Page 88 of Daisy

"You don't. You make me want to get closer. Make me feel safe and..." My face burns hotter. "And other things. Things I never felt before."

August sets down the spoon, giving me his full attention. "What kind of other things?"

"Like..." Oh my goodness, I can't believe I'm about to say this. "Like I want to know if Hawk tastes like caramel if I was to lick his abs. And Gunner makes me want to bury my face against his neck and just breathe him in forever." The words tumble out in a rush. "Is that normal? Or is something wrong with me?"

The look August gives me is soft and wondering. "There's nothing wrong with you, sunshine. Nothing at all."

"But why is it so different with you all? Why do I feel..." I search for the word. "Safe but also excited? Like my body knows something my brain doesn't?"

August is quiet for a moment, and I can practically see him thinking. "Sometimes," he says carefully, "people just...fit together. In ways that go deeper than what makes sense."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean maybe your body recognizes something in us that just feels right. Even if your mind doesn't understand it yet."

The idea makes something flutter in my chest. "Like what?"

"Like maybe you were meant to find us," he says softly. "All of us."

I take a breath. My mind made up. "Now. I want to try now."

"Now?"

"While I'm feeling brave. Before I lose my nerve." I can smell my own determination mixing with nerves and want. "Would you ask Cassian to come to the bedroom? I want to talk to both of you. Really talk."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Terrified but sure. My scent must be broadcasting my desire and determination in equal measure. "I want to get to know him. I want to understand what I'm choosing. All of it."

August's scent blooms with pride and affection. And something else—something that makes my omega instincts practically sing with satisfaction. "Okay, sunshine. Let me turn this off and I'll get him."

"August?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For everything. For making me feel like I can choose."

"You can always choose. That's what love means. Having choices and making them freely."

Love. The word hangs in the air between us, and neither of us takes it back.

I head to the bedroom,my heart pounding with nervous anticipation. I sit on the edge of the bed, smoothing my hands over my jeans. Another thing I never expected to wear and enjoy. Elite omegas weren’t allowed to wear jeans. They were a beta-born clothing that I was beneath my status. I love them. I only ever want to wear jeans and sweats forever. I hated all the silk dresses I was forced to wear. But now, I get to choose my clothes.

A few minutes later, a soft knock at the door. I'm about to choose again. Reach for something I want instead of accepting what others think I deserve.

"Come in," I call softly.

For the first time in my life, that feels like power instead of rebellion.

The door opens. August enters first, followed by Cassian. Even in the small space, he takes up all the air. His presence is overwhelming in the best and most terrifying way. His scent hits me immediately. Rain and musk and pure alpha that makes my body respond instantly. Fresh slick pools between my thighs, and I have to press them together to keep from squirming.

But when his amber eyes meet mine, I don't see danger. I see gentleness. Patience. A man who's been waiting for me to be ready. And something else… heat. Want. The same desperate need I can smell in his scent despite whatever control he's fighting to maintain.

"Hi," I say softly.

"Hi." Cassian’s voice is carefully gentle.

"I want to talk. About all of this. About us."