Page 117 of Storm

His smile widens into something genuine that transforms his entire face. "I'll leave you to your nest building," he says, giving my hand a final squeeze. "But if you need anything—anything at all—you only have to ask."

As he reaches the door, I call after him. "Jonathan? Send the others up, if they're around? I'd like to have something from each of them in the nest."

He nods, understanding the significance of my request. "I will."

Once he's gone, I turn back to my nest, adding more layers to the sides, creating a soft, circular wall that will contain my scent, my pack's scents, during the most vulnerable time of my life. The work is soothing, the repetitive motions help calm the anxiety Jonathan's question stirred up.

A gentle knock interrupts my thoughts, and I look up to see Fox hovering in the doorway, his honey-chamomile scent preceding him.

"Jonathan said you wanted to see us?" he says, his hazel eyes taking in the nest growing on my bed.

"Come in," I invite, patting the spot beside me. "I was hoping you might have something for my nest. Something with your scent on it."

Fox's face brightens with understanding. "I brought these," he says, holding up what looks like a silky pillow and a soft throw blanket in a warm golden color that reminds me of honey. "From my own nest. I thought maybe... we could swap? May I get something with your scent for my nest?"

My heart melts at the gesture. "I'd love that," I tell him, accepting the offerings and burying my nose in them. The blanket smells powerfully of Fox—sweet honey and soothing chamomile, whereas the pillow is Alexander. The vanilla scent immediately soothes something in me, making me feel less alone in this new experience.

"Your nest is beautiful," Fox says, watching as I carefully incorporate his gifts, placing the pillow in a prominent position against the back wall, draping the golden throw over it. "Mine was a mess the first time I tried to build one."

"It feels weird," I admit. "Like my body knows what to do, even if my mind doesn't."

Fox nods, understanding in his eyes. "That's exactly what it's like."

After Fox leaves,promising to send Frankie up next, I sit back and survey my progress. The nest is taking shape, becoming a safe-haven that calls to the omega in me. I've placed Fox's contributions where I can easily reach them, already finding comfort in the scent.

Frankie arrives a few minutes later, looking slightly nervous as he peers into the room. "Hey," he says, his warm brown eyes taking in the nest. "Whoa, that looks amazing."

I smile, waving him over. "Thanks. It's still a work in progress."

He approaches cautiously, his toasted marshmallow and cinnamon scent mingling pleasantly with the other scents already in the room. In his hands, he holds what looks like a soft, well-worn flannel shirt in deep forest green.

"I thought maybe you'd want this," he says, offering it to me. "It's my favorite, so it has a lot of my scent on it."

I take it, immediately pressing it to my face and inhaling deeply. The comforting beta scent wraps around me like a hug, and I feel some of the tension leave my shoulders. "It's perfect, Frankie. Thank you."

He watches as I carefully fold it and place it at the front of the nest, where it will be one of the first things I see, the first scent I inhale when I enter. "Will you be okay?" he asks softly. "During your heat, I mean."

The concern in his voice warms me. "I think so," I say, though truthfully, I'm terrified. "Especially with all of you here to help."

Frankie's cheeks flush slightly. "I'm not sure how much help I'll be."

"I need you more than you know, Frankie." I say honestly.

After Frankie leaves,I turn back to my nest, adjusting the placement of his shirt slightly, making sure it's secure and won't slip down during my heat.

A stronger knock sounds at the door. I don't need to look up to know it's Reed.

"Come in," I call, continuing to work on the nest walls, building them higher with the blankets Jonathan provided.

Reed's ocean and cedar scent fills the room as he steps inside, powerful and grounding. He's carrying what looks like a bundle of dark clothing.

"Jonathan said you were asking for contributions," he says, his voice gruff and very much Reed.

I glance up at him, taking in his imposing figure, the stormy eyes that watch me with an intensity that still makes my heart beat faster. "Well, if it isn't my favorite grumpy alpha," I say with a smirk. "Come to donate to the cause?"

His eyebrow arches at my tone, but I catch the smallest twitch of his lips. "I have," he confirms, gesturing to the bundle.

"One thing with your scent," I say, breaking into a grin at how much he has brought.