Page 20 of Brave New Omega, Part 2

Chapter 20

KATIE

I am exhausted. Loren has maneuvered us to a love seat where we spooned for over an hour while his knot kept us tightly joined. Not that I was unhappy with it. His closeness was like a balm, some healing salve not just to my body but to my heart.

Which is weird. But also nice.

After we finally untangle our limbs, I am cramped and worn out. So my gentleman giant drives us home and promptly forces me to soak in a bath.

He wasn’t kidding about taking care of all my needs.

Part of me wants to let him, to give up all my struggling to do it all myself, and let Loren and Max– and even Callum – take care of me. Spoil me. I don’t even know what that’s like, but it sounds wonderful.

But part of me absolutely does not want them to do that. To manage me like some pretty pet in a gilded cage. I can take care of myself just fine.

My feelings ping-pong between luxuriating in the attention and care, and being angry at the loss of autonomy.

There has to be some middle ground, some compromise. But my exhausted brain and limbs can’t quite find it. So I let Loren fuss over me and drag me upstairs– not to the modest soaking tub in my bathroom, but to the giant hot-tub that sits in the center of Callum’s bathroom.

“Are you sure he’s not going to be pissed that I’m invading his space?” I cross my arms as Loren fills the monstrous tub with steaming water and a few capfuls of some kind of herbal scented bubble bath.

“You’re not invading his space if you're his Omega– lesson four, remember? We need to provide for you. Callum just… he’s got thick walls, but that doesn't mean he wants to take care of you any less. So, knowing you used his space will soothe him.”

I snort. “He barely speaks to me.”

Loren gives a long, heavy sigh. “I know, Love. He just– he’s got some things to work out, and it’s taking him more time than he realized. He’s a very dominant Alpha, so things that he can’t control– can’t manage and deal with– are harder for him.”

Loren helps me into the tub, then plants a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose.

“Don’t give up on him yet, okay? I know he’s a cold-blooded bastard sometimes, but there’s a lot of good there, too.”

I shrug. The memory of Callum’s body spread out over mine from our very first encounter sends a shiver of desire through me.

Down girl . I am tired. I’ve had more sex this week than in literally years of my adult life. I need to slow my Omega roll.

But Callum’s words, his fierce protectiveness, the way I know he’s holding himself back. I can't stop thinking about it. Wanting to push him, to crack him wide open.

Loren turns off the water then sets a fluffy towel just within reach.

“I’m going to grab some takeout for dinner– the tub will stay warm for a while, just relax. It should only be twenty minutes.”

“Then you’ll join me?” I raise my eyebrows and he laughs. It’s such a sweet sound that I am grinning ear to ear. God, I love his laugh.

“If you insist. But I know you need some rest.”

He kisses the top of my head, then stiffly walks to the door, his erection noticeably pushing at his trousers.

“Just relax, Love. No one will be there to bother you.”

So I try to relax, to let my body float in the massive tub. We could all fit comfortably in this tub, and my mind wanders before I can reel it back to safer thoughts.

All of us: Loren, Max, even Callum, soaking in a bubble bath with me. Doing more than just soaking. Maybe some kissing, fingering, stroking …

I run my hands over my nipples. They’re peaked, sticking out of the water, the sensation of the cool air against my wet skin nearly painful. I grunt, pitching them and dousing the sensitive flesh with warm water.

But my body wants more .

Where is this stamina coming from? Omegas seriously should take up marathon running or something.

I’m hot and flushed from the water. And no one’s home, so I ease my fingers beneath the water’s surface, letting them slowly trace circles over my clit and folds.

I hope Loren gets back soon. I’ll make him get into this tub with me. Or Max. Fuck, I could ride Max in the water. Or both of them at once…

An almost feral growl fills the small space and I freeze.

I inhale, afraid to turn when I catch the sharp scent of fir and lime.

“Callum.”