Seth’s grin was pure sugar. “I love you too.”

My whole body snapped tight when he sank his fangs into my throat, pleasure searing so bright I couldn’t breathe. I spilled right there in my pants, unable to stop myself. Dazed and shaking, I bit down on Seth in return, catching the curve of his shoulder next to Logan’s mark, sending him over the edge right alongside me. The connection between us through Logan glowed before the fresh bond slammed into place.

I thought he was an open book before, but now it was like he whispered his thoughts in my ear, showed me all of his feelings and fears laid out on a platter.

Seth lapped at his mark, making me shiver with each stroke.I’m sorry you were so afraid before.

I survived. We have our pack now.

Logan’s pleasure cascaded through the bond as Caden tipped her over the edge.

Velda let out a soft whimper. “Still so fucking weird not to need anything to touch me.”

Logan purred like a damn buzzsaw beneath Caden, happy as a clam. Her contentment met my own. I’d been planning on getting a little more physical with her, but I couldn’t bring myself to move an inch with Seth snuggled on top of me. Yelena and Haru’s pleasure was like sparklers in my gut, the two of them melting next to us.

“You weren’t lying about it being a short orgy.” Logan giggled. “Feels like a case of our eyes being too big for our tummies, but for sex instead of food.”

“Might be a little more tapped out than expected.” My body and soul were blissed out to have Logan next to me and Seth in my arms. “Just a quick rest.”

Logan rolled over, snuggling against Seth and me, Caden tucking himself at her back. She gave me one smooth kiss before resting her head on my shoulder. “Rest is good. Even though I feel pretty fab after getting charged up.”

The bed was crammed full, all the connections peaceful as we drifted away.

I’d been so alone before and I knew without a doubt I would never feel that way again.

Iwoke to a soft body curling around me. When I opened my eyes, expecting it to be Logan, I blinked a few times when it was Yelena instead. Everyone else was still passed out.

“Can we talk?” she whispered.

Out loud?

Telepathy is fine.Yelena sighed softly and wrapped her arm over my waist.I’ve been thinking a lot.

About what?

She felt so nervous in the bond, which wasn’t particularly like her.We’ve been friends for a long time.

Where was she going with this?We have.

Have you ever thought about things being different with us?

I froze. She wasn’t usually one to skirt meanings when talking to me, and it was making me nervous in return.Different how? Spit it out, woman.

Yelena laughed softly.Sorry. You’ve always been such a good friend to me, and I hope I’ve been that for you too.

I nodded.

Getting to share the bond with you, learning you on a whole new level, and then almost losing you in all this chaos made me realize how much you mean to me. And I don’t want things to be weird between us, but I figure it’s only a matter of time before you notice my feelings now that things have settled.

I wiggled around so I could face her.Are you saying you’ve got a crush on me? Because I wouldn’t blame you. Iampretty fabulous.

Yelena laughed and swatted me on the ass.That’s exactly what I’m saying.

I thought it was obvious Kendrick wasn’t the only Protector moon-eyeing over you, but maybe I hid it better than I thought. You’re just so fucking beautiful and it’s kind of unfair. I gave up hope on it ages ago.

Why?

Because you were obsessed with Haru and I thought if it hadn’t happened between us yet, it probably never would. Haru and I are pretty fucking different people. I kind of assumed I wasn’t your type, at least personality-wise.