Page 20 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack (Return to Wolf Creek #4)

Chapter 20

Grace

Day four, I think … or is it day seven…

I have been pushed, pulled, elevated, suspended, twisted, and floated in the tub during this heat, my body a canvas for the relentless touch of my mates. I’m trembling with exhaustion, every muscle humming with a heady mix of pleasure and fatigue. Ethan is under me, his firm hands gripping my hips, guiding me down onto him with slow, deliberate motions that set my nerve endings on fire. Behind me, Griffin’s heavy presence presses close, his breath hot against my neck as he moves in tandem with Ethan, filling every inch of space until my senses blur.

Nic and Lorcan’s cocks are in my hands, and I can barely muster the strength to keep stroking them. My fingers are slick with sweat and water, but I keep moving, their low groans mingling with the sound of my own ragged breaths. Conrad’s cock fills my mouth, his taste mingling with the salt of my own tears as I struggle to take him deeper, to give them all a piece of me, even as I’m stretched to my limit.

Barrett’s soft voice floats through the steam, a quiet counterpoint to the symphony of groans and wet, slapping sounds. He’s playing water boy, changing out the towels for Nic and Lorcan, his careful hands brushing over my skin as he checks in, ensuring I’m okay, that I can keep going. But even his light touch makes me shiver now.

“One more, darlin’…” Ethan’s voice rumbles through me, a vibration that seems to resonate from his chest all the way to the place where we’re joined. I pull back, releasing Conrad with a desperate gasp. Ethan’s hands frame my face, cradling me tenderly as he draws me down for a kiss. My lips part against his, and I taste the remnants of my pleasure on his tongue.

“I can’t…” A whine escapes me, high-pitched and needy, my body trembling from the sheer strain. My thighs quiver, and I feel like I’m ready to collapse. Exhaustion creeps in, heavy and insistent, making every movement feel sluggish, like I’m sinking into quicksand.

“You can.” Ethan’s words are a gentle command, and he kisses me again, this time slower, more coaxing, his thrusts easing to a torturous rhythm that makes me want to cry out. His reassurance wraps around me like a lifeline, and I cling to it, trying to find some last reserve of strength deep within me.

Griffin pulls out with a groan, and I feel the loss of him. He flops onto something nearby. Conrad steps away, then Nic. I can barely track them as they move, but then I see Barrett, his steady presence like a balm to my overworked nerves, as he helps Lorcan to a chair. Ethan’s hands shift, his arms wrapping around me as he rolls us over, our slick bodies sliding against each other until I’m on my back, his weight pressing me down into the warm, comforting embrace of the mattress.

He kisses my lips softly, his mouth lingering on mine like he’s savoring me, taking his time. The gentleness is a stark contrast to the feverish intensity we’ve shared until now. His thrusts are slow, unhurried, and I feel my core tightening again, the build-up almost unbearable in its sweet agony.

One more thrust, and Ethan buries his knot deep inside me. My world shatters in a burst of sensation, his orgasm triggering mine as we both cry out, clinging to each other as the waves of pleasure roll over us. All I can feel is him—his heat, his strength, his love anchoring me to this moment as we ride out the aftershocks together.

When it’s finally over, and the world stills around us, Ethan rolls us again, holding me tight until I’m sprawled across his broad chest. His heartbeat thrums beneath my cheek, steady, and soothing, and I let my body relax, every bone turning to liquid. Barrett returns, his familiar scent enveloping me as he drapes my favorite blanket over us. He climbs up onto the bed, laying his head on Ethan’s shoulder, his face close to mine, the three of us a tangle of limbs and warmth.

Nic appears at my side, his presence comforting, grounding me further. He lifts a water bottle with a straw to my lips, his voice a low murmur. “Have a sip before you fall asleep.”

My eyelids are heavy, the pull of sleep irresistible, but I manage a few sips. The cool water feels good against the dryness in my throat. Nic’s fingers brush gently against my cheek as I drift. The last thing I feel before darkness claims me completely.

I have no idea how long I was out, but I feel like I slept for days. The haze of exhaustion lingers, but it’s different now—less consuming, more like a gentle ache. My head rests on Ethan’s chest, his steady heartbeat a comforting rhythm beneath my ear. Barrett’s curled tightly behind me, his body pressed close, his warmth chasing away the last remnants of sleep. There’s a peacefulness to it, a sense of quiet calm that wraps around me like a blanket. And then it hits me—the raw, overwhelming urge that’s been driving me for what feels like forever is gone.

It’s over. The realization sinks in, bringing with it a wave of certainty. One of my mates has gotten me pregnant.

We’ve talked about this at length as a family. I want one baby from each of my mates, and I want them close in age so they can all grow up together. Nic thinks I’m insane for wanting that many babies and toddlers at once. But Barrett? He’s over the moon, practically bouncing off the walls at the idea of so many little ones running around. And the grandmothers? They were thrilled when they heard my plans, already cooing and fussing over a future filled with babies.

I smile softly at the thought, shifting just enough to stretch out my legs. A dull soreness lingers, a reminder of just how intense the last few days—or weeks—have been. I don’t even know how long I’ve been lost in that haze of need and hunger, but I’m grateful it’s finally over.

“Do you want out?” A voice murmurs from behind me, low and familiar. Conrad. I look over my shoulder to see him standing at the side of the bed, his expression soft but watchful.

“I really need to pee…” I admit, a soft laugh escaping my lips. He bends down without another word, scooping me up in his muscular arms. The sudden movement makes my head spin, but I can’t help the way I snuggle closer, inhaling the scent of him—earthy, familiar, and soothing.

Barrett stirs, scooting forward to snuggle against Ethan as Conrad carries me toward the ensuite bathroom. The cool air prickles against my skin as he sets me down gently, his hands lingering on my waist as if to make sure I’m steady before stepping back.

“Are you okay, Grace? Do you need anything?” he asks, his voice hovering somewhere between concern and affection.

“I want to shower, then have breakfast.” I yawn, the words slipping out before I can stop them. My eyelids feel heavy, my body is still sluggish from sleep.

Conrad chuckles softly, turning on the shower and letting it run until steam fills the room. “Sounds like you might need a nap, too,” he teases lightly.

I huff out a breath, making my way to the toilet. The cold tiles send a shock up my legs, jolting me fully awake. “I’ve had enough sleep for a lifetime,” I mumble, more to myself than to him. I finish up quickly, washing my hands and shuffling over to the shower where Conrad waits, watching me with that steady, assessing gaze.

The moment I step into the shower, the hot mist hits me, melting away the last vestiges of tension. A soft, happy sigh escapes my lips as I let the water rain down over my skin, warming me from the outside in. I close my eyes, basking in the heat, until I feel Conrad’s presence behind me.

He soaps up a loofah, his movements slow and gentle as he scrubs my back. “You don’t have to bathe me, Con. I can do it…” I yawn again, trailing off. The idea of fighting him on this feels almost laughable. I’m too tired, too content, to do anything other than lean into his touch.

“It’s okay,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. “Let me take care of you.”

I nod faintly, the heat from the water and the steady rhythm of Conrad’s hands soothing me. For a moment, I let myself drift, letting go of everything—the plans, the worries, the exhaustion. It’s just me and Conrad, the steady beat of the water against my skin, and the sense of safety that comes from being with someone who knows me inside and out.

We finish up in the shower, steam still clinging to the bathroom mirrors, and I towel off quickly, letting the warm air keep the chill away. I slip into a pair of soft leggings and an oversized tee shirt that seems to have magically appeared in the bathroom. The familiar scent clings to the fabric—Nic’s. A small smile tugs at my lips. Griffin’s touch is also clear in the set of lacey bra and panties he’s chosen for me, his favorite that I had put on. I slide them on, enjoying the subtle caress of the fabric, knowing exactly what kind of effect this will have on him later.

Once dressed, we head downstairs, my hand trailing along the polished banister as we move through the house and into the dining room. The murmur of conversation dies down as I step in, and I’m greeted by the sight of all my children and most of my mates gathered around the table, eating what looks like lunch.

“Well, good afternoon, Gracie...” Ruby’s voice calls out from the stove, where she’s tending to something that smells mouthwatering sweet. She glances over her shoulder, a soft smile curving her lips as she watches me cross the room and lean into Conrad. His muscular arms wrap around me, and I melt into his embrace, holding on tightly.

“Hm? Afternoon?” I blink, glancing up at the clock on the wall. Damn it, it really is. It’s already twelve-thirty. I arch a brow at the revelation, a wry smile playing on my lips.

“Lass?” Lorcan’s rich brogue pulls my attention. He’s seated in the corner booth, his massive frame taking up a good portion of the space, but he opens his arms wide, inviting me over. I press a quick kiss to Conrad’s cheek before bouncing up and practically throwing myself into Lorcan’s lap. The moment I settle, his arms wrap around me, and I feel tiny, enveloped by his presence. He cradles me like I’m the most precious thing in the world, and a sense of peace washes over me. There’s something about Lorcan that smooths out all the rough edges. It’s something I crave.

“Are you healing me, you sneaky mate?” I tug playfully on his beard, feeling the soft bristles under my fingers. Leaning in, I press a gentle kiss to his lips, feeling his power swirl beneath the surface.

“Aye, figured you might be sore.” His lips brush against my temple, and I feel the gentle hum of his gift passing through me. Warmth blooms under my skin, easing every lingering ache and tension until I’m practically floating. “You and the wee ones are perfectly healthy.” His voice is low, soft, and I can feel the smile that spreads across his lips.

“That’s good to know.” I nuzzle closer, resting my head on his broad shoulder, letting myself bask in the comfort of his embrace. I almost don’t notice when Ruby sets a plate of French toast and a glass of juice in front of me.

I lift my head, glancing around the kitchen, but something feels off. The usual noise, the clatter of silverware and soft laughter, has quieted. Everyone’s staring at me, their eyes wide with varying degrees of concern, curiosity, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on.

“What?” I look from one face to the next, trying to make sense of the sudden shift. We all know I’m pregnant. The heat ended, so there’s no big revelation there. Yet they’re all still watching me like I’ve done something unexpected—like I’m some kind of puzzle they’re trying to solve.

Lorcan’s arms tighten around me protectively, and I can almost feel his wolf bristle, sensing the subtle tension in the room. My gaze narrows as I try to figure out what I’m missing. Is it because I’m sitting with Lorcan instead of snuggled up against Ethan?

A soft chuckle draws my attention back to Lorcan. “Relax, lass,” he murmurs, his voice a gentle rumble. “They’re just not used to seein’ ya so content with me is all.”

His words take a moment to settle, but when they do, a rush of warmth spreads through me. They’re surprised because I chose to be here, in his arms, seeking comfort from him. My eyes soften as I glance around the room again, and the tension that had been building in my chest dissipates.

With a soft sigh, I lean back into Lorcan, savoring the feeling of safety and love that radiates from him. “Guess I’ll just have to surprise you all more often.” I wink at the others, and slowly, the tension in the room breaks, smiles returning to their faces.

For now, I push aside the questions and enjoy the meal, surrounded by the people I love, knowing I have a lot more surprises in store for them.