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“I’m fine. Just need some sleep and time away from Moore. It’ll be okay.” He tries to sound convincing, but I know a lie when I see one.

Reluctant to leave it like that, but unsure what the fuck to do, I give him another hug and edge toward the door. “If you can’t tell us whatever’s going on, I hope you work it out with your therapist. Don’t let it eat you alive.”

And destroy everything we’re building.

With concern rushing through me, I know there’s no way I’ll get to sleep anytime soon. Instincts I’ve been struggling to settle push, begging me to go next door and see my omega. Talk to her. Hold her.

There’s nothing in this world that grounds me as much as having Daphne in my arms, and right now that’s exactly what I need.

Me

You awake, little muse?

The text is sent before I can stop myself. It’s so late, I’m not sure what would be better: Daphne’s answer or her silence.

Not wanting to stare at my phone until I get a response, I head for a shower. If anything, maybe it’ll chill me out enough to sleep. My boxers have barely hit the floor when my notifications go off. I’m not ashamed to say I nearly slip on the tile in my rush to get to it.

Daphne

I am. You okay?

Me

Yeah, just missing you.

Being vulnerable with Daphne isn’t some difficult thing anymore. After our conversation, after hearing her say flat out that she wantsme, I’m not interested in hiding. It’s the waiting, the patience and taking things at her speed that I struggle with. Every day, it gets harder to control myself. This courtship’s practically in its infancy and I’m debating how long it’ll be before Daphne’s bonded and bred. I mean, get a fucking grip.

But the ache in her voice when she talked about kids at the barbecue cut me to the core. She wants them so bad, and I can’t stop thinking of giving her that dream.Everydream. Daphne tucked into our home, her things everywhere, body round with our babies. A little girl with her smile on my hip, a little boy with her curls on Nate’s.

It feels so fucking real, like I can reach out and touch it. Like all I need to do is see her to make it come true. My self-control is at an all-time low when I read her response.

Daphne

I miss you too. Come over.

Sold.

I’m still tugging on clothes as I cross the deck connecting our places.

“That was fast.”

Her voice comes out of the dark and I’m man enough to admit I startle so hard I nearly fall on my ass. Daph’s in the doorway to the kitchen, backlit by the warm glow of the string lights she’s hung everywhere. She’s beautiful and clearly laughing at me but I don’t fucking care. “Sorry.”

One word. That’s all it takes for me to relax. The stress of everything melting away until I’m a puddle at her feet. Just her presence brings me a peace I could never explain.

“Don’t be. I’ll take it if it means seeing you like this. You’re beautiful.”

Her hair’s up in a loose bun at the top of her head, shoulder peeking out of what’s definitely Nate’s shirt. She’s rumpled, sleepy, and absolutely delicious. Meanwhile, I’m over here debating how to sneak my clothes into her wardrobe again. Should I break in while she’s doing laundry or shove them in the bottom of Nate’s bag next time he comes home?

“I just rolled out of bed,” she argues, but I see how much she likes it. Can smell how sweet she is for me already. My cock stirs and I’m tempted to lay her out on the counter.

Daphne’s stomach rumbles, interrupting my train ofget her naked, get inside her. She blushes, looking away, and it’s so fucking cute, I can’t stay away anymore.

Sweeping her into my arms, I lay smiling lips against her hot cheek. “Want me to make you something?”

“Nothing sounds good.”

An idea forms. I’m exhausted, but there’s no way I’m giving up the chance for one-on-one time with Daph. “Get some pants on and I’ll take you out.”