Page 71 of Bound By Pain
Creed is a massive man, taller than any of the rest of us. Wider, too. He’s dressed in a tan suit and white dress shirt, several of the top buttons undone. The color complements his cool brown skin tone and recently trimmed hair. He looks at Bea, eyes heated, and his lips twisted into a smirk. As captivated by her as the rest of us.
The faint silver of Bea’s mark on his lip distracts me for a moment, sending a pang of jealousy through me. I could have had that same connection if I hadn’t spent so long pushing my Omega away. What a fool I have been.
Turning my attention to Ridley, I nearly roll my eyes when I see the bright grin on his face. This Alpha unnerves me with his constant state of happiness. He’s far too easygoing, lacking the structure and wariness I’m used to. Black high-tops offset the white dress shirt and black slacks he’s wearing.
I suppose it’s better than the gym clothes I am used to seeing him in.
“Where is Orion?” Bea asks, eyeing me from the seat across from mine.
“He’s meeting us at the restaurant. He had an errand to run this afternoon.”
I don’t mention that today is Serenity’s birthday. My Omega doesn’t need to feel bad for enjoying a night out on a day her potential Alpha may be hurting.
I’d spoken with Orion in depth this morning to ensure he would be okay with us going out, but my friend guaranteed me he would be fine. The pain from losing his first mate will always linger, holding a permanent spot in his aching heart, but he isready to live again. Building a life with the sweet, sassy Omega who owns our hearts.
The driver lets us out at the entrance to the restaurant I chose. A cozy fine-dining spot in the city. White stone towers above us, but the bottom portion of the building is covered in a deep greenish-black stone. Greenery and white flowers of some type crawl between the windows and wrap around their tops, giving the outdoor patio a romantic feel despite the traffic passing by.
I guide Bea with my hand on the small of her back, speaking to the hostess without relinquishing the small touch. We’re seated outside at a large white marble table. Golden chairs are covered in soft white cushions, and small candles flicker in glass tubes along the middle.
Orion is already seated and waiting for us. He stands when he sees us approach, biting his lip as his eyes roam over Bea’s delectable figure. A reaction I can relate to. The swell of my mate’s ass in this dress nearly has me biting my fist.
“Holy shit, is that a corset?” Ridley asks, clapping Orion on the shoulder.
“Yes, it is,” Bea purrs, leaving me behind to greet her last mate. Her hands press against his chest, fingers teasing the edges of the black and white shapewear. “Such a pretty present you make for me, Alpha.”
We all bite back a groan at her sultry words, shifting on our feet as he kisses her. The meeting of their lips is entirely too passionate for an outdoor patio in the middle of New York City, but I bite my tongue. If she is happy, my possessiveness, my need to hoard her away from all the eyes I can feel on them, can sit on the back burner.
“I might need one of those,” Ridley comments as he helps Bea into her seat, blatantly adjusting himself before claiming thespot beside her. Our Omega laughs, a musical sound. With her head tossed back, she’s a vision in the city lights.
A server arrives, bringing the bottle of wine I selected for our group to share. He takes everyone’s drink orders and leaves us to peruse the menu.
Tapping my menu against hers, I catch her attention amidst the chatter of the rest of our future pack. Bea peeks up at me, listening to my silent question when I jerk my head toward her menu. I want to order for her. To have what little trust she can gift me by allowing me to choose her food.
When she nods, eyeing me curiously as she sets her menu aside, a satisfied rumble vibrates in my chest. Those alluring blue eyes roll playfully when she hears the sound, but the faint hint of pink on her chest betrays her true thoughts. My Omega loves being taken care of as much as she loves fighting us every step of the way.
Sipping my wine, I let their conversations distract me from my nervousness. I try to imagine what this would have been like if we had truly been strangers. Five Alphas thrown together with one Omega as the only tie between us. I’m grateful we have the connections we do.
From Ridley and Lex’s partnership at the DAU, Orion’s former employment with me, and Creed’s tenure in the military with Lex, it is easier for us to build bonds together. To become the pack our mate needs.
There will be hiccups. Learning curves. That’s inevitable, but we should be able to weather it together. Anything to keep Bea happy and safe.
Dinner is served, replacing our scents with the heavenly smell of the many meals around the table. Bea eyes the Miso-Butter Sea Bass I ordered for her, taking a small bite of the fish paired with the garlic rice. Her appreciative moan goes straight to my cock, hardening it beneath my slacks.
A smile graces my lips when her eyes flutter and she dives in with vigor. Watching her enjoy the food I chose satisfies a primal piece of me. That innate urge to ensure she’s cared for, body, heart, and soul.
“This was amazing,” Bea comments when she pushes her empty plate away. “Thank you, Shiloh.”
Tipping my head in acknowledgment, I offer her the restaurant’s dessert menu. Her smile turns blinding as she scans their extensive list of options. My mate loves sweets, something I have already ensured my personal chef is prepared for.
Watching Bea enjoy the dark chocolate, blackberry cake slice, I find myself wanting to lean across the table and lick the frosting from her luscious lips. The sight of her tongue darting out to gather it nearly has me coming in my pants.
Clearing my throat, I turn everyone’s attention to the true reason for our sudden outing. “Sabine.” Her eyes flash in annoyance, focusing on me as she licks her fork clean. Fucking hell, this woman will be the death of me.
“Your lease is up soon.”
“It is.” She nods, warily eyeing the rest of her mates before returning her attention to me.
“Would you consider moving into my penthouse?” Her jaw pops open, then snaps closed. Eyes narrowed, she goes to speak, but I rush to cut her off. “It has been renovated to fit all of your mates. I would like us to live together. All six of us. As a pack.”
