Page 59 of Slick Handling

Leaning in, he is scenting me. Not marking me like the others would be doing to calm me down. Vaughn is more reserved outside of his rut and I know that something is going on with him that makes him struggle to commit to me.

“If you’re not having fun or don’t want to be here, just tell me. I’ll throw you over my shoulder and run out before they can stop us.” Something about how outlandish his statement is, catches me off guard.

I throw my head back and the laughter bursts out of me. It shocks him too but he recovers after a second and smiles at me like he just discovered something new.

“The way you laugh is amazing. Your dancing though…” I gasp, feigning outrage. Even though he is completely right.

As much as I love to dance I’m not great at it.

“Just for that your shoes are going to be ruined.” I step on his feet, pressing us closer together. Vaughn’s hand wraps around my back to secure me before he tests out the dancing.

A few robotic moves later, we both realize how absolutely ridiculous this moment is. The shared laughter between us feels like a peace offering.

I can use a peace offering right now.

“Let me be a good Alpha today, Clover. I’ll stay with you and we can make sure your nest is everything that you want. It doesn’t matter what color other Omega’s have their nest or what material they may like. This is going to be your safe space. You pick whatever you want for it, okay?” His thumb is rubbing into my lower back. Small circles that make me want to lay my head on his chest and nap.

Nodding he seems to accept that as a good enough confirmation before leading us back to the table and taking the lead.

All the guys are looking at me as Ariel pulls out some samples of Omega rooms. Most of them are soft colors. Cream, pink, peach, and yellow. Nothing that is too bright or too dark. It actually feels a bit disappointing and I can feel myself pulling back from this all again.

“Just because these are the colors people are choosing doesn’t mean that we only have these. Here at Nests ‘R’ Us, we have every color under the rainbow. And if you like something and we don’t have that color there is a special area where they can color match whatever you want. Your nest can be customized to whatever you want, Clover.” That eases some of my worry.

Her eyes look over my pack. She had given them a tablet where they would fill out some questions about the shopping trip while we talked about my nest and she had me fill in my own questionnaire. Taking it back from Apollo, her eyes look from it to them.

“Oh Clover, don’t you have a very generous pack!” I sip on the lavender lemonade that Vaughn bought me. I wouldn’t have thought to order something like this but I love it.

I nod at Ariel, not knowing why she is saying this but preening at the praise she is giving them. It’s sort of nice to be linked to a pack. It makes me feel like I’m worthy.

Griffin slides his hand from where it rests behind my head to squeeze my hand.

“Are you ready to start shopping or do you want another drink?”

Shaking the ice in the cup, I think about it. I guess I can start shopping.

“I’m ready.”

I was not ready.

It had been almost three hours and I was just getting to the accessories in the store.

The Alpha’s had gone away before I had picked out the coloring and items for my nest. That had been two hours ago and now I was really missing them.

“So here is where you can pick out anything from knick-knacks to knots. We have pretty picture frames and mirrors you may like or, if you need something, we do have the new ‘That’s Knot’ collection items.”

Ariel hasn’t lost any of the pep in her step. She’s been kind and complimented all of my choices. Even though my nest isn’t traditional Omega coloring she still made it seem like I was doing everything right. It made me feel more confident in my choices and has me excited to put it all together in my room.

She explained how they have a service where they do the big install of any furniture and drapery that I ordered. It makes it easier so that I can set up my nest with my blankets and pillows without worrying about moving things. Ariel also explained that my Alpha’s have the team coming out today to do everything. We’ll go home and have an early dinner while things are put together.

The pack had talked about using Apollo’s office so I could have a separate area to nest but I decided to do a combo bedroom nest. I liked the idea of having all my needs in one place.

By bedtime tonight I’ll be in my own nest.

A shiver of excitement runs down my spine at the idea.

“What’s the That’s Knot collection?” I ask, wondering if this is something I’m supposed to know.

Ariel lets her eyes widen before a smile bursts out on her face. She motions for me to follow her. Stopping a few times as I add a couple of small trinkets to the list she’s checking off on her tablet.

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