Page 12

The towering warehouse-sized building of Fluffed Up comes into view, its massive windows gleaming in the late afternoon sun, practically glowing like a beacon of softness and indulgence.

Fluffed Up is the premier nesting store for omegas. And I do mean premier—this place is a cathedral of comfort, a sprawling haven stacked wall to wall with everything an omega could possibly dream of.

The exterior is sleek and modern, with large glass panels framed in dark metal, giving it an expensive but inviting feel. A massive, illuminated sign sits above the entrance, the letters of “Fluffed Up” in a warm, elegant script, glowing softly like the promise of the best nap of your life.

The parking lot is packed—no surprise. Omegas and their packs are coming in and out, some carrying oversized shopping bags, others pushing carts filled to the top.

I barely brake in time, swinging the SUV right up to the front doors and sliding into the first available parking spot like I own the place.

Jace doesn’t even blink.

He grabs the handle above his door and exhales. “Remind me never to let you drive when Fallon is in the car.”

I ignore him. I would never put our mate in danger. I am already vibrating with excitement. “Come on, Jace! Let’s do this!”

I practically throw myself out of the vehicle, landing on the pavement with all the energy of a kid let loose in a candy store.

He moves at his own damn pace, rolling his shoulders before stepping out of the car with easy confidence, brushing imaginary dust off his black button-up like he’s above the chaos I am fully prepared to unleash inside.

I’m halfway to the door, already vibrating with excitement when a horrifying realization slams into me like a truck.

I whirl around so fast I nearly give myself whiplash, my hands flying to my head in absolute distress.

“Jace.” I gasp, eyes wide. “We haven’t set up the nest!”

Jace barely reacts. Because, of course, he doesn’t. He stares at me, unimpressed, with hands in his pockets like I didn’t announce a full-scale emergency. Unfortunately, He’s not the only one who hears.

A nearby omega and her pack freeze mid-step, all of them turning to stare like I’ve just yelled “fire” in a crowded building.

The omega in question is petite and soft-looking but confidently carries herself. She’s wearing a pale lavender sweater draping over her frame and a flowy cream skirt that brushes against her boots. Her scent—something light, floral, warm—lingers in the air as she pauses, her curious brown eyes flickering to me.

Her pack immediately tightens around her, an instinctive protective move that speaks volumes. Two alphas and a beta, all standing just a little closer, watching me with that subtle but unmistakable “Don’t Fuck Around” energy.

I hold up my hands in surrender, still reeling from my own disaster. She hesitates for half a second before speaking, her voice soft but steady. “Sir?” She tilts her head slightly like she’s trying to figure out if I’m a genuine idiot or just an overenthusiastic alpha having a moment. “Just make sure the room has a bed and other furniture. Leave the rest blank. I promise your omega will love being able to decorate it herself.”

The words hit me like a revelation. That makes sense. That’s smart. Why didn’t I think of that? I gasp, my eyes widening as I nod enthusiastically, probably looking like an over-caffeinated lunatic. “Thank you so much!”

She blinks at me, clearly not expecting that level of dramatic gratitude. Then, slowly, she smiles, giving me a polite nod before her pack nudges her along, guiding her away.

As soon as they’re out of earshot, Jace finally cracks. A deep chuckle rumbles out of him, low and too damn amused.

I whip around to face him, still frazzled. “What?!”

He shakes his head, smirking. “You just scared the hell out of that poor omega over a nest.”

I cross my arms, scowling. “It’s an important fucking detail, Jace!”

He claps a hand on my shoulder, still laughing. “Yeah, yeah. Come on, let’s go spoil our girl before you have another existential crisis in the parking lot.”

I huff but follow him inside, already making a mental list of everything I need to buy.

Because damn it, my mate is going to have the best damn nest ever.

Chapter Three

Fallon

February 12th