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I go completely still.

Xar finally speaks, his voice low and even. “You don’t have to answer that.”

“No,” I whisper. “I want to. I just…haven’t thought about it. I think…I like the idea of you all taking care of me, but maybe not at the same time. Not unless I ask.”

“Fair,” Blaise says. “We won’t crowd you. So I’m guessing that negates my next question, but I’ll still ask to be sure. What about double penetration? Either type?”

My eyes widen. “I don’t know. I don’t think I’m ready for that. I want…connection. One at a time. I want tofeelthings.”

Dane nods. “Then that’s what we’ll give you.”

“And we’ll check in every step of the way,” Xar adds, finally leaning forward. “We’re not rushing anything. You’ll lead. We follow.”

I look at them all – these alphas who are trying so hard to understand me, to protect me, tolearnme – and my heart cracks wide open.

“Thank you,” I whisper again.

Blaise grins, but there’s a softness in his eyes now. “You’re our omega, honeybee. You deserve to feel safe. And spoiled.”

“And so good you forget your name,” Dane murmurs.

Xar simply holds my gaze, and in his eyes I see it: reverence.

Trust. Respect. Love.

Whatever happens next, I’m not going into it alone.

“You did so well with that, little one,” Xar praises. “Now, would you like to go and watch a film or something in the lounge, or would you like me to grab your Kindle so you can relax in your nest?”

“Kindle and nest please.”

“Good girl.” I blink at him, frowning. “For telling your alphas what you want.”

Oh.Oh.

I blush, duck my head and flee for the safety of my nest, but it’s too late, my perfume and chuckles of my alphas follow me.

BLAISE

The moment I step back into the nest, her scent slams into me. Sweet apricot osmanthus and fresh rain, warm honeysuckle curling at the edges and a soft touch of nectarine blossom, thickened by the unmistakable heat rolling off her skin.

Fuck.

As soon as we’d had breakfast, Evie came back to her nest, needing to lie down. I left her alone as long as I possibly could, but I’m dying to be by her side.

I school my expression, locking down the instincts clawing at me to get closer. To touch. To soothe. She’s curled tight in the blankets, her hair a golden spill against the pillows, her fingers clenched like she’s fighting against herself.

“Alright, princess, let’s get you sorted.” My voice is light, teasing. A counterbalance to the weight pressing down on the room.

Her eyes flick up to me, hazy but sharp at the edges. She doesn’t fully trust me yet. Not with this. But that’s fine. Trust is earned, not given.

I set the tray down beside the nest, making a show of arranging things just right. “I’ve got water, some fruit, crisps, even a little chocolate – because let’s be real, no one should suffer without chocolate.”

She huffs, barely a sound, but I catch the corner of her mouth twitching.

Victory.

“Come on,” I coax, kneeling beside her. “One sip, just to start.”