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Verity

“ Y ou have no idea who’d do something like this?” the police officer asked me, eyeing me critically as she took my statement inside the lab. Again.

“It could be any of the people sending me threatening texts,” I replied, leaning on my crutch, fatigue pressing down on me. “I told you, I’m dating a hockey player. People don’t like that.”

“Why would someone care if you’re dating a hockey player?” She looked completely baffled.

“You’re shitting me, right? Why do you think people would care?” Saphira shoved a cup into my hand while putting an arm around me. “We have cameras, we’ll find them, Ver.” Her brown eyes narrowed at the officer.

Already I’d texted my older brother Creed, who was getting big sister Grace’s hacker packmates to pull video footage from all around campus. Thanks to my plant monitor programs, I knew when everything happened so we could narrow the search.

Because campus police didn’t seem to care.

“I can’t believe someone would do this.” I sniffed, wiping my eyes with my hand. There was nothing salvageable in my greenhouse.

At least they hadn’t been able to get into the lab and ruin everything in there, too.

Losing all my flowers was still a giant blow to my PhD research. Some people might consider genetically engineering flowers to make people happier to be silly, but it was important to me. My phone beeped.

Grace

I’m sorry about your plants. I’ll pack up what you gave me and get them to you.

Me:

Thank you.

Grace had some of my omega lilies that were of a decent enough evolution that I wouldn’t have to start over completely.

Also, I could dig up the ones I’d planted in the public gardens at Briar University. That would help.

“I’m here.” Saphira squeezed my hand. She’d gotten her hair redone over break, and it was now in goddess braids.

“Thank you.” I gulped, grateful, as I took a sip of chai latte. While the police didn’t comprehend what a loss this was for me, she understood.

If it had been her research, heads would have been rolling. Saphira might be beta, but she took a lot less shit than I did.

We finished with the police and campus security, but they wouldn’t let us clean up yet, so I sat in our break room, obsessively checking to see if Dr. Winters had texted me back. How mad would NYIT be about this? Hopefully, they wouldn’t yank my funding.

Ugh. The very thought made me sick to my stomach.

Dr. Winters hadn’t replied, but Grif texted.

Grif

I’m so fucking sorry for what happened in the stands. It wasn’t you. I’ll explain when I can. I love you.

Me

I love you too. Confused. Hurt. But I still love you.

As puzzled as I was about our strange fight and everything that had happened at the training center, I wished he was here with me. Grif gave excellent hugs, and I needed one right now.

“Verity, are you okay?” Mercy rushed into the room and embraced me, spiced plum scent tinged with worry.

“You didn’t have to leave for me. I would’ve been done in time to get you.” I hugged her tightly.

“Of course I’m here, you ding-dong.” Her eyes rolled.

“Princess.” AJ wrapped me in a hug of his own, pulling me to his chest, his vetiver, and something else, enveloping me as he put out soothing pheromones.

Like nearly always, he was in a fancy suit, with designer sunglasses nestled in his dark hair.

“AJ.” I buried my head in his shoulder, the fabric of his expensive suit soft against my face, noting he was alone. “They’re still in practice?”

Not that I expected the others to come. I hadn’t even told Grif or Dean. Just Jonas.

My nose wrinkled. “You smell weird.”

“This morning has been a shit show. But I’m here. What happened back at the training center wasn’t anyone’s fault. Grif loves you, and you’re overdue for a talk. Trust me, since it might take a moment. The pack has to get its shit together first.” He held me tight.

“Okay, I trust you.” I leaned into him.

“What happened at the training center?” Saphira asked.

“Let’s just say today’s already going fucktangular and it isn’t even lunch,” I sighed.

My mind spun. Grif had a secret. One that could affect a lot of people–at least that’s what the pack has to get its shit together sounded like to me.

Grif being a gamma fit with that. Gammas had a lot of omega traits. Also, every gamma was a little different because they were made by circumstance and not born like the other designations.

My big sister Grace was very omega-like sometimes–especially after more than a year of living with an omega.

Oh. Grif now lived full-time with Dean. Omegas drew out omega traits in gammas, and their pheromones could balance out gamma hormones. At least that’s what I learned spending a summer with my big sister’s pack.

Also, if Grif was a gamma, he was on blockers and stuff. After a while they might stop working or cause health problems.

I could still be a good alpha to a gamma, right? They weren’t that different from omegas, though they didn’t react to barks and pheromones the same way. The biggest difference was their danger response. It was as if their bodies completely overrode fight or flight and went straight to random .

Glancing at my phone, I itched to ask Grace about gammas, but she’d want to know why. Already, I’d mentioned my theory inadvertently to Creed. I’d search the internet later.

There was also me .

Alphas awakened things in omegas. Given how intense things were between us after just a couple of months, I could have caused this.

Yes, this was why I felt so connected to him. It explained why Grif grew impatient with me wanting to wait to bond until Mercy was eighteen and signed a new contract with the Maimers.

It was a primal, biological instinct that went beyond want and impatience. I may have caused a chain reaction. Given his hiding was intentional, because of his career, who knew what the fallout would be?

My belly clenched. Shit.

“I’m sorry someone fucked up your research. We’ll get you new plants,” AJ whispered, stroking my hair with a golden hand a bit darker than mine, bringing me to the here and now.

My flowers were easy. It would take time, but my research could be replicated. What I really wanted was for everything between us to be okay.

Mercy had helped for a bit but returned home to eat lunch and nap before her game. Saphira and AJ stayed and helped throw away pot shards, sweep up dirt and glass, right all my tables and shelves, and pick up what remained of years of my flower project.

My poor flowers. They weren’t so happy anymore.

Everyone insisted I didn’t need to do this now. But I was about to leave with the Maimers for over a week. I should clean up so repairs on the greenhouse could be made in my absence.

Every dead plant, every shattered pot, broke my heart. Sure, with my notes and samples, I could reconstruct everything.

With all my setbacks, was it even worth it? NYIT wanted me to stretch my research. I could do something else.

But what? I loved my happy plants. Not to mention, I had been making good progress.

I cradled the poor dead roses I’d started grafting for Grif. It wasn’t like I’d spent years on it, like my lilies. It still cut hard, especially after today.

They even had to wreck this. Why? Who could be so mean?

“Are you okay? What kind of plant is that?” Dean crouched down next to me among the ruins, his cozy scent full of worry and his pale red brows furrowing.

When did they get here? Who’d told them? Mercy, probably. Did Grif come with him? I didn’t smell him, but I got a hint of moss and worry.

“I planned on breeding a rose for Grif. They even killed that. Why would they do such a vile thing? The flowers have done nothing to deserve this.” Anger welled up inside me.

“People can be fuckers.” Jonas joined him, wearing sweats. “You’re making him a flower? Amazing. How can we help?”

“Is Grif here?” I looked around, needing a hug from him so badly. AJ’s had been nice, but nothing would beat one from Grif right now.

“Grif’s at the doctor’s. We brought lunch.” Dean held up a paper sack.

“Grif’s at the doctor’s alone ?” Something inside me did not like that. My belly rumbled at the thought of food.

“I know. I don’t like being away from him. But he made us come to you. He’ll be okay.” Dean’s muscular arms wrapped around me, his cozy scent reassuring.

“Will he?” My head buried in Dean’s pale neck. He smelled like Grif today. The rain and coziness did it for me. Mmmm.

It made me miss him all the more. I’ll fix this.

I’d fight for him. Us.

“He put off some tests he shouldn’t have, but he will,” Dean replied, planting a kiss on my temple.

Sitting on the ground with us, Jonas pulled me into his lap. I loved how I fit in his tattooed arms.

“I’m sorry that happened. Also, I’m sorry that Grif’s past bit you both in the ass today.” Jonas’ lips brushed my ear. “Go with the Maimers. Have a wonderful time. Then you’ll come back and you two can have that big talk. Don’t run. Please?”

“By then we’ll hopefully have our pack contract, which will make things so much better.” Dean rubbed my back.

Big talk. My belly dipped.

“I don’t want to run. I want this to work. But I didn’t mean to hurt him. Wanting to wait to bond felt like the practical choice. Though I don’t have to if it’s harming people. I simply wanted to talk to everyone first.” I looked at Jonas, willing him to understand.

Jonas stroked my hair. “I love that flexibility. It makes me happy that you didn’t do anything rash. We’ll talk about all that when you get back, okay?”

“Maybe I shouldn’t go. I need to fix my plants. If Grif’s not okay, I should be here with him.” My chest heaved as everything inside me fragmented.

AJ crouched in front of me, my big boys boxing me in. He took my face in his hands. “Trust us to take care of Grif for you? It’ll take time for the repairs to be made to your greenhouse. For you to get your replacement things. It makes sense to go with the Maimers on your West Coast adventure as planned.”

I tipped my forehead to his, believing him, as he gently wiped the tears away with his thumbs. “I trust you.”

While the Maimers would understand if I stayed, and Mercy would be fine traveling with the team alone, I’d feel bad backing out on my commitment.

“Good. If something happens and Grif needs you, I’ll call. I promise,” AJ told me, wiping another stray tear away with his thumb. “I’ll even buy your ticket back from wherever you are.”

That offer made me feel much better, especially since we’d be across the country.

“Whatever shitty thoughts you’re thinking about yourself are not true. You’re enough, Verity. I apologize for every time I ever made you think you weren’t.” Jonas squeezed my manicured hand. Mercy had painted my nails sky-blue with little palm trees on them.

I leaned up and kissed him, needing to hear that.

“Grif said you make happy flowers?” Dean looked around at the mess.

“Did anyone give you an omega lily in a pot when you either mated Jonas or married Grif?” I asked, not recalling seeing one at their place, but I’d hardly seen all of it. It was a pretty traditional gift.

Dean nodded. “A couple people did, to bring happiness to my new home. They’re in the laundry room. My mom grows them in her garden for the same reason.”

“There’s some scientific truth to it. I’m trying to harness it. So yes, I am making happy flowers,” I explained.

Jonas beamed at me. “I love it. I could’ve used a shit-ton of those around the house growing up.”

“Me, too. All I want to do is make people happy. I’m glad you came.” It wasn’t necessary for them to leave hockey practice, but it meant everything.

“Why don’t we have the food we brought, then we’ll help you finish up.” Jonas assisted me off the ground.

“I’d like that, thanks. I have a lot to do before I have to take Mercy to the arena.” It was nice of them.

Though, what I wanted was Grif.

“I need to get back to work.” AJ snagged me by the waist, pulling me away from my sweeping inside the chilly greenhouse. Dirt smudged his suit and a leaf rested in his wavy hair. Smart suit aside, he hadn’t shied away from helping put things right.

“Okay, I’ll probably work until I finish cleaning, or it’s time to get dressed to take Mercy.” I leaned into him, inhaling his vetiver scent, which had intensified with the work he’d been doing. “Thanks for helping.”

It hadn’t taken us long to clean up after eating. It was only early afternoon.

His arms tightened around me, and he buried his face in my hair. “Anytime, Princess. Since you’ve done your inventory, I think you should go with Dean and Jonas and let them take care of you for a bit before you have to get to the arena.”

The words to fight him were on my tongue, but we’d done as much as we could for now.

“Will you come, too?” I looked up into his brown eyes. AJ had really been there for me today, and I didn’t want to let him go.

“I’m not like that with those two and I’m not about to fight Dean for you today. Another time, I promise.” His thumb stroked my cheekbone, sending shivers through me.

Oh. Being taken care of like that? Yes, I could use that sort of reassurance. The idea that they still cared for me despite whatever had happened today with Grif made me feel good.

They could easily be angry at me for waking up whatever I did. After all, I was the alpha.

“Be good for Jonas.” AJ leaned in and kissed me sweetly. “Have a pleasant trip with the Maimers.”

AJ kissed me. May I have another?

“Come on, Little Alpha.” Jonas had my backpack.

Dean put an arm around me and kissed my temple. “We’re going to make you feel so much better.”

I needed to get out of my head. “Could I be the filling in a hockey sandwich?”

“I think that can be arranged.” Jonas snagged a kiss.

Dean got my crutch for me and we left the greenhouse.

I bit my lower lip. “Can we let Grif know that he can join us if he comes home? I…I…”

“You want Grif.” Dean leaned into me. “Me too.”

We got in Jonas’ SUV and drove back to their place. I texted Mercy to let her know I’d be back in time to go to the arena with her. At least I’d already packed since we were leaving for their away game stint from tonight’s home game.

As we walked into their place, Dean took my coat, hung it in the closet. Jonas put my backpack and crutch on the sectional couch, which looked like it had gotten even more throw pillows since the last time I’d been here. All the holiday decor was gone except a single string of lights by Grif’s gorgeous, full-sized piano.

I took off my shoes and Jonas put them on the little rack by the door, along with his and Dean’s.

“You deserve to be with us. You belong with us. None of this was your fault.” Jonas picked me up and carried me down the hall to his room. The room, which was done in grays and dark blues, smelled of him, Dean, and lavender oil.

Gently, Jonas removed my clothes, his moss scent flaring with desire.

I gulped as he unhooked my pink lace bra. “I still triggered something with Grif.”

And angered whoever didn’t think I should be with Grif enough to deface my greenhouse.

“Not your fault, Sweet Girl. Grif’s a good man and he loves you.” Jonas’ hands stroked my naked torso as he unbuttoned my slacks and peeled them off my body.

“I love all of you, too,” I admitted as Jonas took off my pink panties.

“You do?” Dean came in, stark naked, and closed the door but left it open a crack. I loved the little trail of strawberry blond hair on his lower stomach.

I nodded. There was a bite on his pec. A fresh-looking one right next to the infinity heart tattoo he had that matched Grif. Huh. While not all bites were bond marks, this made me wonder. Grif had been waiting for Dean to bite him until they got the pack contract, too.

Gammas could bond people the way omegas did.

“Dean?” I didn’t touch it, but I looked at it.

“Grif was upset, and we got a little carried away in the locker room.” He shrugged.

From the undertones in his scent, I knew there was more. But I wouldn’t push.

I had a feeling I knew exactly what happened.

“I’m happy you were able to comfort him.” I gave Dean a kiss.

Jonas picked me up and tossed me on the bed. The comforter was softer this time as I sank into it. Like last time, it was neat and orderly, yet inviting.

Like last time, the spanking bench sat in the corner and parts of me grew wet remembering what had happened.

“Dean, eat her pussy,” Jonas directed as he took off his shirt, revealing all his delicious muscles and tattoos.

“I’ve never actually eaten a pussy. What do I do? Lick it?” A naked Dean climbed on the bed and got between my legs, his omega perfume coming out.

Aww, I was his first? Adorable.

Jonas shucked off his sweats and boxer briefs and joined him. “Lick it. Suck it. Write how much you love her with your tongue on it.” His pierced tongue flickered out as he pushed down Dean’s head. “There.”

Dean’s mouth caressed my clit and my body bucked.

“Right there,” I gasped. “Yes!”

“Putting fingers in there is good, too.” Jonas grabbed Dean’s hand and showed him what to do.

“Oh, this I understand. It’s like what you do to me, but a different hole,” Dean said between licks of my clit as his fingers slid in and out of me.

“Exactly. I’m going to get that hole ready.” Jonas scooted over to the nightstand and got out the lube. “I think our little alpha needs a nice thick knot in her ass while you take her pussy, so she feels all better after her shitty day. Would my sweet girl like that?”

“Oh, yes, please.” My back arched as his fingers slipped past the muscles, as he worked my other hole, going around Dean’s head.

While I hadn’t taken a knot at all, I think I’d like that right now.

“Jonas’ knot is an excellent cure for a shitty day, as is my cock. You can take everything out on it anytime,” Dean mumbled into my pussy. “I like how you taste.”

“More licking, less talking,” Jonas play-growled. “We need her to come.”

One of Jonas’ hands toyed with my nipple as he slipped another finger in my ass, which made my pussy flutter around Dean’s fingers as I gasped in delight.

“Ooh, I like that,” Dean murmured.

Another wave of pleasure crested over me as Jonas hit a delightful spot.

“Come for us, Little Alpha. Come for us so we can fuck our sweet alpha and let her know how much she belongs here between us.” Leaning over, Jonas bit my nipple lightly.

I screamed as an orgasm took me hard and fast and I came all over their hands.

“Mmmm, that’s our girl,” Jonas encouraged.

Dean continued licking my pussy, teasing, and nibbling, making aftershocks course through me.

“Omega, you lick our little alpha’s pussy so good. Now, lie on the bed,” Jonas directed. “Sweetheart, are you up for riding him while I fuck your ass?”

I frowned because I ached from my fall. “I don’t think I am. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Dean kissed me.

“Lie down next to your omega and face him,” Jonas told me.

I adjusted my position as directed. Looking Dean in the eyes, I played with his hair. “Hi.”

“Hi.” His beautiful cock stood erect and ready, dripping with pre-cum and slick. It wasn’t as long as Jonas’, but it was nice and fat, designed to fit right into my pussy and give me all the pleasure.

“Can you take him that way? Maybe move your leg so it’s on top of him a bit to give some leverage, if that doesn’t hurt you?” Jonas asked, his long, thick, pierced cock also ready and willing.

Hello there. Come inside, please.

“I think I can do that.” I wrapped my leg around Dean while he entered me. “That feels so good, Hot Stuff.”

“You know what to say if it’s too much.” Jonas cupped my ass.

Dean put a hand on my hip as he began to thrust. A moan escaped my lips. I ran my fingers through his soft hair, then pushed his face to mine, kissing him deeply. His omega perfume surrounded us in a thick cloud, making everything hazy.

“I enjoy watching you two fuck.” Jonas stroked his double-pierced cock, as his pierced tongue flickered out and licked his lips.

And I enjoyed fucking them.

If only Grif were here. I could suck his cock while Dean and Jonas had their ways with me.

Jonas patted my ass. “I’d like to take your cute ass now, Little Alpha. Can I have you bare? Someone needs to be stuffed with alpha cum, so you feel better. I got on birth control, too.”

Oh? While alpha cum had serotonin and oxytocin production capabilities, I didn’t realize it worked on alphas.

Jonas got behind and slowly worked his cock in, stretching me.

I gasped. “I feel so full.”

Like I’d burst at the seams in the best way.

“That’s what you need. When you come, I’ll knot you. Then we’ll cuddle you and take care of you until you have to leave,” he murmured as he withdrew his cock and thrust hard, one of his legs over mine and Dean’s.

We got into a rhythm. Ooh, being sandwiched between them felt nice. It was like spooning… but sexy.

“I love your boobies,” Dean sighed, as his hand cupped one. “I’m going to come soon.”

Pleasure at being between two guys I cared for lapped over me.

“Come for us,” Jonas said. “Make sure you lock him.”

My pussy clenched at the motion and Dean groaned.

“Strangle my cock, I’m coming,” Dean cried, his hot cum shooting into me as my pussy continued to spasm and flutter, getting ready to lock him down.

“Come for me, Sweet Girl.” Jonas swatted my ass.

I came, my pussy locking down Dean hard. Jonas thrust into my ass and seated himself fully inside me.

“Alpha,” I cried as his knot stretched me even further, stinging a little. But in a good way.

“That’s it, you’re doing so good,” Jonas soothed, kissing my temple.

“Fuck, I feel you, Jonas. Fuck.” Dean rested his forehead on mine. “Doesn’t it feel so good.”

“Yes,” I gasped. Sensation and pleasure overwhelmed me as I was knotted while locking someone–something I’d never done, considering I’d yet to take a knot.

“Dean, you take her lock so good. That’s it. See you took it so good. You feel so much better with my knot, don’t you?” He pulled the soft blue blanket over us.

“Oh, I do.” I rested my head on Dean’s sweaty shoulder, Jonas at my back. I felt so secure. So loved and cared for.

So full.

The fact that they not only helped me clean up the mess at the greenhouse but took me home and fucked me meant everything.

“You both took care of me so well.” Fatigue at the emotional toll of the day washed over me. Closing my eyes, I took Jonas’ hand and squeezed it as I purred.

This was precisely what I wanted on a shitty day. Or a good day.

Or a Tuesday.

Hopefully next time, Grif would be here, too.