Page 81

“You didn’t do anything wrong.” West looked mad enough to commit arson. Or worse.

“I know,” I said.

“But you still feel guilty.”

I sighed. “Yes. Like I should have made myself clearer.”

“By telling him no two more times before this?” West’s voice was quiet. “I told him if he ever makes you feel uncomfortable like that again, they won’t find the body.”

“But then you’d be in jail,” I said, tears hitting my cheeks. “And then who would rail me?”

“We’d have conjugal visits,” West said, kissing the back of my hand.

“Ewww.” I laughed.

He drove us back to the cottage, and we curled up in the nest. I valiantly didn’t call the others to come rub their scent on me and instead spent time with my omega.

Chapter 30

Ben

The ocean was cold and breezy, but I brought Rian to the pier because I knew he loved it this time of year. We needed a break from the studio, and it was a good way to clear our heads.

The recording session had been grueling, but it was all finally coming together. I hated the part when it felt like nothing would ever come out right.

Until it all clicked into place.

Rian was brooding, his fingertips swollen from playing for so long. I kissed the tips of his fingers and strolled down the boardwalk with him.

The beach wasn’t crowded this time of year, and it was nice. I swung my cane out, listening to the rhythmic click-click of the tip on the wooden boards.

“Good session.”

Seagulls called overhead.

Rian muttered, “I kept screwing up the bridge.”

“And Kinsey kept screwing up the intro, and Linsey couldn’t manage the chorus.” I shrugged. “It happens.”

Rian huffed. “I don’t like it.”

“Because you’re a perfectionist,” I said gently.

Annoyance flashed through the bond.

“I’m fine.” Rian held my hand, his feet sounding loud on the wood.

“You’re sure? How are you about our…uhh, dating three extra people?”

I hadn’t meant to spring it on him, but we’d been seeing Ember, West, and Alejandro for week and spending most of our free time with them. We chatted about it on the drive back home, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss a cue.

“I’m great,” he said with a sigh. “I’d expected to be territorial about my nests. About sharing you. About being with a new alpha, or an omega at all, but instead it’s really good.”

It was amazing. Even now I could smell Ember, West, and Alejandro on me, and it felt right.

“Okay.” I squeezed his hand. “What do you want to do for Valentine’s Day?”

“Let’s ask them,” he said, sounding interested. “If they have a tradition or…”