Page 65 of Slick Handling

It reminds me of a movie I had seen. A scene where there is a 1920’s opium den. It looks old money, with all the cherry wood and exotic fabrics. Heavy and beautiful. Warm and safe.

My nest is a circle bed, sunken into the floor, with tons of throw pillows around it. There are throw blankets tucked into the storage space so that they don’t weigh down the space, but are easily available to grab if I need something to cuddle.

Perfect to grab for a quick nap too.

There’s also some books that I brought tucked into the storage, as well. The sheets are a soft cotton. Not fancy but, they remind me of the sheets at my Grammy’s house. There’s lots of soft fur throws and a heavy blanket that should tickle my skin, but instead it comforts me.

Everything about my nest feels perfect.

Throwing open the door, my heart skips a beat when I see people outside.

I can barely talk to them before Mama Joy’s voice comes through the house and we’re heading downstairs to greet them all.

An hour later, I’m leading Mama Joy upstairs. When she heard about the nest she had asked if she could see it. Pack Mathers had all talked to her about how I had just created it and it was my space.

But I was proud of it and I did want to show her.

“I’d like to show off my nest.” I had been brave, taking her hand and leading her up the stairs.

She was an Omega. Having her approval over my nest would make me feel better.

Not as good as I would feel if the pack came and saw it but….that’s a weird thought.

Why would I care if they liked my nest? I guess I could ask Joy about that. She would have answers for my question.

Her eyes scan the bedroom.

I’m lucky the guest room is so big; it gave me a lot of space to work with. It’s also nice to be in the same space that I have been getting used to the past week.

Her eyes scan the area before her hand squeezes mine. Her smile is so wide as she steps inside, heading over towards the small sofa that is set up.

“Your nest is not at all what I would have expected. It’s the most exquisite thing I’ve ever seen!” I preen under the praise, feeling myself warm at the feeling of approval, “Have the boys seen it yet?” I shake my head no.

“They took me to go shopping today. We went to a nest store and they let me get whatever I wanted. It was so nice of them! And then everything was set up and I got to decorate it. Did they tell you that they asked if they could court me? I said yes but not a real yes? I don’t want to be stuck with them after the week we had. It was a hard first week and I’m afraid that this is just them trying to apologize. I guess? I made a friend named Marcus and he said I can have them court me but it doesn’t have to be exclusive.” I feel the rambling coming out, a flush coming over my cheeks at the way I can’t stop talking.

Joy takes my hand, a soft expression on her face.

“It’s good that you didn’t feel like you had to rush anything. I am so sorry that the boys weren’t great with you this week. There’s no excuse for them upsetting you.”

I know she means it. It’s still hard for me to understand everything.

“Martha doesn’t think you’re ready to court. She told the boys to stay away from you so that you’d be able to settle into things. I don’t think this has been fair to any of you. I’m here now, Clover. I want to talk to you about being an Omega. There are things that someone should have talked to you about before. It’s so good you’re still in classes but, while I’m here I want you to know that any question you have I’ll answer.”

My mind is whirling and I think about how I do have questions.

My cheeks turn pink and I shift around. Of course I have questions but it feels like something that I can’t ask Apollo’s mom about. I feel foolish and silly over it.

Joy reaches out, tucking me into her and squeezing me against her body. The hug comforts me and I ease a little. Maybe I will open up this week to her. Maybe I can ask my questions.

Apollo’s family stays late.

And I wish they would stay forever.

The easy way that they love each other is so brilliant to watch. It’s like staring at the sun.

Both his Dad’s came with Joy. His Beta Dad Henrik, and his Alpha father, Jean. Jean is tall, a few inches shorter than his son. His soft sepia skin and almond shaped eyes are stunning. Henrik looks like Apollo. Except he is shorter and softer than his son. He has long blonde hair that falls in pretty blonde waves around his face. Joy is constantly stroking at his hair l ike it provides her some comfort. He’s happy to let her.

They’re both equally handsome and they both equally are obsessed with their Omega.

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