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The scent in the car grows stronger- a sweet, honeyed aroma that I suddenly realize is coming from me. From between my legs. From the slick wetness that continues to gather there.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, mortified. “I don’t know what’s happening. Could you roll down the window? The smell-”

“Why would we want to do that?” Jace asks, his voice strained. “And make this delicious scent disappear?”

I stare at him, my embarrassment mingling with growing confusion and arousal. “You... like it?”

“Like it?” Jace laughs, a sound that’s almost a groan. “Honey, you have no idea.”

Kane shifts beside me, adjusting himself with a grimace that speaks of discomfort. But when his eyes meet mine, they are dark with hunger.

“You smell fucking incredible,” he says roughly. “Keep the window closed, Jace.”

From the front seat, Finn makes a sound that’s almost pained. His knuckles are white on the steering wheel.

“Fuck,” Finn grunts, making me blush.

“Focus on driving,” Kane barks at him. “This is not the time or place.”

My mind spins with confusion and desire.Why am I reacting this way to them? Why is Kane so angry?

It doesn’t make sense, but in this moment, drugged onpain medication and surrounded by their heat and scent, I don’t care about making sense. I only care about the throbbing ache between my legs, the empty feeling waiting to be filled.

thirteen

. . .

Kane

Once we get home, I decide to give Mia a bath. Mia fidgets nervously in the bathroom, her eyes darting everywhere but at me. The honey-sweet scent of her fills the small space, making my cock twitch with need.

She’s mine. She’s my omega, whether she understands that yet or not. And right now, with her wrist bandaged, she’ll need help taking care of herself.

I’m not letting her out of my sight. Not when every instinct in my body is screaming to claim and protect her from her disgusting ex-boyfriend.

She’s finally in the home I bought for her to share with us, and it feels like a dream come true.

“I can do it myself,” she insists, clutching her injured wrist to her chest like a wounded bird.

“With that wrist? I don’t think so, Mia honey,” I say, stepping closer.

Her cheeks flush pink at the endearment, and I can’t help but smile. She’s so responsive to me already, even as shefights it.

“It’s just a sprain,” she argues, backing up until she hits the counter. “I don’t need help to take a shower.”

I place one hand on either side of her, caging her between my arms. Her breath catches, and I can smell the spike in her scent. It’s arousal mixing with nervousness in a heady cocktail that drives my inner alpha wild.

“Mia,” I say, my voice dropping to a growl. “You’re in my house now, under my protection. That means you need to be comfortable in every way. And what you need is a relaxing shower.”

She swallows hard, her hazel eyes finally meeting mine. God, those eyes- so wide, so vulnerable. I could drown in them.

“Fine,” she whispers, defeat coloring her tone. “But... can you at least turn around while I undress?”

I shake my head slowly. “No. I need to help you. That’s the whole point.”

Her heart races, and I can hear it. I can almost feel it against my chest like we’re one. We’re so close now that her scent is overwhelming, clouding my judgment with every breath.

“Are you serious?” she asks, but she gives in, turning to let me unzip her dress.