Page 24

My squeal echoes through the cavernous room, followed by our combined laughter when Sy hoists me into the air. Our hands are connected, his feet firmly planted on my belly as I stare down at his grinning face while I fly over him.

Not a very dignified position to be in with the man who fucked you senseless throughout the night, but a helluva lot of fun nonetheless.

We woke up to a rainy day, which honestly suits me just fine. There’s something about listening to the pitter patter of droplets hitting the roof that makes me smile.

Or maybe that’s just the Beta beneath me.

“You better hope this thing is as strong as you say it is.”

He smirks up at me. “Don’t trust me?”

I huff. “I trust you. What I don’t trust is a gigantic woven net strung a bazillion feet above the ground with nothing more than some heavy-duty metal rings and some shoddy-looking boards holding it up.” At the sound of footsteps on the staircase that leads up to the suspended death trap, my eyes snag on two familiar faces and I grin. “What did you say the weight limit was on this thing again?”

His brow furrows above his black glasses. “I think it said over a thousand pounds.”

“Good.”

Rafferty takes a running leap and lands on his back, which sends the entire net bouncing precariously. Sy loses his balance, sending me toppling to the side in a fit of giggles. Of course, this puts Raff in the perfect position to grab hold of me and tug me on top of him.

“Fuck, I love your laugh,” he murmurs into my skin, the scruff from his beard nuzzling my neck.

With my hands resting against his bare muscular chest, I lift myself enough to plant my chin on my knuckles. My lips quirk up. “You just couldn’t help yourself, could you?”

“Hell no. I’ve been dying to try this thing out since we got here.”

The net begins to move, and when I look up, I see Flint carefully crawling over to us on his hands and knees.

“Apparently, Flint trusts this thing as much as I do.”

“Honestly,” Flint gripes, “whose stupid idea was it to hang an oversized net above an arcade room, anyway?”

I grin at him as he lays on his back between Sy and Raff. “Yet here you are, Romeo.”

He rolls his eyes. “I couldn’t let these fuckers have you all to themselves, now could I? Not after Raff teased us with that show last night, and then this one…” He nudges Sy, whose chuckle ends with a grunt, “had you screaming his name until dawn.”

“Do I detect a hint of jealousy, Flint?”

With a growl, he reaches over, stealing me away from his packmate. My fingers play with the delicious muscles hidden beneath his soft black tee, his chest just as firm as Raff’s.

“Hell yeah, I’m jealous.” His mouth brushes against the outer shell of my ear. “They’ve both been inside you, and I haven’t… yet.”

His gruff, low voice makes my pussy flutter in response.

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” I purr.

His large hands grip my face, drawing it down to his just before his breath hits my lips. “I want more than that, though, too. I want it all .”

Before the usual panic can rise up, he smashes his mouth onto mine, his kisses making me forget everything but the rich taste of cocoa.

When he pulls back, his head swivels toward Sy. “What do you want, handsome?”

The pet name makes me swoon, and when Sy shoots me a nervous look, I send him what I hope is an encouraging smile. Hell, for all I know, I look like that cat watching a scary movie on a social media reel. I’m new to this shit, don’t judge.

“I want this—whatever is building between the three of us—and I want…” He takes a deep breath and exhales. “I want a pack.”

He says that last bit so softly, my heart almost breaks. It’s easy to forget that I have West and Cadence and now even their packs. Sy’s got no one other than a couple of work acquaintances. It’s easy to lose sight of a Beta’s place in a pack, with the Omega and Alpha of it all taking center stage, but really, they’re such an important part of the overall dynamic. I would guess Sy’s been subconsciously looking for a place where he could fit as an integral piece to the puzzle, and it’s heartwarming to know he may have finally found it.

Our shared history created an almost instant bond, and now I’m realizing just how selfish I’ve been for ignoring what’s been right in front of my face this whole time. The word pack still sends fear racing through my veins, but when I analyze it a closer, I realize it’s not the blinding terror I once experienced.

“Hey…” Flint lifts my chin, his big brown eyes staring up at me with that gentleness I’ve come to expect from him. “It doesn’t have to be today or tomorrow, next month, or even next year. We’ll take it at whatever pace you’re comfortable with, but you need to know where we stand, sweetheart.”

“I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready for that step, you guys.” Raff’s fingers thread through mine, drawing my gaze over to his serious face. “What if you wait and it’s all for nothing?”

“You will never be nothing , honey bear. With you by our side, we’ll have everything we ever wanted.”

“We’ll still hope one day you’ll want that deeper connection with us too, but if that never happens, we’ll still be solid. Promise.” Flint kisses my forehead.

I plant my cheek on his chest, eyes connecting with Sy’s.

“I am fully on board and support this growing connection between you two. I don’t want to slow it down or come between that. Ever. Promise me you won’t wait on me.”

“Elle…”

I reach for him with my free hand, lazily brushing my fingers along his beard. “Promise me, Sy.”

Flint’s arms wrap around my lower back, his cheek brushing over the top of my head. He's staring down at our Beta as we wait for his response.

“I promise. I fully plan on getting to know Flint as well as I know you because it’s always been more about the person beneath the designation for me. I want friendship right along with the sexual intimacy because having that double layer of connection when we finally commit to this pack is something I can’t wait to experience with both of you.” Sy’s gaze traces my features before meeting my eyes. “And I mean that with my whole chest. None of us are giving up on you that easily, Elle. Better prepare yourself and promise me that you’ll fight for us even when things are hard.”

“When have you ever known me to back down from a challenge, huh?”

“When emotions are involved,” he deadpans.

I roll my eyes. “Fine. I promise. Are you happy?”

“Very.”

He leans forward, dropping a kiss on my nose, then brushes a stray hair off my cheek before he shifts and leans over me. I can’t see it, unfortunately, but I hear the soft kiss the men share above me.

“This is nice,” Raff murmurs, still holding my hand.

“We’re only missing Nixon. Where is he?” Lifting my head, I meet Raff’s stare.

“He was in the shower when we came up. I’m guessing he’ll find us any time n?—”

“Y’all are risking certain death up there,” Nixon’s deep voice bellows from the ground.

Chuckling, I peek over Flint’s shoulder, looking between the mesh fabric of the net. The biggest Alpha of the bunch is standing below us with his hands on his wide hips, face casting a dubious perusal over the contraption we’re all trusting with our lives.

“Don’t be afraid, cupcake. Come up and join us.”

Raff and Flint chuckle as Nixon grumbles something under his breath.

“What was that?” I call out. “I couldn’t quite hear you.”

“Nothing you need to worry about!”

“He’s…” Raff begins with a wicked grin.

“Shut your face, asshole!” Nixon growls.

“Afraid of heights,” Raff whispers…loudly.

“Awww. Cupcake, if we fall to our deaths, wouldn’t you rather be with us?” I sigh dramatically. “If that isn’t romantic, I don’t know what is.”

He curses as he heads for the stairs. When I look around at the guys beside me, they’re all grinning, and my heart pounds in my chest at the realization that making them happy makes me happy.

When was the last time I worried about anyone’s feelings outside of mine or my best friends’?

Selfish bitch , my conscience mutters.

I think it’s adorable our little Elle is finally opening herself up, my heart sings.

Does this mean we’ll get laid again? If yes, I’m all for it! my vagina quips.

I’m pulled out of that ridiculous conversation by the bouncing of the net. When my eyes dart up, I find Nix staring at me intently as he slowly, like at a snail's pace, makes his way over to us on all fours.

“Look at you being so brave!” I coo.

“You owe me so big for this, baby doll. Dead or not, I’ll come for mine.”

I’m laughing when he straightens to his knees in front of us, lifting me off Flint. He maneuvers to his ass, his legs spreading wide until he sets me between them with my back against his chest. Ridiculously strong arms wrap around me, holding me there, and with only the shortest moment of hesitation, I relax into him, resting my head back on his chest.

Four men who weren’t such a crucial part of my life mere days ago are now becoming as important as air or sangria, and while the usual anxiety flickers in my chest, I’m able to push it aside and just be .

“You guys just going to be lazy up here all day?” he asks.

“What’s wrong with that?”

He kisses the top of my head. “Nothing if I get to hold you like this.”

I have a ridiculous grin on my face when I wrap my hands around his thick wrists. “Why don’t you each tell me something I don’t already know about you?”

“I think Raff should tell you about the bet he lost to Nix and me,” Flint offers, trying and failing to withhold his chuckle.

My eyes find my spicy Alpha shooting daggers at his packmate. “Now, this I have to hear.”

Raff sighs. “I was drunk and lost a bet. Unfortunately, the loser had to get a tattoo of the winner’s choosing.”

I’m already chuckling, and I haven’t even seen it yet. “Alright. Show me.”

He glares at Flint again before lifting up his arm and pointing to a spot on his ribcage just below his armpit. There, staring back at me, is a little chili pepper with a face, boobs, and high heels. I lose it, laughing so hard I can’t breathe.

“Sure, sure. Laugh it up, honey bear.” But he’s smiling as he watches me.

When I finally manage to calm down, I look at Flint. “Okay, your turn, Romeo.”

Flint opens his mouth, but Sy cuts him off. “Wait. Can I make a request?”

“I vote yes!” I say eagerly.

The Alpha smiles. “Go for it, handsome.”

“I want to know what the rose charm stands for on your bracelet.”

The three Alphas share a loaded look, then Flint releases a breath before meeting my eyes. “We were leaving the hospital after Cadence’s accident, and I saw this bracelet hanging in the gift shop window. It stopped me in my tracks because it was the perfect representation of the woman I was head over heels for. She’s stunningly beautiful, but she’s got thorns that can pierce you if you’re not careful. Still, I’d risk holding on to her time and time again because she’s worth it.”

I don’t even realize I’m holding my breath until Nixon whispers, “Breathe, baby doll.”

Leaning forward until my face is hovering over Flint’s, I press my lips to his. His hand comes up, gripping the back of my neck, and he deepens the upside down kiss.

“No wonder she calls you Romeo,” Raff mutters, nudging Flint with his elbow.

The Alpha breaks the kiss, gives me one last heated look, then promptly punches Raff in the bicep as I settle back against Nixon.

Tipping my head back, I catch my big Alpha’s eye. “What about you, Nix?”

“Hmmm. Barrett’s retirement got me thinking about my own time in the league. We’re the same age, and each year it gets a little harder to bounce back. I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet, but…” He takes a deep breath, his eyes staring at something none of us can see. “I think it might not be far into the future. Maybe I can finally put my broadcasting degree to use, ya know?”

The mood goes solemn with his weighted words. I can’t even picture a Phoenix Heat team without Nixon Brooks on the ice, though I guess I said the same thing about Matthews. They’re such an ingrained part of the organization that it will be a sad day for everyone, but especially West and his packmates. I try to come up with encouraging words, something that may give him a little comfort as he considers such an important decision.

“For what it’s worth, I support you one hundred percent. No matter when or what you decide, I know you’ll do what’s right for you.”

He glances down at me, then drops a soft kiss on my forehead. “Thanks, baby doll. That means a lot coming from you.”

For the rest of the afternoon, we stay up in the net nest, as we’ve begun to call it, talking, laughing, or simply being quiet. At one point, we all lie down, my head resting against Nixon’s bicep as each man finds a way to touch me, and actually fall asleep.

Later, I try to read a book that Flint runs and grabs for me, but I make the mistake of explaining the premise. The guys immediately start to argue over the legitimacy of a virgin Alpha. They’re shocked when I tell them Cam was a virgin until Bexley, and that I’ve heard rumors that his you-know-what is pierced. West, Cadence, and I accidentally overheard way too many private conversations back in our Alpha-obsessed days.

It feels good, I realize, to sit around and gossip with them. To have this time where we can just exist in each other’s space, with soft touches and whispers of affection without the overwhelming tug for sex. Not that I don’t feel the desire simmering beneath the surface, because I’m a red blooded Omega after all, but it’s not in control here. I am, and damn, what a concept that is.

The day goes on like that.

Raff challenges Sy to rock, paper, scissors…and loses.

Two. Dozen. Times.

He’ll never hear the end of that one.

Flint and Nixon talk about the upcoming season and training camp which will start not long after we get back.

These little snippets of seemingly normal moments—each one like a deposit into the piggy bank of soul, increasing my self-worth one penny at a time.