Page 128 of Storm

"We're experimenting with a new recipe," she says with a teasing smirk. "It's very... hands on."

Jonathan's green eyes move between us, taking in our disheveled appearance; the flour scattered across the kitchen, the half-prepared pie abandoned on the counter.

He merely nods once, then straightens from the doorframe. "Clean up when you're finished," he says, already turning to leave. "Make sure Reed has a slice of your pie."

He's gone before either of us can respond, his footsteps fading down the hallway.

The moment he's out of earshot, Storm and I look at each other, wide-eyed with shock, before she bursts into giggles. I sink against the counter and let out a shaky chuckle as Storm slides over, leaning into my side.

"Your face," she gasps between giggles. "You looked like you were ready to dive out the window!"

"Me?" I mock disbelief. "Never.” My voice comes out a little high. And she laughs again. I join her this time. I did want to jump out the window. I know the rules between betas and omegas. Jonathan was always very strict at the Omega House, so it’s hard to differentiate between this version of him and the one who was my boss for four years.

When our laughter finally subsides, Storm wraps her arms around my waist, resting her head against my chest.

"I love you, Frankie..."

"I love you too," I tell her again, simply because I can now, because the words have been waiting so long to be spoken.

"Even when I'm driving you crazy?" she asks, a teasing light in her eyes.

"Especially then," I assure her, kissing the tip of her nose. "Your storm is my favorite weather."

As I pull away to help her finish dressing, I catch sight of us in the reflection of the kitchen window.

My Storm, the wild, fierce, beautiful omega who blew into all our lives like her namesake and changed everything.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Chapter36

Storm

The heat builds beneath my skin like a storm gathering strength. It's been pulsing through me in waves for the past day, growing stronger, hotter, more insistent with each passing hour.

And it's not just affecting me.

Fox sits across from me at the breakfast table, his honey-chamomile scent shifting toward something headier. His cheeks are flushed, his movements more deliberate than usual. My heat triggering his was not something I expected.

"I'm sorry," I say, not for the first time. "I didn't mean to drag you into this."

Fox's smile is gentle, lacking any hint of accusation. "Biology," he says simply, shrugging one shoulder. "It’s bound to happen. Especially with omegas who share a pack."

"Still," I persist, "you had everything under control. Your heat wasn't supposed to come for weeks."

Fox reaches across the table, his slender fingers covering mine in a gesture of reassurance. "Storm," he says, his hazel eyes meeting mine steadily, "your presence here has changed so much—all for the better. Including this."

Before I can respond, Jonathan appears in the doorway, his imposing frame filling the space. His smoky cedar and black pepper scent wraps around me, instantly making my omega instincts stand at attention. I hate how responsive my body is to him, to all the alphas now.

"House meeting," he announces, his green eyes moving from me to Fox and back again. "Everyone. Living room. Ten minutes." There's an unusual tension in his jaw, a tightness around his eyes.

"What's this about?" I ask, already suspecting the answer.

Jonathan's gaze flicks to Fox momentarily, then back to me. "Your heat. Both your heat’s. We need to discuss arrangements." He glances at Fox again. "Is Alexander with you?"

Fox nods. "He's in the study. I'll get him."

As they both leave, I push back from the table, feeling restless and on edge. My skin feels too tight, too hot, and there's a hollow ache building low in my abdomen. I hate this loss of control, this overwhelming biology that doesn't care about my opinions or preferences.