Page 88 of Altius
Kissing the hollow at the base of his throat, I tried to dampen the blow. “Do you think it’s time for one of the drugs you brought?”
Cal turned off the water and began making shallow movements as if trying to work his knot free. I might be alittle sexed-out, but that didn’t mean he could deprive me of his satiating fullness.
Wrapping my legs tighter around his waist, I said, “Don’t you dare.”
He chuckled, bracing my ass with one large hand as he opened the shower door. “What a hardship.”
After a lazy attempt at drying us off, abandoning the towel on the vanity, he carried me through the connecting door back to my nest.
Holding me tight against his chest, Cal crawled across the mattress on his knees and carefully laid us down, turning his bulk into the cuddliest of blankets.
Toying with his wet hair, I kissed what I could reach—neck, trapezius, sternum—smug in the knowledge that if I got tired of being so chivalrously manhandled and wanted to make out with someone in the missionary position, I had Wyatt or Alijah on deck.
And if I wanted to be manipulated, I could risk it with Joaquin. He was even sneakier than I expected.
If this was him on his best behavior… Alijah never stood a chance.
“We have a slight conundrum, Dr. Van Daal.”
I put the finishing touch on the hickey blossoming on Cal’s collarbone. “And what might that be, Dr. Carling?”
“It’s a matter of geography. Syringe in the bathroom. Drugs in the kitchen. Medical professional otherwise engaged.”
“Hm. Yes, that does present something of a problem.” Tapping my fingers against his pecs, I weighed our options. “Maybe Owen could gather everything?”
He groaned, resting more of his weight on me, pinning me to the mattress, face buried in my wet hair. “Fine. But let me cover my ass first.”
“Why? Not that I’m into exhibitionism—and your rear end is magnificent—but haven’t you two… I mean, don’t most prospective packs have some shared sexual experience?”
“Most normal packs, yes.” Cal snagged the covers and threw them over our lower halves, but there wasn’t enough fabric to entirely cover his legs. “There was never a reason for us to go there. We’ve all skipped a lot of ruts, including Joaquin. I did it partly for football but mostly to avoid family drama. Owen felt it was a waste of time. And Joaquin was always on the prowl for a mate. Always. I know he’s got the vibes of a playboy, but he was a serial monogamist even before Alijah came along, with the occasional throuple situation.”
I absorbed his revelations with interest, but couldn’t quite believe them. The trio must have had a legion of admirers during college—especially Cal.
“You weren’t friends with any omegas, some brilliant, beautiful designation sciences major, or a cheerleader—or three—who needed help with their heat?”
“Not saying we weren’t asked. Just as I assume you’ve received propositions over the years. But agreeing… That’s a different matter entirely.”
“Cal,” I said, unable to keep disbelief from creeping into my tone. Craning my head back, I tried to make eye contact. “Thiscan’tbe your first heat.”
“Can I take that as a compliment?” he teased with a shallow flex of his hips, but I was too stunned to react.
All I could do was stare up at his ruggedly handsome features, wondering how someone could be so perfect on his first try—taking on more than his fair share of the planning load, prioritizing my comfort, and constantly reassuring me—making it all seem so effortless.
Cal kissed the top of my head. “Don’t look so surprised. You’re it for me. I’d do anything to make this good for you.”
Forcing back an influx of emotions, I rested my forehead against his shoulder and exhaled.
“I’d be a snarling, achy mess with anyone else. You know that, right? Would’ve been holed up in the bathroom by now, calling Chantal to get me out of here. Determined to ride it out solo.” Shifting to nuzzle his neck, I said, “You—all of you—have been… I didn’t know it could be like this. Ten out of ten experience. Would recommend.”
We shared a laugh, and he kissed my temple. But I wasn’t done.
“As grateful as I am that I’ll remember this weekend, it’s time.”
Cal shifted, pushing up onto one elbow, arching his back to kiss me on the lips. The movement threatened to dislodge his knot, prompting my inner walls to clamp down, desperate to keep him locked inside. My reaction made him hiss with pleasure, but it didn’t stop him from reaching for his phone near the headboard. His thickness remained in place, keeping me satisfied for the time being.
Digging his elbows into the mattress on either side of my head, Cal typed a quick missive.
A few minutes later, Owen entered my nest, carrying a tray of medical supplies, wearing his customary suit and tie. I raised a brow at his attire.
