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Jillian West

WorldInformation

Author’sNote

Chapter1 Holt

Chapter2 Cooper-Before

Chapter3 Mercer

Chapter4 Cooper-Before

Chapter5 Bishop

Chapter6 Mercer

Chapter24 Holt

Chapter25

Vale Chapter26

Bishop Chapter27

Vale Chapter28 Mercer Chapter29 Cooper Chapter30

Vale Chapter31

Vale Chapter32

Epilogue

Epilogue

Epilogue

Thankyou!!

AlsobyJillianWest

Copyright©2024byJillianWest

Allrightsreserved.

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

CoverbyMarieMackay

Thisbookissetinanalternateuniverse.

Youwillrecognizemanythingsasfamiliar,buttheremaybeafewyoudon’t.Ifyourecognizethetermsalpha,beta, omegathenyou’reprobablygood.

Ifnot,welcometotheomegaverse!

Here’sasmallbittogetyoustartedifyou’reunfamiliarwithhowthingswork Omegaverseisanalternateuniversewheresimilartowolvesoranimalbiologythereisahierarchy.Alphasareatthetop. They're generallybigger, more aggressive, or dominantand theyhave a few extra features like a knot(thinkwolves butno shifting). Betas are the regular humans. Omegas are the opposite side of the spectrum from alphas. They tend to be less aggressive,smaller,andtheymatewithalphas(andsometimesbetastoo,butomegasneedthealphatohelpthemthroughtheir heat).Alphasandomegashavescentswhichattractcompatiblemates.Omegascalmanalpha’smoreaggressivenature.

Inmycontemporaryomegaversebookstheworldisveryclosetoourswithjustafewbiologicaldrivesthataredifferent& some extra features like alphas have knots & purr to comfort omegas, omegas and alphas have pheromones that attract compatiblemates,andomegashaveaheatcyclewherethey'resuper fertile.Duringthistimeitsendscompatiblealphasinto rut (Lotsofpracticingmakingbabies)

Afewhundredyearsagothebirthratesforalphasandomegaswerenearlyequal.Nowadaystherearenearlyeightalphas borntoeachomega Asaresultalphapackshavebecomethenorm Omegasarethecenterofthepackandasmentionedearlier calmanalphasmoreaggressivenature.Betas(thenormalhumans)dojoinpackssometimes,buttheirbiologicaldrivesdon’t demanditlikealphasandomegas.

Thesealphasgrowlandsnarl,butyou’llfindnoabusefromthesemen Therearenoshiftersinthisbook

Thisisareverseharemromancemeaningourheroinewillnotchoosebetweenherloveinterests.Shegetstokeepthemall. Ihopethishelpsclarify Youcanalwaysreachouttomeviasocialmediaoremail&I’mhappytoexplainfurther Nowontothegoodstuff…

Author’sNote

ReadyorNotisparttwooftheAssuranceSecurityDuetandwillendwithahappyending.

>>>>>SpoilersAfterThisPoint<<<<< Thisbookisoverallaverysweetread Theworldisalittledarkerorgrittierthanofmyotherpreviousbooks,butthementreattheFMCverywell.Thereisno cheatingandnoOWdrama TheymeetValeandfallforherandthebabyveryquickly Thereareafewthingsthatmaycausesomediscomfort.Valehasastalker,whichthemenprotectherfrom.Itisdeemeda possibilitythathemayhaveassaultedherwhilesheslept.Thisisnotconfirmednorisitshownonpage,butthepossibilityis discussed onpage There are minor mentions of complications duringpregnancy The menof Assurance Securityuse their personal protectioncompanyas a cover tohuntomega traffickers.There are briefmentions ofthe sextrade andkidnapping. These aren’tshownonpage Also verybriefmentions ofabortion There is some brieflydescribed violence, butit’s fairly mild.

SincethisbookissetinanalternateuniversemyversionofCharlottesville,Virginiaissmallerthantheactualcityinour universe.

Mentalhealthisimportant!Ialwayswantmyreaderstoknowwhattoexpect.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorneedsomething clarifiedpleasereachoutthroughemailorsocialmedia I’mhappytoansweranyquestionsyoumayhave!! IfI’vemissedanythingsthatshouldbelistedpleasereachouttomeonsocialmediaoremailmeandI’mhappytocorrect it.

Chapter One Holt

IFiveMinutesEarlier

assuretheassholesatthegatethatGarzahasclearance,andthere’snoreasontostormthehousetocombattheirwounded pride

Thegaragedoorslamsopen.

“Getbackto work. Ifone mancanputthe two ofyouonyour asses, thenit’s time to step up your training.” Ihangup, shakingmyhead.

It’s beena longtime since I’ve done more thantalkto Garza onthe phone. He and Mercyused to be close just like Bishopismybestfriend butCooperGarzatookajobworkingwithRanger’steam Andthenanother.

I’dbeshockedifhesticksaroundforlong Myphonelights upwithMerrick’s nameas Ihear BishopwelcomingGarza.Inearlyignoreit,butsomethingtells meto pickupthecall.

“Listen,allhellisabouttobreakloose,”Merricksayssofast,Ibarelymakeoutthewords.“ItoldRanger,butIthoughthe wasgoingtobackmeupwhenwecametotalktoyouguys.Instead,hesentGarzaintherewithnofuckingwarningofwhathe waswalkinginto”

“Man,whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout?”Igrowl.

“Cooper Garza was inDClastyear,” Merricksays, like Idon’talreadyknow that “He was scopingout The Kitty Cat Lounge forapossiblehitonRanger’ssister.”MyjawfallsathearingthenameoftheshittyclubValeworkedat.“Garzahasno ideashe’sthewomanBishophasbeenintoforyears.There’salsonofuckingwayheknowsaboutthebaby.DonotletBishop beathimtodeath,especiallynotinfrontofthewomancarryinghiskid”

“Oh, fuck,”Ihiss,hangingupandstridingintotheareabetweenthekitchenandthelivingroom. Valeisalwayspale,butherfaceissoterrified,mystomachchurns She’sabouttobolt “Vale?”Garzachokesout.

Sheblinksathim,cradlingthesideofherstomach HereyesquicklyflytothedoorwayI’mblocking Iknowwhatcomes next.She’sgoingtorun,andshehaseveryrighttobeconfused.I’mstill fuckingbaffledhow theuniversethoughtthiswasa humoroustwistoffate.

Sheswaysmydirection

Iraisemypalms,tryingtoappear likelessofathreat.“You’relookingalittleskittish.Youfall thewrongway,tryingto haulassoutofhere,andyoucouldhurtbothyouandthebaby Don’trunrightnow,orI’mgoingtohavetostopyou” “Stopme?”shesaysincredulously.“Fuckyou.Idon’tknowwhatthisis,butI’mleaving.” Igiveheralooktoindicatethat’snothappening She’sourfuckingwife. Nottomention,she’sbondedtoBishop. Igetwhyshe’spanicking

Itdoesn’tlookgreat,butshe’llsee.AllsheneedstodoiscalmdownenoughtoaskBishopafewquestions.Thebondisa prettyaccurateliedetector,basedonwhatI’veheard Shejusthastoletthepanicpass,soshecanthinkrationally “You’refuckingpregnant?”Garzagrowls.“Whyisshehere?Howisshehere?Howpregnantareyou?” “Gorgeous?”Bishopmurmurs,inchinginVale’sdirection.“You’resayingGarzawasyourone-nightstand?” Vale’sentirebodyshrugs,butthat,combinedwiththelookonherface… I’mnotexactlyshockedwhentheshithitsthefan,justlikeMerrickwarned.

Bishopturns,givingexactlyzerowarningthathe’sabouttotrytoremoveGarza’sheadfromhisshouldersinonevicious punch.

Igrimace atthe crunchingsoundwhenhe makes contact Thatwas a brutal hit,butwe’re all usedtofightingthroughthe agony.

Garzapullshiskneeup,connectingwithBishop’sribs Thatprobablydislodgedaribortwo Fuckme.

Does it really have to be the two biggest guys in the room trying to goddamn kill each other?

Thisismyluckwe’redealingwith.

So,ofcourse,itdoes.

Icurseundermybreath

Thisisgoingtobeanightmare.

“Standfuckingdown,”Mercygrowls,stompingtowardthekitchen Ibrieflymovetogivehimsomebackup,butthenIseeValeboltforthestairsoutofmyperipheralvision.

Dammit

Herkneeswobbleasshemakesittothebottomstep,aimingforwhateversheneedsupstairs.Myguesswouldbeherphone andcarkeys.Hertoesslipwhenshe’sonlyonthesecondstep.

ImovefasterthanIthoughtpossible Herhandshitoneofthehighersteps,butshe’ssofrantic,Idon’ttrusthertonotmissa stepevenhigherup.Thatcouldhavedevastatingconsequences.

“JesusChrist,woman Calmdown”Wrappinganarmaroundherthighsandanotherjustunderherbreasts,Iliftherintomy chestasshefightslikehell.

“Fuckyou,”shescreams.“Iwantadivorce!”

“I’lljustbetyoudo,”Iagree,tryingtonuzzlemycheektohers.SheslamsherheadbackintomynoseasImove.Itdoesn’t feel great,that’s for goddamnsure,butIkeepcalm.“Let’s take awalk.Itsounds like your alphais tryingtomurder our old friend Doyoureallythinkhe’dbetryingtokillGarzaifhehad any fucking clue?Noneofushadasinglethingtodowiththis mess.”

“Idon’tknowwhat’sgoingonorwhattobelieve,”shesobs

“Sweetheart,Iknowitseemssuspicious,butyou’vegottogiveusafewminutestofigureoutwhatthehellhappened,so wecanexplainittoyou.”Imarchusbackintothekitchen,supportingasmuchofherweightagainstmychestasIcanmanage.I movemyarmuptocradleherjustunderthebelly.I’mhopingit’llkeepallweightandpressureoffofit. Myjawfalls,gettingagoodlookatexactlyhowbaditis.

Bishophas Garzaonthefloor,stranglinghimone-handedwhileMercyhas theother bentbehindBishop’s back Thebig fuckeristoofargonetoalpharage.IfMercytwistsmuchfarther,he’sgoingtobreakBishop’sleftarm. Truthfully,thatmightbetheonlyoptionifweplanonsavingGarza’slife WhichI’mstillundecidedon.

Bishop’shairfallsaroundhisfaceashegrowls,baringhisteethatGarza. Ohyeah,he’sfull-onbeastmode “Shit,”Igrumble.

“Ohno,”Valewhispers “Don’thurthim!” Ipullmyfaceouttothesideandlookatherdubiously.

“Don’thurtmyalpha!Mercy,ifyouhurtBishop,I’llneverforgiveyou”Shehuffslikeshecan’tbelieveIthoughtshewas talkingaboutGarza.

“Youshoulddothe whiningthing.I’mprettysure it’s the onlythingthat’s goingtobreakthroughthe testosterone,” Isay, kissinghercheek “Youalmostbrokemydamnnose” “Ohno,”shesays again.“He’sactuallyprettydeterminedtokillhim.It’ssmackingmerightinthebond.”Shetiltsherhead tolookupatme “Please,helpstopthis”

Inod, puttingher onher feet. “Ifyourun, thenIamgoingto spankyour ass. And youcannothave a divorce. Don’task again”

“Bishop,”shewhines,ignoringmecompletely.“Pleasestop.”

Isigh,headingtowardtheothersideofthekitchen.IhavetojumpoverBishop’sbigasstogettohisotherarm.Garzais actuallyturningalittleblue

“Hey,wealllikeMarina’scooking.Ifyoukillherson,she’llneverforgiveus.”IlookatVale,noddingforhertotryagain. Shewhines,begginghimtostop

ThemoreIstudyGarza,themoreInoticethebloodvesselsinhiseyesarestartingtopop. Igrunt,stretchover,anddigmyfingersintoBishop’sbulletwound.

Hisheadshakesashesnarls,butwhenValewhinesagain,itfinallyseemstosnaphimoutofthefog.HereleasesGarza, shakesoffmeandMercy,andaimsforVale.

MercerhitshiskneesnexttoGarzaandoffershimahandup.

Garzaslapsitaway,rubbinghisthroat.

Ihopoverhisstill-pronebodyandfollowBishop Valetiltsherhead,holdingoutashortfinger.“Didyouplanthiminmylife,specificallytryingtoforcemetoyou?” “What?”Bishopgrowls,rearingback

“Likethetraffickersdo.Plantsomeoneinaperson’slifetofindoutifanyonewouldbearoundtoreportthemmissing?” sheasks,stillkeepingthefingerpointedathim “Tellmeyoudidn’tdothat”

Ijust realized a great wayto take out the majorityofour operation send ina bunchofwomeninstead ofmenfor the traffickerswetakeout,andguyslikeMercyandBishopwouldbedeadwithinaweek.

Guyslikeme,Ranger,andGarzamighthaveachancebecause,ifyou’retryingtokill me,I’mgoingtotreatyoulikeany deadlyopponent.

ButBishop?He’sgotoverafootinheightonher,andshe’skeepinghiminplacewithasingledamnfinger Ishakemyheadattheabsurdityofit.

She’sprobablygoodandpissedthatIpluckedheroffthestairs,butshecanstaymad Shewasn’tthinkingclearly,andmy firstprioritywaskeepingherandAurorasafe.

Bishopgrowls,tiltinghishead.“Doyouwantmetokillhim?BecauseIwillifthat’swhatit’lltakeforyoutostoplooking atmelikethat”

“Youreallydidn’tknow?”sheasks,shudderingoutabreath.Thewayhernoseturnsredastearsglitterinhereyeshasme preparingtoplaydefenseincaseBishopcomesbacktofinishthejob

“Isweartoyouonmylife.”Bishopapproachesslowly,butshenods,andhescoopsherup.“Youbettergethimthefuckout ofherebeforeIchangemymind.”

Iopenmymouthtospeak,butValeletsoutanagonizedmoan,clutchingherstomach.

Mercyisstillbehindme,talkingtoGarzainhushedtones,butIrushtoBishopandVale.

“What’swrong?”Iask,pullingherhairbackfromherface She’sstillkindofhunchedoverinBishop’sarms,rubbingher stomach.

“Gorgeous?”Bishopasks,studyinghercarefully

“Idon’tknow,”shegroans,soundingwinded.“ButGod,thathurtworsethananythingyet.Holyfuck.Itfeltlikemyinsides werebeingrippedapartandrearrangedforafewseconds.”

“CallPatrick,”Garzachokesout,hisvoicecrackedandraw.

“No,weshouldgotothehospital.”IrunmyfingersoverVale’scheekandcatchoneofthefattearsrunningdownit.

“I’mokay now I think I really don’t want to go to the hospital Maybe if it happens again, but ” She snuggles into Bishop’schest.“Ijustwanttogotomynest.”

“CallPatrick,”Bishopgrowls,stompingoffwithoutabackwardglance Iwonderifherealizeshe’sbleedinglikehellfromwhereIjabbedhisbulletwound.

JesusfuckingChrist.

Tonightwenttohellrealgoddamnquick

Chapter Two

Cooper -Before

The Kitty Cat Lounge is packed to capacity My nose wrinkles with the scent of body odor as a group of men pass by This place is a fucking shithole.

Seriously, after determining the possible hit on Sparrow Cavanaugh was a misidentification, I never intended to come back

Only, I caught sight of her.

Vale Reed is a beautiful woman, but more than that, she’s an omega

There’s no reason she should be trapped in a place like this. Her long blonde hair falls in waves around her lithe shoulders as she weaves between a mass of drunk men focused on the stage It makes my impulses itchy.

I fucking hate that she seems at home in this garbage dump I’ve come in as often as I can get a night off work

It’s finally paying off.

She barely made eye contact with me during the first few weeks, but now, when she sees me, a bright smile always crosses her face.

That smile does my damn head in

Not only is she a scent match, I don’t even have words to describe it. She smells like nothing I’ve ever experienced. My head whips up in time to catch sight of Ranger Cavanaugh as he slides into the booth across from me. My teeth grind together, and I exhale heavily

ThisisthelastdamnthingIneed.

Ranger isn’t one of the good guys, but he’s not a bad guy, either He exists in the gray.

Not that most of us at Assurance don’t, but Ranger is a legitimate psychopath He’s incapable of experiencing human emotions, which can get a little intense at times.

Luckily, he’s on the right side of the silent war we ’ re fighting.

“I vaguely remember telling you to check this place for my sister a few months ago ” He stretches back in the seat, tilting his head animalistically. “Only, you reported it was a false identification. So, imagine my surprise when I realized my right-hand man has been coming back to the same dingy club every single week ”

I raise my right hand from the table, flipping him off. “Am I not off the clock?”

My foot taps against the shitty linoleum flooring

In no fucking universe do I want my pretty little omega anywhere near Ranger He might not kill innocent people, but he’s a legitimate serial killer with a basement of horrors.

It comes in clutch when we need information from a perp, but anyone who spends any time in his presence can sense that he’s a threat.

It’s a biological response or something

And I actually fucking like the guy…

Most of the time

Until he followed me here

Vale comes to a stop next to the table, but she barely glances in Ranger’s direction. “Would you like the usual?” “Yeah,” I agree, shoving my hair back from my eyes “Make it two ” I nod to Ranger, so she doesn’t think I suddenly turned into a drunk.

She flashes a dazzling smile “You got it ”

Vale spins around, heading off toward the bar. Her little black dress puffs out at the bottom. I tilt my head, examining exactly how much thigh and ass are on display

My impulses want to scoop her up and get her the fuck out of here

Then again, she’s extremely skittish.

It’s taken me time to build enough trust that I think she mightsay yes when I ask her out on a date

“An omega, ” Ranger says in his normal dead and disinterested tone. “I see. ” His nose wrinkles, and he pulls a hand up to fan the air “Good God, that strawberry scent of hers is cloying ”

“She smells delectable to me, ” I deadpan.

“Right ” He rolls his eyes “I imagine you’ll be abandoning me to take her back to Assurance before long No one sticks with my team for long It really is a pity I train you all, and you abandon me to use those skills elsewhere ” I chuckle, shaking my head. It’s nearly impossible to resist the urge to tell him that’s because he scares the living shit out of everyone we assign to him

Not to mention the whole Kane incident.

“I’ve got to get her to go out on a date with me first It’s been a slow process, ” I admit, scratching my jaw Ranger’s icy blue eyes stare into mine. “Don’t leave it too long.”

Some emotion that I can’t quite pick out crosses his face. He’s been searching for his little sister for the better part of two and a half years, but she disappeared without a trace Sparrow is an omega, just like Vale, and the implications are enough to turn my stomach.

“This place is one step away from hell,” Ranger mutters, glancing at the woman dancing on stage His head shakes “I’m surprised you haven’t carted her out of here over your shoulder like the caveman you are. ”

I chuckle, meeting his dead-eyed stare “I’ve considered it on more than one occasion ”

It takes another week until I finally work up the balls to ask Vale out for a late dinner after her shift

My teeth grind together as she invites me into her apartment. The interior isn’t bad, but the building is in a rough part of town

My hands land on her hips as she smiles at me over her shoulder

My heart races as my stomach dances with butterflies that I haven’t felt since I was a teenager.

“Oh, damn,” a female voice says, drawing my attention She’s in a towel with another wrapped around her head, and she stares open-mouthed at either me or Vale or the combination of us together. “Holy shit, you ’ ve never brought a guy home ”

Vale laughs. “Ohmigod, Kate. Could you try not to embarrass me?” “Don’t mind me. I’m just going to toss in my earbuds and call it a night,” the chick says, taking off for one of the bedroom doors

Once it closes behind her, I get close to Vale’s ear. “How long have you lived here?” She shivers visibly, and the sight only makes my chest warmer “I don’t know Ayear and a half, I guess ” My head tilts as my smile grows. “And you ’ ve never brought a guy home?”

Her gaze falls to the floor as her head shakes “You, stop it Maybe I was going to their houses instead ” Aferal growl rattles out of my chest at the thought. I spin her to face me, lifting her and wrapping her around my front. “I don’t like the sound of that at all.” She chuckles, staring up at me with pink cheeks “Then don’t make fun of me for being kinda boring ” “Never, sweet girl.” I nuzzle my cheek to hers as my hands tighten on her ass. “Now, tell me which door is yours. ” She twists, pointing I take off in that direction. Holy fucking shit

I’ve never wanted someone this badly in my life

Chapter Three Mercer

PatrickGarzaarrivesquickly He’sclearlytakenabackwhenhespotshisbrotherbeathalftohell,buthebarelyspareshim asecondglancebeforeaskingtobetakentoVale.

Thefourofusstompupthestairs,butIheadinfirsttoassessifBishopisevengoingtoallowthedoctorentrance. Ipeekmyheadintothedennest,andtheyaren’tspeaking

ValeliesonhersidewithherlegtossedoverBishop’ship.Hehasabandageoverhiswound,whichwasbleedingthelast timeIsawhim

Hespotsmeandbareshisteeth.Hisscentisacrid,andthefactIcanpickitupfromhereinstantlyletsmeknow he’sin threat-assessmentmode

“Dr.Garzaishere,”Isaysoftly,raisingmypalms.

“Ohmigod,no.Ichangedmymind.I’lljustgotothehospital.”Valestrugglestositup.“That’sCooper’sbrother.” Bishopsitsup,bringingherwithhim “Ifyouwanttogotothehospital,thenwe’lltakeyou,butlethimcheckoutthebaby first.It’salreadybeentwentyminutessinceyouhadthatseverepain.”

Vale’s eyes fall shutand mystomachchurns She’s our fuckingwife, and it’s highlylikelyshe’s carryingone ofmybest mates’baby.

Theurgetolashoutorcompletelyshutdownisstrong

Unfortunately,that’snotwhatValeneedsatthemoment.Nomatterwhathappens,hewon’ttakeherfromus.Thebabywill lawfullybeapartofourpackassoonasshe’sborn.IwillfightGarzawitheveryresourceatmydisposalifhetriestopetition forcustody

Itampdownmyfurytothebestofmyability.“Patrickis unawareofyour connectiontoCooper.”Iusetheir firstnames becausesayingDr GarzaandjustGarza whichiswhatwecallCooper mightconfuseher

Although,ifPatrickdidknowhe’sbeentreatinghisniece,thenhemightgoaboveandbeyond. “Okay,bringhimin,”Valesays,shudderingoutabreath.Herfaceisbrightredandhereyesareswollen. Itmakes itverydifficultnottodiga grave onthe backone hundredacres toshove the younger Garza’s cold,deadbody into.

IgiveaclippednodandheadbacktothebedroomtograbDr Garza

“Would someone like to tell me what the fuck is going on?” Patrick growls, glancing between Cooper and Holt. He’s clearlyaskingwhyhislittlebrotherhasfingermarksstillvisiblearoundhisthroat Igrimace.

Thislikelydoeslookbad. Bad?

WhoamIkidding?

Theopticsonthisareanightmare

“There’s nothingto tell,” Holtlies, glaringatCooper. “He gotjacked up ona mission. Our wife had some severe pain earlier You’reheretocheckherout Focusonthat” “Patrick.”Iclearmythroat,gesturingforhimtocometothehallway.

“Your fucking what?”Cooperhisses,clutchinghisribs. Idon’thavethefirstcluewhathappenedthere,andtruthfully,Idon’tcare “Ourwife,”HoltdeadpansasPatrickandItaketheturnintothenest. “You’remarried?”Patrickasks

“We are.” I nod, extending an arm. “She was fine. Then there were a few stressful moments when she caught sight of Cooper”

“Yeah,mylittlebrotherisallkindsofjackedup.”Patricklaughs.“I’llpatchhimuponceImakesureValeandthebabyare okay.”

“Thankyou,”Isayaswemakeittothestepsleadinguptotheden

“Don’tbegrowly,”Valesays,pattingBishop’sstomach.“I’mexhausted.I’dmuchratherstayhereandfallasleep.Takinga triptothehospitalsoundstrulyawful”

I’mtornbetweenheadingouttofindouthowthehellCoopermetValeandactuallyensuringsheandthebabyareallright. Myurgetoverifyherhealthandsafetywinsoutovermyneedforinformation

IfollowPatrickupthestairsandstandattheendofthemattress.

“I’mtellingyou.Thisisabadfuckingidea,”Holtsays.

MygazefliesoverasCooperandHoltcomeintotheroom Theystopbelowthestairs,andCooperleansagainstthewall forsupport.

Myheadshakes

Afewhoursago,myfamily’svisitandcatchingAndrewLandisweremybiggestconcerns. Howquicklythingscangotoshit

PatrickgivesValeaquickcheckup,inwhichwe’reabletohearthebaby’sheartbeat

Myeyes continuallyflyto checkonCooper, buthe seems tobe completelyoutofit. After takingVale’s blood pressure, somepalpatingaroundherstomach,andafewquestions,Patrickfinallystands.

“I’mfairlysureyourlittlegirljustmadeherdescenttoheaddown It’sabitlate,butbetterlatethannever She’smeasuring aroundsixpoundsbyfundalheight,butthat’sjustanestimate.Herheartbeatisperfect.”HegivesValeasoftsmile.“Youcan cometotheofficetomorrow,andwecandoanultrasoundjusttobesure,butI’mconfidentthat’swhatyoufelt”

“You’resurewedon’tneedtobringhertothehospital?”Bishopgrowls,palmingVale’sstomach.

“Youcanifyou’dliketo,”Patricksays,gatheringuphisequipment “ButbasedonwhereIpickeduptheheartbeatandthe factIcouldfeelthebaby’sback,I’mprettysure.”

Iexhaleinpurerelief.“So,thisissomethingthatnormallyoccurs?”

“Itis,”Patricksays “Somebabiestakealittleextratimetoswapdowntothebirthingposition Othersneverdo,butit’sa goodthing.Aslongasshedoesn’tflipback,thenValewilllikelybeabletodelivernaturally,whereasthatmightnothavebeen possiblewithbreechpositioning”

“JesusChrist,”Cooperwhispers.

“That one isn’t readyfor kids Not anytime soon” Patricklaughs, lookingat Vale “I’mwillingto head into the office tomorrowifyou’dliketodoanultrasoundtocheck.Otherwise,we’llseeyouonFridayforyournormalcheckup.”

“Thankyou,”shesays,pullinghernightgowndowntocoverherstomach.

Bishopstillhashishandunderit,though

“I’llwalkyouout,”IsaytogetPatrickmoving.Ifitdoesbecomenecessarytomurderhislittlebrother,thenI’dratherget himoutofherewithaslittleinformationaspossible

ItmightbetimetoacceptthatI’mwellandtrulyinlovewiththelittleomega.NomatterhowfondIamofCooper,I’llstill killhimwithoutblinkinganeyeifit’snecessary.

Onethinghewon’tbedoingistakingValeandthebabyawayfromus. Idon’tgiveagoodgoddamnifhisspermfertilizedheregg.

Thatbabyismine

Apparently,I’monthevergeofgoingferal.I’veneverfoundmyselfplottingthedemiseofoneofmyoldestfriends.Even I’malittlesurprisedatthelengthsIwouldgotokeepmywifesafeandcontent,butthatjustgoestoshow I’madamngoodhusband,evenifI’monlyonedayin.

Chapter Four

Cooper -Before

The beautiful little omega slides her hands up my sides, helping me get my shirt up I chuckle because she’s nowhere close to tall enough to get it off without help.

Yanking it off with a hand at the back of my neck, I toss it over her computer chair

Her eyes widen as she hungrily checks me out Her pink tongue darts out, licking over her puffy lower lip My dick pulses, thickening against my thigh. That look does my fucking head in I growl, burying a hand in her hair at the base of her skull and tilting her head back. She whimpers, and the sound doesn’t help my paper-thin composure I dive for her mouth, relishing the taste of her on my tongue. She tastes sweet like strawberries, but her skin is hot against mine So warm that, if my brain was functioning properly, I might stop and ask if she’s okay

But all rational thought seems muted as she jerks open my belt “Ah-ha,” she whispers against my lips, smiling brightly. Her cold fingers brush my pelvis as she pops the button on my jeans and slowly lowers my zipper

My hand tightens in her hair as I try to remind myself that I said no sex tonight. Okay, so I didn’t actually say it aloud, but that’s always been my plan Make her come on my tongue until she’s so overstimulated she doesn’t realize we didn’t take that step. Maybe my fingers, if I’m especially desperate to distract her.

Not that I’ve ever been opposed to sex on the first date, but I want her to know how much I like her We need to talk about courting and how attached she is to this shitty apartment, because I want her to come back to Charlottesville with me

There’s no reason she needs to live like this. It’s not safe for a beta, let alone an unbonded omega. I’ve already told Ranger I’m out after this assignment

I’m heading back home, and if things go well, I’ll be bringing Vale with me.

Not that I’ve got a full-blown pack, but I think she’ll like my best friends. I hope she will, anyway.

Bishop is the only one I see giving any major pushback The others won’t care if I pop up with no notice and an omega in tow, but Bishop is in love with some chick he met on a cam website. He likely won’t want Vale anywhere near him, but we’ll cross that bridge once he catches a hit of her delicate, creamy scent

Vale’s teeth rake over my lower lip as she wraps her hand around my cock. An adorable little gasp escapes her lips, making my head foggy as fuck

Every time I breathe in, I get smacked with strawberries and cream, but there’s something else There’s an underlying smell that I don’t know how to describe. I’m honestly not sure a word for it exists. Basically, she smells like mine

I’ve never had such a primal reaction to an omega, and that tells me all I need to know. My dads told me and my brother growing up that, when we met the one, it would just click I thought they were full of shit until that click happened in my brain.

Her thumb circles my crown, making me ache to thrust into her fist

I gently shove her hand off and release her hair to pull her dress up and off over her head My fingers land on her hips, giving her stomach a little caress with my thumbs.

Her chest heaves as she stares up at me with glassy blue eyes “You’re looking a little feral ” She smiles so brightly, my heart beats funny.

I bend low, nipping at her lips “Just desperate to taste you ”

I’m pretty sure it would scare the hell out of her if she could hear all the depraved thoughts running through my head. My instincts are convinced she’s mine

That means I’m supposed to be meeting her needs, because she very clearly needs my knot, which is why she’s hot She’s obviously not in heat, so that doesn’t make any fucking sense, but my brain doesn’t seem to comprehend logic.

Mount Rut Breed Claim

My mind circles through the same loop of thoughts on how to keep her forever.

No,Ican’tbitewithoutconsent

I shake my head, trying to force in rational thought.

Biting without permission can lead to a rejected bond, which is agony for an alpha to experience

Also, feral alphas end up heavily medicated or locked up

I can’t end up in prison, so I need to be patient and make sure she wants me for the long haul.

I’m already gone for her

It’s just been an exceptionally slow process earning her trust. But there are signs she’s coming around to me, like the shy smiles when she pops up at my table or the way she laughs at my bad jokes

I don’t think I would be here now if she really didn’t like me too…

Right?

Fucking hell

Vale throws me off my game in a way no woman ever has.

My hands slide around her back, unhooking her bra It falls down her arms, and she stares straight at me as she tosses it aside before leaning down to let her panties fall to the floor.

“Goddamn I ache for you, pretty girl ” I capture her mouth and pull her closer with a hand on her lower back Her fingers dip into the waistband of my boxer briefs. She pushes them down my thighs with my jeans. Her bare tits press against my stomach as she tries to shove them lower, but I growl and lift her.

Her back hits the mattress as her tits bounce I rip my jeans off at the same time as my boxer briefs and crawl over her

Getting naked was a huge mistake.

Sex is supposed to be off the table, but the way her skin burns against mine only spurs me on as I cage her in I hold most of my weight up on one forearm and slide my hand down her soft stomach.

She stretches up, capturing my lower lip and sucking on it

The scent of her arousal is everywhere

I’m an unbonded alpha. I’ve got to be careful here and keep my head.

My fingers dip lower to test her pussy, and she’s utterly fucking drenched I growl, deepening the kiss she initiated.

My cock grinds against her thigh as I thumb her clit The way her hands dig into my shoulders, trying to pull me closer, isn’t helping anything.

My composure is hanging on by a fucking thread

“I got tested after the last time I was with anyone It was negative ” Her eyes clench shut “My goodness I’m all foggy I really want to taste you. ”

“You want to suck me off?” I growl, nudging her cheek with mine Even as jacked up as I am, I can recognize it would likely scare her if I tell her I get checked out after every mission. Then there’s the fact I haven’t been with anyone since the first time I laid eyes on her I’ve spent every moment of time off at that grungy bar, trying to quietly court her “Want me to grab my phone? I’ve got my latest test results if you want to see them.”

Her eyes pop open and she studies my face When she doesn’t say anything, I pull my hand free of her pussy to crawl down to grab it

“No,” she says, yanking on my hair. “You can show me after. I ache.”

“Sorry, dollface That defeats the purpose ” I peck a quick kiss on her lips before crawling down to grab my phone and a couple of condoms I packed. Even though I swore I wouldn’t let things get this far.

I toss the condoms on the nightstand and pull up the email with my test results Handing her the phone, I suck her nipple into my mouth.

She whines, and a few seconds later, my phone hits the nightstand kinda hard.

I chuckle around her tit, moving to shove a finger inside her She’s so slick and hot that I add another after only a few strokes.

“Please,” she sobs as I switch to the other nipple It’s a little intense how scalding her skin is and how sweaty she already is. “I just need you. ”

“You’ve got me, ” I assure her

Feeling the way she ripples around my fingers, I’m pretty sure I’ll never be able to let her escape.

“No, I need more. ” Her head thrashes.

“Give me a little faith. We’ve got all the time in the world.” I move to kiss her, testing out which way she likes my thumb teasing her clit It’s barely thirty seconds into the kiss when she scratches the fuck out of my back, gushing all over my hand

It’s so intense that I almost blow my load, watching her expressions and feeling the way she tightens over my fingers. Holy fucking hell

I’m literally soaked in her cunt. She’s barely done coming when she shoves my chest. I’m so taken aback that I roll over onto the other side of the mattress without a fight She climbs over me, and for the first time in my life, I daydream about fucking someone bare. I don’t get to wrestle with myself about that too much.

She gives me a quick kiss and crawls down, wrapping her lips around my crown

I yank up a fist to muffle the curses as she works her mouth farther down my length

My eyes meet hers, and she’s so fucking beautiful it takes all the breath from my lungs. I move my hands to cradle her face and use one to pull hair out of her eyes

She grins around my cock, sucking and bobbing with her free hand cupping my knot. It pulses in her grip as my balls get tight

The warm, wet heat of her mouth and the sensual drag of her tongue over the bottom of my shaft has me about to explode.

I grunt, leaning up “Fuck, you ’ re about to embarrass me ” She doubles down, sucking me deeper. My heart races as my balls tighten. There’s no holding back as she hollows her cheeks

My growl echoes around the room as I shove her deeper and come all over her naughty little tongue. She whimpers, lapping at the head of my cock long after my dick stops jumping

“My God, it’s never gonna go soft if you keep that up. ” I release her hair, move my hands under her shoulders, and pull her up until she’s lying on my chest.

“It doesn’t need to go down I need to feel you inside me, ” she says before pushing her mouth to mine

Her slick pussy grinds over my bare cock as her tits press against my chest. It takes every ounce of strength I have not to fuck up inside her Jesus Christ.

I’m not strong enough for this shit

I roll us until I’m on top of her and pat around for a condom while she sucks on my tongue Her perfume gets so thick that it’s nearly impossible to pull my mouth from hers long enough to get the condom on.

I toss the wrapper aside and settle back between her legs She’s not just wet She’s actually dripping slick My forearm hits the bed above her head, and I guide myself to her opening. Her eyes fall shut as I thrust, but I study every expression on her face

She’s so fucking pretty.

All thought bleeds away as her inner walls clench That, or the way her perfume floods my senses and knocks out all rational thought

I wake up early the next morning before the sun is even up. Vale is passed out cold on my chest. Her long blonde lashes fan over her cheeks as she softly snores.

Okay, so that’s ridiculously cute I grin, kissing her forehead.

I hate that I have to work today

If I had anyone but Ranger to call off to, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, his crazy ass wouldn’t be above tracking my phone and showing up to drag me out of her apartment That would likely scare her

The least I can do is grab breakfast. Then we can eat together and go over when I can see her again.

It’s a solid plan

I carefully extract myself from under her and grab my clothes. Once I’m dressed, I make a point to pick up all the condom wrappers and actually put them into the trash can

Being with an omega is insane.

Our level of compatibility should be intimidating, but it just makes me really fucking excited for the future I grab the order pad hanging out of her purse and the pen tucked into the top of it If she happens to wake up before I get back, I don’t want her to think I dipped out.

Headedtograbbreakfast

IfyouwakeupbeforeIgetback,callortextmeyourcoffeeandfoodorder. Bytheway,yousnore.

It’scute

Quickly scrawling out my number, I sign it.

I leave the pad right next to the lamp on the bedside table and head out Her roommate must still be asleep I hate the idea of leaving the door unlocked, but I’ve also got no way to let myself back in if I lock it.

There’s a fast-food restaurant less than five minutes away

The idea still gives me indigestion.

I pull the door to the apartment closed behind me and jolt when I catch sight of the guy There’s a man a few inches shorter than me, leaning against the wall of the hallway

My head tilts as I study him.

He’s smoking a cigarette, and he speaks before I get the chance “The blonde or the brunette?”

“Excuse me?” I growl, even though my mind instantly goes to the fact that Vale is blonde and her roommate had brown hair escaping around the towel on her head when we saw her last night

“If it was the blonde, you fucked my girlfriend.” He sighs, shaking his head as he blows out a huge cloud of smoke. “I should’ve known. She tried to pick a fight. When I wouldn’t bite, she ignored my calls the rest of the night. This isn’t the first time this has happened ”

My mind races as my fists clench.

I don’t know who the fuck this guy is, but if he and Vale were ever together

Well, they aren’t anymore.

“Let me guess You went into the club, tried to get a dance, and she told you she doesn’t do private shows but that you could buy her dinner. Vale has an MO.” He bends down, putting his cigarette out against the bottom of his shoe. “I can’t count on one hand the number of times she’s done this, but I’ve been in love with her for years. ” He shrugs. “You’ll leave. I’ll pretend I have no idea she cheated on me again Then this will happen all over again in a couple of months It always gets worse right before her heat.”

“I don’t know what bullshit you ’ re trying to spin, but I’m not buying ” “You might want to check your wallet. They’ve got a scheme where the roommate sneaks in to clean you out while you ’ re asleep ” He shrugs “Believe me or not She got what she wanted from you In a few hours, she’ll wake up and call me like nothing happened ”

I pat around to grab my wallet, but my phone buzzes.

I exhale in pure relief, thinking it’s Vale She’s really the only one who can tell me if this asshole is out of his mind Only, it’s Ranger.

“Anyway, man to man, if you could not fuck my girl again, then I would appreciate it,” the guy says, taking off toward the stairs without a backward glance. “It’s really kind of slimy, considering her mental health issues.” Whatthefuckdoesthatmean?

My gut drops even further as I read through the messages Shit went down majorly last night, and Ranger needs me back at the office. Now

I’m still fucking flabbergasted.

She never mentioned a boyfriend or even a recent ex

The roommate said she never brought guys around, but that guy just made it sound like it was some plot or setup they do

I curse under my breath

If I go in there, accusing her of something, then I’m going to look like the asshole. Also, Ranger is already shitting a golden brick that I’ve been unreachable all night I open the door and lock the bottom lock.

I’d do the deadbolt, but that would require a key

It also wasn’t locked when I left, which is really fucking dangerous. I shake my head, closing the door.

The last thing I want to do is walk away, but I don’t know what to think I lean against the doorframe, confused as fuck.

It takes a few minutes, but I finally decide that she’ll call me when she wakes up Then we can clear up this mess, once and for all.

My pride doesn’t like the idea that she’s been playing me for months, but if I don’t get my ass to work, Ranger promised me a month-long timeout in his basement.

No fucking thank you.

I haul ass and spend the next three days obsessively checking my phone. She doesn’t call

And my pride tells me not to go back to that fucking club

So, I don’t.

I take the first out-of-state assignment Ranger will hand me, and even when I come back to DC, I stay away from her side of town.

I wanted to introduce her to my mom

To bring her home to the guys I consider my pack. My gut churns every time I think about it

Oh yeah, and her roommate took me for six hundred dollars in cash

I’d have to be as dumb as everyone always accuses me of being not to take the hint.

Chapter Five Bishop

ValestaysgluedtomychestafterPatrickleaves Ihopehesaysaheartfeltgoodbyetohislittlebrother TheyoungerGarza hasanexpirationdatehangingoverhishead.

Mysweetlittleomegasmellsstressedtothemax,butIlethersoakupmypheromonesasIplotmyrevenge

“You’refeelingverymurderyinthebond,”shesays,pushingupalittletolookatmyface. Igrabthebackofherheadandpullherbacktomychest.“Yeah,I’mdoingmybesttoblockallthat,but…” “Ihonestlypanicked ItfeltlikeyousomehowknewwhoIwas Ithoughtyousenthimtopurposelyfunnelmetoyou”She runsherfingersovermypec.“AndI’msorrymymindinstantlywenttotheugliestplaceimaginable.”

Iscoff “Don’tapologize IfIwereyou,myheadwould’vegonetothesameplace” I’mfullyawareofhowawfulitlooks.

IfIdidn’tknowbetter,Iwould’vethoughtthesamething I’vehonestlycontemplatedwhetherGarzasomehowfoundoutwhoValewasandapproachedherpurposely,tryingtoshow meshewasn’ttrustworthy.

IfheconvincedMerricktofindher Iwillkillthemboth.

Itwasnearlyimpossibletokeep myself fromaskingMerricktotrackherthroughthewebsite,butI’dbeenplanningtofind awaytogethertomeetmebeforeshegavebirth.Iwaveredalot,butthethoughtofherbeingalonewithKateandnoother helpabsolutelykilledme.

“Doyouthinkhe’lltrytofightmeforcustody?”shewhispers,soundinggenuinelyterrified. OrmaybeI’mpickinguponheremotionsinthebond.

It’simpossibletotell

Thelevelofconnectionisunexplainableifyouhaven’texperienceditforyourself.

Ispentyearsscoffingatmydadswhentheytriedtodescribethelink Itreallyisoneofthosethingsthatyoucanonlyfully understandwhenyoufeelitforyourself.

“Thatwouldbeimpossibleifhe’sdeadorchainedupinthebasement,”Holtsays,climbingintothenest.Hecrawlsupthe mattressandsnugglesinatherbackside.

“We have a basement?” Vale snorts. “Murder is probablynot the answer here. At least, not until I get mymultitude of questionsanswered”

“Youcan’tbesayingshitlikethat.”Holtgrindsagainstherass.“You’llmakemydickhard.”

“Didyouknow?”Shetiltsherheadtolookathimoverhershoulder

“No,notuntilrightbeforeIcamebackintotheroom.”Hesighsheavily.“MerrickwaslookingintowhatImentionedabout theguypossiblybeingaplant.Idon’tknowallthedetails,buthecaughttheconnection.WhenIwenttohandlethephonecall aboutthegate,hecalledbeforeIcouldmakeitbackintotheroom That’swhenIfoundout” Hereyessquintasshestudieshisface.Shefinallyhuffsaheavybreathandnods.

“I’mwillingto take a lie detector test,” Holtsays, nuzzlingher cheekfrombehind “I’ve told youbefore I’mnotinthe businessoflyingjusttokeepthepeace.”

“Doyouthinkhehadsomeemergencyorgotcalledawayonwork?”Herheadshakes “No,ifhecouldcomeheretonight, thenthat’sclearlynotthecase.Healsodidn’tseemtobeveryhappytoseeme.”

“Shh,”Imurmur,kissingherforehead.“Let’sgetagoodnightofsleep,andwecantalkallthisthroughinthemorning.” Iwillmyselftopurr

Itdoesn’tmagicallyhappen.

“Idon’tknow how I’ll sleepafter all this,” she whispers “AtleastAurora

hospitalanddothetour.IdidoneinDC,but…”

“We’llsetthatup.”Holtcuddlesintoherfrombehindandstartstopurr.Ifshewasn’tsoupset,thenI’dbedamnannoyed thathe’smanagingitwhenIcan’tforcemysystemtorelaxenoughtodoit Underthecircumstances,I’mactuallygratefultohavehimwithus.

IalsointendtofindoutmoreabouttheirsuspicionsthatAndrewplantedsomeoneinherlife We’veseenitbefore,butIgothyper-fixatedonthestalkingaspectandprofiledhiminmymindlikeastalker. He’swaymorethanthat Igetwhywedon’tletagentsworkoncasesforpeoplethey’recloseto. Yougettoowrappedupandmissthings.

Or I did, apparently

I’mnotsurewhyitnevercrossedmymindthattheone-nightstandcouldhavebeenaplanttotrytolearnherschedule.It reallyshouldhave I’mbettertrainedthanthis Icradleherevencloserandlieawakeuntilshefallsasleep.

Idon’tjusttrustthather eyes are closed Iwaitlongenoughfor her anxietyto filter fromthe bond That’s whenIknow she’strulyasleep.

“IneedtotalktoGarzabeforeshegetsthechance,”IwhispertoHolt. He’sholdinghimselfupononepalm,watchingherface “Yeah,Ifiguredthatwascoming I’llstaywithher,butdon’tkill him.Ifithastobedone,letsomeoneelsehandleit.Youdon’twantthathangingoveryourheadwhenyou’reraisingtheguy’s babyfortherestofyourlife”

Isigh.

Garzaisafriend.

Or he used to be. Idon’tlovetheideaofkillinghim.Atleast,notnowthatrageisnolongersmotheringcommonsense.

Andyet,heleftherallalone

Dippedoutinthemiddleofthenightandleftherwithafuckingbabytofigureouthowtotakecareof,allonherown. Igetthatpeoplehaveone-nightstandsallthetimeandunexpectedshithappens,butitwasshadyasfuckforhimnottoat leastleavehersomewaytogetintouchwithhim.

Atbaremotherfuckingminimum,hecouldhavepoppedintoherjoboverthelasteightmonthstocheckonher. I’mbiasedbecauseIlistenedtohowsadshesounded. Sheapologized twice forhavingtotellmeshewaspregnant. Andhegotawaywithoutanyoftheturmoilshe’shadtosuffer No,thatdoesn’tsitrightwithme. Notonefuckingbit

Wasn’tbondingsupposedtomakemefeelslightlylessferal? IguessI’llalwaysbealittleunhingedwhenitcomestoprotectingVale.

Iwaituntilshe’ssleepingdeeplybeforecarefullyextractingmyselffromunderneathher. HoltnodsasIclimboutofthenest. Howaboutthat?

He’sbeenhalfinandhalfout,butheseemsjustascommittedasMercyandmeatthispoint Wejustneededacommonenemy.

It’stoobadthatenemyhadtobeoneofouroldestfriends,butI’mgettingsomeanswersonewayoranother Iquietlyleavethenest,makemywayoutoftheprimarysuite,headdownthehallway,andtakethestairs.OnceI’minthe weirdroomwherethestairsmeettheedgeofthelivingroom,Itakeafewdeepbreathstocentermyself.Atleast,Itry. Mymusclesarecoiledtightwithtension.

I’malittleconcernedthat,ifhesaysthewrongthing,Imightsnap.

I’vekilledindefenseofmycountry

Jobsthatrequireendingalifearen’taproblem,becauseweonlytakecontractsformenwhodeservetomeettheirmaker. Assuch,Iwouldn’tconsidermyselfamurderer

At least, not the cold-blooded kind. Andyet,ItrulyamworriedwhatmighthappenwhenIwalkintothatroom.

IcanseeMercyfromhere He’ssittingonthecouchwithhisbackfacingme Garzaisseatedinoneofthechairs.Helooksrough,andatthesametime,he’sstillbreathing. Standinghere,plottingmurder,probablymakesmejustasbadasthemenwefightagainst

Irollmyshouldersback,remindingmyselfI’veinvestedalotofyearsofmylifeintobeingadecenthumanbeing.Nowis notthetimetoloseallmymorals.

Garzasighsheavilywhenhespotsme “Areyouheretofinishwhatyoustarted?” Igrunt,comingtoastopbehindMercyonthecouch.

“We waited for you before getting into everything” Mercy glances at me over his shoulder, then refocuses on Garza, crossinghisarmsoverhischest.“Whyareyouhere?”

“Istilltechnicallylivehere,unlessyouassholesarekickingmeout,”Garzagrowls

“That’snolongeruptous.Itwilldependonwhatourwifehastosayaboutthesituation,”Mercysayscalmly.

“Your fuckingwife.”Garzacursesunder hisbreath.“Youknow,Iwasplanningtobringher hometomeetyouguys.Ask Ranger ItoldhimIwasquittinghisteamandcominghome”

“Andhowdidthatendwithyougetting her pregnant and disappearing?”Iask,andmyteethgrindtogether.

“Youreallythinkthat’smybaby?”Garzaaskswithwideeyes

“That’s the one thingyou’ll all agree on, atthis point. Trustme whenIsay, you’re hopingthe babyis Garza’s,” Ranger says, swaggeringour wayfromthe formal diningroom “The other possibilityfor paternitymakes the whole situationmuch grizzlier.”

Theonlyexteriordoorinthatdirectionisthefrontdoor,whichweneveruse.

Ididn’tevenknowhewashere

“Howthehelldidyougetinhere?”Mercysnaps,jumpingtohisfeet.

“Youknew how Ifeltabouther,”Garzasnarls,tryingtopushhimselfoutofthechair Hegroans,clutchinghisribsashe fallsbackagainstthecushions.“Howcouldyoukeepthisfromme?”

RangerignoresGarza,lookingatMercy.“Ibypassedthegatecompletely.Iwantedtocheckoutyourdefensesformyself. Thesoutheastcornerhasapatchofivyandothervines.You’llneedtohavethoseremoved.”

“JesusChrist,”Mercymutters.

Mymindfilesthroughhiswords The other possibility for paternity makes the whole situation much grizzlier “Whatdoyoumean?Whatotherpossibilityforpaternity?”Iask,butevenasIsaythewords,realitycatchesup. “AndrewLandis”Rangernods “IthinkwecanallagreeitwillbemuchlesstraumaticifGarzaisthefather” “Whatthefuckareyoueventalkingabout?”Garzaasks.“Herdickbagboyfriend?” Igrowl.

Rangerraisesahandatme,buthelooksatGarza.“Youneedtostartatthebeginning.Explaintothemhow youmetVale andeverythingthatoccurredafter.Ibelieveit’sgoingtomakeyoulooktheleast…”Hepauses.“Slimy.”

Garza swipes his blond hair backfromhis eyes, glaringatRanger Eventually, he explains how he was originallyatthe clubtocheckforRanger’ssisterSparrow.OncehespottedVale,hespentthenextseveralmonthspoppinginonhisdaysoff. I’vealreadyheardsomeversionofthisfromVale

I’veseenherwithHolt.Iknowshe’shadsexwithMercy,butIhavetotuneoutmostofwhatGarzahastosayabouttheir nighttogether.

“ Igotupthenextmorningtograbbreakfast,butIwasalwayscomingback Ievenleftmyinformationnexttothebed Only, whenIwalked outofher apartment, Iwalked rightinto her boyfriend.” Garza sighs, shakinghis head. “Ididn’tknow whattothink,butthatwasthesamemorningshitwentdowninDC”

“ItwasthenightIlosttwoofmyteam,”Rangerpipesin.“Ineededhimbackintheoffice.”

“Hethreatenedtofindaspotinhisbasementforme”Garzascoffs “Ilockedherdoorandleft Ithoughtshe’dcallandwe wouldfigureitoutfromthere.Onlyshenevercalled.”

“WouldyouliketotellhimorshouldI?”Rangerasks,pullingaplasticcrimescenebagfromhispocket.“Thiswasfound intheshrineAndrewLandishadforVale”Hetossesthebagatme

It’sarestaurantnotepadwithamessagefromGarza.

“Valehasastalker,”Mercysays,appearingatmyside “Youclearlyspoketohimafteryournighttogether” “What?”Garzachokesout.

“Shenevercalledbecausethepadwasgonebythetimeshewokeup,”Rangersaysinhisdisinterestedtone Mercygets thesamesoundattimes,butwherehiscomesfromthefacthe’sthinkingsomethingthrough,Rangerisjustdeadinside.

“He toldme she andher roommate hada gimmickwhere the roommate wouldsneakinandrobthe guyVale was with.” Garzastaresblanklyatthewall “Allmycashwasgonethenextmorning”

“Thatmeanshewaslikelyintheroomwhilethetwoofyouslept,”Isnarl asmyvisiongoeshazy.There’sanactual red sheentomyperipheralvision

Ohyeah,thisisabigfuckingproblem.

Chapter Six Mercer

IgrabthebagfromBishop’shand,sohedoesn’tdestroytheevidenceashisfistsclench “Thatmeanshewaslikelyintheroomwhilethetwoofyouslept,”Bishopgrowls. “Noway,”Garzasays.“Iwould’vewokenupiftherewasathreat.”

“We’dallliketobelievethat,”Isay,studyingthenoteonthepadofpaper “Butyouwereobviouslyquiterelaxed” Igrimace.

Thatwasthewrongthingtosay

Bishop’steethgrindtogethersoviolently,Ithinkhemightchipatooth.

“Itwaseithertheroommateorthestalker,”Rangersays,stretchinghishandsbehindhishead “Havewecheckedtoseeif theroommateisinonthetraffickingsituation?”

“Trafficking?”Garzachokesout,lookingpalerbythesecond.

ItaketheleadandfillhiminonexactlyhowValeandBishopknowoneanotherandtheeventsthatbroughthertous “I’m notsureHargroveandMerryweatherareobjectiveenoughtodiscernKate’sinvolvement,butIwillaskthemtolookintoher.”

“Idon’tthinkKatehadanythingtodowithit,”Bishopsays,exhalingheavily “SheandValehavebeenfriendsforyears SincebeforeLandiswaseveninDC.Accordingtotheprofile,hewouldhavebeeninMyrtleBeachwhenKateandValemet.” “That’sagoodsign,”Iacknowledge “Vale is the camgirl you’ve beeninlove withfor two years?” Garza asks, lookinga little like he mighttryhis luckat takingBishopout.

“Youleftherwithnowaytotellyoushewaspregnant!”Bishopgrowls “Doyouknowtherisksinvolvedwhenafemale omegadoesn’thaveaccesstoalphapheromonesduringpregnancy?Itcancausemiscarriage,pretermlabor,andothersevere complicationsforthemotherandthebaby Youcanaskyourbrotherallaboutittomorrowwhenwegogethercheckedout” Garza’seyesfallshut,andhepullsahanduptowipeoverhisface.“You’resuretheguyIranintowas stalking her?” Istomp over to the coffee table and retrieve myphone. It’s a quickprocess to pull up the pictures ofAndrew Landis. I purposelyselectonenexttothepicturesBishopcaughtofAndrewinVale’sbedroom.

“Thatwasthenightbeforeshecamehere.”InodtothephonewhenhescrollstotheimageIwantedhimtosee.“Isthatthe manyouspoketo?”

“Yeah.”Garzanods.“Holyfuck.Ithoughtshenevercalledbecauseshegotbacktogetherwithherboyfriend.”Heglances betweenuslikehe’sdesperateforsomeonetobelievehim

Theterriblethingis… Ialreadydo.

However,thatdoesn’tnegatethepainValeexperienced.

“YouknowI’mnotthekindofmanwhowouldwalkawayfromthewomancarryingmychild,”Garzasays,staringstraight atBishop

Bishopstaresstraightbackandscoffs.“Except,that’sexactlywhatyoudid.”Heturnsaroundandheadstowardthehome gym “Doyourselfafavorandstayfarthefuckawayfromme,”hecallsoverhisshoulder “Mercy,”Garzasays.

“It’s a complicatedsituation.” Itake a seat,gesturingfor Ranger totake the other side ofthe couch.“ButIdoknow you deeply hurt Vale She assumed you might have a wife And the circumstances did seem quite telling Her coworkers attemptedtotrackyoudownusingcreditcardreceipts,butyoualwayspaidcash.”

“Yeah,butthat’sjuststandardprotocol”Rangertosseshisbootedfeetuponthecoffeetable,completelyignoringtheglare Isendhisway.“Youcan’tholdthatagainsthim.”

“You never thought to check back in on her?” I ask, genuinely wondering how he managed that My impulses simply

wouldn’tallowforthatdistancebetweenus.“Revisittheclub?”

“Ithoughtshe blew me off.” Garza buries his face inhis hands, leaninghis elbows onhis knees. “Iwanted to so many times, butthatasshole made me seemlike the predatoryalpha takingadvantage ofanomega onthe verge ofher heat Iwas tryingtorespectherrighttochooseifourrelationshipcontinuedornot.”

“Hindsightistwenty-twenty,”Rangersays “What’sdoneisdone Now,backtoestablishingpaternity Ibelieveyoushould dothatwithoutalertingtheomega.IfthechildisGarza’s,thensheneverneedstoworryaboutthepossibilityofanythingelse.I intendtodoalittlehuntingwhileI’mintown”

Thewayhesaystheword hunting soeasilysendsashiverdownmyspine. Rangerqualifiesasaserialkiller.Nodoubtaboutthat.

“MerrickmentionedLandisisintown,”Rangersays “I’mgoingtoattempttolocatehim Oncehe’sinmypossession,I’ll extractfurtherinformationonifhesexuallyassaultedher.EvenifthebabybelongstoGarza,thatdoesn’tmeanhenevertook thatstep”

“Fuck,”Garzagroans,clutchinghis chestas heshoves himselfoutofhis chair.Hebolts towardthehalf-bathjustoffthe kitchen,andthesoundsofretchingfilltheair

“That’s unfortunate. Vomitingwithbrokenribs is the worst.” Ranger shrugs. “There’s a testthatcanbe done withjusta blood sample fromVale. It’s non-invasive. Garza will also have to give a sample, but if she’s alreadygoingto the doctor tomorrow, then you should probably go ahead and have that done That way, she never needs to know about the grimmer possibility.”

Mystomachchurnsviolentlyasthetoiletflushesdownthehall “I’mnotsurekeepingsomethinglikethatfromher isthe rightcourseofaction.I’llneedtospeaktotheothers.”

“Hmm,I’dconsideritthefarmoremercifulchoice.”Hechuckles,andit’saneeriesound.“I’llleavethatuptothoseofyou withmore ofa moral compass thanIpossess. Iwas quite annoyed whenBishop ended Alvarezbefore Ihad the chance to interrogatehim.TheprospectsofgettingmyhandsonLandiswill havetocountasmyconsolationprize.”Ranger moveshis feettothefloorandstandsupquickly “I’mnotsureitmatters,butGarzahasn’tbeenhimselfsince ”Hegesturestowardthe stairs.“Hehasn’tbeenonasingledateorgoneoutwiththeguysforabeer.He’sbeen…”Hepausesagain,rollinghiseyes. “Mopey Itwasquiteunsettling,becauseyouknowhowhenormallyis Ibelievehewasquitelookingforwardtoreconnecting withthethreeofyou.Andyourallegiancenowlieselsewhere.Hmm,perhapsI’llgethimbacksoonerthanIthought.”Hegrins awickedlycuttingsmile.“He’sbeensurprisinglyviciouslatelyinthefield.Iwasjustgrowingfondofhavinghimatmyback.” Thepsychopathshrugs,spinningaroundandheadingoutwithoutanotherword. Iblinkinuttershock.

It’stimeweupthetrainingfortheguardsatthegateandthosewhoroamtheproperty It’salsotimeIhireagroundskeepertoscanforandpatchexteriorweaknesses. Idon’tfear Ranger He’s toocommittedtoour goals for that,buthis appearance has made itclear thatour securityisn’t nearlyasreliableasIthoughtitwas.

“I’mhavingababy,”Garzasays,puttinghimselfdowninthespotRangervacated.“Agirl?” “Yes”

“Wow.That’sfuckingcrazy.It’slikemyentireworldjustexploded.”

“Icanonlyimagine”Istudyhimcarefully “IhadasimilarreactionuponmeetingVale” “Howthehelldidyougetmarried?OnlyBishophasaclaimingbite.”

“Ineedawifetosecuremyinheritance,”Isay,choosingmywordsverycarefully “AndValewaswithouthealthinsurance Well,truthfully,shestillis.We’rejustprivatelypayingforallofhercare.”

Which his brother should now give me a significant discount on, considering the circumstances “God,thatmakesmefeellikeevenmoreofapieceofshit”

“Shewasstrugglinggreatlybeforeshecametous,”Iadmit.

“So, you’re married to the womanwho’s carryingmybaby” Garza shakes his head “And she has everyreasoninthe worldtohateme.”

“Ibelieveshewasmorehurtandconfusedthananything Youshowingupheretonightconvincedherthatwefoundaway toguideherheresoIcouldusehertoclaimmyinheritance.”Iclearmythroat.“Ibelievewe’reallquiteluckyBishophasa bondwithher.Otherwise,itwouldhavebeenamuchsteeperbattletoregainhertrust.” “Maybeforyou,”hesaysalittlelikehe’sinadaze “Imissedoutonthelasteightorninemonthsofherpregnancy” “Youcould’vemissedoutoneightyears,”Isayveryseriously.“Oneighteen years.OneverknowingaboutAurora.” Garzarearsback “Thisisafuckingnightmare Whatifshetriestokeepmydaughterfrommeoutofspite?” Idigmythumbintohisbrachialplexus,applyingpressureuntilhegroans.“BethankfulIdidn’tgoforthejugularnotch.IfI wereyou,IwouldbeverycarefulofthewordsIchosetoputoutintotheuniverse.Speaktoherwithrespectwhenyoudo.”I release himas he slaps myhand away. “You’re just comingto terms withthings she’s had to worryabout for the last nine months.”Istand,shakingmyhead.“Getsomerest.Yourroomshouldbeuntouched.”

IstrideofftowardthegymtocheckonBishop. Thisentirenightmightjustbemyleastfavoriteinallofexistence.Wegotmarriedtoday.It’ssupposedtobeajovialtime forus,andGarza’sarrival,alongwitheverythingRangersuggested I’mveryfuckingunsettled.Ineedtopunchsomethingpriortocrawlingintothenesttocuddlethefuckoutofmy wife.

Chapter Seven Vale

I’mcompletelyconfusedandveryunhappywhenIwakeup Ineedtherestroom,butthenextthoughtthatcrossesmymindis Cooper.

Cooper Garza. It’sunbelievable

MyemotionsareallovertheplaceasIdisengagefromHolttocrawloutofthenest.There’sasmallhallwaythatconnects thisroomtothebathroom,butI’veneverusedit Ipataround for the lightbefore givingup and fullyexitingthe roomthe nestis into go outto the bathroomthroughthe hallway OnceI’mdonewiththat,Iwashmyhands,buteverythingseemstohitmeallatonce MyhandswraparoundthecoolsinkasItrytokeepmyselfupright. Cooperishere.

Andheknowsmyguys I’msotorn.

ThebondwasfilledwithBishop’sshockandfury Holthasalwaysbeenbluntaboutnotsugarcoatinganything.It’sacrazycoincidencethatI’mstillhavingtroubleaccepting. I’mprettysureI’mnotgoingtobeabletofallbacktosleep Ileavethebathroomandheadintothebedroom.

MyentirebodyjoltswhenIcatchCooper’selectricscent. FlashesofthewayheusedtosmilewhenhecaughtsightofmeatTheKittyCatLoungefilethroughmymind Thosesmiles mademyinsidesmeltyandapparentlymeltedallrationalintelligencefrommymind. I’msofuriousandconfused

Morethanthat,I’mterrifiedthatI’mgoingtohavetoshareAuroranow.Beingasingleparentfeltdevastatinglystressful, butwiththeguys,itseemedmanageable.Now,I’mgoingtohavetolethimhaveasayinthings,andasselfishasitmakesme feel,Idon’tknowifIwantthat.

“Holyfuck,” Cooper says,pushinghimselfoffthe floor.Itake a tentative stepback,like I’mpreparingtobolt.Iwanted answers,butnowIthinkIchangedmymind “No,pleasedon’trun Talktome”

MychestrisesandfallsrapidlyasIstudyhisswollenface.Hischeekisredand,despitethelowlight,IthinkIcanmake outthebeginningsofablackeye Heclutcheshischest,makingmefrown

“Areyourribsbroken?”

“No,justbruised.Ithink.Thatdoesn’tmatter.Comesitdownwithme.Letmeapologize.”Cooper takesastepforward, wrappingahandaroundmyhip.Apparently,I’velosttheabilitytoformacoherentsentence.Hegivesmeatugandleadsmeto theedgeofthebed.“I’mgladyou’reokay.Fuck,thisissurreal.Ican’tbelieveyou’reinmyhouse.”

Iscoff,takeaseat,andwiggleagainstthemattressuntilmylowerbackhitsthepillows

“So,thebabyisagirl?Iseverythingallright?Like,yourpregnancyisgoingokay?”Hesitsdownnexttomyfeet,andhis straightblondhairfallsoverhisforeheadasheleanscloser

Theurgetolashoutisstrong.

Mywoundedprideandhurtfeelingsdon’tthinkhedeservestoknowanything.Honestly,itdoesn’tfeellikeheevenhasthe righttoask

My teeth grind together as I give a clipped nod. “The baby is a girl. Or that’s what they told me during my first ultrasound ” That you missed because I had no way to get in touch with you, Iadd bitterlyto myself “So far, so good I onlyhaveamonthleftuntilshe’llbeborn.I’mplanningtonameherAurora.”

“Wow,okay That’squick Fast,Imean,she’llbeherebeforeyouknowit Andthat’sabeautifulname,”hesays,pattingmy

thigh.

Ieyethecontactwithenoughdistastethathepullshishandaway.

“I didn’t know that female omegas can have severe complications when they aren’t in contact with alpha pheromones duringtheirpregnancy…”Myvoicebreaks.“Whydidyouleavewithoutaword?Ifyoudidn’twantanythingmorethananight together,whysayallthosethings?”

“Idid,”hesaysweakly.“Ido,butIgetthatIroyallyfuckedup.Welosttwoguysthatnight.Igotcalledin,butthat’snot whyIleft Iwenttogetusbreakfast”Hesighsheavily,raisinghisgazetomeetmine “Ileftyoumynumberonyournotepad fromwork ”

“Don’tlietome,”Ihiss,movingtopushmywayoffthebed.Myemotionsaretoobig,anditfeelslikeImightexplodeifI can’tescape

Only,heblocksmylegs.“I’mnot.Ihaveproof,andIwillshowittoyou.TheyfounditinAndrewLandis’sshrineofyou andyourstuff Hestoleitsoyouwouldn’tfindit”

“Shrine?”Iwhisper,rubbingmyachingeyes.

“Theydidn’ttellyouaboutwhatHoltfoundatLandis’sapartment?”Coopercursesupastorm

“Heoffered,butI’msupposedtokeepmystresstoaminimum.ItoldhimIdidn’tneedtoknowallthedetails.Idon’twant togointoearlylabor,andI’malreadyatmoreofariskbecauseofwhatImentioned.I’mgettingalphapheromonesnow,butI onlygothererecently”

“Andyou’remarriedtotheguysItoldyouIwantedtointroduceyouto.That’sfuckingwild,”hesaysalittlebitterly.

“Youleft your number Okay, great I didn’t get it, so I didn’t call Youcould’ve come backinto the club if youreally cared.”Ishovemyhairbackfrommyfacetodistractfromthepaininmychest.“Youknewhowtofindme,butIhadnoidea howtolocateyou.Don’ttrytoblamemeforthis.”

“No, fuckno. Thatwasn’twhatIwas saying.” Cooper frowns, swipinghis hand over his face. “Iknow whatIdid was shitty.Thatmorning,whenIwasleaving,IwalkedrightintoAndrewLandis…”HegoesontoexplainhowAndrewtoldhim weweredatingandhow hemadeitseemlikeIwascheatingonhimtobewithCooper ThenheexplainsthathethoughtI’d callandwe’dcleareverythingup,butwhenIdidn’t,hestartedtogetreallyupsetabouttheentiresituation.“I’mnotthatguy whomessesaroundwithsomeoneifthey’retaken”

Itrytoputmyselfinhissituation.

Ineverlikedtheideathatsomeofmycamclientscouldbeinrelationships. Igethimnotwantingtohelpsomeonecheatontheirsignificantother…

“Butinsteadoftalkingtomedirectlybycomingtotheclub,orhell,evenstoppingbymyapartmentatsomepointoverthe lastninemonths,youjustbelievedhim?”Myvoicesoundsshrill,eventomyownears “Iwashurting,too,Vale.IfeltlikeIgotplayed.”

I laugh derisively “Oh, I know all about feeling like you got played I also know it’s not only on you that I ended up pregnant,which,bytheway,I’mstillbaffledaboutbecauseweusedcondoms,butIcouldbarelyprovideformyself,Cooper! Doyouknowhowharditistokeepajobasanomega?”Ileanforward,andthegiantbabybellysquishesagainstmyboobs, butIdon’tcare Ijabafingerathim “IalmosthadanabortionbecauseIhonestlycouldn’tseeaworldwhereIcouldprovide asafeandstablelifeforher.DoyouunderstandthehellIwrestledwith?”Tearsburninmyeyes,butIdon’tlookawayfrom hisgraygaze

Amultitudeofemotionscrosshisface,buttherearesomegianthurtsbouncingaroundmychestrightnowtoo.Idon’teven likethinkingaboutitbecauseitmakesmefeelawful She’sverymuchstillapartofmybody,andIdon’tknow,maybethat’s whatmakeseverythingfeelathousandtimesworse.

“Iamsofuckingsorry.”Cooperleansforward,tryingtograbmyhands,butatsomepoint,Icrossedthemovermychest.I hatethathemakesmefeelsovulnerable Hemovestocradlemycheeksinhisscratchyhands “Iwouldn’thaveblamedyouif youdid.Ican’timaginehowhardthatmusthavebeen.Iknowyouhavetheguys,butI’mhereifyouneedanything.AndIdo wanttobeapartofherlife Yourstoo,ifyou’llletme”

Aterriblescoffingsoundescapesmymouth.“Iwon’tstopyoufrombeinginAurora’slife.Legally,Idon’tthinkIcould, evenifIwantedto whichIdon’t,justtobeclear”Imean,myheartwantsmetobepetty,butItrulydon’tthinkitwouldbe therightcalltokeepherawayfromawillingparent.“Butyoushowedmewhatyouthoughtofme,andthereallyhardpartis that,outsideofBishop,youweretheonepersonIwasstartingtotrust.”

“Iamgenuinelysorry,”hesays,hiseyesboringintomine “Canyoutrytoseehowmuchthisshitfuckedmeuptoo?Maybe nottothelevel youexperienced,butIwasinabadplace.Iwantedtobringyouhometomeetmyfamily.Formonths,Ikept hopingyou’dcall”

Beinganomegaisawful.

IhateitattimeslikethesebecauseIcanfeelhissincerityandhowmuchhe’shurtinginreturn.

Itstilldoesn’tmakemeanylessangry.

“Your pride fucked youover real good,” Holtsays, saunteringinto

watchthemovieearlier.

God,wasthatonlyearliertonight?Itfeelslikeaneternityhaspassed.

“Youcould’vesteppedup beenthealphainthisscenario,”Holttaunts “Seriously,man,omegasrun Notalphas” Coopergrowls,finallyreleasingmycheeks.“You’resosureyouwould’vegottenitallrightifyouwereinmyplace?” “Fuckno,”Holtsays “Thatdoesn’tmeanyougettopopinhereandactlikeyoudidn’troyallyfuckherover Mistakeor not,ithappened.Youhurther.”

“Yeah”Cooperlaughsbitterly “Andthethreeofyousteppedrightin Didn’tyou,Holt?She’spregnantwithmybaby!” “She was sickas a fuckingdogwhenshe gothere fromthe lackofalpha pheromones. Be grateful we stepped up, ” Holt growls,advancingevencloser.“Stepped right in?Fuckyou.Comeon,sweetheart.Let’sgetyoubacktothenest.He’sstarting toreallypissmeoff”

“I’msorry,”Coopersays,swipingatattooedhandoverhisface.“Ishouldn’thavesaidthat.”

“No,youshouldn’t,”Iagree “ButI’msurethisisalotforyoutotakein Wecantalkmoretomorrow Ifyou’dliketocome totheultrasoundwithus,thenIamopentothat.”

Cooper’sfacebreaksoutintoawidesmilethatIwishdidn’tmakemystomachflip-flop “Yeah,Iwouldn’tmissit”He shoveshimselfofftheedgeofthebedandheadsoff.

Holtcomesover,takingaseat.“Areyouokay?”

“I’mfine,”Isay,exhalingheavily

“Hell, I’mnot a woman, let alone a pregnant woman, and I don’t know if I’d be fine after everything that happened tonight” Holtleans close, brushinghis lips over mine “And that’s okaytoo Ifyoucan’tleanonyour husband for support whenyourbabydaddypopsinouttanowhere,thenwhocanyou?”

Myheadtilts.“IguessIbettertakeadvantageofitforthenextsixmonths,huh?”

“Sweetheart.” He thumbs mylower lip,crawlingover myprone form.“Doyoureallythinkyou’re gettingridofme that easily?”

Myentire bodyaches to curve toward him, so Icanburymyface inhis comforting, beachyscent Ishrug, myshoulders bouncing.“Youhaven’tsaidanythingtothecontrary.”

“YouthinkIbeatthe hell outofthe new recruits for justanyone?” He chuckles, nippingatmylower lip “Nah, Ihad to teachthemalessonabouthowtheyspoketo my wife.”

“Iwasn’tyourwifethen.”Myhandslandonhisbareshoulders,diggingintohisstrongmuscles.

“Doesn’tmatter,”hegrowls,capturingmymouth.Hiswarmskinframesmineashisarmscagemein.Hecurvesaroundthe babybellybutstillmanagestogrindagainstmeasourtonguesclash.Hekissesmebreathlessbeforepullingbackandrolling totheside “Areyougoodtostayinthebedtonight,ordoyouwanttoheadtothenest?”

“Thisisfine,”Isayashecarefullygivesmeapushtowardthecenterofthemattress.He’salwaysweirdaboutneedingto beonthesidewiththedoor

Whichiskindofsweet.

OnceI’msituated,hegivesmeatug.

Iendupwithmyheadonhisshoulder Hegrabsthebackofmythigh,pullingitoverhiships Thematernityunderweardigs intomystomach,andIreadjustthem.

“Let’sjustremovethese”Hehelpsyankthemoffandtossesthemtothefloor Hishandteasesupanddownmythigh “I thinkwebothpreferitthisway.”

“Ijustenjoyfeelingyourskinagainstmine”Isnugglecloser,breathinginhissaltyscent It’snearlyimpossiblenottolet mymindrace,butnothingcanbedonerightthisverymoment.

Chapter Eight Holt

Iwake up to mywife grindingher pussyall over mythighand hip Shithas royallyhitthe fan, butIhave to ignore how frustratedIamaboutthatentiresituation,oritcouldruinaperfectmoment. Omegasarenotoriouslygoodatpickinguponemotions.

HerskiniswarmagainstminetothepointthatIwonderifit’sactuallysafeforthebaby I’mgoingtogiveevolutionalittlemorecreditthanthat.

Mysystemisconvincedwefullyknowhowtohelpbringthatfeverdown

The material ofmysweatpants is soaked inher slick. Mychestis also covered inher sweat, but itsmells like creamy strawberries,soit’snotlikeImind

MyshafthappenstobeperfectlyalignedtowhereIbelieveIcouldthrustupintoherwithoutwakingher… Ifmydamnsweatsweren’tintheway.

Well,thatandItiltedalittlebit

ButI’mwillingtobeflexibletomakethishappen.

Herheadislyingonmyarm,andIstretchthathanddowntoteaseupthebottomofherpajamadress I’mreallydiggingtheeasyaccess.

Her ass cheekis hot against mypalm, whichmakes me more concerned Myfingertips dance downuntil Icanfeel her lowerlipsfrombehind.Ittakesalittlemaneuvering,becauseshe’splasteredtomythigh,butImakeitwork.

She’sabsolutelydrenched.

I’vedonejackshittogetherthisturnedon,soit’sclearlythebiologythingBishopmentioned She’sbeenstressedout,and ontopofthat,shehasalwaysneededalphapheromones.

Mymiddlefingerteasesbetweenthelipsofhersex Herentrancestretchesaroundmysingledigit,andIbitemyliptohold backagroan.She’sincrediblysnugtothepointmycockjerks.There’sacleartemperaturedifferentialbetweenherbodyand mine.

Herlegbrushesovermyshaftasshewigglesherpussy.I’mbettingshe’schasingfrictionforherclit.

Thescentofherperfumeiseverywhere.It’sasteppastjustarousal,anditmakesmeachetoslipinsideher.

Iusemyfreehandtotiltherfaceuptomineandbrushmylipsoverhers Shegrunts,grindingagainstmythigh Ireallyfuckingdigthe wayshe clenches around myfinger as she teases her clitthe wayshe likes it. Her bigblue eyes blinklazilyashermouthformsanO

Chucklingdarkly,Iaddanotherfingertoherdrippinghole.

“YoucancomeallovermythighwhileIfingerfuckyouintooblivion,oryoucanclimbonmycock.I’llleavethatupto you.”MyteethdigintomylowerlipasIwaittoseewhatshe’sgoingtosay.Myfingersarebarelyabletotwistinandoutas hercuntlocksdownandmyhandgetsextrajuicy.“Fuckinghell,sweetheart.Youknow,IwantedtowaituntilIcouldcallyou mywifebeforeIslippedinsideyouforthefirsttime”Ichuckle “NeverthoughtI’dbetheold-fashionedtype,butitdoeswild shittomybrain.”

“Holt,”shemoansashereyesfallshut “I’msoclose Iwantyourcock,butI’malittleafraidI’llsquishyou” Isnort.“Ishouldmakeyouridemyfaceforthatbullshitcomment.”

Shewigglesagainstmythigh,rightbelowmyhipbone.It’ssoclosebutsofarawayfromwhereIneedher.

I’mnotexpectingherhandtodigintothewaistbandofmysweats,butshetugsuntilmycockbobsout Thestickyheadslapsagainstmylowerstomach,andIgroan.

Pullingmyhandfreefromherneedylittlepussyisalmostimpossible,butI’vegottogetmydickinsideher It’snolongerawant.

Thisshitabsolutelyqualifiesasaneed

ShewrapsherfistaroundmylengthasImoveheroverme.It’sadorablethatshethinksshe’stooheavy.Literally,Icould fireman’scarryBishopifIhadto.Althoughitwouldhurtlikeafuckingbitch,I’dstillmanageitifitcametothat.

Onceshe’skneelingoverme,Ishovemysweatsdownsothey’renolongercuttingoffbloodflowtomyballs Thebabybellysquishesagainstmystomachasshestretchestokissme.

Ittookalittlegettingusedtotheidea,butI’mnolongerworriedabouthurtingherorthebaby Thatmightbethankstothe multitudeofarticlesIreadaboutsexduringpregnancyoverthelastfewdays.

Leaningup ina crunch, Imeether inthe middle for a tantalizing, open-mouthed kiss thathas her grindingover myknot whileshejerksmehaphazardly.Ifinditfuckingadorablehowuncoordinatedhermovementsare,buthermoanssendmyhead intothatfoggystatealphasaretoldtowatchoutfor.

Sheleansintomyshouldersforsupportassheguidesmetoherpussy

I’mreally fucking grateful I’min decent shape, but my abs still burn fromkeeping us both up in this awkward crunch position Shewigglesmycrownaroundherclitandslidesitdowntoherhole

I wrap an arm around her shoulders, using the other to frame her head. “You gonna ride your husband’s cock now, sweetheart?”

Shemoans,impalingherselfonmylength.

Tobefair,shedoesn’tmakeitmorethanacoupleofinches… Itdoesn’tmatter

Mymusclescoiltighttoholdmyselfbackfromthrustingupintoher.Slickdripsdownmyshaft,andherscentbecomesallI canprocess

“Areyoutryingtoruinme,Vale?”Igrowl,pullingherhairbackfromherfaceasshetrembles.“Youwanttodestroymy restraintuntilItossyoudownandfuckyoulikeananimal?Huh,sweetheart?You’redrippingalloverme,andmyimpulsesare screamingtodrillmycumintoyoulikeafuckingbeast.”

Shewhines.

Risingandfallingonherthighs,shetriestoforcemoreofmylengthinsideher Hercuntissosnug,themovementonlyends upwithhertakingthesameamountofmyshaft.

Imovetopullherpajamadressupandoffwhileshewigglesfromsidetoside,makinghertitsbounce Awickedgrowlescapesatthesight.Thesoundonlyseemstomakeherslicker,whichisprecariousforbothofus. I’mhangingonbyamotherfuckingthreadhere. Herpuffylipspartasshegasps,“Ineedmore.”

“We’reworkingonthat.Teaseyourclitforme.Bemydirtygirlandgetyourselfoffalloverme.”

“It’sjustalot,”shegroans,herheadlullingaroundashershoulderstremble

“Useme,sweetheart.”

“I ”Herheadshakesasshecurvestowardme “Icanbarelymove Yousmellsogood I’mfoggyandfloaty Ineedyouto doit.”

Iplantahandonherlowerbackandverycarefullyrollus.IttakeseverythinginmenottorutasdeepasIcangetwhileI kneelbetweenherlegs IpullmycockfreebecauseIdon’twanttohurtherasIattemptthis Hookingmyforearmsunderherthighs,Iliftherlowerhalfandpullherassupenoughthatshegetsthepointtoholdherself upwithherfeetflatonthebed

I flatten my hand against the top of my shaft and point it at her dripping opening. “Is this good, sweet girl? Are you comfortableenough?”

“It’llbebetteronceyou’rebackinsideme,”shepouts,movingherhandtoteaseherclit. MyGod,Ineedtofigureouthowtocoaxmoreofthatfeistyattitudeoutofher. Iloveit

Ismirk,watchinghernipplestightenbeforemyveryeyes.Slappingtheheadofmycockagainstherclitconvincesherto moveherfingersoutoftheway

Ijerkmyselfagainsther swollenpinknubas she moans.Pre-cumdribbles all over her bare pussy,andit’s hittingevery buttonIdidn’tknowIhad Ilickmylips,transfixedbythesightasIsqueezemyshaftwithforce Morespurtsout,andIcursea stringofwordsthatdon’tmakealickofsense.

“Seriously,Holton.Ifyoudon’tgetinsideme,I’mgoingtohaveto…”Herforeheadwrinkleslikeshe’sthinkingitthrough. “Tackleyoutothemattressagain”

I chuckle, running my thumb over her clit. The fact that it’s sticky with my cum makes my cock throb as pure male satisfactionwashesoverme

Mytip notches backather opening, and Ithrust. Myvisiongoes spottyas she ripples around the firstfew inches ofmy length.

Thoughtscrossmymindonaloop,tryingtoconvincemetoruther,breedher,andclaimher.

Fucking impulses.

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