Page 33 of Verses and Blooms
I bit back a grin, because I was about to do just that. “It feels like I was gone for a lifetime.”
“It felt the same for us,” he agreed, walking over and pulling me into a hug. He tucked me against his chest, his chin resting lightly on my head. I could hear the steady beating of his heart under my ear and I let my eyes close as I soaked in my alpha’s touch.
“I know you don’t want me to say sorry, but regardless, I feel terrible that I took away from time you could’ve been looking for Lilly.”
“That entire time, I knew Lily was safe, Audrey. But, I didn’t knowyouwere,” he pointed out as he let me go. Rydell was still next to me, guiding me to the table to join the others.
“Is there anything we can do to make you feel safe or comfortable?” Kane asked as he scooted closer. We were almostshoulder to shoulder at the kitchen table now, letting the faint bond between us spark to life.
“You guys are truly the only reason I made it out of there alive,” I admitted as I stared down at the worn oak table. “I was terrified, but not once did I give up, because I knew how worried you had to be. The only thought I focused on was that Ihadto get back to you.”
“You did. I hear you put up quite a fight,” Kane said. His tone was light but my stomach sank regardless.
Of course, they were having none of that.
“Don’t even think about it,” Rydell said firmly, his tone a command. “You did what you had to do to get out of there alive, and I’m so fucking proud of you.”
“It feels wrong to say out loud, but it was nice to fight back for once. That place was worse than I remembered. I really want to talk to the chief about all of this when my heat is over.”
“Speaking of your heat,” Kane said, “why are you not desperate and losing your mind?”
“It’s my first heat. Right now it seems to be coming and going,” I admitted. “It was bad in the car for a minute while my body was running on instinct. Being back here with you guys seems to be soothing some of it now. It’s there, but manageable. I’m not in pain yet, just a bit warm.”
“I think your body was simply in survival mode,” Ares said as he flipped something on the stove. “Now that you’re clean, we need to get some food in you, and some rest will do you good.”
Rydell shifted closer, sandwiching me between him and Caspian. I couldn’t help but look at him, studying his handsome face.
His expression softened at the moment my chest started to ache. I was overwhelmed with how much I wanted and needed them all. How deeply I cared about them in such a short time.
It was like he understood and knew exactly what I was feeling but was too overwhelmed to say out loud. This moment felt so surreal, having them all here in such a domestic, unguarded moment.
We weren’t prisoners here. They’d made accommodations for us. Sure, we had no way to truly leave these grounds just yet, but I didn’t feel the need to. Not when I could be with my pack so openly.
In this moment, I was safe and loved… something I don’t think I’d ever truly felt before. Not growing up or after when I was reunited with my family.
When I finally looked away I studied the others, their gazes locking on mine one by one as we reconnected and let our instincts settle.
“Do you need to leave during my heat, baby? I don’t want you uncomfortable,” I said as my gaze landed on my omega.
“There’s nothing in this world that could keep me away from you,” he promised. “This is where I’m meant to be, and where Iwantto be. I’m safe with these alphas and they don’t set my omega off anymore. They’re pack now.”
I smiled softly. “Okay, but I want you to speak up if you need something different, do you hear me?” I said firmly. “This isn’t just about my heat. Plus, it could trigger a heat for you, too.”
“We’ve already handled that,” Ares said gently. “He’s on suppressors, and we’ve got a pretty heavy dose going right now so you don’t have to worry about it. They brought a doctor in for him while you were on your way back.”
Ansel nodded. “I don’t think I’m ready for a heat of my own.”
Having never had one of my own, I understood completely.
“Even if you’re never ready, we’ll figure it out,” I promised.
“Do you want me there for yours? Will me being around your alphas bother your omega side?”
“No. I want you with me. She knows you’re ours as much as they are. I don’t have jealousy when I think of you near them. I’m also here for moments with you and Kane as well. It doesn’t have to be everyone all at once, every time.”
Ares slid a plate in front of me, piled high with a cheesy omelet, bacon, pancakes, and potatoes. Honestly, it was more food than I think I could eat in a week, but I didn’t argue. My body probably needed it, especially if the heat was going to kick in soon.
With the amount of protein on this plate, I was positive that was my alpha’s goal. I knew Ares didn’t do anything without purpose.
