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His joy was so palpable it glowed through me.

“I can’t.” I wrung my hands together.I shouldn’t.

But he was right. I wanted my fingers deep in Lloyd’s sun-licked hair. To sink into him like the ocean, let his salt and sunscreen wipe clean my horrible thoughts. His heat would warm me from the inside out.

Lloyd stepped closer, his gaze simmered.

“Knock, knock.” Ajax rapped on the door, poking his head around at the same time.

His nostrils flared and a whole-body flush washed over me. Ajax stumbled back but didn’t mention the thick tension or lingering arousal. I pressed my thighs together, slicker than moments before.

Would Ajax take care of me?

Like the film he’d handled so tenderly. His mouth and lips were generous, his hands could scoop me up. Would he pin me to the mattress with his bulk until I squirmed and begged?

“I thought you might like a proper tour of the place.”

“Alright.”

“Let’s start down the hall.” He exchanged a cryptic look with Lloyd.

I soon realized why when they tugged open a door that was half the size of a normal one. I squatted down, confused by an unlit tunnel. The small, dark space called to me.

“Is your nest in there?” I whispered as my lungs burned.

“Let us know what you think.” Ajax cleared his throat, again exchanging a quick look with Lloyd.

My stomach flipped. My skin was already taut and throbbing with heat, and if I crawled into the tunnel, I might not leave. What if there was a lingering scent of another omega? My eyeswatered needlessly. I had no right to the possession that rose in me like a wave.

“I shouldn’t.” I denied myself.

It was madness to even consider it, but my lungs choked on the longing. The shadowy tunnel looked so inviting, so safe. Lloyd crouched down next to me, and his eyes searched mine.

“You’re not getting it, honey girl. While you’re in our care, you get what you want, always.” He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “There has never been another omega even close to this nest. I think we’ve been waiting for you and it’s here if you want it. We all are. Maybe I should play it cool, but I’ve never been that kind of guy.”

Lloyd’s sea-foam eyes were bright with need, and incredulous laughter bubbled in my chest. I flicked a look at Ajax. The tendon in his throat was tight. Would it taste like coffee if I ran my tongue the length of it?

They were all there for me? My insides were goo, my instincts sang.

“We’ve barely spoken to each other,” I protested as Ajax nodded.

“That’s a very human way of thinking about things. I’m drawn to you, Tully. Since the first time I saw you stuffing that cupcake in your mouth. I even overlooked how you scraped the icing off. You’ve said more with your face and scent than words ever could. You might regret asking me to talk, though. I’m a chatterbox.” Ajax scrubbed a hand through his beard.

My cheeks heated. Was everything so stark on my face? Chase always berated my inability to mask my expression.

You need to work harder.

Nobody wants a thirsty omega.

Chase had said all the right things in the beginning. Flattery tasted so addictive after a lifetime of meager supply. I was falling in love while he systematically butchered parts of me to becomemore palatable. I let him, because I was so desperate to belong. He still discarded me and I learned a valuable lesson.

No more packaging myself for others.

“I’ll just have a peek,” I said.

The tunnel tapped into my instincts immediately, and it opened to a large room. A sigh fell from my lips as soft light flickered on, tinged like the glow of dusk. There was a sunken, padded circle lined with a cloud-like mattress and cushions that created a soft lip. Carpet circled the nest, and there was a seating area with dark-colored plush chairs and a small side table. I ran my hand along the blue velvet wall, and a secret panel clicked open to reveal shelves of soft pillows and lush blankets. Below were storage boxes labeled with each member of Baylark Pack. I found a hidden fridge and a well-stocked pantry. There was even an adjoining room that led to a sunken spa bath and a double shower.

This nest had everything. Even the ceiling twinkled with tiny lights, like stars. The low lighting soothed the itch under my skin.