Page 96 of Stream Heat
His own hands were shaking a little, I realized. He was affected, too, his scent deeper, needier, but he was holding it together.
“I know it can’t be easy for you either,” I managed.
His hand stilled. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is you.”
Something heavy dropped away from inside me. I clung to him and another wave crested, not as sharp, not as humiliating. Just intense.
“Thank you,” I whispered, hoarse. “For not pushing.”
He looked almost hurt that I’d even had to say it. “We never would.”
He was right. Maybe for the first time, I really believed it.
The wave faded, and for a second, all I sensed was him, steady and present.
“The others,” I managed. “Can they come in? Would that help?”
He smiled a little, softening as he read his phone. “They’re already awake. They felt it, too. They’re just waiting on you.”
“Bring them. All of you.”
He sent the text. In minutes, I heard them outside. Theo first, his energy barely contained. Jace, silent but observant. Malik, calm and solid as a wall. Ash, a rock, last through the door.
Five Alphas. Mine. All watching, waiting to be useful.
“Hey, Kara,” Theo said, fake casual. “Couldn’t sleep either?”
It broke some of the tension. I smiled despite everything.
“She’s okay with scent and comfort,” Reid told them, never letting go of me. Everyone nodded, boundary established, no questions asked.
“How can we help?” Malik asked.
I hesitated. “Honestly? Just stay. I know it’s weird, but your scents help.”
“Nesting’s good for this,” Jace said quietly. “Pack items, extra layers.”
I nodded. “Do it.”
They got to work, fast and efficient. Each disappeared for a moment before returning with various items: pillows, blankets, their own clothes. Theo’s hoodie, Jace’s scarf, Malik’s blanket, Ash’s flannel shirt. Overkill, but it felt right.
Reid stayed put, keeping his hand on my back. He didn’t move, didn’t let me drift until I was ready, and then I set to work on building my nest.
As soon as it was finished, the relief was instant. I almost started crying again. Then the next wave hit, and I folded in on myself, but this time, they were all there, not touching unless I asked, just radiating support.
“What do you need right now?” Reid said, voice softer than I’d ever heard.
“Closer,” I said, not even embarrassed now. “All of you.”
They came in, careful, slow, making a safe space around the nest, Reid anchoring me from behind, Theo and Jace on one side, Malik and Ash on the other. The scent was overwhelming, but in a good way. For the first time, I felt relief not shame.
“This is… different,” I managed, trying to process it.
“This is normal,” Ash said. “Heat with pack is always less painful. Science backs it up.”
“Are we seriously doing a science podcast in the nest right now?” Theo joked. “So on brand, Ash.”
He was right; I liked knowing the why. It made the chaos inside me something I could grit my teeth and handle.
