Page 73 of Wicked Truths

“Am I going to get an invite too?” Liam asks. I jolt when I spot him standing just outside a door near the end of the hall. He leans close as Hawk passes him, walking us into the suite. “I’m more than happy to knock the bottom out for you, sweetness.”

“Yeah, I was going to invite you too.” I give him a timid smile.

“Are you sure you want to let that idiot into your nest?” Hawk asks, carrying me over to the couch.

“Be nice.” I’m still a little surprised, but it’s one of the things Marcus brought up last night when he stayed with me in the clinic. He’s very vigilant and assured me he had seen recent medical records for Liam and Hawk.

We had a lengthy conversation about if I was really comfortable with them being involved in my heat. It’s so strange to me to talk about any of this stuff.

Despite what he said when Jess initially brought it up, he offered to ride out my heat with volunteer alphas if that’s what I wanted. He made it clear he supports whatever decision I make.

It was hard to talk about, but he did his best to set me at ease, and I was honest with him that I’d much rather be knotted by someone I know and trust.

I glance around, but Sullivan and Marcus are missing. We should all be present for this conversation.

I open my mouth to ask where they are, but Liam pipes in like he can read my mind. “I think they’re having a heart-to-heart or possibly a come-to-Jesus moment.” He laughs, tossing himself down on the club chair next to the sofa. “The nest is all nesty and waiting for you to set up, or ya know, get extra busy.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and he looks so cute and goofy that I snort. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. You looked like you felt like shit.”

“I did,” I agree. Hawk has me lying over his strong form. My hand twinges with pain from the IV site when I push up to look around the room. “You’re serious? They aren’t here?”

“They wanted to get on the same page prior to your heat starting.” Hawk gives me a reassuring smile, running his hand over the back of my head.

“Okay, so I need to go to wherever they are.” I nod, trying to climb off his lap. “Probably, right now.”

“No,” Hawk growls, pulling me back down. “You’re still running a fever and recovering.” He’s not wrong about that, but my panic ratchets higher. I need Sullivan and Marcus to be on good terms with each other. Not just for the sake of Wicked Truths either. My chest actually gets tight as I realize how little I care about being famous if it comes at the cost of losing one of them. It would be a no brainer. “Jess said to clean up and then set up or snuggle in the nest.”

I open my mouth to protest that I’ll do all of that as soon as I know Marcus and Sullivan aren’t having it out somewhere here at the resort, but Hawk swats my ass.

“Hey,” I grumble, swiping at his hand.

“Don’t try me,” Hawk growls. “They’re fine.”

“Yeah, but how am I supposed to know that? They always antagonize each other.” I blink at him, pleading with him to understand, but the look on his face says he isn’t budging. My eyes fly to Liam’s as he pushes himself out of the chair.

“I’ll go referee your boyfriendsifyou make it up to me later.” Liam laughs, coming close and brushing his fingers over my cheek. “I am glad you’re doing better.”

“Thank you,” I say sincerely.

“Don’t get all sentimental. I really think you’re overreacting. I’m just going to keep you content.” Liam smirks, and it has a visceral effect on my system. My nipples tighten, poking out through the thin material of my pajama top. His eyes immediately zero in on my tits and he laughs, looking at Hawk. “You’re welcome.” He winks, swaggering out in those tight jeans that hug his ass a little too nicely.

“All right, let’s do this.” Hawk sits up and wraps my legs around his strong frame.

“D-Do what?” I ask.

“Oh, little one.” He grins. “I’m going to take care of you like any good alpha should.” His words send a damn shiver down my spine.

“I feel like you’re just trying to distract me from Marcus and Sullivan,” I grumble, rubbing my face in his shoulder to find where his scent is strongest.

“Nah, sweet girl, when I’m distracting you, you’ll most definitely know.” Hawk laughs, heading down the hallway, and my silly heart nearly leaps from my chest.

* * *

The main bedroom is huge. It has a bed that I think is larger than a normal king. The walls are pale gray, and the bed has four posters with actual ties that can be let down. Hawk drops me on the edge of the mattress and aims for the bathroom.

I can hear him opening and closing cabinets and then the water turns on. I’m not positive, but it doesn’t sound like the shower. My head tilts, and it becomes pretty clear he’s running me a bath.

Hawk comes back without his shirt on, and I end up licking my lips like a total creeper. His chest is covered with a small amount of blond hair. He’s thick in that way that huge guys are. His chest is well-defined as are the muscles in his shoulders and arms, but he doesn’t have a wall of abs like Liam or Marcus.

His belt is undone, but still hanging through the loops of his open jeans. I fan my face with my hand until Hawk’s low chuckle fills the air.

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