"I'm sure," she says, her voice thick with want.
Her hand comes up slow. Hovers over the scar across my ribs. When she finally makes contact, skin against skin, I bite back a groan.
Only August has ever touched my scars like this. Like they're part of something beautiful instead of proof of everything ugly about my past. Her fingers are gentle, reverent almost. Like she's mapping me. Claiming me.
I catch August's emotions through our bond… wonder and pride, like he's seeing me through her eyes for the first time.
Gentle but not hesitant. She traces the scar end to end. A purr rumbles through my chest so loud it vibrates through both of us.
"You're purring."
I'm so shocked I can't speak for a moment. August looks at me with wonder, a smile spreading across his face. He looks so damn happy, like he's been waiting for this moment.
"Never done that before. Not until you."
"Really?" Other hand flat against my chest. Over my heart.
"You're the first omega I've ever scented. First one who's ever touched me like..."
"Like what?"
"Like I'm... like you actually want to."
Dark eyes meet mine, full of heat and want and something deeper that hits me in the chest.
"I do want to," she says firmly. "You're beautiful, Cassian. So strong."
Before I can respond, she stands on the bed, bringing her closer to my height. Presses her lips to the scar on my collarbone.
I stop breathing.
Her kiss is soft but thoughtful, lighting me up like a live wire. My hands settle carefully on her waist, steadying her so she doesn't fall.
"Is this okay?" she asks against my skin. I feel her tongue dart out to taste me.
"More than okay," I growl low.
Another scar. Another kiss. Mapping me like I'm territory to be claimed. Every mark. Every flaw. Fuck, the way she touches me.
She smells like pure need now. So thick I can barely think. Can smell her slick. Can practically taste it. My cock is rock hard, knot threatening to pop the button on my jeans. If her scent gets any stronger, I'm going to lose control completely.
August moves behind her on the bed, his hands settling on her shoulders.
"You're perfect." He breathes into her ear. "Both of you. Absolutely perfect."
She turns slightly toward him, and suddenly we're all connected. Her back pressed against August's chest, my hands still on her waist. The three of us with her safely between us. I can smell August's desire now. Mixing with ours.
"Is this okay?" I repeat her question back at her.
"More than okay," she says with a smile. "I want more. Please."
August tilts her chin up. Kisses her softly. Something in my chest settles. This is right. How it's supposed to be.
When they break apart, I look at August over her head, see the same hunger in his eyes that's burning through me.
He reaches for me, pulling me down for a kiss that's all heat and need and the bond between us flaring to life. When we break apart, we both look down at her between us.
Her eyes are wide with wonder, cheeks flushed, lips parted. "That was..." she breathes.