Page 146 of Slick Handling

The hard press of his cock makes me grind back. Apparently even with my heat suppressed by body still reacts to the Alphas.

“Ignore it, Clover. Too much has happened and we need you back to 100% before we play like this. Not that I don’t want to sink into your tight heat and claim you right now.” He nips my ear and a shiver climbs up my spine.

“You shouldn’t be out of bed!” An older nurse is standing in the doorway getting a perfect view of the bubble bum of steel Vaughn has.

Part of me is jealous she is seeing him like this and I try out a snarl that makes Vaughn chuckle. He seems to appreciate that I’m protective of him.

“We’ll be right out.” He tries to pacify her, but she’s already moving in the space with a towel.

She doesn’t seem to care that she is getting wet as she reaches into the shower for me. I’m wrapped up in a white towel that scratches at my skin from the rough texture of it..

“We could have given you a sponge bath.” She chaisties me lightly as she guides me back towards the bed. One hand holding me up and the other wheeling the IV, “All thesePUPSare just lazing around.” She speaks loud enough that three heads pop up, awake and looking around.

Griffin seems confused that I’m not in the bed with him. Apollo looks shocked that I’m standing up. McKinley is already out of the sleep haze he was in and, coming to help me but the nurse shoos him away.

“Let me get you another gown. Sit down on the bed for me, hon.” She sets me down and I want to tell her that I don’t want another thin hospital gown.

A sweatshirt is wrapped around my shoulders and I smell Apollo surrounding me.

My lips twitch up in a smile at him.

“Hi cherub,” He is devastating with his sad blue eyes staring at me. His blonde hair is a mess. He must have been pulling at it constantly to soothe himself. From the state of it, he didn’t get much comfort.

My fingers can’t help themselves and smooth out some of his hair, loving when the Alpha leans into my touch like he needs it just as badly as I do.

Maybe I just need them all in my nest, surrounding me. That feels like it could fix everything.

“Can we leave?”

“No, you can not. You came in with a concussion and the doctor still needs another check before you're released. Plus the local law enforcement is in the hall waiting to speak to you whenever you wake up.” The nurse informs, coming back in the room with the dressing gown she had got.

She eyes what I’m wearing and just sets it on the bed. She must know that I need the comfort of one of the packs clothing.

Vaughn steps out from the bathroom, redressed and looking less disheveled this time around. His eyes glance over me, seeming satisfied that I’m okay for the moment.

“I’ll go find the doctor so we can get out of here. Mick, why don’t you call Apollo’s parents and let them know Clover’s awake now? Griffin, give her some breathing room.” He didn’t boss Apollo around though.

Apollo sits with me as the others go make themselves busy. I knew what they were doing. They wanted to give me a second with the pack lead. All of them must have sensed that we needed a few moments together.

My mouth feels dry and I have so much to say, but I’m not quite sure how to say any of it.

“I shouldn’t have ran.”

“I shouldn’t have given you a reason to.” He breathes me in, getting closer. Our noses bump against each other as he rubs them together.

Back and forth. Soft and gentle. Up and down.

His lips kiss mine. A gentle kiss to just let me know he’s here. Not pushing or demanding in any way. Just showing up for me.

My Alpha.

Gripping the shoulders of his shirt, I wiggle closer until he lifts me onto his lap being careful of the tube that is pumping fluids in me..

Apollo is so muscular and big. Holding me against him in a way that feels safe.

After everything that has happened the past few days the feeling of being safe feels overwhelming.

My body stiffens for a second. Apollo reads my body language. He moves my head to the crook of his neck so that I can scent him. Breathing in his spicy tea scent as I nuzzle into him for all the comfort..

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