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“No lies were told.” Ajax winked.

The sand was gritty between my toes.

“In case you were worried, I bought ample desserts to prepare for tonight.”

“Yes, but did you bring pie?” I nudged my shoulder against him.

Ajax let out a low chuckle. “Don’t worry, treasure, I’ve got four different types.”

“How do you know which one is my favorite?” There was a warm glow in my stomach, like spilled sunlight. I stole it from the setting orb on the horizon and kept it like a lamp.

“Walden’s spreadsheet, of course,” Lloyd added, as he helped me up a large step.

His blond hair was deliciously disheveled. I wanted to undress him again. To have his lithe, tanned skin on mine. All night. Fuck the pie. I needed something only my pack could provide.

What was going on with me?

“Get naked, angel,” Pan hollered as he swept into the Baylark vacation house.

It was right on the beach, with ceiling-to-floor windows and an open plan front room. I walked toward the glass and pulled my dress down with a slow movement. Outside, the helicopter hovered over the ocean. Maybe they had lenses that could zoom in and were watching me right now.

I turned and met Ajax’s gaze as I ran my finger between my breasts. He let out a soft puff of appreciation and came closer.

“Front-row seat.”

“Will you give me what I need?” I pouted.

Walden muttered under his breath, huffing and puffing about roses and candlelit dinners.

Ajax tossed him an amused look and stalked toward me. His arm wound around my waist, and he hauled me against his bare chest.

“Walden wants everything to be perfect for you. But me? You offer me a place here and…” Ajax’s hand slid over my chest to my heart. “I will ruin you with orgasms and foodgasms for the rest of your life.”

Affection rolled down my spine. Ajax was a soft warmth, designed to seduce. He loved the way he wished he was loved. I took his hands in mine and interlaced our fingers. His breath shivered against my cheek. I squeezed. Once. Twice. Three times.

“You know what I love about you?”

“What?”

“You love with your whole heart. I’ve met your parents, and you could have let them make you bitter. Instead, you’rebold, warm, and generous with everyone in your life. You love reverently, and it’s a privilege to know your heart, Ajax.” I whispered, “will you mark me?”

“Hold our omega, would you, Walden?” Ajax replied.

Walden’s hot breath hit the back of my neck, but he did as he was asked. Those large hands held me safe, not for the first time, and not the last. I melted against his back and gave myself up to Ajax.

“My treasure.” He kissed the swell of my right breast and bit.

I’d been unconscious when Pan bonded with me. This time, the pain hit me in the back of my teeth. Like when you bite into something sweet and it goes straight into your veins. I squeezed my eyes shut with a hiss as he unfurled. Ajax was velvet, so warm and soft. He rolled through me like early mornings tangled in the covers. Languid, warm, and safe.

“Gods, Ajax, can you feel it?”

His thread entwined with Pan, and we throbbed together, like a revelation. Ajax tended his mark the same way he did everything, methodically nurturing. The pain faded with each lap of his tongue.

“I can finally feel you.” Ajax’s gaze glistened as he lifted his head. “You shine like gold…” he trailed off.

I nodded, a knot in my throat, overwhelmed. I couldn’t speak with the space he took up inside me, and how right it felt. We kissed, and it was a blood promise. Ajax’s tongue commanded my pleasure, and I gave it. Let him take what solace he needed from my body. Inside me, all over me.

“I need you both.” I pulled away with a moan.