Page 55 of Slick Handling

“Hey cherub, Griffin ordered some pizza. We’ve been letting you sleep a little while longer.” Apollo pushes some of my hair from my face. My cheek nuzzles into his touch, making his lips quirk up in a half smile.

“I like pizza.”

“Good. We’re going to cuddle too. Vaughn gets to pick out the movie so you’ll probably like it.” Griffin is opening the door, tugging his friend along with him.

Vaughn looks upset. His brown eyes are dark and blank. I miss how he was during his rut. How he climbed into bed to hold me. How he had scent marked me. How he had wanted to be around me.

Now he seemed to be the furthest one away.

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Clover. If you want to just take your food and hunker down in your room, we’ll be fine with that too.” Apollo gives me an out of the situation. I shake my head at him.

He’s still touching me. His fingers stroking along my cheek in delicate little strokes of his thumb.

“Maybe you can kiss me again?” His eyes blaze at the suggestion and it’s only broken when Mickey sticks his head between us.

“I can kiss too.” He nuzzles into Apollo and then leans into me, trying to get my scent on him, “Either of you.” He kisses my earlobe and I feel a shiver run up my spine.

“Promises, promises.” Mick smiles at me, “I’m ready to go inside now. I’ve only had pizza a couple times, but I really like it.” They don’t ask about why I’ve only had it a few times. I think they know a little about my past. I know I have to tell them more, eventually.

Not tonight.

Apollo draws his hand away, looking at Mickey.

“Help the sweet Omega inside. I’ll grab the bags.” He’s out of the car before I can ask him to stay for longer.

“Come on, little Omega. Let’s get you some pizza and cuddles. I want to be all cuddled up with you, if that’s okay?” He’s vulnerable right now. Helping me out of the car and trying to let me know he likes to be around me.

McKinley has been open with how much he wants me. He has been the only one who hasn’t ignored me. Yes, at times it felt like a lot. But, maybe, it’s just what I needed.

Grabbing his hand, I lace our fingers together.

“We have to team up, Mickey. All these Alpha’s and just us two. We need to stick together. And, of course, cuddle together.” He beams at this and I feel better knowing that I’ve made him happy.

I didn’t want him to know I had said something mean when I had been spiraling in the car. I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t grateful for him being nice to me.

Before I can be ushered into the living room, to watch movies with the pack, my phone rings. Marcus’s name comes up and I look at Mick.

“Just give me a second. I’ll be right in.” He looks apprehensive but nods, giving me the second to answer the call.

“Hey there, lemon drop.” His voice is a purr in my ear.

For some reason, it feels like I’m doing something wrong. My cheeks flush and I find myself nestling into the wall. Trying to hide this conversation for some reason.

“Marcus.”

“I’m just checking to make sure that Pack Mathers’ got you back to their place. Also wanted to make sure you don’t feel pressured to stay with them. You can always stay with me. Imagine how fun it would be! We could also cuddle in my nest together.” His voice is calm, soothing. A soft lithe of excitement mixed in there.

His nest?

He wants me to come into his nest with him? That seemed like it would be so nice. To lay in a nest and be cuddled.

I liked that idea.

“I think I’m okay for the night. Thank you for the offer.” My curiosity wins out, “What does your nest look like?”

“Hold on, lemon drop.” The phone rings, a video call from him coming in. Opening the call I gasp.

Marcus is inside his nest. His perfect, amazing nest.

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