Page 19 of The Comfort of Pain (The Black Market Omega #1)

Tristan

“Is this…” Beth takes a small step forward, looking inside the little door. “Is it…” She ducks her head slightly, looking inside. “Wow.”

Basil and I share a look and pride blooms in my chest. She clearly likes her new nesting cove. She should. We went all out.

The walls are painted a pale pink and there’s a large skylight overhead. The wall-to-wall mattress was difficult to get inside, but Basil and I have gotten pretty good at putting up drywall. Once we got the damn thing in place, we rebuilt the outer bedroom wall. The snug space is surprisingly spacious. And while the whole pack probably wouldn’t be able to sprawl out in there, I do think we’d be able to fuck, as long as we were piled on top of one another.

Which sounds amazing.

Jeremy strung tiny lights all around the room, along with little floating shelves. He decorated them with tiny vases with plastic flowers in them, as well as a few crystals. I don’t know what they’re supposed to do, but he was very picky about which rocks our omega needed.

“We wanted to have it ready before you got here,” Basil says, “but we didn’t have time.”

Beth looks stunned.

“We can easily repaint or find you some new trinkets.” Jeremy squeezes the blanket in his arms, waiting for the omega to say or do something.

I swear she’s been frozen in place, staring at the cove for the last ten minutes.

Finally, Beth blinks, before turning to look at each one of us. “You made this for me ?”

I puff my chest out when her gaze reaches me. I’m pleased when she checks out my broad shoulders and firm pecs. Those pretty brown eyes dilate, and my blood begins to pump. I wish I had more defined abs, but the little omega clearly likes what she sees without them.

Look all you want, baby. All of this belongs to you.

“We used a lot of pillows and blankets that we already owned,” Jeremy says as if that’s something he should apologize for. “It probably already smells like us, but we did get you this.” He lifts the fluffy pink blanket. “It’s a nesting blanket.” He hands it to Beth. “The fibers don’t catch or pill.” He crosses his arms, clearly nervous. “It’s supposed to stay soft even after multiple washes.”

Moving slowly, Beth bows her head and sniffs the puffy pink fabric. Her chest rises and her eyes float closed. I swear I can see every muscle in her tiny body relax.

“Wow,” she moans, then buries her face deep into the blanket.

Basil and Jeremy exchange a very excited look, but Killian stays quiet, adjusting his erection. Our omega’s little moan affected him the same as me, but I don’t touch my hard-on. I let it push at the front of my pants.

No sense having a big dick if you can’t show it off.

“No,” Beth mumbles as she slowly looks up. “This is too much.”

I instantly tense. There are tears streaming down her face. Panicked, I look at Basil, not sure what to do. But the alpha is smiling, telling me there isn’t anything actually wrong.

I wish I was better at reading shit like this.

“This is so kind of you,” Beth presses one hand to her chest, “but I can’t?—”

“Don’t you dare say you can’t accept this,” Basil says fiercely as he reaches out and cups her pretty face. The dark-skinned alpha leans down, giving her his most charming smile. He’s got a lot of good smiles, but he uses this one to convince people to do what he wants. He gets his way a lot. “Omegas need nests.” Basil’s thumbs caress her wet cheeks. “And alphas need to give their omegas nests. Please,” his voice drops to a gentle purr, “go inside. See how it feels.”

But Beth doesn't move. She just stares up into Basil’s pale green-eyes as if lost in a trance. I don’t blame her. They’re beautiful.

“Come on,” Jeremy takes Beth’s hand, pulling her away from the alpha, and inside the little entrance to her nest. Beth stares at Basil for as long as she can, before finally turning around.

Jeremy goes into the cove first, bowing his head, then sitting on the tiny landing. It’s so small his toes hang over the edge, but he’s careful not to touch the mattress. I don’t know much, but I do know that omegas don’t like people touching their nests without permission.

“Oh wow.” Beth smiles as she moves to the center of her nest. Once she sits, she sets her new blanket on her lap, then she smells it again. A thrill pushes from her chest and she shivers slightly.

Her delicate mannerisms cut straight through me, and my cock begins to weep.

I want to rush inside that little nest, wrap Beth up in my arms, and fuck her until she can’t fucking think.

“Hey.” Killian touches my elbow, then nods at the bedroom door. I follow him and Basil, glancing back at the cove several times. Beth looks like she’s in heaven.

We reach the hallway and Basil shuts the door behind us, blocking out Jeremy and Beth’s excited voices.

“What’s wrong?” I ask Killian a little too forcefully. I want to get back to Beth. Now .

“Bosco’s beta came by,” the pack alpha says, and my whole body goes tight.

“What did she want?” Basil asks as my fists curl tight.

“To deliver a message.” Killian pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket. He hands it to Basil, but thankfully he knows I won’t read it. “He’s pissed we attacked his men.”

“They attacked us,” I growl softly, very aware of the delicate omega in the next room.

“Fuck.” Basil folds the note, handing it back to Killian. “He’s definitely expanding his territory.”

“What do you want to do?” I ask my pack alpha, hopeful he wants to fight. While Killian doesn't go around looking for trouble, he isn’t one to back down, especially when our pack is at risk.

“I’m going to reach out to the Dunna pack, Trevor’s people, and Frolen,” Killian says. “Bosco has pissed off far too many packs, and, fortunately, those packs are our friends.”

I crack my knuckles, ready to fight.

“Can you drop the letters off at the post office?” Killian asks me and I quickly agree. “I’d meet with them in person, but we need to secure the house.”

“I’ll run into the post office the second they’re ready,” I say, eager to help. Plus, I might run into some of Bosco’s guys and I'd love to start the fight a little early.

“Thanks,” Killian pats my shoulder. “Take Beth with you. I think a visit to town could be good for her. Let her see what she’s been forced to miss out on.”

I go stiff at his request, a little surprised. “You want me to take her?” I cut a look at Basil. He normally takes Jeremy into town. It’s their thing.

“I’ve got a job lined up,” Basil says, answering my unspoken question. Sometimes it’s like he can read my mind. And maybe he can. We’ve been together long enough.

“Alright.” I’m fine with whatever, but when Basil drops his gaze, I realize he might not be okay with it. While I’m not great at pinpointing certain emotions, I can tell when Basil isn’t happy. And right now, he looks disappointed, and very tense. He must be sad he can’t be with Jeremy and Beth. Or at least that’s my best guess.

“I know that things have gone well today with Beth,” Killian whispers, clearly not wanting the omega to overhear, but she and Jeremy are still chatting and giggling on the other side of the door. They’re not listening. “She has shown real progress in a very short amount of time, but we can’t drop our guard.”

“Omegas bond pretty quickly,” Basil says, but he’s missing that usual cheery lift in his voice.

And now that I think about it, he’s been kind of off all day. He worked quietly on Beth’s nest, not laughing or joking at all.

“Omegas do bond fast,” Killian agrees. “But we can’t assume anything. Beth has a violent past. It’s only natural that she might take longer to really trust us.” His dark eyes drift between me and Basil. “I want both of you to praise her. Show affection and love every chance you get.”

I perk at his words, palming my still plump cock.

“Affection?” Basil’s green eyes narrow. “Are you sure?”

“Exactly how much affection are we talking about?” I jump in, unable to hold back. After all, it’s expected for pack alphas to bond with omegas before the rest of the pack can mate with her. It’s meant to keep the gentle creatures from feeling overwhelmed or distressed. “Are you giving us the green light to fuck her?” I ask again when Killian doesn’t immediately answer.

“I’m telling you to adore her,” Killian says, his expression very serious. “Hold her hand. Tell her she’s pretty. Encourage her to scent you. But ,” he looks Basil directly in the eyes, then me, “you are only allowed to touch her if she asks for it.”

“Are you serious?” I snort loudly, unable to help myself.

Killian lets out an angry growl, not pleased with my tone.

I immediately bow my head as a sign of respect. I guess now isn’t the time to joke. “Sorry,” I say, peeking up at the alpha. He looks stern, but not enraged. “It’s just that bratty omegas sometimes need to be fucked to settle,” I explain myself. “It’s biology,”

Basil stays quiet, watching our pack alpha carefully as he pulls in a deep breath.

“I understand that’s the way most omegas work,” Killian finally says. “But we have a fragile omega that’s very scared. She’s already tried to run off twice, stabbed Tristan, and tried to stab me.” He pulls in a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “And claiming her last night didn’t go the way I wanted it to.”

My eyes go wide at that, very intrigued, and Basil places his hand over his heart, concerned.

“How bad was it?” Basil asks as if dreading the answer.

“She fought more than I would have liked,” Killian says with a pained sigh. “But it actually helped me stay centered,” he says. “It kept me from biting her.” He’s not one for forcing his lovers. I personally love a good fight, but he and Basil aren’t like that. Despite their hard exteriors outside of our home, they’re very kind souls. The complete opposite of me.

“She’s done very well today,” Basil says, trying to comfort our pack alpha. “And she’s only going to get better as time goes on.”

“I know.” Killian nods, and Jeremy lets out a bubbly laugh on the other side of the bedroom door. The vibrant sound makes Killian smile. “Alright. Let’s get back in there.”

“You go.” I place my hand on Basil’s shoulder. “I need to borrow Basil for a minute.”

“Okay.” Killian pats my back. “Don’t be too long. I want the whole pack to spend the evening with Beth.”

I promise to be quick, waiting for the bedroom door to close.

The second it clicks shut, Basil turns to me. “What?—”

I crash my mouth to his, slamming his firm body against the opposite wall. There’s a moment of shock where Basil doesn’t react, but then I push my hips against his, and the alpha springs to life.

“Yes,” Basil growls softly, before grabbing my face with both hands. He holds me to him, kissing me hard and deep. His tongue twists with mine, and his hands roam, moving down my chest and around my waist. “Tristan,” he snarls into my mouth. “We shouldn’t…” He trails off, not doing a damn thing to stop himself. “Beth might find us.”

“Shut up.” I palm the front of his pants, feeling that big, beautiful cock. While I don’t know what’s going on inside his head, I do know he needs a release, and nothing relaxes me faster than getting off. “Move your ass.” I take his hand in mine, forcing him down the hallway.

We reach Basil’s bedroom first. I shove the sexy alpha inside, then slam the door behind us.

“We can’t do this,” Basil says as I stalk toward him, but he doesn’t back up. He stays planted in place, challenging me head-on. “We all agreed?—”

“We agreed to not overwhelm our omega by fucking like animals all over the house,” I repeat the conversation we all had before we left for the Morder. “We’re not all over the house right now.” I gesture around his tidy room. The bed is perfectly made, the dresser is clear of any clutter, and the floors are spotless. The man lives like a monk. “We’re being discreet.”

Basil’s expressive eyes narrow, and I can see the argument forming in his mind. He wants to be good and proper—and he normally is good and proper—but right now he’s too riled up. Too horny. Too hard.

And I plan on taking advantage of that.

“You know you want it.” I push into his space, bumping my chest against his.

Basil sucks in a harsh breath, my aggression feeding into his. I need to make him mindless with desire. Aggressive. Desperate . Then we can both get off.

“Give in, Basil,” I growl, shoving him backward. He stumbles, catching himself before he can fall.

“What the fuck?” His eyes narrow into slits and his fists curl tight.

“Stop trying to be such a good boy,” I tease.

For a moment, it looks like the alpha might hit me. And the thought is a massive turn-on. Basil is one hell of a fighter, scrappy and fast. Back when we were younger, we’d brawl on occasion. Basil would hand my ass to me, then we’d fuck for hours while Killian watched.

I sometimes miss those days.

“Basil,” I drop my voice to a steady rumble. “What’s it going to be, alpha?”

“We need lube.” Basil turns and marches to his bathroom, and I quickly follow.

I need him now .

Basil grabs the tiny bottle of lube out from under the sink, but before he can turn around, I slam into him, forcing the tops of his muscular thighs to push into the bathroom counter.

“Fuck, you’re irresistible,” I growl in his ear as I slip my hands around to his chest, then down to his waistband. “I want to be buried in that perfect ass.” I push into his sweats feeling the full length of his cock. He’s so turned on. Sticky pre-cum drips from the tip, coating my fingers. “But what do you need, Basil?” I look at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, but he’s too busy watching me jerk him off. “Do you need to be fucked, or do you want to do the fucking?”

Basil’s head snaps up, looking at my reflection in disbelief.

While I’m not against being topped, it’s not something we normally do. Basil is a power bottom. He likes straddling me on the bed, and taking what he wants while I lie there like a fucking sexy toy, giving him what he needs. I love it so damn much.

But I have a feeling he needs more than that today.

“I want you to bottom.” Basil nods, the motion jerky. Almost frantic. “I need to fuck you,” he growls, then moves. He spins with impressive speed, shoving me forward and forcing me to take his place. Before I know it, my legs are digging into the bathroom counter and his groin is pressed against my ass.

I moan when he tugs my shorts down my legs, freeing my cock. “That’s right, alpha.” I spread my legs, bracing myself. I hold his gaze in the mirror. “Take what you need, Basil. Own me.”

But he already looks ready to dominate the shit out of me, and I can’t fucking wait.

A warm hand slips between my legs, cupping my balls. Followed by Basil’s face, pressed between my cheeks. He licks me, lapping the full length of my crease. Closing my eyes, I try to relax, enjoying the pleasure swirling inside me, but it’s difficult. The drive to dominate is fucking strong.

Basil’s hands disappear from my body and the bottle of lube pops open. I stare in the mirror watching his expression as he positions his cock against my hole. With one powerful snap of his hips, he thrusts into my body, and his eyes float closed.

“Fuck,” Basil moans deep in his chest. “So tight.”

I grunt, trying not to rip him off of me and rut him against the cold tile floor. This position is just too foreign for me. Too vulnerable. I can’t help but tense as Basil thrusts, curling my fists tight.

“Fuck me harder,” I command the alpha, trying to rile him up. “Make me come.”

Basil’s snarls at my reflection and his teeth flash. His alpha instincts tell him to fight against my shitty tone. While alphas can and do live together as loving mates, we’re only programmed to take orders from one alpha—Killian.

“Do you want to come?” Basil pants, fucking into me so hard my thighs shove into the countertop. I’m sure I’ll bruise later.

“Yes,” I snarl, loving the flush that’s darkening his cheeks.

“Give me that cock.” Basil reaches around my body, fisting my shaft. He tugs me in time with his thrusts, and heat crawls up my thighs.

“That's it.” I close my eyes, trying to concentrate on the pressure building inside me. “More,” I demand when he begins twisting his hand with each pump.

It’s all so much. His hand on my cock, his dick in my ass, his breath on my neck.

“I’m going to come,” I warn, curling my fingers around the lip of the counter.

“Me too,” Basil grunts, and his cock twitches.

Heat flashes up the back of my legs and my balls draw up.

In a rush of sensation, Basil empties his orgasm inside me, right as my own pleasure explodes. I come with a strangled growl, thick ropes of white splattering the bathroom sink, and spilling all over Basil’s hand.

We stay like that for a few minutes, my head down and Basil’s cock buried deep inside me, both of us enjoying the quiet afterglow of sex.

“Tristan?” Basil’s words are slightly muffled, his cheek resting on my shoulder.

“Yeah?” I pant, trying to catch my breath.

“How did you know?”

I open my eyes, staring at the mess covering the sink. Cum even drips from the faucet. “Know what?”

“That I needed this?” Basil’s tone is softer. Maybe even embarrassed.

I lift my head, looking at the alpha in the mirror. He doesn't look sad or upset. Just tired. “You seemed tense,” I answer honestly. “Everything okay?”

He nods but I'm not sure I believe him. “I’m just worried about Beth,” he finally says.

“Don’t be,” I turn, forcing Basil’s cock to slip out of me. Warm fluid pours from my ass, dripping down the back of my thighs. “Beth is strong.” I face my sweet alpha. “That much is obvious.” I glance at the mark on my arm. It’s completely healed, the pink mark cutting through one of my swirling tattoos. “I think the little shit would have stuck me in the neck if she could have reached.”

Basil snorts, making me relax a little. He looks happier, a genuine smile in place. “Thank you.” He wraps his arms around me.

“For what?” I ask as I push my nose into his soft, trim curls. He smells so good. So fresh.

“For being you.” Basil looks up and kisses me once. “You’re always so…” he rolls his eyes upward, thinking, “confident.” He nods as if approving of his choice of words. “You have a way of convincing me that everything will be okay.”

I got no clue what to say to that. I always thought it was pretty obvious that I have no idea what I’m doing half the time, but it’s a nice thing for my mate to say.

“Come on.” I pat his hip, squeezing his firm muscles. “Let’s get cleaned up before someone catches us.”

Basil balks, making a face at me. “Oh, now you’re worried about getting caught.”

“Maybe.” I grab a towel off the rack next to the sink, wiping the cum off my stomach and groin. “Or maybe we should step into that shower and see if we can draw some attention instead.”

Basils’ eyes narrow, not amused. “Not happening,” he says firmly. “It’s our night to make dinner.” He slaps my ass as he passes. “Put your pants on and let's go.”