Page 95 of Lavender and Lightning

“…thought y’all would be better off without me. That if I disappeared from your life, all your problems would go with me. But look what’s happened. This pack is on the verge of collapse. We have to stop blaming ourselves and each other for the things we can’t do anything about,” Lydia is saying, voice trembling slightly in her passion.

Her words are like a punch to the gut. I wish I could record them, so I could play that back whenever Lex and Mateo get in their own heads about Seth. I have half a mind to walk away when they start exchanging words of love and devotion, but a pulse of longing stills my feet. It’s not jealousy, but I can’t quite put my finger on the name. It’s like I was invited on a trip but declined, only to have to hear about how amazing it was from the person who asked me to go in the first place.

“Just one more promise,” Lydia whispers seriously.

There’s a pause, and I hold my breath. What could she possibly ask of Rhett?

“No more secrets.”

“No more secrets,” he repeats without missing a beat.

No more secrets.

But here I am, hiding in a bathroom, secretly spying on my alpha and my omega. Hiding from my feelings. Hiding them from her.

So I step out, crossing the threshold into Rhett’s room. But I stop short, looking around. It’s… tidy again. Rhett and Lydia are kneeling on a made bed, her with a blanket around her shoulders, him in just a towel slung low over his hips. It does absolutely nothing to hide the evidence of his excitement to see Lydia again, and her flushed face as she pulls away and smiles at me only makes me laugh.

“Luc! I didn’t hear you come home,” she says breathlessly.

“Well, it appears you’ve been busy,” I manage to get out through my giggles.

I meet Rhett’s eyes, and my smile softens at the light that’s returned to the crystal blue orbs. He’s still holding Lydia close, but he nods for me to join them. Not needing to be asked twice, I strip off my t-shirt and jeans before jogging over to the bed and snuggling Lydia from behind. She hums in delight as I pepper kisses over her hair and the side of her face, not letting go as she squirms. Having her back in my arms, smelling that delicious floral and honey nectar already has me half hard, and the appreciative look in Rhett’s eyes as he watches us makes my skin go hot.

“I missed you so much, sweetheart. Can I make it up to you? Please?” I breathe into her ear.

“What did you have in mind?” she replies a little breathlessly.

“I’m feeling a bit hungry, and I’m suddenly overcome with a very particular craving,” I purr, letting my fingers trail down her side.

“Is that okay with you, sir? Can Lucas have a snack?” she asks, tilting her head up to look into his eyes.

I look up through my lashes and find Rhett looking back at me, icy eyes sparking with desire. His pupils nearly swallow the irises, and the air is suddenly heavy with the scent of vanilla and whiskey. There’s a silent question in his eyes, and I nod eagerly in response.

It’s been something we’d talked about, but haven’t had a chance to bring up to Lydia. I’d fantasized about letting Lydia be the alpha sub, for Rhett to use me as a means to bring her pleasure. I’d never thought of myself as the serving type, but I could worship at Lydia’s feet for days and still want more. Rhett, of course, will relish any chance he can get to not have to beat me into submission.

“Little one, we’d like to try something. We would both play with our pet, and he would be at our mercy. Is that something you’d be comfortable exploring?” he asks, tone light but firm.

Lydia looks at me, assessing. I give her a smile and a nod, showing her I want this.

“I don’t know if I’ll be good at it…” she says, trailing off and biting her lip.

“You can’t do anything wrong, sweetheart,” I reply gently.

“We have our safe words, and you can always tell me if you aren’t comfortable, and I’ll take the lead,” Rhett adds reassuringly.

Lydia gives me one last look, and my heart does a double backflip as she nods.

“Safe words,” Rhett prompts.

“Red to stop, yellow to slow down.”

Lydia and I answer almost in perfect unison, making us both giggle. Rhett gives us both a proud little grin that makes my stomach clench.

“Then let’s play.”

Rhett leans down and kisses Lydia deeply, and the sight of them makes my heart melt. They are beautiful together, her skin only slightly darker than his, but a perfect compliment. The jewel tone of her eyes and the crystal of his, coming together like a clear sky over a verdant meadow. When they pull apart and look at each other, the electricity between them is enough to make goosebumps rise on my arms.

“Our sweet omega is a little overdressed, pet. Let’s fix that,” Rhett purrs.

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