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“Two, that’s the least trouble you’ve given us about eating in days,” Dane adds.

“And three,” Blaise chimes in with a wicked grin. “You didn’t threaten to castrate any of us for making you eat it.”

My cheeks flash and I groan out an embarrassed, mortified apology. They laugh, deep and carefree, not minding in the slightest.

“Don’t be sorry, little dew drop. We love feisty, Evie.”

“Or, as I like to call you, honeybee,” Blaise adds with a cheeky grin and a laugh. “Rolling pinEvie.”

After breakfast, Dane lifts me into his arms like I weigh nothing and carries me to the en suite, where a hot bath is already drawn. Steam curls in the air.

“You did this?” I ask, blinking.

Xar shrugs, leaning on the doorway. “You like baths. We remember.”

Blaise adds a fragrant oil which makes scents of eucalyptus and honey drift from the water, then undresses me gently, reverently, even though I’m only in one of their t-shirts, before helping me sink into the warmth. I sigh as the heat wraps around me, muscle-deep and soothing.

“I don’t deserve this,” I whisper, voice breaking.

Xar frowns. “Yes, you do.”

“You deservemore,” Dane says firmly. “And you’ll get it.”

I nod, eyes blurring.

They take turns washing me, combing through my tangled hair, Dane braiding it loosely while Blaise kisses my shoulder. Xar perches on the tub edge, trailing his fingers over the surface, quiet and watchful.

“You did so good,” he says. “We’re so fucking proud of you.”

I soak. I breathe. And for the first time in what feels like days, I don’t ache. I feel grounded. Loved.

When the bath is done, they help me dry off, dress me in a fresh soft cotton t-shirt and wrap me back in the nest, which has been changed and remade. Clean sheets, fresh pillows, soft throws layered in every corner. Even some of their hoodies so that the nest still smells like us.

I’m cradled in Dane’s lap, hair still damp from the bath, his arms wrapped around me as if he can keep the whole world out. Blaise is on my right, fingers laced with mine, and Xar sits at my feet, applying lotion with slow, reverent strokes.

It’s quiet. Peaceful. But charged. Like the moment before a thunderstorm cracks the sky in two.

And I feel it in my chest – tight and hopeful and aching.

I’m ready now.

Ready for forever.

And I know, deep down, they are too.

“I want it,” I whisper. “I’m ready.”

Dane’s breath catches. Blaise’s hand tightens around mine. Xar’s touch pauses, just for a beat, then continues with even more care.

“You sure?” Dane asks softly, pressing his forehead to my temple. “This...this is permanent.”

“I don’t want to be anywhere else,” I breathe. “With anyone else. I’m yours.”

Blaise leans in, kisses the side of my mouth. “We love you so fucking much, Evie. All of you. Every version. Every part.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I feel it.”

I don’t know who reaches for me first, but suddenly I’m wrapped in all of them. Blaise’s hand on my cheek. Xar’s nose buried in my hair. Dane’s arms around my back. My omega sings. This is right. This is everything.