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"He's been like this all day," Nicolaus observed, following my gaze to Julian's pacing figure. "Miles had to physically restrain him from buying out the entire omega comfort section at three different stores."

I laughed, feeling warmth spread through my chest at their dedication. "They're all being so sweet about this."

"We want everything to be perfect for you," Nicolaus said simply, turning off the engine. "Your first heat with us... it's important."

Before I could respond, the front door burst open and Julian strode out, his face lighting up at the sight of me. In three long strides, he was at the car, opening my door before Nicolaus could even unfasten his seatbelt.

"You're back," Julian said, his voice warm with relief as he helped me from the car. His hands lingered on my waist, drawing me close as he inhaled deeply. "How was painting with Lydia?"

"It was wonderful," I said, leaning into his embrace. "Though I think my artistic talents are still questionable at best."

Julian chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I'm sure you're being too hard on yourself. You always are."

As we walked toward the house, Julian's arm remained firmly around my waist, his thumb rubbing gentle circles against my hip. I could feel the subtle tension in his muscles, the way his alpha instincts were heightened by whatever changes my body was going through.

"The new pillows arrived," Julian said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide his excitement. "I set them up in the living room nest, but if you don't like the arrangement, I can—"

"Julian," I interrupted gently, stopping to face him. "Breathe. Whatever you've prepared will be perfect."

He exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I just want you to be comfortable. This is important, and I—"

"We," Nicolaus corrected, joining us at the front door. "We want you to be comfortable."

Inside, the house smelled like Christopher's cooking mixed with something else…

something warmer, more inviting. I realized they'd been subtly preparing the whole house for days now, infusing it with their combined scents to create an environment that would make my omega instincts feel safe and protected during.

Miles appeared from the hallway, his face lighting up when he saw me. "There she is," he said, crossing the room to press a kiss to my lips. "We missed you."

"I was only gone for three hours," I laughed, leaning into his touch as his fingers traced the marks on my neck, making them tingle pleasantly.

"Three hours too long," he murmured against my ear. "Especially now."

Christopher called from the kitchen, "Is that our mate I hear?"

I moved toward his voice, the others following close behind. Christopher stood at the stove, stirring something that smelled divine. When he saw me, he set down his spoon and opened his arms.

"Come here," he said, a smile on his face as he looked at me. I walked into Christopher's embrace, feeling his strong arms wrap around me, his warmth enveloping me completely. He pressed his face against my hair, inhaling deeply.

"Your scent is changing more," he murmured, his voice vibrating against my temple. "Sweeter. Riper."

I felt my cheeks flush. "Is it that noticeable?

" The other three alphas moved closer, creating a protective circle around us.

Julian's hand settled on my lower back, Miles leaned against the counter beside us, and Nicolaus observed with that intense focus that always made my omega instincts flutter.

"To us? Absolutely," Miles said, his voice dropping to that husky register that sent shivers down my spine. "To others? Not yet. But soon."

Christopher reluctantly released me to return to his cooking, though his eyes lingered on me as I settled at the kitchen island, watching him work. His movements were fluid and confident as he added herbs to whatever was simmering on the stove.

"I made your favorite," Christopher said, stirring the pot. "Creamy lemon pasta with extra garlic bread."

"And a salad you'll barely touch," Miles added with a teasing smile, sliding onto the stool beside me.

I laughed, leaning against his shoulder. "I might surprise you and eat some vegetables tonight."

"Miracles do happen," Nicolaus commented dryly, though his eyes held that spark of humor I'd come to recognize.

Julian moved restlessly around the kitchen, straightening things that didn't need straightening, opening the refrigerator only to close it again without taking anything out.

His nervous energy was palpable, making me smile fondly.

"Julian," I said softly, "come sit with me." He paused in his restless movement, his green eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. Without hesitation, he crossed to where I sat and settled on the stool on my other side, his large hand immediately finding my thigh.

"Better?" I asked, covering his hand with mine.

"Much," he admitted, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "I know I'm being ridiculous. It's just... the waiting is driving me crazy."

Christopher glanced over from the stove, his expression understanding. "We're all feeling it. Your scent is triggering our alpha instincts in ways we haven't experienced before."

"Because it's my first heat with you," I said, the realization dawning. "Your bodies are responding to mine preparing."

"Exactly," Nicolaus confirmed, his analytical mind already working through the implications. "Our biology is hardwired to protect.”

"And provide," Miles added, his hand finding the small of my back. "The urge to ensure you have everything you need is... overwhelming."

I looked around at the four men who had become my world, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "You've already given me everything I need. You've all been so attentive these past weeks."

"We can be more attentive," Julian said, his voice dropping to that husky register that made my omega instincts stir. His fingers traced idle patterns on my thigh, the touch seemingly absent-minded but deliberate enough to make my skin warm beneath my jeans.

"I certainly won't complain about that," I replied, feeling warmth spread through me at Julian's touch. His fingers continued their teasing patterns, each circle moving slightly higher on my thigh.

“None of that when dinner is about to be ready,” Christopher muttered, his own eyes having darkened as well. Julian grinned unrepentantly but withdrew his hand, though not before giving my thigh one last squeeze.

"Just a preview," he murmured close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

"Dinner's ready," Christopher announced, saving me from having to formulate a coherent response with my pulse racing. He began plating the pasta, the creamy sauce glistening under the kitchen lights.

As we moved to the dining table, I noticed how all four alphas positioned themselves around me—Julian pulling out my chair, Miles making sure my water glass was filled, Nicolaus placing a warm bread basket within easy reach, and Christopher serving me first with careful attention.

Their coordinated movements felt like a dance they'd perfected, each anticipating the others' actions while focusing entirely on my comfort.

"This looks amazing," I said as Christopher finished serving everyone.

The pasta smelled divine, rich with garlic and lemon, the bread warm and inviting.

As we began to eat, I noticed all four alphas watching me with varying degrees of intensity.

Even during a simple dinner, their protective instincts were on high alert.

"You're all staring," I said, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Sorry," Miles said with a sheepish grin, though he didn't actually look away. "It's hard not to."

"Your scent is particularly enticing tonight," Nicolaus explained, his analytical mind always seeking to clarify. "More pronounced than this morning."

I took a bite of pasta, savoring the creamy texture before responding. "Dr. Chen said it could fluctuate as my body prepares."

Christopher nodded, his eyes warm as he watched me enjoy his cooking. "She also mentioned that your appetite might increase. Are you feeling hungrier than usual?"

I considered his question, realizing I had been hungrier lately. "Actually, yes. I've been snacking more between meals, and I finished all my lunch today instead of saving half for later."

"That's normal," Julian said, his voice carrying that note of satisfaction that always appeared when he felt he was taking proper care of me. "Your body is building energy reserves."

Miles leaned forward slightly, his expression curious. "Any other changes? Mood shifts, energy levels?"

I paused with my fork halfway to my mouth, thinking. "I've been more... restless, I guess. Like, I can't quite get comfortable. And I've been rearranging the nest in the living room almost daily."

All four alphas exchanged glances, and I caught the subtle communication passing between them.

"What?" I asked, setting down my fork. "What does that mean?"

"It means your nesting instincts are kicking in," Christopher explained gently, his voice taking on that soothing tone he used when he sensed I was getting anxious. "Your body is preparing the space where you'll feel safest during your heat."

"Which is why I keep buying nesting supplies," Julian added, looking slightly embarrassed. "My alpha instincts are responding to yours. When I see something soft or comfortable, I immediately think of you needing it."

I felt a flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach. "How much longer do you think?"

Nicolaus tilted his head, considering. "Based on the progression of your scent changes and behavioral shifts, I'd estimate within the next week. Possibly sooner."

"Days, not weeks," Miles agreed, his hand finding mine across the table. "Your body is moving faster now that it's off the suppressants and bonded to Alphas.”

I squeezed his hand, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness flutter through me. "I keep thinking I should be more scared, but I'm not. I'm actually looking forward to it."

"That's because you're with the right alphas," Christopher said, his voice warm with affection. "Your omega instincts recognize that you're safe with us."

Julian's eyes darkened slightly. "We'll take good care of you. I promise."

"All of us will," Nicolaus added, his analytical tone softened by genuine emotion. "We've researched extensively, consulted with Dr. Chen, and prepared everything we can think of."

I smiled, feeling the bonds between us pulse with warmth and reassurance. "I know you will. I trust you completely."

The weight of that statement settled over the table, and I could feel the bonds between us pulse with emotion. Three months ago, I never could have imagined feeling this secure, this cherished.

"More pasta?" Christopher asked, already reaching for the serving spoon.

I nodded feeling more hungry than before, but knew that it was for more than just food.

I quickly pushed those thoughts away, I would get plenty of that in the next week once my heat hit.

I quickly took a bite of my food seeing the look Christopher gave me.

The conversation continued through dinner, touching on lighter topics—my painting progress, their work projects, and I couldn’t be happier.

I was right where I was supposed to be, and I couldn’t wait to see what else happened in the future with these four men.

With these four Alphas that I love and adore.