Page 127 of Mates: Posy

"Seriously, though, it is a huge responsibility," Ash argued. "One we all need to be ready for when it happens, so we should wait until we are."

"We could travel a bit, too, before pups." Jayden sounded wistful as he kissed my temple. "I'd like to visit the ocean."

My eyes widened with interest, and I felt Lark's ears perk up. We'd always dreamed of seeing the ocean one day.

"But it's entirely up to you, Posy," Cole said. "We'll do anything you say concerning pups. You're the one who has to carry and birth them, after all, although we'll be with you every step of the way."

I laid my head on Jayden's shoulder as I thought about it.

Alphas usually wanted pups right away to ensure security for the pack. The fact that my mates wanted to wait - and for all the right reasons - warmed my heart.

And I am not ready for pups.

"Could we wait?" I asked with a shy blush. "At least for a bit?"

"Of course!" Ash said, and all of the boys exhaled a breath of relief. "Don't get us wrong. We want pups, but we're nervous about becoming parents while we're so young. I mean, four of us are still teenagers, and Colejustturned twenty."

"While I can't wait to see your belly big and round with a pup," Jayden said with a grin, "we're selfish enough to want you all to ourselves for a while."

"So we wouldn't mate when I'm in heat?" I asked. "How long does it last?"

"Three days," Cole answered, "during which you'll bedrivento mate. You'll emit a fragrance that we won't be able to resist, and your body will hurt if you're denied. But don't worry. It's only once a year, and we can wear protection on those days until we're ready for pups."

"Protection?"

"It's called a condom," Wyatt said. "It's a rubber sleeve that collects the pup-making juice so it doesn't get inside you."

Mason, who'd been quiet for a while now, started to speak.

"As for when we mark and mate you, that will be your decision entirely. We're not going to rush you into either. When you're ready, when you're comfortable with us, we'll do those things and not before."

"Don't think we aren't eager for both, though, because we are," Ash assured me. "We'll wait as long as you need us to, but we want you badly."

"Really?" My eyebrows flew up. "Me?"

"Uh-huh, and that makes it hard."

"Yeah. You have no ideahowhard, cutie, but you will."

"Wyatt!" growled Cole and Mason.

It took me a second, but I got what he meant, and my face burned red.

"As much as I want to stay here with you, the king is waiting for us." Jayden gave my waist a little squeeze. "He's usually a patient guy, but I doubt that will be true as long as a threat exists against his queen."

I took a deep breath.

I have to face down the embarrassment sometime. Better to get it over with quickly.

"All right. Put me down so we can go back."

"I can carry you," he offered.

I shook my head.

"I will walk on my own power to welcome the king and queen into our home."

He grinned at me and set me on my feet, then picked up my hand and bowed over it. Kissing my knuckles, he looked up at me through his eyelashes, and something in my lower belly twisted.

---