He brings me Gunner's t-shirt from yesterday and I bury my face in it, breathing deeply. The sandalwood and wild fig scent wraps around me like a hug. Perfect. Safe. This goes right in the center of my nest, where I can reach for it easily.
August's cardigan comes next. Soft wool that carries the warm scent of cedarwood and bergamot. I wrap it around one of the larger pillows, creating a barrier that smells like safety.
Hawk's leather jacket goes along the edge, positioned where I can breathe in the caramel and leather if I need that wild, dangerous comfort. A hoodie that carries Dante's honey and clove gets folded carefully near my head. One of Cassian's shirts, heavy with his dark amber and musk, becomes another pillow covering.
The blankets from the supply run are silk and cotton and the softest fleece. Some feel smooth, others warm and comforting. I arrange them in layers, making it soft everywhere, comfortable for what's coming.
I work frantically but methodically, my hands finally steady now that I'm doing what my body demands. Arranging everything where it feels right. Every pillow placed with care. Every blanket positioned for comfort and security. Creating a space that's mine but surrounded by them, wrapped in everything that's them.
When I finally sit back, satisfaction rushes through me so strong it takes my breath away.
This feels perfect. This is what I need.
But my body... it has other ideas.
The cramps are coming faster now. More brutal. Slick pools between my thighs, soaking through my leggings. My scent is filling the room, thick and sweet and desperate.
I'm burning up. Everything feels too hot, too much. I start pulling at my clothes, desperate to get them off. First Gunner's t-shirt, then my leggings, leaving me in just my underwear on the soft blankets.
"Hey, sunshine," August says softly from beside me. "You need to drink some water for me."
He presses a water bottle into my shaking hands, but I can barely hold it. Everything hurts. The emptiness inside me is getting worse.
"It hurts," I whimper, looking up at him with tears in my eyes. "August, please. Make it stop. I can't... it hurts so much."
His hazel eyes are full of sympathy as he helps me drink. Then his hand comes up to touch my face, and even that simple contact makes me gasp.
"Please," I beg, pressing into his touch. "I need... I need more."
He hesitates for just a moment, then his hand slides down my body, slipping between my legs. His fingers find my clit through my soaked underwear, rubbing gentle circles. I gasp and arch into his touch, but even though it feels good, it's not enough. The ache inside me only grows stronger, more desperate.
"I'm sorry, sunshine," he whispers, his voice strained as he continues trying to give me relief. "I can't... you need more than I can give you."
Another cramp hits so hard I cry out, doubling over. My skin feels raw, too sensitive for air. Every touch would be too much and not enough at the same time.
But the nest is just right now. My safe space. And I'm ready.
"Alpha," I whimper, not sure which one I'm calling for. "Please. I need... I can't..."
The door opens immediately. All four of them standing there, their eyes dark with want and something deeper. Their scents hit me like a wave. Warm honey and clove, dark amber and musk, caramel and leather, sandalwood and wild fig.
But it's not just their scents now. It's the way they're looking at me. Like they're barely holding onto their control. Like they want to devour me. Dante's hands are clenched at his sides. Cassian's breathing is rough. Even Hawk and Gunner look like they're fighting some internal battle.
My pack, my family, my chosen alphas and the beta who holds us all together.
And they all want me as much as I want them.
The cramping reaches a point that makes me sob with need. My body is ready now, and my heart... my heart is too.
"I need you," I whisper, and my voice is steady this time. Sure. "Please. I need all of you."
They don't make me ask twice.
Chapter 33
Dante
The words hit me like a punch to the gut.I need all of you.