."

Soren's fingers trail down my spine, each touch sending electricity through my veins. "Look at you," he says, his voice thick with desire. "So beautiful like this. So needy for us."

I should feel embarrassed by his words, by the desperate sounds escaping me, but the heat that consumed me was to much for me to care. All I knew is I needed them to touch me.

---