Page 207 of Wisteria and Cloves

The drive home was comfortable, filled with easy conversation about my painting session and his business meeting. But I could sense the underlying tension in Nicolaus—the way his griptightened slightly on the steering wheel, the careful control in his voice. All four of my alphas had been more attentive lately, more protective, their alpha instincts responding to the subtle changes in my scent even before I'd noticed them myself.

When we pulled into the driveway, I could see Julian through the front window, his tall frame moving restlessly across the living room. Christopher's car was already there, and I could smell the delicious aroma of dinner preparation wafting from the kitchen.

"He's been like this all day," Nicolaus observed, following my gaze to Julian's pacing figure. "Miles had to physically restrain him from buying out the entire omega comfort section at three different stores."

I laughed, feeling warmth spread through my chest at their dedication. "They're all being so sweet about this."

"We want everything to be perfect for you," Nicolaus said simply, turning off the engine. "Your first heat with us... it's important."

Before I could respond, the front door burst open and Julian strode out, his face lighting up at the sight of me. In three long strides, he was at the car, opening my door before Nicolaus could even unfasten his seatbelt.

"You're back," Julian said, his voice warm with relief as he helped me from the car. His hands lingered on my waist, drawing me close as he inhaled deeply. "How was painting with Lydia?"

"It was wonderful," I said, leaning into his embrace. "Though I think my artistic talents are still questionable at best."

Julian chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I'm sure you're being too hard on yourself. You always are."

As we walked toward the house, Julian's arm remained firmly around my waist, his thumb rubbing gentle circles against my hip. I could feel the subtle tension in his muscles, the way hisalpha instincts were heightened by whatever changes my body was going through.

"The new pillows arrived," Julian said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide his excitement. "I set them up in the living room nest, but if you don't like the arrangement, I can—"

"Julian," I interrupted gently, stopping to face him. "Breathe. Whatever you've prepared will be perfect."

He exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I just want you to be comfortable. This is important, and I—"

"We," Nicolaus corrected, joining us at the front door. "We want you to be comfortable."

Inside, the house smelled like Christopher's cooking mixed with something else…something warmer, more inviting. I realized they'd been subtly preparing the whole house for days now, infusing it with their combined scents to create an environment that would make my omega instincts feel safe and protected during.

Miles appeared from the hallway, his face lighting up when he saw me. "There she is," he said, crossing the room to press a kiss to my lips. "We missed you."

"I was only gone for three hours," I laughed, leaning into his touch as his fingers traced the marks on my neck, making them tingle pleasantly.

"Three hours too long," he murmured against my ear. "Especially now."

Christopher called from the kitchen, "Is that our mate I hear?"

I moved toward his voice, the others following close behind. Christopher stood at the stove, stirring something that smelled divine. When he saw me, he set down his spoon and opened his arms.

"Come here," he said, a smile on his face as he looked at me. I walked into Christopher's embrace, feeling his strong arms wraparound me, his warmth enveloping me completely. He pressed his face against my hair, inhaling deeply.

"Your scent is changing more," he murmured, his voice vibrating against my temple. "Sweeter. Riper."

I felt my cheeks flush. "Is it that noticeable?" The other three alphas moved closer, creating a protective circle around us. Julian's hand settled on my lower back, Miles leaned against the counter beside us, and Nicolaus observed with that intense focus that always made my omega instincts flutter.

"To us? Absolutely," Miles said, his voice dropping to that husky register that sent shivers down my spine. "To others? Not yet. But soon."

Christopher reluctantly released me to return to his cooking, though his eyes lingered on me as I settled at the kitchen island, watching him work. His movements were fluid and confident as he added herbs to whatever was simmering on the stove.

"I made your favorite," Christopher said, stirring the pot. "Creamy lemon pasta with extra garlic bread."

"And a salad you'll barely touch," Miles added with a teasing smile, sliding onto the stool beside me.

I laughed, leaning against his shoulder. "I might surprise you and eat some vegetables tonight."

"Miracles do happen," Nicolaus commented dryly, though his eyes held that spark of humor I'd come to recognize. Julian moved restlessly around the kitchen, straightening things that didn't need straightening, opening the refrigerator only to close it again without taking anything out. His nervous energy was palpable, making me smile fondly.

"Julian," I said softly, "come sit with me." He paused in his restless movement, his green eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. Without hesitation, he crossed to where I sat and settled on the stool on my other side, his large hand immediately finding my thigh.

---