Page 118 of Roulette Rodeo
"Plus," Corwin adds with a smile, "both involve a certain amount of luck and risk-taking. Perfect metaphor for trying new things."
"And," Shiloh says, his thumb rubbing circles on my knee, "both can be fun as hell if you're not worried about the stakes."
"So we'll take you around town," Talon continues, warming to his theme. "Introduce you to people, places, activities. You try everything that catches your eye. Pottery class at the community center? Sure. Horseback riding? Why not. Book club at the book cafe club? Absolutely. We'll be your... adventure guides."
"You'll also get to learn about each of us," Corwin adds. "What we love about this place, why we stayed, what makes Jack Ridge home instead of just a hiding spot."
The excitement building in my chest is unexpected but welcome.
"Like a structured exploration plan?"
"Exactly," Talon beams. "Structure without requirement. Plans without obligation. You can quit anything you don't like, pursue anything you do."
"And once you figure out what you enjoy," Corwin says carefully, "we can start contributing to your nest."
I pout, lower lip pushing out in confusion.
"What's that?"
All three men freeze, staring at me with identical expressions of shock.
"You've never had a nest?" Shiloh asks, voice strained.
"No, never. I've heard about them from time to time—girls at the casino would mention them—but I don't really understand what they are."
They exchange looks that seem to communicate entire conversations in seconds.
"A nest is..." Corwin starts, then stops, seeming to search for words. "It's an omega's personal space. Sacred space. Usually a bedroom or corner of a room that you make completely yours. Filled with soft things, comforting things, items that smell like your pack."
"It's where omegas go to feel safe," Talon adds. "Especially during heats or when stressed. It's supposed to be this instinctive thing—gathering blankets, pillows, clothes that smell like your alphas."
"Some omegas are very particular about their nests," Shiloh says. "Only certain textures, certain colors, specific arrangements. It's deeply personal."
"Oh." I process this information, trying to imagine having enough belongings to create such a space. "I've never had enough... stuff. Or a space that was really mine. The casino room was shared, and before that..." I shrug. "Before that, staying in one place too long wasn't safe."
The anger that flashes across all three faces simultaneously is actually a bit frightening.
"There are quite a few omegas in town," Corwin says, voice carefully controlled. "You can talk to them too, get their perspectives on nesting, on being an omega in a pack, on... everything really."
"Fair warning though," Shiloh says with a slight smirk, "they might not be the smartest bunch. Or the nicest. Small-town dynamics and all that."
I smirk right back.
"Not to worry. I usually attract at least one chill omega who's not a complete bitch. It's like a superpower, finding the one decent person in a room full of assholes."
They all laugh at that, the tension breaking.
"Well then," Corwin says, standing and stretching, "that's the plan. Should we head to town? Give you a preview of what you're in for?"
I squeal—actually squeal like a teenager—bouncing on the couch.
"Yes! Are we taking an old car or something?"
The three men exchange looks, and there's mischief in them that makes my stomach flip with anticipation.
Corwin extends his hand to me, and there's something almost formal about the gesture.
When I take it, he pulls me to my feet with gentle strength, but doesn't let go. Instead, he brings my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles that sends unexpected heat through me.
