Page 56 of Slick Handling

It’s almost like a tent in the shape. Draped, quilted material is hung on the ceiling with some soft twinkle lights are mixed into the fabric, giving everything a glow. He has throw pillows around the nest in what looks like soft furs and velvets. Everything is cream and various shades of brown. It’s neutral and amazing.

Marcus is watching me as he moves the phone to show me his pile of throw blankets. One of them is knitted and looks so soft that a whine leaves my mouth.

I want a nest that is that comforting.

“The Alpha’s I’m courting gave me some gifts for a present. Like this blanket. It smells like them and is so nice.” He talks about the items in the nest and doesn’t seem to care that he is going on and on about how great the two Alpha’s are.

He must really like them.

“Your nest, Marcus. It’s…perfect.” He preens at the compliment, tugging at the long sleeves of his hoodie, “Maybe after class on Monday we can get together?”

“Absolutely. Text me, lemon drop. I want to make sure you’re okay.” He blows me a kiss before hanging up the phone and I stand in the foyer trying to not be jealous.

I want a nest that nice.

My whole mood is shifting as I ignore the living room and go upstairs, looking around the bedroom that I’m staying in. Another whine of distress leaves my lips. My arms shifting around myself to hug my body.

Why don’t I have a nice nest?

Is it because I am not a good Omega? Do I not deserve a nice nest to cuddle up in? Did I do something wrong?

“There you are, little weed. We were going to-” Griffin pauses, sniffing and making a growling sound, “What happened?”

I turn, looking at the Alpha. He seems primed to fight.

“Marcus has a nest.” He glares and then seems to realize he’s glaring at me. Shaking his head, he steps closer. He’s being cautious, as he gets close to me. Finally, he wraps his arm around me.

Griffin draws me in close, scent marking me, and calming me down a little with the rich spicy scent of him.

How can they all smell so good?

“Tomorrow we just have to workout in the morning. You can sleep in and when you wake up, we’re going to take you to Nests ‘R’ Us. It’s where an Omega can be an Omega. You’re going to get whatever you want for your nest, baby weed. And, if you want, we can help you make the perfect nest. Okay?”

I turn in his arms, throwing my arms around him, and holding the Alpha close to me.

His lips touch my hair as he rocks me back and forth, still trying to make my burnt lemon scent go away.

After a second, I do feel better.

I don’t even ask him or tell him that it’s too much to take me to get stuff for the nest. Even though, my whole life I’ve been taught to make do with what I have. I want a nest. I want to feel safe and happy.

Maybe I can learn how to be an Omega after all.

CHAPTER 19

APOLLO

Last night, after Clover was tucked in for the night, Griffin informed us that we were taking her on a shopping spree at Nests ‘R’ Us. It’s a well known store and a popular courting gift for Alphas to show they are serious about an Omega.

None of us hesitate when we agree to take her after our workout.

Vaughn even suggests that we take her out to eat before shopping so that she doesn’t get hungry when we’re there. It’s nice to see he is trying a bit to get into the idea of courting.

The problem with taking her to Nests ‘R’ Us is, that we’re Alphas, we’ve never been in here before.

After eating at the mac and cheese restaurant, we drove over here. All of us are thinking about how we need to turn around the week we just had with Clover.

Tonight, my Mama and fathers are going to be here. I’m already worried about the dinner we’re going to have and the conversation that will follow it. I know that I deserve the wrath that she is going to bestow on me.

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