Copyright © 2025 by Veronica Samek

Published by Veronica Samek

Edited by Emma Collins

Cover Design by Anna Kvasnevska

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Intro To The Omegaverse

This book is a Why Choose cozy Omegaverse novel. Though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone with a beginning, middle, and guaranteed Happily Ever After (HEA). While every omegaverse novel can have its own set of rules, some themes can affect the story. Below is a synopsis of the rules in this novel.

In the omegaverse, people have evolved into three physical designations: alphas, betas, and omegas. These designations determine biological characteristics and personality traits. Alphas are physically taller and the most dominant. They have a knot at the base of their penis to claim an omega with. They also have the ability to bark, which is a command that less dominant alphas, betas, and omegas are forced to obey. Betas are the most like everyday humans. Omegas are physically smaller than alphas but can be the same size as betas. They’re the rarest designation. They give off a perfume when physically attracted to alphas. Their physiology forces them to go into heat every six months, at which time they need alphas to help them through the physical pain that can come with heats. Mini heats can also occur when omegas find their mates, and alphas can help with the pain. Scent marking is when one person purposely leaves their scent on another, claiming them.

A scent match means high compatibility between an omega and an alpha or several alphas. However, a scent-sensitive match means that compatibility is basically one hundred percent. Scent-sensitive matches are rare. Bonding between an omega and a pack is when the alphas each bite the omega, and then the omega bites them back, forming a psychic link between the pack. A pack can comprise many alphas and betas but only one omega.

Now that you have the basics, I hope you enjoy A Pack of Cozy!

Calliope

Snow dances playfully against the expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows of the Lakeside Point Public Library. Through the swirling snowflakes, I can just glimpse the warm glow of the Lakeside Point Lighthouse. Its beam cutting through the darkness, guiding the Lake Michigan freighters drifting in the night.

I switch off the lights. Should I close the Library tomorrow? Is it a safety hazard? I'd contacted the board half an hour ago, and was nearly laughed off the line. Closing for near-apocalyptic snow is not an option in the Leelanau Peninsula of northern Michigan. I was assured we'd be closed from October to May if the Library was closed for snow.

"May? There's snow in May?" I'd asked.

"Sometimes," was the reply, and the line went dead.

When I'd taken this job, I hadn't considered the snow, the severely understaffed library, or the long drive to the grocery store in the next large town over. All I'd been focused on was escaping my old life. Lakeside Point was my first job offer.

Trying to cover myself and my items from the snow, get to my car quickly, and not fall on my ass is a struggle that makes me seriously reconsider every decision that led me here. I bundle in and immediately turn on the car, cranking up the heat. I'm halfway through town before any actual warmth starts pouring out.

The town is charming, with adorable houses turned shops lining the streets on both sides. Delicate white string lights crisscross from lamppost to lamppost, twinkling softly.

As I drive to the end of the street, the view opens to a beach, where the icy waters are obscured by the pelting snow. I take a left off Main Street, and the first stretch is paved, but then the car jumps, and I know I've left the warm embrace of downtown for the more rugged parts of the Peninsula. Houses just off the main thoroughfare soon get lost in trees as the community blends into the forest. I only know there's a house at all because of the signs at the end of the drives.

The dirt road gets rougher and a thick layer of snow covers everything. I feel nothing but jumping and jostling. Keeping myself from smacking my face against my car window is a chore. Then the jumping stops, and so does the car. I press the gas pedal. The wheels turn. I can feel them turn. But the car stays firmly in place.

"No," I beg as I hit the gas again. Nothing.

I take a deep breath, trying to cling to the warmth of the car for just a moment longer. But the second I open the door, the icy air blasts in, whipping away every bit of heat. I'm tempted to slam the door shut, but the thought of freezing to death in a car isn't exactly appealing. So, with a heavy sigh, I step into the snow, which is already up to my ankles, and trudge around to the back of the car.

The tires have sunk deeply into the snow, which has compacted into ice. I can't figure out how to get the car out without digging or pushing while revving the engine. Unfortunately, I don't have a shovel in my car, and pushing and driving simultaneously isn't possible.

Can I dig with my hands? I don't even have any gloves in the car. I curse my total unpreparedness. If I walk back to town, will anyone be around to help me? I hadn't seen a single light on in any of the storefronts. Where is the nearest house? Had I seen a drive back up through the trees? I have no idea. I've only been in town for a week, and I'd spent three days unpacking in my new rental home and four working at the Library.

I pull out my cell phone, but there's no reception. The Peninsula only has spotty service, and I feel increasingly isolated. The WiFi at the local café is the only guaranteed connection in town, but it feels miles away in this wilderness. Just as I gather the courage to start walking back, a set of headlights suddenly cuts through the dark, twisting around the bend in the road. I press myself against the side of my car, my heart racing, feeling an unsettling mix of relief and anxiousness. Is this how serial killers got their victims? If this was a movie or a horror novel, it definitely would be. Maybe killers spend all day waiting for cars to break down in the forest.

The car stops just behind mine, and the door swings open. I squint into the blinding headlights, trying to see who it is. A tall man with tousled hair steps out from the car and approaches. As he gets closer, the warm glow inside my car lights up his features.

Snow sticks in his fiery hair. He has a sharp jawline and green eyes that nearly glow in the light from the interior of my car. A long winter coat hides his body, but I see broad shoulders. I can tell he's an alpha just from his size, even though I can't scent him. The extreme cold cuts off our scents, but all alphas are generally around six feet tall or more. He can't scent me either in this cold, but based on my shorter stature at five-two, he knows I'm either a beta or an omega. He probably won't ask. Asking someone's status outright is considered rude in personal settings. That doesn't mean it isn't a question on every job application I fill out. Thankfully, Lakeside Point is considered an inclusive community. They have one of the highest rates of omega employment in Michigan.

The alpha's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Hey! Are you ok?"

He doesn't look like a serial killer.

"I think I'm stuck," I admit.

"Yeah, these roads suck, hang on." He moves around to the back of his car and returns with a shovel. Some of my wariness of him must show on my face because he carefully scoots around on the opposite side of my car from me and begins digging out the front tires. I don't know what to do with myself. I should help, but short of scooping snow out with my bare hands, I can't.

"Are you new around here?" he asks.

"Yeah, how can you tell?"

"This time of year, locals never go anywhere without a shovel and some cat litter," he says.

I scrunch up my face.

"Cat litter?" He finishes with the tires and goes to his car's trunk. Sure enough, he returns with a medium-sized bag of cat litter. He pours the stuff in front of all four tires.

"It creates better traction," He explains. "If you want to get in the car, you can ease the tires, and I'll push from back here."

It only takes a few minutes, and the car comes right out.

"Thank you so much!" I step out of the car to smile at him.

"I'm Connor," he says. His smile is a crooked thing of beauty, almost shy.

"I'm Calliope, but everyone calls me Cali. I'm the new librarian."

"You took over Moon Cottage?" he asks.

I freeze. Is he a stalker? Maybe my paranoia about serial killers wasn't paranoia.

Connor seems to sense my unease and quickly adds, "The previous librarian, Agnes, rented moon cottage. There aren't a lot of rentals in town this time of year. The snow birds are gone, and the tourist season is passed so it was a guess. Agnes just retired and left to travel the world."

I feel myself relax a little.

"Yeah, I just moved in last week. I've been unpacking a lot, so I haven't had time to explore the town."

"My pack and I live just a little ways up from the cottage. We're the house just before yours on the left."

Now that we've talked a little my anxiousness from earlier has started to melt away. Something in me tugs to the surface and I want to ask him more questions but a gale of snowy, freezing wind and snow reminds me that I'm close to shivering to death.

"It was nice meeting you. Since we're going the same way, I'll drive behind you until my turn to ensure you don't get stuck again." I agree and get back into my car.

He follows me, but after a few minutes turns off to the left on an obscure dirt lane. Technically, it's close enough to be my nearest neighbor, but it isn't as close as the suburban houses I'm used to. It's at least a twenty minute walk to the lane, and who knows how long the lane was before I would get to his house. In the snow, it would be even longer. Not that I'm thinking of visiting the handsome alpha at his house. Nope. Not me.

I drive and, thankfully, don't get stuck again. My side lane is to the right. Finally, I pull up in front of Moon Cottage. It's a little white cottage, just big enough for one person, with a porch. Struggling through the snow I'm dreading shoveling tomorrow, make it to my front door.

A small, beeping alarm rings from a thermostat near the door. I quickly check the gauge for the outdoor wood boiler and groan. It's below ideal temp. The landlord, a surly man with a gut and a scraggly beard, had explained how the outdoor wood boiler worked. Something about pipes and water. The only part I need to remember is that when the alarm sounds, that's my sign to add more wood to the furnace…which is around the back of the house…outside.

I plunge back into the storm, with the wind howling and snow pelting against me. I make my way to the side of the house, where wood is stacked under an overhang and covered with a tarp. I select a few logs, their rough texture scraping against my coat, and carefully approach the chrome furnace while snow drifts underfoot.

As I open the furnace, a wave of heat washes over me, enveloping me in comforting warmth. I carefully feed in the logs. They crackle and pop before I close the door. After grabbing a few more logs from the pile, I quickly shuffle back into the cottage, the snowflakes clinging to my clothes.

The inside is cold and dark, but I know it'll quickly warm up. I flip on the light. The walls, adorned with white shiplap, feel inviting and bright. The kitchen is to the left. Copper pots and pans hang cheerfully on one wall. The white farmhouse sink gleams and the wooden slab countertop gives the room a rustic touch, while the light blue cupboards add a splash of color.

Next to the kitchen is a cozy half bath with an attractive, yellow door. The living room and breakfast nook combo are to my right, featuring a bay window overlooking the forest. An older, wooden round table is closest to the front door. An overstuffed couch with floral patterns faces a cold fireplace ornamenting the main wall. All the furniture came with the cottage. Which was convenient since I hadn't had any furniture to bring with me. Past the fireplace on the left is a set of stairs that leads to my loft bedroom and combination nest.

Nesting is one of the few omega instincts I genuinely enjoy. Heavier scent? No. Weaker than other designations? No. The need to eat carbs every day? While enjoyable, I wished I could stop. But nesting? I like that. I'd created a soft place to sleep featuring pillows, blankets, books, and more. I'm fiercely protective of it, as any omega would be. Despite my short time here, the place feels like a warm hug whenever I come back to it.

I climb the stairs with the wood from the porch balanced in my arms. The loft ceiling slopes gracefully on both sides, creating a charming, barn-like feel. The light forest green paint adorning the ceiling and door adds a soothing touch. Built-in bookshelves, brimming with cherished titles, frame the door leading to the master bathroom, where a vintage claw-foot tub and a quaint pedestal sink await. Perfect for long, relaxing soaks.

A window looks out onto the woods. Outside, the world is wrapped in darkness, but I feel safe and snug inside. Across the tops of the trees, I can see the light from the lighthouse sweeping across. The snow fall sparkles as the light hits it over and over again in a slow rhythm. My small bedroom is the perfect place to unwind, a haven against the chill, where I can curl up with a book.

A squat black stove fireplace is nestled in the corner near the built-in bookshelves. I gently place the two logs within, and add a few crumpled pages of old newspaper I keep in a basket near the stove. Striking a match, I ignite the newspaper with a merry crackle. As I close the stove door, the flames dance joyfully, casting a soft, flickering glow that warms the small room. Shadows play on the walls, creating a serene atmosphere.

The fire makes me think of Connor and his gorgeous hair. His sharp jaw and sharper green eyes have my eyes fluttering closed. Get it together, I internally chastise my omega. I just got over a break-up. I'm not looking to jump into another. I flop myself into the queen-sized bed I made into my nest.

The built-in bookshelves are overflowing. Not only are the shelves packed tight, but stacks spill over in various corners. The chaos makes the place feel like home

I spot one of my favorite rereads peeking out from a pile as I glance around. With a tug, I liberate it, letting a few books topple over. I settle into my nest. The soft light from the crackling fire casts a warm glow. Connor's face lingers in my thoughts, but I push it away. Eventually, the words on the page blur, and I drift off to sleep, his face fading into the gentle embrace of my dreams.

Connor

I pull up to my packhouse, feeling dazed and uneasy. My mind races as I process the whirlwind of emotions that engulf me. Cali had been an unexpected detour tonight. When I first looked at her, an uncanny familiarity tugged at the edges of my mind. Her beautiful auburn hair fell under her winter hat in soft, enchanting waves cascading down to her shoulders. Her hazel eyes held a swirling blend of colors that drew me in deep. Her button nose crinkled with the faintest hint of a smile. I hadn't detected a scent, so she might be a beta, but the cold made it impossible to tell. I would remember if I'd met her before.

The house I share with my pack is still lit up inside. I can see the guys sitting in the living room window on the sectional leather couch. Clearly, they're watching the game. From the raucous yells and cheers, I imagine the Fangs won against the Pilgrims. I'd like to go in and enjoy the game with them but Cali's all I can think about. I have to mentally push my mixed thoughts about her to the side. I'm still struggling as I head inside.

.

Calliope

At the heart of this little lakeside town is Evergreen's Café. It's located on the first floor of a two-story house. The inside is all carved wood and shiplap. When I walk through the door, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. My drink of choice is a large mocha frappuccino. It's the perfect drink, soothing and fragrant on a cold winter morning. The honey cakes they sell are heavenly. Their sweetness is a gentle hug in the morning. Sunlight filters through the windows, casting a soft glow on the rustic wooden tables.

My phone buzzes while I'm in line.

Mom:

Cali we need to talk.

I pocket the phone. I'd deal with that later…maybe.

At the counter I order a mocha frappuccino. It cannot come fast enough. I need all the caffeine I can get today. Throughout the night, I'd had strange dreams about the man I met in the snowstorm and his bright green eyes. I feel more tired than when I fell asleep. I finally get my drink and as I'm leaving, I hear someone call my name.

Clara, the waitress, waves me over to a table where several other women are seated. I met Clara the day before when I came in to check out the menu. After realizing I was new in town and not just an out-of-season tourist, she chatted with me for a while.

I hesitate. Meeting new people has always been extremely awkward for me. My smile feels forced, and my eyes dart around as if searching for an escape. Everything about me feels so stiff and awkward. But Clara's gaze is filled with such genuine excitement that, despite my nerves, I find myself slowly loosening up enough to accept the chair she offers.

To my surprise, Clara does a little happy clap. She's a petite omega with hair dyed in an ombre style-light, almost white lavender at the top, moving into a dark, almost black purple at the bottom. Her hair falls to her mid-back, she has a button nose and olive skin. She wears a long-sleeve dress and leggings that don't look warm enough for the chilly weather outside. Her omega scent is that of the perfect warm apple pie. Apples and butter and dough.

"I'm so glad you're here, Cali. I wanted you to meet some of the other girls from town," Clara says, gesturing to the three other women at the table.

"This is Winnie," Clara continues, smiling warmly as she points to a woman about my age. Winnie has beautiful black skin and wide brown eyes. Her thick, curly black hair is pulled into two pom poms. The light, delightful scent of lilacs wafts from her side of the table, giving her away as another omega.

"She owns Dandy Stuff, the best little gift shop on the Peninsula, especially during tourist season," Clara says.

Winnie glances around as if to downplay Clara's high praise. "In the cold months, I sell general store items. If you need light bulbs, matches, or most everyday items, you can stop by instead of trekking it to Suttons Bay."

"That's good to know. So I wont have to die in a snowstorm getting tape?" I joke and everyone chuckles. The fact that I can't get delivery for my essentials is frustrating enough without having to drive forty minutes away in the snow.

"This is Sunny," Clara continues, pointing to a woman sitting to Winnie's right. Sunny is a few years younger than me—probably around twenty-five. She embodies sunshine, with golden blonde hair and ivory skin that looks sun-kissed, as if she always carries a bit of summer. Her bright eyes crinkle at the corners as she flashes a slight smile. The scent surrounding Sunny is warm nectar and tea. She's definitely another omega.

"Sunny runs the local apiary, where the Café sources all its fresh local honey for its cakes and sweets," Clara explains.

"And this is Rose. She moved here about six months ago."

Rose's scent is nonexistent, marking her as a beta. Betas fall between alphas and omegas. They neither excrete scents and pheromones nor exhibit the personality traits of omegas, but they aren't usually over six feet tall and broad like alphas. They're often chosen for hiring positions over omegas because they don't experience heats and don't produce scents, which can distract nearby alphas. As though our status is our fault. While this isn't as prevalent in Lakeside Point, it is a significant issue where I come from.

Rose looks up from her phone and gives a jaunty little wave. She has thick brown hair that cascades around her shoulders and curves for days.

"Hi," I say, trying to smile but failing to hide the bright red blush creeping up my face from all the eyes looking at me. Rose returns to her phone screen.

Clara rolls her eyes. "Don't mind her phone. Rose works in social media marketing, so that thing is practically glued to her hand."

"We just wanted to make sure you recognized some more faces around town," Clara says. "It's good to have friends when starting in a new place."

Friends? Did she just call me a friend? I don't mean to sound pathetic, but I've never had many friends. After I was revealed as an omega at eighteen during the mandatory government testing, all of my non-omega friends from high school suddenly found they couldn't hang out with me as much. Basically, they all disappeared. Omegas make up a statistically smaller population than alphas and betas. Most people hang out with others from their designation, making inter-designation friendships difficult.

After losing all my friends, I stopped putting much effort into building relationships. My first real friend after my designation was Nick, but that ended badly. He was the main reason I left my hometown. Since then, I'd primarily relied on work and books for companionship.

"Thanks," I say, unsure of what else to add. This is nice of them, but they can't actually mean—

"We have a book club that meets every month. We get together at someone's house and discuss what we read." Clara is looking at me hopefully.

"Well, we try to talk about the book," Winnie chimes in. "But out of the four hours we usually get together, about twenty minutes are dedicated to the book. The rest is spent venting, gossiping, and enjoying food."

"And wine!" Sunny adds, her smile widening.

"The point is," Clara continues, clearly trying to keep the conversation on track, "if you'd like to join us, the next meeting is on Saturday. It's at my apartment, which happens to be above this coffee shop. One of the owners is my cousin, so I get a good deal on rent. The Book Club meets at six and usually goes until about ten."

Four sets of eyes look at me expectantly. I'm speechless. My silence must stretch a bit too long because Winnie interjects, clearly sensing my anxiety and trying to ease it.

"Of course, if you're busy, you don't have to—"

"I'd love to!" I cut her off a little too eagerly. Her eyes widen, but she offers a small half-smile.

"Great!" Clara gushes, oblivious.

"You won't need to bring anything since it's your first time," Winnie assures me.

"The book we're reading is The Kraken's Omega," Clara says. "It's my pick."

"But if you can't finish it by next Saturday, we'll understand," Winnie adds. Clara makes an incredulous face. Clearly, she won't understand if I don't finish. I thank them all and assure them I'll see them on Saturday. It's Tuesday, and my week isn't as gloomy as before I entered the Café.

As I head out the door, I realize I don't have time to stop by the lake to eat the rest of my honey cake. Talking with the girls had taken up all my usual morning time. But I find I'm not bothered. The morning went well in other ways. So, I walk up the street to the Library and slip in through the side entrance to start my day.

Calliope

It's been the kind of week that makes me truly appreciate my job. We hosted a vibrant book club for middle-school-aged children who'd selected Anne of Green Gables. Watching them discuss one of my favorite childhood reads with such enthusiasm filled my heart with joy, and reminded me that the world can be a delightful place sometimes. We received generous book donations, allowing us to expand certain sections and replace worn-out books barely held together with tape and dreams. A knitting group that meets in our conference room surprised me with a beautifully crafted multicolored scarf as a welcoming gift for being the new librarian. I couldn't help but tear up a little at their thoughtfulness.

To top off a truly fantastic week, Saturday has arrived, and it's my first book club meeting at Clara's tonight. I've just finished The Kraken's Omega. I listened to part of it as an audiobook while at the Café, and the barista handed me my drink during a particularly steamy scene involving Kraken alphas, their tentacles, and their omega. I'm sure I turned bright red before scurrying away as fast as possible.

Everything's going well until midday, when Tyler, the assistant librarian and a beta, approaches me with a shaken expression. He leads me back to one of the stacks where books are piled on the ground. As I approach, I realize they've all been vandalized with thick black marker and pages have been torn out. As I sift through them, I discover that each one is considered "controversial" in certain political circles. But really, they're just beautiful stories of diversity. It hurts my heart that someone feels the need to take away the community's access to stories simply because they themselves don't want to read them. We don't have security cameras, and we might need them. Although I'd rather spend the funds acquiring more books or hosting more children's programs.

"Did you see who did this?" I ask Tyler.

"No. I think one person came in around noon, but they were wearing baggy sweatpants and a hooded sweater, so I couldn't see their face. They weren't very tall, so I don't think it was an alpha. But beyond that, I don't know." With his limited scent abilities as a beta, he wouldn't be able to tell if the person was another beta or even an omega

I nod, gather up the books, and take them back. It seems silly to cry over books, but a place I was beginning to love and care for has been invaded and vandalized. It feels like a personal attack in some ways. I call the police and report the crime. They say they'll send an officer to gather evidence.

It's my day to leave early, but I feel reluctant to go. Tyler assures me there's nothing I can do and encourages me to leave it to him. So, I gather my things and head out the door, vowing to enjoy myself at the book club and not let what's happened ruin my week.

Connor

The Lakeside Point Public Library smells like the wind before a big rainstorm. It's petrichor and lightning, and I'm drowning in its intoxicating pull. I need to find it, need to breathe it in like someone on the brink of suffocation. I bolt through the stacks, barely registering the startled looks of tutors and contemplative frowns of old men settled in their leather chairs. I desperately search for the scent that hovers just out of reach. My heart races as I push deeper into the shelves.

I stop, frustrated, and a cough behind me has me spinning around. A beta is lingering there. It's the assistant librarian, though I can't remember his name in my frenzied state. My alpha growls within me, driving me to hunt down the source of that tantalizing scent. I have to find and claim whoever it's leading me to.

I've never placed much importance on scent sensitivity. While scent matching is undeniably essential in any relationship, statistically helping to determine deeper psychological compatibility, it doesn't guarantee success. However, scent sensitivity is a rare and valued trait. Extensive scientific research has shown that over 90% of scent-sensitive matches lead to successfully bonded packs. Furthermore, every pack that bonded due to scent-sensitive matches reports higher levels of happiness and fulfillment. My pack hasn't ever sought out scent sensitivity but we've talked about what we'd do if we found it. It's such a blessing. We'd said we'd fully embrace it.

My life will forever be divided into two parts: The time before I opened the Lakeside Point Public Library doors, and after I stepped inside.

"Can I help you, Mr. Evergreen?" asks the assistant librarian. Tyler. I vaguely remember his name through the haze of scent surrounding me. I know he won't be much help. betas aren't nearly as sensitive to scents as Alphas and omegas. It's fading, indicating that whoever the omega is, they've already left.

"No," I reply, my voice trembling as I struggle to keep my composure. Desperation bubbles beneath the surface.

I storm out of the Library and head to my Jeep. I need to get back to my pack. I speed down the snow-covered back roads, taking the tree-lined curves too fast. I slide to a stop in front of my house. The Café serves only breakfast and lunch and closes at two in the afternoon. My pack is home, likely in the office, tackling extra paperwork for our other cafés scattered throughout northwestern Michigan.

I rush up the wooden porch steps, taking two at a time, my heart racing. I fling the door open, and the sound of the guys talking in the office hits me like a wave. Stomping down the hall, I burst through the door, desperation fueling my every move. Both of them look up at me, surprise etched on their faces.

Bax is alpha-tall at six foot three, lean but muscled, with a warm, umber complexion and dark brown eyes. He manages the cafés' financial matters, a job I don't envy. I'm absolute shit with numbers.

Seth is a broad wall of an alpha with a fair complexion, long sandy brown hair that he wears in a messy top knot, and a neatly trimmed beard that matches his hair color.

"What's wrong with you?" Seth asks. A small, crooked smile plays on his lips at my expense.

My breathing is heavy, both from the short run and the hit of adrenaline I'd gotten from the scent in the Library.

"I…" How do I explain what I scented? We'd talked about finding an omega. We'd each tried bringing home ones that we dated to see if they'd be a good fit. And though they'd all been lovely, they only scent-matched to one or two of us, and they had never been a scent-sensitive match to anyone. It's been proven that if an omega scent sensitively matches to one person in your pack, they'll match to every member. Something about hormones syncing amongst a pack.

So, I talk through the story slowly, detailing what happened in the Library and what it means. They're both wide-eyed by the end of my little speech. Seth's fingers are laced together behind his head while he blows a long breath at the ceiling. Bax leans forward with his elbows on his knees, fingers steepled in front of his face, and his head bowed like he's saying a silent prayer. His eyes are determined but hopeful when he looks back up at me.

Seth's face cracks into a giant goofy grin and he lets out a small whoop. I know he's the most excited of us all. He'd grown up in a large pack with two male alphas, one female alpha, two female betas, and one scent-sensitive male omega. I'd lived with him for my last few years of high school. The house was pure, chaotic happiness. We won't be that big, but he won't mind. He just wants to be in something that close-knit.

"How do we find them?" Seth asks. I stare at him.

"Well, we can probably just return to the Library tomorrow," I reply. Seth stares at me with an expression that asks if I'm too stupid to live.

"Connor, today is Saturday," Bax reminds me.

My brain blares to a halt. It'd primarily gone offline since the scent. On Sunday the Library won't be open. Of course it won't. In fairness to me, I don't go to the Library. That's Bax's place to be during his downtime. But I'd stopped because he'd needed me to get him some books, he'd put on hold, which I'd completely forgotten about in my scent haze.

"Okay, Monday," I say through gritted teeth. Going a whole day without finding out who the mystery omega is feels like agreeing to torture, but I don't have any other choice. She won't be at the Library when it's closed, and I don't have any other leads.

"Shit!" Seth is back on his computer, looking at his calendar. "That's the day we have the Gala in Traverse City."

Our various locations have been announced as closed for Monday, and we've rented out a historic building downtown for a free gala, including food, spirits, giveaways, and games for every staff member. It will be all afternoon. We've made it a luncheon so that no one is stuck driving at night. We'll be home by the end of the day on Monday, but not before the Library closes. We haven't been to the Café in the last week because of the Gala, and we won't be in until Wednesday at the earliest, with all we have to do before and after the event.

I stare at him. "So cancel it!" I practically bark, but curb it at the last minute. We don't bark at each other. Besides the fact that the command probably wouldn't work, it's considered rude at best and abusive at worst. There are many packs with one dominant alpha. Usually an older alpha with the most strength and dominance, which only increases with age. But our pack formed naturally around mutual dominance. None of us are more dominant than the others. It's rare, but it happens, kind of like scent-sensitive omegas that way.

Seth cringes. He's a people-pleaser and despises telling people no or disappointing them.

Bax quickly takes that mantle instead. "We can't, and we shouldn't even if we could. Several of our teams have arranged childcare and traveled today to make a three-day weekend out of it." I want to punch something. Bax stands up and clasps me on the shoulder. "We will find the omega. It's doubtful they go to the Library every day anyway. We'll go into town on Sunday and see if we scent her anywhere else. If not, we'll continue searching when we return from the gala."

Because this is a scent-sensitive match, as my pack, if they scent the omega they'll know.

Now, I can't hold back the crack in my voice. "What if we miss our chance? What if this omega is an out-of-season tourist, and we never scent them again?"

Bax meets my eyes. "We cannot control that. Focus on what we can control."

I nod, but the sinking pit in my stomach feels like a lead spike, twisting and turning, slicing me deeper into hopelessness. My alpha is restless, the storm of his emotions reflecting my turmoil. He wants to run, fight, and tear apart every home, hotel, and rental from here to the Upper Peninsula in search of them. And while the others seem calm, they haven't experienced the gut-wrenching urgency I have. They haven't scented the omega, and until they do, they won't understand.

What if I never find the scent again? The thought makes my heart pound. If I couldn't find the owner of that scent, I might shatter completely.

Calliope

A set of enclosed stairs leads up to the second floor of the Café's building where Clara lives. I'm relieved I didn't opt for heels with how steep the stairs are. The whole day was a whirlwind, and I couldn't decide what to wear. After work, I rushed back to my cottage, rummaging through my closet. It had been a long time since I just hung out with friends. Finally, I settled on something casual but cute, pulling on a chunky knit beige sweater over brown leggings. Still, I felt unsure about my choice. Taking a deep breath, I climb the stairs and try to shake off the anxious thoughts swirling in my mind.

The door swings open, flooding warmth out into the cold. I sigh when I realize I made the right choice fashion-wise. Clara is wearing her usual flowing dress, which looks more appropriate for a commune than a book club, but the other girls are dressed similarly to me, in sweaters and comfy pants.

Clara's apartment truly reflects her eclectic personality. The walls erupt in a riot of colors, adorned with vibrant wallpapers featuring everything from swirling galaxies to funky geometric patterns. The kitchen is a celestial realm with moon phases on the walls. In the living room, the wallpaper showcases a magnificent tapestry of wild animals—lions, peacocks, and elephants that seem to come to life.

Crystals of all shapes and sizes hang from the ceiling, catching the light and casting colorful patterns against the walls, while dream catchers sway gently from the recently opened door. Various plants thrive, adding a touch of nature to the chaos that is Clara's home. Each corner holds something unique, making the apartment feel like a whimsical treasure trove.

"I love your apartment," I tell her sincerely.

"Thanks!" She accepts the wine I offer and gestures toward the sitting area. Winnie, Rose, and Sunny are gathered around a low, round coffee table, sitting on colorful cushions that wouldn't look out of place in a yoga studio. I choose a pink cushion adorned with various symbols I don't recognize. As I try to settle onto it, I lose my balance and end up half on my back.

The other girls have the decency to pretend they're looking elsewhere. I've never been more grateful that I'm not wearing a skirt, or I'd have flashed them my daisy underwear.

"We were just getting started," Clara says as she expertly sits down and hands me a glass of the wine I brought. She places the open bottle in the center of the table, which is arranged with an assortment of cheeses, chocolates, fruit, and—to my surprise and delight—Oreos. I grab a few of them immediately, and Winnie grins at me.

"Oreos are my absolute favorite," she says.

I nod vigorously.

"We were just talking about page three hundred and eight," Clara says.

I look between them in confusion. I should've taken better notes.

However, I notice the other girls looking confused, too. Clara suddenly pulls out a copy of the book from nowhere. To my astonishment, it's filled with color-coded tabs. When she opens it, I see highlighters in various colors and notes written in the margins with different-colored pens.

Now, I love to annotate as much as anyone, but I've never seen that many tabs in my entire life. I'm wholly and thoroughly impressed, and I tell her so. Clara blushes.

"It's just a little hobby, and it helps my writing," she says.

"Writing?" I ask, intrigued. She blushes an even deeper shade of pink. Her hair is different than it was earlier in the week. The top is still a light almost white color but it now fades into pink instead of purple.

"Right now, I'm waitressing to pay the bills. But I have a few self published books out there," she confesses.

"What do you write?"

"Fantasy and romance, though not necessarily together,"

"Well, if you ever need a beta reader, I would love to read anything you've written," I offer. She beams at the suggestion.

"As a librarian, you must have thought about writing, too?" she asks.

"Oh no, I love books and adore reading, but I'm not interested in writing my own. I think it's similar to cooking—some people love to eat but don't want to cook delicious food. I just want to enjoy books and share that enjoyment with others."

Clara nods as if that makes perfect sense, and it feels good to be understood. I've always struggled to connect with people, but with this group, it feels natural.

"So," I say, trying to steer the conversation back on track, "page three hundred and eight."

"Oh yes!" Clara deftly flips to the right page and lays it on the table for all of us to read. She points at a passage highlighted in pink, which also includes the annotation "WTF?!?!" The passage reads: "Erin took his massive cock in her hands. The tips of her fingers didn't touch when she tried to grasp it in both hands."

We all look at each other. Sunny raises her hands to form an O-shape, with her fingertips slightly apart. The circle this creates is larger than her face. There's a moment of silence before we all burst out laughing.

"How big is that dick, and how is that even pleasurable? Who wants something so big it literally, not figuratively, going to rip you down there?" Clara says over our laughter.

"Gah!" Winnie yells, shaking her hands as if she's flicking the image away from her.

"I think I must have skimmed over that. Jesus," Sunny says. "This whole book was very sexy and romantic, don't get me wrong, but those parts—Fuck!"

Some of the book club is spent talking about the book, but the talk soon turns to town gossip, the Ice Festival, the alpha Mayor's new beta husband, and whether this constant snow will ever end.

Eventually, the conversation shifts to the newest celebrity hookups and omega bonding.

"Are any of you bonded?" I inquire. Many bonds are formed during omega heats. Sometimes bondings are followed by a ceremony or party. Some couples do a formal wedding but that's usually between couples and not packs. Bond marks can be visible, and certain couples and packs choose to wear rings for the occasion. However, I don't see any on these women, though that doesn't mean the bond marks aren't hidden beneath their clothing.

"No, none of us," Winnie confirms.

"Not yet." Clara winks. "How about you?"

"I was in a serious relationship before I came here, and I thought we would get married," I admit. "But it didn't work out." There's a moment of silence. I dread this part, where people try to figure out how to react or what questions to ask. The questions are the worst. To my great surprise, neither happen.

"Well, fuck him," Sunny says, causing Clara to burst out laughing. "We know you're nice, so he must have been a real jerk." I can't help but giggle.

"He really was," I confirm, taking another long sip of wine. It was something I didn't see about him until the very end.

Winnie reaches across the low table and takes my hand. "We're glad you came here." My eyes burn, and I fight back tears. I hardly know these women but they all seem too genuine to not believe in their sincerity.

"Oreo?" Rose asks, holding a small stack of two cookies. I laugh and happily take them.

The rest of the night is filled with lively gossip, wine, book recommendations, and fun. By the time I leave, we've chosen our next book. Winnie picked a nonfiction title, prompting Clara to groan. However, we agree to meet for brunch two Saturdays from now. I feel lighter than I have in... I don't even know how long.

Calliope

Sunday drifts by in a cozy haze. The snow falls gently outside, transforming the world into a serene winter wonderland. Not wanting to venture out and risk getting stuck in the fluffy white shit, I nestle into my favorite armchair by the fire. The warmth envelops me as I fill my mug with steaming tea—though it isn't as delightful as what I'd enjoy at the Evergreen Café.

I lose myself in a stack of books while enjoying the soft crackle of the fire. Pulling out my coloring book, I let the pigments flow, accompanied by the gentle sounds of pre-downloaded audiobooks wrapping around my thoughts. Despite the cottage being a bit remote, with an old-fashioned landline for emergencies, the absence of the internet is soothing. It gives my tired mind a chance to disconnect from the outside world.

On Monday, I, unfortunately, need to face the real world again.

The day is almost over, and I'm staring at a beta mother and her seven-year-old son.

The book I'm looking at is a children's picture book. A really popular one, actually. The cover shows a train driven by a monkey and all his friends. However, when I try to open the book, the pages trail strings of green goo. Every page has the stuff on it.

I take a deep breath. I've just told the mother that we have to charge her for the book, and she has the audacity to ask me why. I explain the damages, forcing myself to stay calm despite my mounting frustration.

By the time the conversation ends, she hasn't paid and stomps away, muttering something about stupid omegas not remembering their place.

It's the first aggression I've experienced since I moved, and I'll admit it rattles me. So I put a note on her account about the fee, knowing she probably won't ever come back in and pay, and then I toss the book in the trash. The Library's budget doesn't have the funds to replace it. I hope I'll find it at a secondhand shop or online thrift store.

It's been a disaster of a day. I've already dealt with an alpha woman who insisted we fax her documents, but she didn't have a number to fax them to, and no fax was listed on the website she gave us. She blamed us and stomped out. Then there was a teenage boy who didn't understand why he couldn't get an X-rated webpage up on our computers (thank god for firewalls), and then a toddler came in and took a dump in the middle of the children's section. This was discovered when the smell wafted up to the front counter. The mother left before anyone realized what had happened.

The only other employee in the Library today is Nessa, the wiry omega library page who was never seen without earbuds, listening to music so loud that I have to tap on her shoulder just to make sure she hears me.

I put my face in my hands and take a deep breath in and out through my nose to keep from screaming. Unfortunately my phone starts buzzing. The caller ID flashes my mothers name. I'm at work so I send it to voicemail.

Closing time doesn't come soon enough. When locking the Library doors, I feel like I've lived lifetimes. My stomach grumbles, and, with a sinking feeling, I suddenly realize that I'd eaten my last personal microwave meal yesterday. Tomorrow is my day off, and I plan to shop, but I have nothing to eat tonight. There are no restaurants in town besides the Café, which closes at two. The bright neon sign for Dandy Stuff shines up the street from the Library. Did Winnie mention that they sell food in the off-season? I can't remember.

A tiny bell tinkles as I stomp into the shop, trying to shake off the snow from my feet. Two sets of eyes glance up from the front counter when I enter, and both faces immediately break into wide grins.

"Hey! Cali!" Clara calls, her exuberance evident. At first, it made me a bit uncomfortable how excited she always was to see me, but I eventually realized her excitement at seeing people, including me, is genuine. Winnie, on the other hand, is more reserved and gives a cheerful little wave.

"I'm so glad you're still open," I sigh as I approach the counter. "I'm out of food and was hoping you might sell some." As I look around, my heart sinks. There's no food here. There's a section with a rustic sign reading General Store, featuring lots of everyday items for around the house, but no food. There's a small corner that resembles a vintage ice cream parlor. A big neon pink sign in cursive reads gelato.

"I'm so sorry," Winnie says. "I don't sell food. A small convenience store, just off Route 22, does. But it closes at five during the off-season."

I groan. Everything closes at five in Lakeside Point during the off-season. Actually, in the entire Peninsula. The winter months are not a time for businesses to stay open. I consider eating gelato for dinner as my stomach grumbles again. It was so loud that both women turn to look at me in shock. My whole face feels hot.

"Okay, that cannot stand," Clara declares.

"Yeah, I really don't want to read about how the monster in your belly ate you in your sleep," Winnie jokes.  

"But if the only grocery store is closed..." I trail off.

Clara holds up a key as though it can solve all our problems, a wide grin spreading across her face, "To the Café!"  

With that, Winnie turns off the lights and grabs her key to lock up on the way out.  

"Normally, I'd just invite you over for dinner at my place, but I'm really behind on my chapters and can't afford to be distracted tonight," Clara says. She slides her key into the front door of the Evergreen Café, and we step inside. The scents of coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, and wood smoke welcome me. The aromas are so delectable that my stomach grumbles again. I've never noticed such intense smells before. I must be hungrier than I thought.

"And I'd also invite you to dinner," Winnie says, "but my roommates kind of territorial." We all chuckle, but I can't shake the feeling that this was questionable.  

"Are you sure it's okay for us to do this?" I ask.

"Oh yeah," Clara assures me. "Bax, is my cousin. He's part of the Evergreen Pack who own this Café. I come in and out all the time. Sometimes for midnight snacks when I'm in a writing fever dream and can't be bothered. You just pick out what you like, and I'll write it down and ring it up as tomorrow's sale."

"Thank you so much. You're a lifesaver."

She shrugs. "We can't have friends starving to death. I'm not a murder mystery writer, so it would do nothing for my process," she teases.

We leave after I've picked out what I want, four different pasties, stuffed with lamb, chicken, beef and a vegetables. Pasties are just the Michigan name for handheld meat or vegetable pies. Clara locks the door behind us. "Are you sure you'll be okay getting home?" Winnie asks.

"Yeah, the roads shouldn't be too bad." It stopped snowing around noon, though it was supposed to start up again tomorrow.

We hug goodbye, something I'm not used to, and do exceptionally awkwardly. We laugh it off softly as we pull apart. Clara heads up the enclosed stairs to her warm, inviting apartment, the glow from her windows spilling onto the street. Winnie strolls down the street, twinkle lights dancing gently above her, casting a magical glow over the charming houses on the edge of town. I go to where I'd parked my car near the tranquil lake. The frozen waters twinkle under the starlit sky and glowing moon. The air is crisp, filled with the sweet scent of pine and snow.

Bax

I walk into the Café and stop dead in my tracks. Petrichor. The intoxicating smell of rain, the earth, and the wind. It engulfs me, and a heat pummels my insides. The aroma is so rich and primal that a growl slips out of my throat. I've never encountered a scent like this before, and the absence of an attached omega drives me feral. The scent is fading fast, slipping away like water down a stream, but I crave it with an intensity that makes my heart race. The omega hasn't been here for hours, yet their lingering essence ravages my senses, a call that leaves me aching for more and desperate for the source.

My cock is already half hard just at the residual scent of them. How? How how how? A growl rumbles in my chest, a deep, primal sound that echoes the chaos inside me. The beta girl we hired to run the register darts into the back room, fear written all over her face. Who could blame her? My alpha fury is palpable. Damn Seth for refusing to install security cameras. I've asked him repeatedly, but he brushes it off like some mundane detail. Now, we're left in the dark, fumbling blindly while I'm consumed by the need to know what our pack omega looks like. It's the same earth and storm scent that Connor described. And it infuriates me that I feel so vulnerable, so exposed. My heart races with restless anxiety that wrecks my insides.

Seth walks in five minutes later, and I watch the same emotions play across his face.

"How?" he demands.

I shrug. His fists clench tightly, and I see him fighting the urge to break something. Being surrounded by our omega's scent without knowing who they are or where to find them is sheer torture. I now understand where Connor was coming from on Saturday, and wish I'd been more sympathetic. Just then, he walks into the Café, and the same distressed and wild emotions are evident on his face.

The thing is, we came into the Café yesterday evening after it had already closed, trying to salvage some inventory we didn't want to spoil. And that damn scent? It wasn't there. Connor insisted we should head straight to the Library, but the lights were off by the time we passed. I saw the librarian rushing to lock up as we drove by, all bundled up in massive coats. Now I can't help but feel frustrated. We should have just hurried to the Library instead of wasting time here.

"Fuck this." Connor storms out the door, and Seth and I share a glance before we bolt after him. He's hell-bent on reaching the Library. We fall in step, adrenaline firing us up. He shoves the door open, and we're right behind him. The scent hits us—damn it. It hangs in the air, obvious and infuriating but faint. Probably hours old, maybe even a day. We can't even ask someone because no one else is scent sensitive to our omega but us. Everyone else can smell the omega's scent when near them, but not like this, lingering hours or a day after.

Still, we spread out and check every stack just in case. It's too late. The omega isn't here today. I stop by the front desk and get some of the books I placed on hold. But not just the ones Connor forgot in his scent-induced haze. I put some of these on hold the night Connor announced he'd scented our omega.

"The Science of the omega, Scent-Sensitive Matches, The Omega and the Pack, Satisfying Your Omega?" Seth reads over my shoulder. He and Connor exchange glances. I know some prick alphas who would laugh. That's why they aren't part of my pack.

"Can we borrow these, too?" Connor asks, taking the top one and flipping through it. It's the science one, with diagrams and statistics showing omega instincts and their needs within a pack.

"Sure." I shrug.

"If we even get a chance to use this info," Seth says. He's usually the optimistic one of our group, but being exposed to scent sensitivity and unable to claim that scent has left him more dejected than I've ever seen.

"We'll find them, man," I say, bumping his shoulder with mine. "We'll find our omega."

Calliope

My day of shopping has been a therapeutic distraction. I love books. I love sharing books. But being a librarian is, at its core, a customer service position. And sometimes, it burns my little introverted heart right out. Don't get me wrong, shopping can too. But I went into Suttons Bay for a few things Dandy Stuff didn't carry, like groceries. The food from the café lasted til this morning.

It was my day off. I put in earphones, listened to an audiobook, and sipped tea while I found a few items that hadn't come with my cottage that I'd been more than overdue to buy.

Like towels.

I've been using an old sweater as a towel for the last two weeks. Plus, I've been running low on soaps and hair products. I also got a few things I didn't need but desperately wanted, like some tea and a mug for the house. My budget won't allow me to get special teas at the Café daily. As a librarian, I make just enough to keep my head above water while paying the minimum the government will allow on my student loans. As little as librarians are paid, we're required to get a master's in library science. The student loan payments are astronomical even when they're interest only. So, everything I purchase is from the clearance section. I got some good steals.

Now, my car is stuck in the snow… again. I try digging it out with the shovel I just bought. It isn't budging. My cottage is so far away, and the snow is pouring down. It started on my way back from the store. It's at least ten degrees below zero. I'm honestly not sure I can make it to my cottage. And what if I slip or injure myself? What if I get lost? It's a straight shot down the road, but visibility is extremely limited in the snow and darkness. It's not unlikely that I'll get lost in the woods. I can see the headlines in the Lakeside Gazette: "New Omega Librarian Freezes to Death."

I really need to find something closer. Squinting through the downpour of snow sticking to my eyelashes, I spot a long lane that curves off to the left right next to my car. Connor's lane. The man who helped me dig my car out last time. How much of a ditz will he think I am for being unable to dig myself out again? The wind whips around me, and my knees almost buckle from the biting cold. I have no choice. It's the lane or freezing to death.

The trek up to the house is longer than I expect. My jaw drops when I come around the last bend in the lane. The house I'm looking at doesn't scream bachelor, but it does scream beautiful.

It's a large colonial with a giant porch and a cupola at the top. It's painted light green with white trim. Candles burn in every window. The trees circling the yard give it its own natural boundary.

Carefully, I climb up the wooden porch steps to the front door. At this point, the blizzard is in full force. The wind bowls around the house so hard that I clutch the door knob to keep from slipping. My nose and cheeks are numb.

My hands shake so hard that my knock is barely a tap. I stand there for a moment, wondering if anyone heard me. My arms are fully wrapped around me trying to stave off the chill.

The door opens, but it isn't Connor looking out at me. It's a different alpha. Like all alphas, he's at least six feet tall with warm umber skin, sharp brown eyes, and close-cropped hair. His muscles bulge against his lean frame under a tight-fitting, soft cotton tee with a V-neck. Gray sweatpants hang low on his hips. For one heart stopping moment, I wonder if I've found the wrong house. Then, a scent engulfs me. The scent of wood smoke and pine forests. It's so soothing that I forget the freezing-cold and just inhale.

The man who opened the door steps aside as Connor appears at the door. For a moment he stares at me, then recognition crosses his face.

"Cali? Are you okay?" His voice is low and urgent as he pushes past his pack mate, pulling me into the warm room. My body trembles. Connor rubs my arms in a slow, deliberate motion, his touch sending shivers down my spine. He moves closer to lend me a bit more warmth. The door clicks shut behind us.

As I slowly warm up, I feel the tingling return to my fingers and the tip of my nose. Connor's warmth envelops me, and I can almost forget about the frostbite nipping at my skin. Thank goodness for alphas and their ability to generate heat. Because of our freezing surroundings last time, I couldn't make out his scent. Every moment spent in his presence is soothing, and as I breathe in I realize that his scent isn't just pleasant, it's addicting. A feverish desire pulls me closer, igniting a fire in my core that slips between my legs.

Connor's scent is cinnamon and sandalwood, an intoxicating blend that sends shivers down my spine. It's like the most delicious candle—tempting and warm. To my absolute horror, I find myself moving forward and burying my face in his chest, my nose pressing against his skin as I inhale deeply, unable to resist. An ache in my core blooms, and I feel myself go slick between my legs.

What is happening to me?

Connor tenses. I start to pull back, to apologize for my insane behavior, and claim that the constant snow has caused a psychotic break, but I freeze when I see Connor's face. His pupils are wide, dark, and intent. An unspoken hunger crosses his features.

Leaning closer, he breathes in my scent. His breath brushes over my neck and sends shivers down my spine.

"Omega," he growls, the low timbre of his voice wrapping around me. My heart races, caught between a bone-deep desire to smell him again and a terrible fear that I've walked into danger.

Thoughts of flight flicker in my mind, but I quickly dismiss them, knowing their inner alphas would relish the chase. Alpha instincts always insist they chase an omega like any predator stalking prey. Instead, I go pliant beneath his heated gaze, surrendering. After all, my ex had often said that submission was the only thing I did well.

"We were just discussing you, little thief," the alpha who opened the door purrs, his voice low and smoky, wrapping around the words in a sensuous embrace. His presence is magnetic, and the air thickens with the allure of his scent, drawing me closer as a shiver of excitement courses through me.

A third alpha runs into the dimly lit foyer from a room at the back. He stubs his toe on something on the way but simply limps to me. He approaches slowly, like one would approach a wounded bird, careful not to touch. This new alpha's scent encircles me. It's rich and heady, a heady mix of freshly brewed coffee and smooth vanilla cream that makes my mouth water. His presence sends a thrill down my spine, causing the heat in my core that Connor's ignited, to grow. He leaves me breathless.

Embarrassingly, I perfume right there in the middle of their foyer. It takes me entirely by surprise. I'd been in one serious relationship, and had a few brief boyfriends before that. But I'd never perfumed. It'd been to the point where I was afraid I couldn't. The idea that something might be defective about me caused me to bury it deep and never acknowledge it. I'd just been proven horribly wrong. I'm not broken. I can perfume….and I'm doing it—hard—for these three alphas.

I want to die of mortification.

"Do you smell that, Seth?" the one at the door asks the one with the sandy blonde hair and beard who just smelled me.

"Perfection, Bax," the one called Seth rumbles. I look up at Connor and find him looking at me in amazement.

"What's your name, little thief?" the one called Bax asks. "Did Connor say, Cali?"

"Why do you keep calling me that?" I ask. I've never stolen anything a day in my life.

"Today, we found your scent in our Café even though it hadn't been there the night before. So, the only explanation we could think of was that you broke in," Connor says.

I groan internally. They own Evergreen Cafe. This probably means… I look at Bax. That was the name Clara said when she said that her cousin owned the Café, right?

"I don't suppose you're Clara's cousin?" It all made so much sense now. Bax's eyes widen, and he laughs in surprise. It's a deep, rich sound that warms me to my core.

"I see. Did Clara take you on one of her late-night raids of the Café pantry?"

Heat floods my cheeks.

"She said… I wasn't stealing… I paid." I can't breathe between all these delicious scents.

Bax leans in closer, his voice low and smooth as he crouches down, bringing himself to my eye level. The warmth of his presence wraps around me. "It's okay, Raindrop," he murmurs, his intense gaze sincere. "Yes, we're the Evergreen Pack. We own the Evergreen Café. You can take anything from our home and our café that you need. We want you to have everything you desire." His words send a delightful shiver down my spine. His gaze drifts over me. The ache in my core intensifies.

I perfume again. I can't seem to stop. Bax makes a pleased sound.

I'm so confused. I pull away from Connor just enough to look up at him, then at Bax, and over to Seth. I've just met them, but their scents and presence feel so good. Connors's arms are still around me, and his hands flex at my sides. Heat licks at where he touches.

"Why don't we go sit down and figure everything out?" Connor suggests, and I'm so grateful. I'm starting to feel dizzy from their presence.

They lead me from the entryway to a study with a fireplace and tall, built-in bookshelves. A thick leather couch sits in front of one large window, and a matching reclining leather chair sits in front of another.

They gesture for me to choose a seat, and I choose the recliner to get a little room to breathe and think. I'm in a house with three alphas, and though I don't think they'll hurt me, I don't actually know them, and no one knows I'm here. I'm very aware that, as an omega, this is not an exceptionally safe position. But I can't bring myself to be afraid of these alphas either. I remove my wet coat, and Bax gently takes it to a hook on the wall. Seth brings me a blanket.

"May I?" he asks.

This is silly. I can cover myself up, but I can't say no. The look in his eyes is so hopeful. Is that look for me?

So, I nod. Seth lays the blanket across my lap and carefully tucks it around my legs. All the while, he makes eye contact with me. He tucks a stray wet hair behind my ear. The brush of his fingertips sends a molten flood from my core to the apex of my thighs.

"Tea, coffee, apple cider, or hot chocolate?" Connor asks. A second door in the room leads to a beautiful kitchen I can just glimpse, with tall ceilings and an island.

"Oh, it's okay. I don't need anything," I assure him. I've always done everything myself, and the thought of someone doing things for me has always made me uncomfortable. To my surprise, he crosses the room. Seth moves out of the way to allow him to kneel before me.

"You're still shivering." Connor's voice is deep, and kind, and insistent. "Please let me bring you something." His expression is concerned and just a little bit desperate.

"Hot chocolate?" I whisper. He nods and heads back to the kitchen. When he returns, it's with the biggest mug of hot chocolate I've ever seen. It's topped with whipped cream, little marshmallows, and sparkly sprinkles. I'm surprised until I remember they're the owners of the same café where I've been buying my giant, specialty coffees for weeks.

Once the drink warms my hands and insides, Bax and Connor flank the fireplace. Seth sits on the leather couch and is as close as he can be to the chair I'm sitting in.

"Are you all right?" Seth asks in a soft tone.

I nod, but don't trust myself to speak. Connor's piercing gaze watches me. For a while, the only sound is the crackling fireplace. I'm engulfed in the smells of smoke, leather, and books, along with the scents of the alphas. My muscles slowly start to relax.

The men exchange looks as we sit in silence.

"My car got stuck back there, and I didn't think I could make it to my cottage," I finally explain.

Seth growls, and I shrink back a little.

He stops when he realizes he's spooked me. "I'm glad you didn't try." That's all he says as an explanation, and I realize he's growling at the idea of me trying to fight my way through the snow to get home, not at me as a person.

"We're glad you're safe," says Connor. They exchange looks again.

Finally, Bax rolls his eyes at the other two and stands before me. A squeak escapes me when he bends to one knee, so we're almost at eye level. He's still taller than me, even in this position.

"Can I touch you?" he asks. My omega yearns for his touch. To bury herself deeper in his scent. She won't let me say no. I nod again. I seem to have completely lost my voice in this house. The alpha scents are so overwhelming.

Bax gently touches my knee and strokes his thumb in lazy circles. With each swipe of his thumb my emotions slowly come down from their anxious heights. I've never found physical contact with anyone this deeply comforting. "Have you ever had any experience with scent match, or scent sensitivity?"

My mind stutters. Scent sensitive? Is that what this overwhelming reaction to this scent is? My parents are betas, and they were so confused when they found out their child was an omega. They hadn't helped me at all, and everything I knew I'd learned from books and one omega roommate in college.

As if sensing my thoughts, Connor adds, "I think it would just help us get a sense of our situation before we move forward. It's important," he assures me.

I bite my lip and take a deep breath. "No," I admit in a small voice. "I've been in relationships. Before I moved here, I was engaged with a beta, but… it didn't work out." I glance between them. "Have you?"

"I think I speak for the pack when I say that, though we've found some omega scents attractive individually, and had relationships, we've never experienced anything close to what we're experiencing with you now." Bax reaches forward to tilt my chin with the crook of his fingers. I perfume again, and the scent overtakes the room.

"Sorry," I mumble, closing my eyes, hoping I'll disappear when I open them. When I do, Bax and Seth look at me with confusion, and Connor with concern and a level of understanding I'm unsure I want to face.

Bax's answering purr is so loud that it rumbles through his chest and up his arms, where his hands rest on the arms of the chair. I can feel it vibrating through the leather. Seth's and Connor's ramp up a moment later, engulfing the room. Getting Nick, my ex-fiance, to purr for me had always felt like I was inconveniencing him. He made it very clear that he only ever did it because I asked, and never because he wanted to. The fact that these alphas, whom I've just met, purr without me saying anything cracks something in my chest, and I find it hard to keep it together. I breathe deeply to avoid crying.

Bax begins to explain, "When an alpha and an omega are scent matched, there is a certain attraction between them, and entering into a relationship is possible and may result in a long and happy relationship, but it's not a guarantee." I know this, but I still let him explain. I don't know where this is going. "The scent match has some bearing on compatibility, but it's not definitive. A scent-sensitive match, however, is about more than just smell. It's so rare that only one in every twenty packs finds it. It's been proven that scent-sensitive matches match in blind studies on all levels. They almost always result in happily bonded packs. It's virtually unheard of for scent-sensitive matches to result in a bad bond. Because of this inevitable bonding, many refer to scent-sensitive packs as mates, or fated."

My eyes widen. "You think I might be your mate?" They exchange glances.

"We don't want to overwhelm you," Bax continues. "But we've never experienced a scent match like this. Have you?"

I don't have to think about the question at all. I've never had an alpha, so I have little experience with it. I've met alphas, of course. Some scents have been repulsive to my omega. Others have been fine. Obviously, the answer is no. I've never connected to any alpha scents like I am to theirs now. But mates? That happens in storybooks, not to the librarian who shelves them.

Bax moves to allow Connor to kneel in front of me next. The wood smoke scent is replaced by cinnamon and sandalwood.

"I don't know all the details of your life, and I don't exactly know what you've gone through. But I hope you know you're safe here." I search his eyes, wanting to believe him.

"We're not here to pressure you, and you don't need to make a decision today, but I know we'd like a chance to prove that we can be a good pack for you. Scent sensitivity is so precious, but we also want to make sure that you're comfortable, and that we are what you want, too. We don't need you to answer now, but we've all discussed it, and we'd be so honored to court you."

I look from his eyes to Bax to Seth. One man that I barely know, and two that I've just met. They look back at me with such unabashed hope in their eyes. I can't let this go on. I know they'll see me for what I really am the moment they get to know me. Nick had been a jerk, but that didn't mean he was completely wrong about everything. Dumb, boring, useless. The words echo in my head in his voice.

"You don't want to court me," I say. There's no point in beating around the bush. Connor simply cocks his head and brushes the top of my hand with his thumb, tracing lazy, soothing circles.

"Why's that, Baby?" he asks. Again, zero judgment in his question.

"I just…" I trail off. "I'm not a very fun person to be around. I don't really know how to be a good mate," I admit. It's the least of what Nick had told me, and the most of what I'm willing to say in front of three alphas. I stare at the arm of the chair instead of looking at any of them. So much for courage.

"I'll tell you how," says Seth from the couch. "You let us spoil the shit out of you." This got him a small smile.

"I don't know who told you that you don't know how to be a good mate, Raindrop, but I doubt that's true," Bax says.

"You don't know me," I remind them. How did I even get into this situation? Sitting in a beautiful room full of books with three sexy alphas telling me that they want to court me.

"We don't," Connor concedes. "We all have history, and we all have preconceived notions of how this should go. My only request is that you let us try for you. I think I speak for the whole pack when I say that we would never want to make you, or anyone else, do something they weren't one hundred percent comfortable with. So, if you want to try and decide you want us, we would be honored and happy. But if you decide this isn't something you want, we'd be devastated and want to talk about it, but we would never force you."

I won't need to walk away. Once they get to know me, they'll get frustrated and bored. It's happened before, after all.

But my omega is insistent, and she won't allow me to say no. She'd never been like this with Nick. She'd been basically silent for our entire relationship. Hence the no perfuming problem. What Connor's saying doesn't sound terrible. It sounds like something I'd like to try, in fact. I don't allow the hope in my chest to bloom too far. I've been disappointed before. Badly.

"Like I said, though, it's not something I want you to say yes or no to tonight. Think about it, please." He looks at me like I'm deciding his fate. I nod, and his smile is electric.

"Now, about sleeping arrangements for tonight," Bax says as Connor gives my hand one final squeeze and stands.

"Sleeping arrangements?" I ask. They all stare at me. "I just need help getting my car unstuck." They glance at each other and then back at me.

"Raindrop," Bax says, "will you come here for a moment?" He holds a hand out to me, and I hesitate for a second before taking it. He leads me to the front door and flips on the porch light before pulling a curtain back from the glass door. I face the glass inset in the door while he stands a hair's breadth behind me with his hands on my hips. The warmth of his chest lightly grazes my back.

I can see the porch and front walk I'd just come up about twenty minutes ago. It's amazing how much twenty minutes can change your life.

"I'd like you to tell me what you see," Bax says.

I look more closely. "Snow?" I reply, not getting his point.

"Mmhm. Anything in the snow?" What I should be seeing that isn't there suddenly occurs to me. I'd walked up to the door less than twenty minutes ago.

"No tracks," I whisper. The snow fall has completely covered the tracks I'd made earlier, and in such a short time.

"Now, we could try to get your car out of the snow, and we could do it, but unless we cleared the whole road, which we can't do without a plow, there's no way you'll make it home.

"So…?" I ask, allowing the question to linger.

"So, you're staying here," supplies Bax.

Seth

Cali doesn't say anything for a minute. Her gaze lingers on the snow. I'm framed in the study's doorway. We, as a pack, are collectively holding our breath. She turns in Bax's embrace, her body brushing softly against his. Another wave of perfume washes over us and I want to drown in that perfect scent. She visibly cringes, but Bax's expression tells me he's in heaven. He slips his arms from her waist with a reluctance that speaks volumes.

"You're sure you're ok with me staying?" she asks.

I step forward. Not enough to crowd her, but enough to wash her in my scent, hoping it'll convey anything my words can't. "If it was up to us, you'd have a permanent room here." It isn't unheard of for scent-sensitive matches to move in together immediately, but it isn't a requirement. I'm practically vibrating with the need to get to know everything about her immediately but it's late and she looks tired.

Her eyes go wide. "But you just met me. You don't really know me."

Where did this girl come from that she doesn't understand? For a scent-sensitive omega, everything that her alphas have is hers. We will willingly forfeit anything she asks if she even shows a fleeting interest. Connor seems to understand her. To know where the confusion comes from. I remember his origin story, and hope our precious girl's background isn't similar.

"That's true. But I can't wait to get to know you better. Scent sensitivity doesn't lie, Cali. The science doesn't lie," I say. I've skimmed those books Bax ordered, and there's whole sections on this subject. It's not just smells. Mates who find their scent-sensitive matches in blind studies report higher levels of contentment and happiness every time. Every account says its not just scent. Even without that factor their mates personalities and worldviews would have been a perfect match for the alphas.

"Many people would call it fate," I say, "and I certainly would right now."

I notice how she glances down and bites her lip, as if she can't fully absorb what's being said. It makes me want to find and confront the person who's instilled doubt about her worth. When she answered our questions about courting, she didn't express that she didn't want to be courted, or was unhappy with us. Instead, she implied that we shouldn't want to pursue her, and even suggested that we wouldn't like her. Her rejections are all about her insecurities and self-doubt. And I realize I'll do anything to change that.

"That doesn't mean we expect anything, though," Connor clarifies to Cali, his tone gentle. I look at him in confusion, sensing the weight of his words.

He continues, focusing only on her, but with a warmth that fills the space between us. "We want to get to know you slowly, to give you the time and space you deserve. There are many traditions about courting in a pack, and we believe in honoring that process. First, we want to give you a courting gift that expresses our intentions. Then, we would love to take you on individual dates and, eventually, invite you out with the whole pack.

"It's important to know that the level of physical affection is entirely in your hands. As an omega, your comfort and feelings matter most to us. No alpha would ever pressure you. We're here to support you, and ensure you feel safe and respected every step of the way."

What Connor's doing finally registers with me. Although Cali probably already knows this, understanding something and being involved in it are very different experiences. Her last relationship had been with a beta, so she's never had a serious relationship with an alpha. There's nothing wrong with an omega dating a beta, but those relationships typically don't adhere to the same traditions as those between alphas and omegas.

I've known packs that, due to a scent-sensitive omega's past trauma, went through years of therapy before they became entirely comfortable with each other sexually. Conversely, I've seen packs and omegas who felt comfortable with their scent sensitivity, and became physically active soon after their first meeting. The level of comfort really varies from case to case.

It's an alpha's instinctual drive to protect their omega, and this instinct is even more pronounced when scent sensitivity is involved. This protection extends beyond just physical care. It's about supporting her emotionally.

I watch as Connor explains, truly appreciating his patience and the way he engages without patronizing or assuming prior knowledge on her part. His approach exemplifies the qualities I admire in him, and solidifies why I chose him as a packmate and friend. This is how a strong and harmonious pack should function, learning from one another, and continually improving together.

"An omega always has the option to reject a pack. The alphas will respect that decision," Connor says.

Those words echo in my mind, a haunting reminder of the choice that could shatter everything. Scent-sensitive rejections? It was a nightmare scenario I never thought I'd have to consider. Panic claws at my chest as I envision Cali turning away from us.

My alpha seethes with fury at the mere thought of it, the instinct to claim and protect raging within. But deep down, I know Connor's right. We'd have to honor her choice, no matter how gut-wrenching it might feel. Even if the bonds of our pack didn't bind us to Cali's decision, I couldn't force myself onto an unwilling omega. It goes against everything we stand for.

Cali takes a deep breath. "I think I understand, " she says, looking cautious.

"If you want to talk or have any questions, ask us okay?" Connor says.

She nods, a soft smile gracing her lips. Our little omega seems to lose her words under pressure, deepening my desire to understand her unspoken language. The entryway is awash in her enchanting perfume, a delicate scent that lingers. I can see how much she likes being asked what she wants, and it makes my heart stutter. I long to know everything about her.

"Would you like to go up to your room?" I ask.

She glances up at me but merely nods, not commenting on my choice of words. We make our way up the stairs from the entryway landing. On the second floor, a wide walkway curves around the stairwell and extends along the length of the house. Three doors are lined up on the right side, while one door at the end of the hall leads to the left.

Connor points at each door on the right as he leads the way. The first door belongs to him, the second to Bax, and the third is mine. He then walks to the only door on the left, opens it, and steps back to let Cali go through first.

Calliope

The room they open for me is bare. Based on the house's elegance, I was at least expecting some decor. But the walls, the floors, and even the bed are blank. I turn back to the men still standing in the door with a confused expression.

Seth explains. "An omega suite is something that packs fortunate enough to afford them tend to have. All packs at least provide a space for omegas to have their own nest."

An entire suite with a nest. Even before the cottage, I'd only had a standard room. Since my parents had been betas, they never dreamed they'd need a house with a nest available. And, since they decided to raise me as a beta despite my designation, they'd never gotten one.

"I have a nest-room-hybrid at the cottage," I admit. As a librarian, my salary doesn't stretch to afford a proper omega-based apartment, which tends to be pricier due to the specialized nesting spaces they require. I manage to make do. Seth wants to say something about that, but Bax returns with an armful of blankets and sheets. I hadn't even noticed he'd slipped away.

He pauses before entering the room. "Do you mind if I come in?"

I gape at him.

"It's your house," I remind him unnecessarily. He chuckles, and the sound is deep and velvety against my skin.

"This is our house, but this room is an omega suite. We combined two rooms, hoping that one day we would be honored with an omega to bond with our pack. We took this risk even though we knew there was a chance we might never find someone. While we're courting you, this is your room, and we hope you'll eventually decide to make it permanent." I struggle with what to even say to that.

"So, can we come in?" he asks again.

"Yes," I whisper, feeling heat rising in my cheeks. Bax brings in the softest blankets, and Connor grabs the pillows. Seth trails closely behind me, his warm hand resting on the small of my back, sending shivers down my spine as he guides me to the door at the far end of the room. Each step feels charged, the air thick with anticipation.

"Behind this door is the nest part of the suite. It's also blank, waiting for our omega to make it theirs." Bax explains.

I remain silent, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep over me. An entire nest suite felt excessive. These guys have to be out of their minds. There's no way they expect me to decorate a whole room in their house. But as I watch each of them—making my bed, tucking in the blankets, and arranging the pillows—they appear serious.

Seth's fingers trail in slow, deliberate circles around my lower back, each movement igniting a subtle warmth that spreads through me. It's as if he's unaware of his effect on me, and completely present simultaneously. After the bed is made, he turns to me.

"Can I hug you?" he asks, his voice low. The question catches me off guard, but they did say that the omega set the physical pace. Little touches are obviously fine since I said they could in the library but these larger steps, I realize they're always going to ask. I find myself nodding, drawn to him despite my uncertainty.

Seth leans down, enveloping me in his warm embrace. The rich scent of coffee lingers around him, grounding yet intoxicating, while a hint of cinnamon wafts up, wrapping around me like a cozy morning treat. A soft, keening sound escapes my lips, igniting a low purr from him as he pulls me closer, squeezing me tighter, sending delightful shivers through my body. When he finally pulls away, I feel a pang of disappointment echo through me, but I can't quite reconcile it in my mind. I've just met this man, yet every instinct urges me to draw him back in, to taste the electric connection that sparks between us.

I'm not disappointed for long, though. Each of the others also asks and embraces me. Bax's fire scent mixing with the cinnamon left behind by Seth, and Connor's vanilla makes me feel like I'm snuggled next to a fireplace with a hot pastry. After, they each file out the door and close it. I'm alone again. It leaves me with such a bottomless black pit in my stomach that I almost call them back.

Instead, I stuff the instinct down, like I have with every other omega instinct my entire life, and I crawl into the incredibly soft and comfortable bed.

Bax

I wake up either very late at night or early in the morning to whimpering and keening. I'd probably only fallen asleep an hour or two ago. Sleeping with my omega in the house, but not in my bed, proved difficult for me. That's how I already thought of Cali— my omega. It takes me a moment to remember what's happening.

Cali's in our omega suite. Her car has broken down, and we've been snowed in.

Omega. The word echos through my mind. Whimpering is the second word. The word is like cold water. My heart races, and I panic. The cry shatters the silence of the night, and before I can even process it, I'm out of bed and bolting through the door, moving faster than I ever thought possible. Seth is already in the hallway, his wide eyes mirroring my fear. Connor's door flies open, but there's no time for words. The haunting whine rings out again, twisting my stomach in knots.

We bolt for the door, a frenzied desperation propelling us forward, yet none of us dare to lay a finger on the knob. Omega spaces are sacred and untouchable.

"Cali!" My voice cracks, ripe with panic. The silence is suffocating, broken only by a small, choked sob that echoes in the stillness. In a split second, I decide this is an emergency and open the door.

Shafts of light shine through the windows. No curtains cover them, as we didn't want to decorate anything without an omega's instruction. The scent hits us first. It's all sweet rain soaked slick and heat pheromones. The thick richness is tooth achingly sweet. Out of the corner of my eye Seth bites his knuckle to keep his growl in. I'm so hard I'm surprised my boxers haven't ripped. Good god it's all consuming need. I shake my head to clear it.

She's sprawled on the bed, tangled in the blankets, her beautiful auburn hair thrown wild. But it's her face that sends me bolting to her side. It's contorted with pain. The sight guts me. A low whimper escapes her lips. The sound twists my insides into knots.

"Is she…in heat?" Connor asks carefully. I understand the caution. It's rude to discuss an omega's heat without her, or if it isn't happening.

I shake my head. "It's a mini heat break." I read about them in the books I borrowed from the Library. Seth's older brother also explained them to us back in college, when his pack had found their omega. It was early in their courtship, and his pack had brought her to a family barbecue. Suddenly, she spiked a fever and went into pain. She became delirious, and they had to take her home to care for her. The mini heat break was triggered by the presence of so many scent-matched alphas. After much discussion, he later explained how to relieve a heat spike, and shared the dos and don'ts, especially regarding a new courtship.

I settle on the edge of the bed, and my gaze locks on her as she stirs. Her eyes flutter open and fill with surprise and desire. She instinctively reaches for me, fingers brushing against the fabric covering my erection. I take her hand and gently guide it away.

"Shh," My voice barely above a whisper. My purr rumbles from my chest in a desperate attempt to calm her. She recoils slightly, that heat haze flickering in her eyes. Panic claws at me. This is my only moment to reach her.

"Hey, Raindrop. Do you know what's happening?" I ask, striving for a gentle tone despite my pained worry. Her body is tense, shaking with pain, and I can only watch helplessly as the shadows close in on her. Each passing second drains her lucidity.

"Heat," she manages to croak out, her voice cracking on the word.

I nod. "It's a kind of heat. A mini heat break. Being around scent-sensitive alphas has overridden your hormones.

Her face contorts in pain, and she clutches her stomach. Making another heart-wrenching whimpering sound.

"I know this is hard," I say. "We want to help you, but we need some consent. We're not going to go all the way. There will be no knotting or taking. But we want to give you the pleasure you need for this to stop. Do we have your permission to touch you? To give you what you need?" I wish we'd discussed heats and boundaries before this happened. I had no idea it could happen so fast. It's too late now and we can't leave her in pain. This hazy consent will have to do.

Cali rolls through another wave of pain, but still manages to nod her head, curling into a tight ball.

"I'll be right back, Raindrop," I whisper, intending to get her water. But she grabs my hand, refusing to let go. The tension in the room shifts. The guys move closer, and I can feel the charge between us.

"Do you understand the rules?" I ask Seth and Connor, my voice low and steady. They both nod, eyes sharp.

"We talked to my brother about it too," Seth confides. Connor nods in agreement. "Just in case." Just in case we found an omega. The implication lingers tantalizingly in the air. I clap Seth on the shoulder, while Connor kneels at the end of the bed, his gaze lingering on Cali with a mix of concern and something darker. Seth takes the side opposite me, our bodies forming a protective circle around her, a blend of urgency and desire palpable between us.

Calliope

I'm on fire. I don't understand anything but my bone-deep need. When Bax asked for permission to "help" me, I practically shouted my consent. My omega is fully in control. I have no say which blessedly means that I don't feel any of the normal anxiety I'd definitely experience if I was in control of my senses.

Bax kneels on my left side, Seth takes a position on my right, and Connor kneels at the end of the bed. Bax's hand slips under my shirt and to the plains of my stomach.

"What do you need?" Bax asks. Slick coats my pussy, and I keen. I'd been so hesitant and nervous before with them. I couldn't remember why. The heat haze has fully taken over and all I know is I need something to fill this aching hole in my core.

"Touch me, please." I hardly recognize my own voice it's so desperate and wanting.

Bax doesn't hesitate. I'd taken my rough work pants and bra off to sleep in my underwear and blouse. He slips his fingers around the waistband of my unicorn print panties, and pulls them down until I'm fully bared to them.

The cool air of the bedroom hits my hot slick, and I buck up. I'm so sensitive I feel like I could come from the delicious contrast between my hot core and the cold air alone. Pressure wracks my body. My abdomen cramps where my body is insisting I need a knot. Biologically, it's the fastest way to relieve a heat spike. But Bax slips two fingers against my slick folds, and Seth replaces the hand that had been under my shirt and tweaks my already rock-hard nipples. My body arches in pleasure, and I cry out.

Bax's fingers come up. His thumb circles my clit while one finger presses into my opening. I perfume so hard that my scent absolutely fills the room. The men groan.

"I'm sor—ah!" Bax slips in a second finger, and my eyes blissfully cross.

"Don't ever apologize for that delicious scent, Raindrop," Bax scolds. I look at him, and his pupils are blown wide with lust. I nod and scream in pleasure when his fingers crook to hit that spot inside me that makes me see stars.

Connor is still at the foot of the bed. At first, he's just running lazy circles around my calves and thighs while Seth works my nipples and Bax plunges into my pussy. I vaguely wonder if he has a foot fetish of some kind. Completely legitimate, but not my thing.

Connor starts moving his hands up my legs, teasing the sensitive skin on my inner thighs. While Bax works my cunt, Connor begins nipping and licking my inner thighs. Slick coates Bax's hand, and he adds a second finger.

"More," I moan, not even sure what I'm asking for. How can they give me more without knotting me? But Seth understands the assignment.

He gathers my hair in his hands and pulls it roughly, giving me a delicious sting that contrasts with the sensuous path he trails from my collarbone to my ear with his tongue and teeth, both nipping and then licking the stings away. His rough gasps in my ear while he holds my head back make me keen in pleasure. Bax adds a third finger and when his tongue replaces his thumb over my clit, it’s my undoing. I drown under the waves of pleasure that overtake me. Bax's tongue and fingers continue their ministrations while Connor smacks my inner thigh, mixing the pleasure and sting. Simultaneously, Seth tweaks my nipple, and the combination has my first orgasm rolling into a second.

After, I don't know how much time passes, the haze finally clears. I half expect the guys to be gone, leaving me in my mortification. I remember the mini heat the way you remember a very realistic dream. But when I open my eyes, they're all still here. Connor's at the end of my bed, rubbing my feet. Bax is sitting against the headboard, stroking my hair, and Seth is still kneeling at the side, rubbing comforting circles into my stomach.

My vision blurs as I fight to hold back tears, unsure of why I feel this way. My hormones have always fluctuated unpredictably after a regular heat, and I suspect it's the same during mini heats. Seeing them here touches a deep, unacknowledged need within me.

"It's okay, Precious," Seth assures me, his voice a soft balm. I feel the warmth of his presence wrap around me as his purr revs up, rumbling against the pillows in a rhythmic cadence. Turning toward it, I half-bury my face in the plush softness of the pillow until I can gather the shattered pieces of myself.

The other two never waver in their quiet support. Bax's hands glide over my back while Connor rubs my feet, calming the chaos inside me. Each touch is a lifeline, reminding me that I'm not alone in this overwhelming moment. In this cocoon, I can finally feel a flicker of hope ignite within me, even amidst the tears.

"Are you all right?" Connor asks from his position at my feet, now working on my heels.

"Yes. Thank you for… helping me."

Now that the heat has passed my uncertain emotions come surging back. Seth's smile is wicked and ravenous. His erection is outlined against his sweatpants. I wonder if he sleeps in them, or threw them on to come here.

"Anytime, Precious," he says.

"We'll let you sleep," Bax says.

When I can't find the words to reply, they all get up and move to the bedroom door. I try not to look at their pants, but can't help myself. Bax's boxers are impressively strained and tented, and Connor wears sweats that sport an outline I'm not sure I can believe is real. I'm so tempted to ask them to stay, but my heart rate is rapidly receding, and I know I'd be upset with myself in the morning.

You don't know them, I chastise myself again. A voice deep inside, the omega who never let herself be known before today, huffs like she doesn't care at all. The door closes with a click, and I'm left in an empty room with their comforting scents. Before I drift back to sleep, my last thought is that I love how we smell together.

Calliope

I wake up early, snuggled under my blankets, and lay in bed, gazing at the ceiling. Had everything that happened last night been a dream? All I have to cling to are their lingering scents, which might just be figments of my lonely imagination.

A gentle knock at the door pulls me from my swirling thoughts. "I'm up," I call, my voice slightly sleepy. The door creaks open, and Seth peeks in. His grin lights up the room like sunshine.

"Good morning, beautiful! How'd you sleep?" His question is sweet. It feels innocent, yet somehow full of promise.

"I… fine," I reply.

His grin grows impossibly broader and more feral. "Just fine?"

My cheeks burn, and I drop my face into my hands. "Oh my god!"

"Oh no. I'm sorry, I was just teasing," he assures me. I feel the bed shift under his weight, and his big hands gently pull mine away from my face.

"I'm so sorry," I say, staring at the blue comforter they had used to make the bed last night. If I look him in the eye, I might burst from embarrassment.

"I'm not," he replies. I cautiously lift my gaze to him, noticing the seriousness on his face. He gently cups my chin with his fingers, making me face him fully. "I'm really proud you trusted us enough to help you through your mini heat. The other guys feel the same way. Would you like to come downstairs for breakfast so we can discuss our plans together?"

I inhale his beautiful scent. "You really want to court me?" I ask. Years of questioning whether someone really wanted to be with me, and whether I even deserve the kind of love I was looking for, can't be overcome in one night.

"We are completely positive. We want to unravel the mystery of the person behind the scent that has captivated us. But, Precious, scent sensitivity—it never fails. I believe you're everything we've been searching for, and we'll go to any lengths to show you just how serious we are." He leans closer, the heat radiating between us palpable, his desire barely contained. I can feel the tension crackling in the air, and I long for his touch more than anything at that moment. My heart races as I wonder if another wave of heat is about to wash over me.

Calm down, I mentally scold my omega. She's having none of it. After being mostly silent my entire life, she's been at the forefront since she scented these alphas. She wants control.

I pull away and agree to put my clothes back on and come down. Seth pouts at the idea of me wearing clothes, so I shoo him out the door. He laughs all the way practically bouncing.

Downstairs, the guys are setting dishes on the kitchen island. There's enough food to feed a small army. Platters and bowls are piled high with eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, pancakes, and fruit. Two different carafes hold juices of various colors.

"Wow, this looks amazing," I say honestly, though I can't imagine who could eat it all.

The formal dining room is down the hall, but we sit on stools around the kitchen island. I sense that this is part of their regular routine, and it gives me an unexpected thrill to be included, even for a moment. The kitchen is stunning. Featuring ten-foot ceilings and custom cabinets that appear new while still fitting the vintage aesthetic of the house. A tall bay window over the sink showcases frost-covered glass, allowing the morning light to filter in beautifully.

The storm has passed, and an unexpected sadness washes over me. I suddenly don't want to leave this warm bubble of comfort with them. We all sit together, and when I try to serve myself, the plate is plucked from my hand and passed around to each of the alphas. They pile it high with the food closest to them before returning it to me. Omegas have basic instincts that are not ignorable. Perfuming, nesting, and seeking out cozy comfort. Alphas have basic instincts too. Protecting, claiming, and feeding. The amount of food is double, perhaps even triple what I can eat alone—and I love to eat.

"Thanks," I say, smiling at each of them.

"Is there anything you'd like more of?" Connor asks, his arm resting on the back of my stool. I notice the dark tattoos swirling up his muscular bicep and beneath the sleeve of his snug t-shirt. Irish knots and other symbols I don't recognize. I shake my head in response to his question. As soon as I say no, they eagerly dive into their plates. I realize why there's so much food on the table. I didn't understand how much alphas needed to eat, having spent most of my time with betas.

"So," Bax starts as we all begin to eat, "we want to apologize. We didn't realize that keeping you here last night would cause you to go into a mini heat. That wasn't our intention." The three alphas look sheepish. I'm confused.

"Mini heats happen when omegas meet scent-matched alphas," I say. My doctor had warned me about mini heats. Specifically, they were most likely around scent-sensitive alphas. I'd never worried about it before because I never thought it would happen to me.

They nod.

"Then it wasn't your fault." I keep my eyes on my plate, picking at the food with my fork. "I'm glad I was here instead of at home, where I would have had to go through it alone, like I usually do." I shudder at the thought. A mini heat can turn into hours of pain if not released by an alpha. Thankfully, it'd only lasted twenty minutes last night because of their help.

The breakfast nook is quiet. I look up, and their faces are a mixture of shock and horror, making my heart race.

Bax's voice cuts through the silence, edged with anger that I instinctively know isn't directed at me. "Do you mean you've gone through all your heats alone?"

I nod, my throat tightening. My ex-fiancé had always shunned my needs during my heats, claiming my omega was far too needy. He would abandon me for hours, vanishing while I wrestled with the intense, physical and emotional turmoil. The memory makes tears sting at the edges of my eyes.

"My doctor just prescribed me pain medication and suggested I seclude myself." I near whisper.

"But you were in a relationship," Seth points out, his voice laced with confusion. The moment he says it, I feel that familiar pang of embarrassment stab at my chest. I know I should know, and do, different things as an omega, but I wasn't raised that way. Bax smacks Seth's arm, casting a look meant to silence him, but it only makes me shrink further into myself.

"He wasn't really interested in my heats," I mumble, the admission tasting bitter on my tongue. I can see Connor's fists curling tightly, the tension in his body radiating off him like a warning sign.

"So your ex knew your medicine was failing and he let you suffer through it?" Connor growls, his voice low and filled with anger that sends a shiver down my spine. I can practically feel the heat of his fury directed at my ex fiancé.

"There really wasn't much else to do. I could have gone to a heat clinic, but I've heard what those are like and…" I shiver. Heat clinics are cold places where omega heats are cared for by hired alphas who aren't scent-matched to the omega and have very little care for their well-being. I've heard horror stories. "That wasn't an option for me."

"He could have led you through your heats like a good partner. That stupid prick—" Connor stops with Bax's hand on his shoulder. I know I've hunched down. I'm staring at my plate. It's pathetic, I know. Now, they'll realize that if I can't even get someone who's supposed to care about me to help me with my heats, there's probably something wrong with me, and they shouldn't court me.

Bax's hand slips into mine, warm and reassuring, and he gently squeezes it. "I'm so glad you're okay," he says, his voice run through with sincerity. I look into his eyes and manage a shaky smile. My heats had been unbearable, but I feel safe here.

"My point is, I'm glad I wasn't alone last night," I say in a small voice.

"We are too," Seth replies. Connor still seems too angry with my ex and my doctor to speak, but none of them appear to question their decision to keep me here last night. It makes me think of my bi annual heat. All omegas go through heat twice a year. Since I just moved I need to find a new doctor to help me get my pain medication perscription. There's only a few weeks left.

Bax clears his throat pulling me from my internal checklist. "Raindrop, we want to know if you've given enough thought to allowing us to court you." He pauses. I look them each in the eye. The calm and thoughtful Bax with his bonfire scent. Connor, with his shocking red hair and kind eyes. And Seth, with his playful smile and relaxed demeanor. These alphas want to court me. But I still hesitate. I feel like I'm standing on a cliff, and if I jump and they don't catch me, I'll splatter all over the ground.

I could splatter even if I don't jump. After just one night, I already feel deeply connected to them, more than I should.

I push the feeling down but still say, "Yes, I'd like you all to court me."

They all grin, and it's the most feral and hopeful thing I've ever seen.

Connor

Cali looks so upset when she tells us about her shitty ex not wanting to be with her during her heats that it breaks something in me. Only Bax's hand on my shoulder keeps me from running to her and sweeping her into my arms, hoping I can hug all the hurt pieces back together.

If I ever meet that man, there would be words if not fists.

As Cali savors each bite, my alpha purrs softly. We're feeding her—caring for our omega. It's like the best dream. By the time she's ready to go, Seth has cracked a few more jokes, she's allowed Bax to rub her back, and I've made her a giant to-go cup with more hot chocolate. Her smile is radiant, and pride swells within me for my pack.

We make our way to her car, a little yellow VW Bug with no business near the snow. I want to hand her the keys to my Jeep and beg her to drive it, leaving this thing parked until the summer months. However, Bax, Seth, and I discussed our approach before Seth checked on Cali in her room. She's skittish, and pushing her too hard or fast might scare our little omega away. We need to maintain a level of calm. Something Bax excels at, but I struggle with, and Seth is incapable of managing while sitting through a movie, let alone with our mate. I notice Seth opening his mouth to speak, probably to offer her his car. Catching his eye, I shake my head, and he reluctantly closes it again.

Seth digs and pushes while Bax rocks the car, and I spread cat litter and push. Eventually, we get it unstuck. While pushing, I notice the shopping bags in Cali's trunk. There are plenty of items with large yellow clearance stickers on them. I'm really looking forward to pampering my omega.

The path back to town is clear. It appears the plow came through but stopped when it got to Calis's car and turned back. She clearly can't get through the snow back to her cottage.

"I don't need anything before work very badly, but how will I get home tonight?" she asks, eyeing the still snow covered road leading to her place. I want to tell her that she doesn't have to go home, that the omega suite has always been and will always be hers, and that she should just move in. But again, chill.

"I'll call Bruce once you leave. He owns the plow company. I'll let him know he's clear to finish this road." She looks visibly relieved. I have a feeling she's used to doing everything for herself.

"Thank you guys for all of your help. I'm sorry it was so much trouble." She looks genuinely contrite, and I want it to stop immediately.

Seth steps up and folds Cali into his arms. She doesn't resist or pull back but melts into him. The top of her head only reaches his shoulder. "You are the best trouble I always want to be in." he says to the top of her head. She snuggles her face into his chest, accidentally scent marking him.

"Oh," she exclaims in a breathy voice that has my cock going hard. Well, harder than it's been all morning. It's constantly at some state of hardness around Cali. She's clearly about to apologize when Seth leans down and rubs his cheek along hers, scent-marking her in return. She blushes, and it's the cutest damn thing I've ever seen.

Cali turns to us and envelopes Bax in a warm embrace, claiming him with her scent. He hugs her tightly, returning the gesture with his own scent mark. When it's my turn, I lean down and make sure to scent-mark her first. Her wide, hopeful eyes meet mine. She wraps her arms around me, pressing her face into my chest with a soft sigh, scent-marking me back. A deep purr rumbles through me. The warmth of her presence and scent leaves me yearning for more. More of her, more of this connection that keeps pulling us closer together. I don't want to let go.

We help her turn her car around and reluctantly watch her drive back to the Library for work. No wonder her scent had been so strong there. I chuckle at the thought.

"Unfortunately, we have jobs too," Bax reminds us, ever the responsible one. We trudge back up to the house to get ready. We need to check on things and do some more paperwork. I also have some new recipes to try. When we walk in, the whole place smells of Cali's perfume. I never want her to be away so long that it fades. I'm addicted.

Calliope

The Evergreen Pack and I had all exchanged numbers after breakfast. A text chain pops up on my phone.

Seth:

Dibs on first date

Connor:

Asshole

Bax:

Dibs on second

Connor:

What the fuck! Are we seven? I think we should let Cali decide.

I giggle and text back. The mountain of library paperwork can wait for a few minutes.

Cali:

Who am I to undermine the binding agreement that is dibs?

Seth:

HA!!!!

Connor:

Whatever, my date's going to blow you two out of the water. Saving the best for last is probably smart anyways.

Bax:

Eye Roll Emoji

Cali:

You guys don't have to do anything special for me.

There's an uproar of texts responding to this, and they all come in simultaneously.

Connor:

No, we don't, but baby, it's going to be so fun to spoil you, and not just on these dates. Every single day.

Seth:

Yes, I will do something special, and no one can stop me

Bax:

Raindrop, if we didn't want to, we would tell you. We promise. None of us are doing this because of tradition or because we have to. We sincerely want to.

Since I'm alone I squeal and hug the phone to my chest. These guys! I take a deep breath and return to typing.

Cali:

If I can't stop you, I'll just have to accept it.

Seth:

Damn straight.

Bax:

Can we text you at work?

Bax is becoming a whole person in my mind. With every thoughtful question and carefully worded statement, his personality shines through. He's deeply considerate and puts a lot of care into what he says and does. It feels like he'd always make sure I was okay before anything else.

Cali:

Yes, but it gets busy, so if I don't respond, I'm just dealing with something here.

Seth:

Got it.

Seth is also getting filled in as a personality. He came off as goofy and fun, always wanting to make people smile. But he also revealed himself this morning as vulnerable and never wanting to hurt anyone's feelings.

Seth:

What are your favorite things to do in your spare time?

I cringe. The getting-to-know-you phase is the part I've been dreading. Nick's voice echoes in my mind, calling me boring because of my hobbies and introversion. It isn't that I don't enjoy going out occasionally. My idea of going out includes activities like attending a book club on Saturdays, enjoying a nice dinner, or walking along the beach. Nick, and many people I knew through him, believed that having fun meant attending house parties, going on cruises, and enjoying loud concerts. He wanted to participate in those activities every weekend, and I often pretended to enjoy them to fit in, knowing I was in the minority. Most people consider my interests boring.

My fingers hover over the text reply box, and I begin to type: I like parties, music, and going out with friends. But I backspace and erase the entire message. I know, logically and from past experience, that this is a good answer that'll make me seem much more fun than I actually am. However, I can't bring myself to send it. My omega hates the response, and I don't want to go against my feelings. I remember what I'd discussed with my therapist. I'd started seeing one right after Nick and I broke up.

So, I send the answer that will probably stop this courtship. The truth.

Cali:

I enjoy reading, but I also like to do puzzles while listening to audiobooks. Walking along the beach and stargazing at night are two of my favorite things to do. Before I applied for the job up here, I was told there was a lot less light pollution. How much more you can see of the night sky is incredible. I love exploring the local mom-and-pop restaurants in the area because there's so much yummy food to try. I enjoy watching period romances. The courting customs from that time were wild. What about you guys?

Seth:

I'm with you on the restaurants, and I know Bax is with you on the books. You two could start your own book club, but I'm not answering beyond that. We want to know about you right now.

Cali:

Oh, come on. I want to get to know you, too.

Bax:

You will on our dates, but we need to know you first.

Connor:

What is your favorite food?

This morning they told me a little about what their responsibilities at the Café are. As the group chef and the person in charge of the Café's daily menu, I'm not surprised that's Connor's question.

Cali:

It would be easier to decide things that I don't like. I'm a pretty big fan of good food. I don't like beans, and I do not like olives.

Seth:

I can work with that.

One of the library pages, Amelia, rushes into my office, asking for help with an irate patron. I set down my phone and hurry to assist.

Bax

I sincerely hope this doesn't count as stalking. After carefully explaining to the guys that our omega has clearly experienced an issue in her past relationship that made her skittish, we decided to give her space. However, I find myself waiting for her to leave the Library at closing time.

My alpha is an overprotective asshole, and I found myself walking here instead of going to Dandy Stuff to get some more pens for the servers, like I said I would.

Footsteps behind me have me turning. The footsteps stop dead. Seth.

"You hypocrite!" he yells and points, bouncing on his toes like an overexcited puppy.

"Jesus, Seth, can you not yell," I reply through gritted teeth.

"'Let her be,' you said, 'She needs space,' you said. And now you're here?" His face would be incredulous if I couldn't see the teasing glint in his eyes. Living with someone for five years really gives you a beat on their moods, and Seth doesn't care that I'm here except to give me shit for it. Another set of footsteps to my right. Connor.

"Well, it's good to see that our pack is all on the same page. So much for personal space," he says, shoving his hands into his pockets. The library's side door opens, and Cali strolls out, causing my heart to sink.

I've crossed the space between us in seconds.

She yelps when she hears my footsteps, but when she looks up, her expression softens. A low purr rumbles in my chest, a primal response from my alpha, intended to soothe and draw her closer, while another part of my mind ignites, urging me to protect and defend what is mine.

The others gather around, their soothing purrs encircling our omega. We form a protective circle around her, each of us instinctively ready to shield her from the world outside. I gently tilt her face up, my heart sinking at the sight of the deep red mark on her cheek, and the small bruise beneath her eye. She was clutching an ice pack when she stepped outside, and my breath hitches in my throat.

My voice catches in my chest. I don't want to bark at her, but that's exactly what I'm afraid I'll do if I try to ask her about it.

"What happened, Baby?" Connor asks, his body pressing closely to hers, a silent promise of support. This is what packs do for their omegas. Whenever one is hurt, the others rush in to care for them, ensuring they never feel alone in their pain. If one falls short, the others pick up the slack.

Cali waves it off and tries to smile, but winces since her cheek is swollen. "It was just a patron who comes in here occasionally. She doesn't have a home, so she comes in to get warm. She was upset and confused, and I tried to calm her, but she swung one of her bags, which had something hard in it. It's okay. It'll heal soon enough."

"Did you call the police?" Seth asks. There's no humor in his face now.

"No, Seth, she won't even remember doing it tomorrow. The police can't help her. I had Amelia call the local shelter where she often stays, and they sent one of the volunteer social workers who works with her regularly."

Seth looks like he wants to tear something apart, but he nods. He respects her choice, even though it pains him to see her this way.

I gently cup the back of her neck, tilting her face up to meet mine. "Our brave, kind omega," I whisper, feeling a rush of heat at the sight of her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. My heart stutters. I want to pull her close, to taste her lips, but I hesitate. She needs to know that our feelings run deeper. We aren't just drawn to her beauty. We want to adore and cherish every part of her.

"We get a lot of people with housing insecurity. Most are completely harmless, but this sort of thing can happen. Honestly, I get yelled at far more by the people driving Mercedes and bringing their private school kids in for tutoring."

Seth chuckles, and I realize she's trying to make us feel better instead of the other way around. That won't do.

"Will you let us take you home?" I ask. She bites her lip. "Just to make sure you get there safe and get fed," I clarify.

"It's not that. It's just that my place is small," Cali confesses.

"We like small," Connor says, throwing our short omega a suggestive wink.

She snorts, but in the end, she agrees.

The guys and I had driven the Jeep to the Café, so we agreed to follow her to her cottage. Thankfully, Bruce had ended up circling back and clearing the road. No one gets stuck, although there are a few close calls with Cali's car. Those tires are too small, and the frame is too low for the rough terrain. I feel that urge again to give her one of our cars, but I know enough now to know she won't accept it. Our omega has a tendency not to accept what she truly deserves.

Connor asks to be dropped off at the end of our drive and promises to come with his car in a little bit. Likely to whip up some food for our omega.

I'd seen the cottage before, simply from living in the area for so long. It's an adorable, gingerbread-style house with white shiplap walls, delicate decorative trim, and a covered front porch. It's very charming but clearly designed for one person. There's no way three alphas could fit comfortably in it for long.

Cali opens the front door and a faint beeping echoes from inside. I tense up, thinking an alarm is going off, and I'm correct. The thermostat on the wall is the source of the beeping.

"Hang on, I need to go feed the furnace," she says.

"You have a wood boiler?" Seth asks.

"Yeah, it sucks, but it is cheap." She smiles.

"Where is it?" I ask.

"Oh, it's okay. I can do it." I level a warm but firm glare at her. She sighs and breaks eye contact first. "It's behind the house, and the wood is under a tarp on the side porch."

I approach her slowly, taking her hand in mine, feeling the warmth radiate between us. As I lean in, I let my cheek graze against hers, savoring the softness of her skin. "Good girl," I whisper low in her ear, nipping at the plain of her neck. The air becomes thick with her intoxicating perfume, enveloping us in a sensual, rain-kissed aroma. I hear Seth's low growl, a primal response that echoes my own.

I go out to fill the wood stove, and as I'm heading back to the front door, I see Connor's car come around the corner. He parks and unloads two bags of food from our fridge, and I take one from him to help carry it inside.

When we enter the cottage, Seth holds Cali in his arms, whispering to her. We gently move around them, not wanting to interrupt their moment. Any bonding between them benefits the pack and, more importantly, Cali's well-being. Given our height, our heads nearly brush the ceiling, and we have to duck to avoid hitting the light fixtures.

We unpack all the food before my Raindrop comes over.

"What are you making?" She asks.

"Paella," Connor replies. "Do you want to help?" She looks nervous but nods.

Based on the microwave meals I've seen in her freezer and the nothing I've seen anywhere else, she doesn't cook much. Which is fine. Connor will happily cook for her, or anyone else, until he breathes his last breath. Seth and I sit on her kitchen chairs near the counter and watch.

Calliope

Cooking is… fun. I've never experienced it like this. My mom doesn't like to cook, and my dad makes basics, like boxed spaghetti and American tacos. Never anything like this. These are spices, rice, and colorful vegetables. It's saffron and cooked shrimp and fish. Every layer has a new smell, color, and texture. Connor is so patient with me, explaining things I'm sure most children know about cooking that I've never bothered to learn. Seth and Bax help occasionally but mostly watch us, make jokes, and ask me questions. I learn more about them as we work. Like how Seth has an enormous pack family. How Connor lived with them for much of high school. How Bax had met them in college. I know deeper, more personal stories are there, but I don't want to pry yet. Hopefully, there will be chances in the future if they still want to take me on courting dates.

When the dish comes together, it's this colorful mishmash of perfectly cooked rice, veggies, and seafood. We pile the masterpiece on paper plates because that's the only kind I have, and we eat with plastic ware. It's pretty embarrassing, but no one complains.

We tuck into the food with wild abandon. I cover my mouth with my hand. I've always been self-conscious while eating, and my ex had fed that insecurity by assuring me I was disgusting when I ate. But the noises coming from me after the first glorious bite are practically pornographic. After only microwaving single-serve meals for weeks, my taste buds have hibernated, and the paella is reawakening them. When I look up, the alphas are staring at me. I feel heat creeping up my face.

"Precious, if those enticing little sounds keep escaping your lips, we might not make it through dinner," Seth says, his voice low and teasing, but his eyes dark and carnal. "We might have to bend you over that counter and show you how we earn those delicious noises." My cheeks burn, both from embarrassment and undeniable excitement. I feel my anxious thoughts recede as my omega pushes to the surface at Seths suggestive words. She wants this. I want this. and that helps me gain the courage I need to take what I want.

Silencing my thoughts, I let my instincts take over. Picking up another forkful of food, I savor the taste as I bite down, moaning the same way I had. The alphas exchange heated glances, their expressions shifting to focused, hot need. The air thickens with an undeniable tension, and I can feel their eyes on me, hunger and curiosity dancing in the space between us.

Then, they all move at once. Connor grips the arms of my chair as he spins me around, kneeling before me.

"Is that permission, Baby?" he murmurs, his hands flexing on the arms of the dining chair. A warm flush spreads through me, pooling at my core and igniting a delicious ache. I fight to swallow my uncertainty regarding scent-sensitivity, mates, and the fear of being left behind again. Staring into his smoldering eyes, I realize there's no hesitation about wanting them. My omega pushes up a whine.

I nod still feeling my residual uncertainty. Not about wanting them. Just about myself and my own relationship skills. But my omega forcibly pushes those down. She needs these men. She wants them.

"We need to hear you say it," Bax murmurs, his voice low and sultry, sending shivers skittering across my skin. Bax is crouched behind my chair, his warm breath brushing against my neck as he leans closer. His cheek grazes mine, a possessive gesture that leaves a tingling burn in its wake.

"Yes." The moment the word slips from my lips, I feel Connors's hands glide over the leggings I wear under my flannel work dress. Bax is trailing light kisses up my throat, and I let my head fall back onto his shoulder, allowing him full access to the plane of my neck and shoulder. Every press of his lips ignites my skin.

My eyes slit open, and I notice Seth leaning against the kitchen counter, practically white-knuckling it. "You like to watch?" I ask.

Connor's hands distract me for a moment. They grab at the waist of my leggings and pull them down. I lift my ass slightly to make it easier on him, and he takes advantage by nipping at my panty-covered mound before fully removing the leggings and shucking them across the floor.

Seth's answering chuckle draws my attention back to him while Connor traces small circles over my now-exposed thighs, and Bax's hand dives under my bra and kneads the soft flesh beneath.

"Sometimes, I do like to watch," Seth says, "but right now, while my pack mates work on relieving you of your clothes, I want to know what you like and don't like, in as much detail as you're willing to give."

I feel myself freeze up. It's not that I don't want the pack to know what I like. It's that no one, from my ex-fiancé to my shortest trysts, has ever asked. I was just expected to enjoy what they liked, and most of that had been very…basic. Lots of missionary, a few reverse cowgirls. The few times I'd tried to add more into the bedroom with toys, positions, or anything else, I was met with resistance or refusal.

I'm about to say that it's fine and doesn't matter. My responses feel almost automatic by this point, but I catch myself. I remember some of the self-help books I'd read after the breakup and the promise I made to myself and my therapist to avoid compromising my identity. If these men want me, I want them to want me for who I truly am, not for the person Nick shaped me into.

"I like this," I start. Seth exchanges a crooked smile with Connor. Connor kisses up my thighs and then kisses me right at my mound.

"Since you're a little distracted, I'm going to ask you some questions and I'd like you to answer honestly, please." Seth requests. I relax in Bax's arms. It's so much easier to answer questions than express my needs alone.

Connor moves my panties to the side to lick me right up my slit and then blow on it.

"Do you like it rough?" he asks, going straight to the heart of my basic preferences.

"Yes, I like it rough, but I don't like too much pain." When I hadn't found Nick satisfying, I'd taken matters into my own hands and experimented when he wasn't around.

"Do you like to be restrained?" Seth asks. I whimper and nod vigorously. Bax grasps both hands and brings them together behind my back, cuffing them with one giant hand. Slick bursts into my panties and fills the room with my perfume. All the men moan but there's no way I can help it. After doing everything to satisfy myself for my entire adult life, having my dreams immediately fulfilled with a few simple words is agonizing, core clenching, slick inducing, bliss.

"I think that's enough for tonight, but make no mistake, there will be more questions later." And with that, Seth turns back to my kitchen counter, swipes everything on it into the kitchen sink, and then turns toward me. The feral gleam in his eyes has me gushing slick, which Connor licks off with the flat of his tongue.

Seth comes to stand next to me, motioning to Connor to stand. Bax lets go of my hands, and Seth pulls me up and kisses me rough and fast. His tongue demands access, and I grant it immediately. He pulls me up by my ass, firmly kneading it in his hands, and my legs wrap around his middle. I'm sure that my slick will stain his shirt.

Seth lays me across the counter and pulls away from our kiss. I keen, my panties soaked. He unbuttons my dress slowly, and when it's fully opened, he pulls me up to his chest and shucks it off, followed closely by my lacy bra. Seth looks me over, and his gaze is fire. But he kisses my lips. This time it's slow and deliberate, and it takes my breath away. When he pulls back, I can see Bax and Connor behind him, both stripped naked. Their cocks standing long and hard.

"Turn over," Seth says, his voice a low purr. I do. My counter is so tall, and I'm so short that my toes don't even touch the ground. The cool counter rubs against my hard nipples. The contrast of the cool against my hot skin makes the insanely erotic situation feel even more sexy. I feel hands glide over my panty-covered ass.

"Do you want these off?" Bax's voice asks from behind me. He's now behind me, not Seth. I whimper with need. "You want us to lick this pussy without anything in the way?" The air whooshes from my body, and I can't think. His scent is all-encompassing. Wood smoke whipped away in my damp night air.

"Yes, please, alpha," I beg. I'm hot now. What started as basic need has rolled into a heat spike. From the research I've done online, it's not uncommon.

Bax gives me what I want. The panties slip down and around my ankles. I feel the air shift around my sensitive lips, and then a hot mouth is there. Licking from my ass straight down to my core and then around to settle on my clit. I scream in relief and grasp the edge of the counter with my hands, trying to ground myself. I feel like I'm floating. The pleasure is so fierce.

When I open my eyes, though, Seth is leaning against the kitchen wall, his massive cock in his hand, stroking. Bax is in front of me, not behind me, as I thought. Which means Bax switched with Connor who is now the owner of the mouth currently eating me like I'm his favorite meal. Bax's cock is jutting out at eye level. Where Seth is long and veined, Bax is wide, dark, and intimidating.

"Do you want to take this cock in your mouth, Raindrop?" Bax asks, his voice all rough and low, making me gush more slick for Connor to lap up. These men are all about asking me what I want during sex, and the questions send me closer and closer to the edge of bliss.

I don't say anything, but Bax is close enough that I can lean my head up a little and lick his tip. He growls, steps closer, fists my hair, and my mouth opens just in time for him to slide the first half inside. He's thick and velvety steel. While his cock works into my mouth, I feel Connor work two fingers into my pussy, never ceasing his ministrations on my clit with his tongue. My hands come up to fist the bottom half of Bax's cock, and we fall into a sizzling rhythm that pounds with Connor's fingers. The fronts of my legs bounce against the countertops, and my feet swing. The heat in my core builds with each of their thrusts.

"Next time, I'm going to take that pretty ass of yours," Bax promises, reaching over my back to squeeze it in both hands, and I perfume at the thought alone.

Movement out of the corner of my eye has me turning to peer at Seth through the curtain of my hair. He has his cock fisted in one hand, pumping in sharp, hard jerks. I imagine that he's ramming it into me with the same force, and it tips me right over the edge. I scream around Bax's cock, and it's his undoing. He pulls his cock from my mouth, and jets of white, hot cum shoot out all over my back and shoulders. Connor groans behind me, and I have a feeling he's making his own mess on the kitchen floor.

Bax grabs one of my tea towels and wipes me off thoroughly while I hear Connor taking care of his mess. I'm made of jelly. I lift my head and try to awkwardly scoot off the counter. Connor hauls me up from behind and turns me in his arms, so I'm basically koalaing him. He hefts me to my couch and sits so I'm still straddling him and my head is on his shoulder. Bax wraps my largest, softest blanket around my shoulders and tucks it around us. Then Bax sits on one side of Connor. Both he and Seth have put their pants back on. Connor hasn't and he does not seem to care.

Seth turns on my TV and looks at my series of DVDs. Without streaming, I've been borrowing a lot from the Library. They have a limited selection, but it's better than nothing. He picks out The Hobbit and pops it in. While the intro starts, I relax to the sounds of The Shire. Seth goes into the kitchen and returns a few minutes later. He's reheated all of our plates. He sits on Bax's other side. It's a tight fit, but the couch is large, and we manage to be just this side of cozy. Connor only takes my plate and has me lean between him and Bax so that he can feed me. I try to protest, but he's having none of it.

"Let me feed my omega, please." His eyes are so sincere. It's delicious and warm and perfect. I eat and relax and drift.

I don't know how it happened, but I became sprawled across all three of their laps at some point. It's morning now, and we slept that way all night. I feel warm and, surprisingly, not too achy. I doubt the guys will feel the same way when they wake up. Sitting up to sleep all night couldn't have been remotely comfortable.

When I start to get up to make them coffee, Connor grabs me by the waist.

"Where are you going, Baby?" his voice is husky with sleep.

"To make you guys some coffee," I whisper. Seth and Bax are still asleep, tilted back against the sofa. His eyes flash, and he lets me go. Even his alpha can't argue about coffee.

They each stretch and get up from the couch when the coffee is ready. They look miserable. I swear I can hear joints cracking.

"Why didn't you guys wake me up so you could leave? That must have been a horrible way to sleep." It's very chivalrous of them, but at the expense of their necks seems a little extreme. They glance at each other.

"For omegas, you have heats, heat spikes, and nesting. There's a lot more to it, but I'm simplifying," Bax says. I nod. I'd seen the library books on the shelves in the guy's study when I'd been stranded at their house. They'd clearly done some research. "For alpha's, there's a driving need to protect an omega they're courting. It's tough to ignore our alphas. Last night, you were asleep, and we just couldn't leave you. Does that make sense?" Bax is looking at me as if he's trying to explain the pattern of his soul, and I suppose, in a way, he is.

"I think if you'd left, my omega would have been really disappointed," I admit. They're giving me truths, and it feels right to do the same.

Bax steps forward, and before he can move again I wrap my arms around his chest and drop my head against him. His purr revs up, he kisses the top of my head, and then scent marks me. The other two move around and do the same, making a circle of us. My heart swells with hope, pleasure, and a sense of peace my omega's never known. I've only known rejection. First by my parents for my omega status, and then Nick when he lied and cheated. I already know that these alphas will never reject me like that. Bax proves it in his careful knowledge. Seth in his light humor. Connor, in his protective nature and his own brand of food-based care. I feel… safe.

Seth

Cali looks beautiful and happy. Good. My alpha swells with pride. She should feel happy, fulfilled, safe, and satisfied. If my pack has its way, that's what she'll experience every day until we're dead and buried.

Once she fell asleep in our laps last night, we all knew there was no way we'd wake her. We couldn't take her to bed because omega nests are private spaces. We'd never enter without our omega's explicit permission, or for an emergency. Cali already told us that her room was her nest. So, we watched over her until we eventually drifted off to sleep with our heads tipped against the couch. Even if she had an omega suite with a standard bed area, we would have hesitated to leave her alone. Our primal instincts made sleep a vulnerable time, and knowing our omega was in that state compelled us to stay and protect her. It would have been difficult, if not impossible, to walk away.

When she admitted that she and her omega felt the same way, I could have whooped with joy. It wasn't just my pack falling into sync. As our omega, Cali was aligning with us. That made everything more manageable and more fluid.

We reluctantly leave Cali's cottage, but we need to get to the Café. Cali agreed to meet me Saturday night for our first courting date. I've got a plan already formed. Now, I just need to bring it to life. I also want to call my papa, the omega of my family pack, to discuss some ideas with him. It should be a spectacular night.

Calliope

Clara has named this group chat: Lakeside Points Coolest Bitches

Clara has added Cali to the group chat

Cali:

No one in my entire life has described me as cool.

Clara:

You're in our book club now, so you must be.

Winnie:

What time are we meeting for brunch on Saturday?

Rose:

I cannot do anything before ten.

Sunny:

We know, Rose.

Cali:

I can do eleven.

Clara:

Motion is carried.

Cali:

Hey, I need to get some actual non-work clothes. Is Stella's any good for clothes? It's the only thing coming up when I google clothing stores near me.

Clara:

Stella's is excellent! Let's go shopping! I love shopping!

Cali:

I'd love some help. Thanks.

Sunny:

I'm down. I need a new coat.

Winnie:

Can't, sorry. Need to find a new place to live. My roommate will not stop being nuts. I'm never rooming with anyone ever again.

Rose:

Also busy with work. Send Pics.

Clara, Sunny, and I decided to meet at Stella's at six once I'd closed the Library. Stella's is a boutique on the edge of Main Street, just before it turns residential. It's in a one-story building that looks like it might have been a house at one time, but everything has been ripped out, so it's an open floor plan filled with clothes of all sizes and styles.

A small, hunched, wrinkled woman with curly white hair sits behind the counter. The deep in-and-out sound of an oxygen tank fills the room, and she scowls when we enter, saying nothing to us.

"Don't mind her," Clara whispers. "She's just mad because she's usually a snowbird, but she couldn't go this year due to some medical issues. That's the only reason this place is open right now. Otherwise, we'd have to go over to Suttons Bay." Snowbirds are people who "live" in northern Michigan for the nice warm months, but the moment the air turns crisp they flee faster than the Canada geese to someplace like Florida or Texas.

"What kind of clothes are you looking for?" Sunny asks as she looks through the winter coat section. I blush, but I'll have to tell them at some point. It's best to do it now.

"Date clothes," I say. Sunny and Clara, who've been peering at the hats, both turn to look at me with wide eyes.

"Date clothes for who?" Clara asks.

"With the Evergreen Pack," I say as casually as I can while turning to look at some sweaters.

"Wait! My cousin's pack?" Clara asks. I bite my lip to keep in a wide grin and nod. She, of course, squeals.

"Hey!" Stella snaps from her counter. "Keep it down." Clara doesn't pay any attention to her.

"Are you scent-matched then? Is it one or two?" Clara asks.

"Clara!" Sunny scolds.

"It's fine," I laugh. "I actually scent-sensitive matched to all of them."

Clara gasps and covers her mouth with both hands like a cartoon. Sunny's blonde eyebrows hit her hairline, blending into her bangs.

"Wow, to find your scent-sensitive match is the dream," Clara says.

"How do you feel about it?" Sunny asks. She apparently isn't as big of a blind romantic as Clara.

"I…" But I can't finish the sentence. How do I feel about it at this point? "In the beginning, I was shocked. It's not something I thought would ever happen to me. As I'm getting to know the guys, I'm getting more used to the idea. They make it easy to like them."

"I'm sensing a 'but' coming, and not a cute one like Chris Pratt's," Clara says.

"But… my last relationship was a mess. We broke up because I found out he was cheating. Through therapy, I've realized that he was toxic." They both wince. "I know the guys aren't like my ex, and scent sensitivity means they're made for me, but my past makes me do a lot of second-guessing. I'm trying to get over that habit, but it's hard. I don't want to get my hopes up if it doesn't work out."

Clara hugs me, and it's so unexpected that I nearly tip over. Sunny, surprisingly, swoops in for a hug as well.

"That's really hard," Sunny says. "I don't understand exactly cause I haven't gone through what you've gone through, but you're working on it. Be patient with yourself. Don't push yourself to do anything you don't want to do. We've known the Evergreen Pack for a long time. They'll wait."

"And if they don't, I'll tell their mothers," Clara says. "They're badass bitches too. They'll put those alpha's in their place."

I laugh, and Stella glares daggers at us.

Seth

Setting up for Cali's date was easy. It's the most confident I've ever felt setting up a date for anyone. I called Papa, the omega of my family's pack, and asked him what he thought of the idea. He'd said it sounded good, but to add soft places and warm layers for Cali. Plus some warm drinks to bring. That was sound advice that I hadn't thought of. Alphas don't crave warmth and softness like omegas do. Alpha bodies are built and regulated differently, so we're never as cold. But I should layer as much warmth as possible for this date, especially considering the location. I think I've done well. It could be overkill, especially after the things I'd ordered after talking to Papa.

Cali tried to drag the date details out of me over text. It was so adorable to imagine her frustrated scowl. But it was a tradition that alphas planned all dates, especially the first ones during courtship. She'd asked what she should wear, and I told her to wear something warm. When she opens the door, I'm glad to see she's followed my advice. She wears a long knit sweater dress that crisscrosses in the front and dips low, giving me a fantastic view, especially considering I tower over her. I don't look away. I won't pretend that my omega is anything less than stunning.

"Hi," Cali says. She's tamed her beautiful, wild auburn curls and clipped up the left half of her hair with a sparkling claw.

"Hi." I smile and bend down to kiss her trying to keep myself from bouncing. It's soft and sweet, and when we pull back, we're both grinning like idiots. I lead her to my Jeep and open the door, ensuring she's fully bundled in before shutting it. In northern Michigan, in the dead of winter, the sunset is around five in the evening, so when I pick her up at seven, it's already pitch black. The weather is clear, with no clouds in sight, and only a half-moon hangs in the air.

We drive along the lake, taking the Peninsula's west coast down. Finally, we come to a pull-off. I help Cali out of the car, and she shivers in the cool night air. I grab a blanket from the back seat and wrap it around her shoulders.

"It's just a little beyond these trees," I promise her.

"What is?" she asks, smiling up at me, and damn if that smile doesn't suck the soul right out of my body.

I wink at her, teasing. "Surprises will not be spoiled tonight, Precious."

We take a thin trail that cuts through a wooded area. Looking back, I see she's struggling with walking and the blanket, so I do the only thing I can think of. I lift her into my arms. She gives a small squeak and lightly whacks me on the chest.

"I can walk." She says.  

"I know you can, but why should you do it when I love having an excuse to touch you?" She blushes prettily but grins up at me. I can't help leaning my face down and scent marking her cheek with mine. She nuzzles me right back.

We finally break through the tree line, and Cali gasps.

Calliope

The woods open to an expansive beach blanketed in a soft layer of snow that shimmers like fine crystals under the moonlight. Each step on the crisp, white surface crunches softly. The lake sprawls out before me, its surface frozen solid, creating a vast mirror of the stars and moon that stretches endlessly to the horizon.

On the snowy beach is a large, transparent, igloo-shaped inflatable structure. Through its clear dome, I can see a charming two-person table adorned with flickering candles and a vase of fresh flowers. A queen bed, piled high with fluffy blankets and abundant plush pillows, sits in the middle. A soft, handwoven rug is spread underneath it all. The entire thing is a haven away from the biting cold outside.

The thought of a blow-up igloo is almost absurd, yet here it is, inviting us in. As we approach, Seth guides me gently, his hand lingering on the small of my back, igniting a warmth that spreads through me.

He opens the plastic door, and I step inside, immediately enveloped by surprising warmth. A cordless space heater casts a soft glow, keeping the jaws of winter firmly outside. The table is adorned with a tantalizing spread of snacks featuring cream cheese, crisp crackers, sweet raspberries and delectable finger foods wrapped in crispy bacon. My eyes dance over specialty grilled cheeses paired with rich tomato soup. Nestled among it all are Oreos, a playful touch amidst the elegance.

I turn to him, questioning. He chuckles. "I may have done some recon with Clara about your food preferences, since she did help you raid our café."

My omega feels an intense wave of jealousy at the thought of Seth spending time with any other omega. Even though Clara is a lovely person, and a good friend, it doesn't help ease the knot in my stomach. The idea of him sharing space with someone else eats at me. Discussing my food preferences isn't wrong, but the possessiveness is overwhelming. I've heard how omega's possessiveness intensifies with scent-sensitive matches, and I can feel it building within me. It'll be a challenge until bonding solidifies our connection.

My thoughts must show in my face because Seth chuckles again and wraps his arms around my waist, hoisting me up against his chest so that my feet aren't touching the ground and I'm flush against him.

He scent-marks the top of my head, and I can feel his smile against my hair. "Don't worry, Precious. I've known Clara for a long time. We're not even remotely scent-matched." His purr revs up, and I relax against him, my hands resting against his chest and my head on his shoulder.

At that moment, my stomach gives a loud, unpleasant gurgle. I tense up, but he simply chuckles, sets me down, and pulls out a chair at the table. We sit facing each other, with an unobstructed view of the frozen water to my left.

The soft glow of several small lights twinkles around the igloo, creating a warm ambiance within the bubble while maintaining a perfect view of the world outside. The food is absolutely divine, and I can't shake the feeling that Connor had a hand in some of the delectable choices, especially the grilled cheese. Thick brioche buns, perfectly toasted to golden crisps, hug an array of specialty cheeses that melt together in a creamy symphony. Vibrant slices of heirloom tomatoes wedged between the cheeses burst with sweetness. The accompanying tomato soup is a revelation. Its unique blend of spices dances on my palate, coaxing me to savor every last drop, and I have to keep myself from slurping it down out of sheer enjoyment. I take small bites and cover my mouth as much as possible, trying not to let my self consciousness ruin the moment. The food is excellent. I just wish we weren't directly across from each other, or that there was something else for him to focus on. I've never been fond of people looking at me when I'm eating. Even when I was a child. But when I was with Nick he made it so much worse. Regardless, the meal feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, leaving me utterly satisfied. And Seth doesn't seem to catch my unease or, more likely, politely ignores it.

"This was a wonderful surprise," I say once I've eaten my fill.

"This wasn't the surprise. Not really. It's a part of everything, but the real surprise will happen soon," he says. I cock my head. He moves to my side of the table and pulls me up, scooping me into his arms again.

Then, Seth gently uses one hand to pull back the soft blankets on the bed while using the other to help me slip between the covers and the sheets. I'm surprised the bed isn't a blow-up mattress, as I initially thought. Instead, it's a real queen-sized mattress with a wooden frame. He'd actually assembled this bed inside the dome. How long had it taken him to do that? All for me?

Seth slips around to the other side and joins me under the covers.

"Is the surprise your cock, because I have news for you: I've seen cocks." Based on what I'd seen at the last dinner we had together, his and the packs' are significantly larger than any other cocks I've personally experienced. I don't think Seth needs any ego-boosting in that area.

He chuckles and pulls me close. Thoroughly wrapping himself around my side. Again, I feel a twinge of astonishment. I had to practically beg my ex to cuddle or for him to purr or show any physical intimacy. He said he just didn't express himself that way, but by the end, he never expressed himself much beyond general distaste for my company.

Seth pulls out his cell phone, and my heart sinks. Now, we're in more familiar territory when it comes to relationships. My scent must change because he wraps his arm around me even tighter, holding me close with the arm that isn't holding the phone. He keeps the phone in front of me so I can see what he's doing and opens an app with a light bulb icon. He presses a virtual button that says OFF, and the ambient light around the igloo darkens.

When the lights suddenly flick off, it feels like the very cosmos has flung open its curtains, showering us in brilliance. We're enveloped in dark solitude, far from the reach of any town and removed from the city's bustling life. The Milky Way, which had previously appeared as a weak smear of light on the horizon anytime I'd seen it before, has transformed. Every glimmer of light is its own form of mesmerizing beauty.

The heavens erupt into a symphony of brilliance, a stunning dance of individual points scattered across the infinite expanse. Each star is like its own fiery gem. It's far more beautiful than I've ever seen stargazing. The awe of it wraps around me, igniting a sense of wonder and insignificance as I gaze up from the comfort of the plush bed, lost in the beauty of the universe.

I inhale a sharp breath, heat rushing to my cheeks. A luminous streak dances across the sky, leaving a shimmering trail that flashes and then dies. "A shooting star!" I whisper in a voice barely louder than the breeze. It feels like talking too loudly will shatter the delicate magic of the moment. As if my voice will send the stars tumbling from their place in the sky like a soufflé collapsing under its own weight.

Seth presses his cheek against the top of my head, scent marking me, sending shivers down my spine. "Make a wish, Precious," he urges, his voice low and sultry. I close my eyes, feeling a warm rush of desire swirl within me, and I wish fervently that this isn't just an elaborate dream spun by my attention-starved omega. I crave the reality of his touch, the heat of his body against mine.

"This is a perfect surprise," I say.

"Well, you said you liked the stars, and I didn't want to let that perfect idea go to waste. But, Precious, this still isn't the surprise."

I lean back from his embrace enough to look into his face. A small smile plays on his lips. It's something both hopeful and fragile. So different from the wide grins he usually wears. His eyes meet mine, and, god, I could drown in them. He brings his face down to mine. This time, his kiss isn't slow or gentle. It's deep and demanding. His tongue roams over mine, and he palms my ass. I press back into him. Allowing my hands to wander into his hair, pulling so that his bun falls out and his wild hair frames around our faces. I forget about the stars as Seth's hard length presses against my thigh. That nagging small voice of doubt within me tries to rear its ugly head but it's quickly squashed down by my omega. She isn't having any of it. I perfume and slick seeps down my thighs. I reach down and stroke him through his pants. He breaks off our kiss with a hiss.

"Cali, I brought the bed to watch the stars comfortably. I'm not expecting—" He cuts off as I begin unbuckling the belt of his pants. Seth groans and drops his forehead to mine as I slip my hand in and stroke up the velvety, hot length of him. My fingertips barely touch together as my hand circles him.

Suddenly, he rips my hand from his pants, and I think I've done something wrong. He grabs my other hand and pins them both above me and under one hand. I'm about to protest when he skims a hand into the V of my sweater dress and my bra, and tweaks my nipple most deliciously. My eyes fall closed. Seth nips along my shoulder and neck while his hand moves from my breast down to my inner thigh and up, teasing my folds through the material of my leggings. It isn't nearly enough, and I'm mewling in need. He lets out a breathy chuckle. I feel the hand that was tweaking my nipple come up to brush the stray hairs from my face. I'm flat on my back, face toward the dome ceiling, eyes having fluttered closed. Only wanting to experience the sensation of his touch.

"Open your eyes, Precious," he whispers in my ear. Reluctantly, I do. He's moved to the side and I'm looking straight up at the stars. The sight above us takes my breath away.

"This is your surprise, Precious," he says, his voice smooth as a water worn stone. Above us, the sky has lit up. A throng of colors sweeps across the velvety darkness of the night. They swirl together in an electrifying display of color. The northern lights sway across the starlit sky like waves against a shore. They splash into one another in a mesmerizing motion.

I gasp, my breath catching in my throat, overwhelmed by the ethereal beauty. The colors shimmer and twinkle and if I didn't understand the science behind it, I'd believe it was nothing short of pure magic. The lights illuminate the world around us in an otherworldly glow. My heart races at the sheer wonder of it. If I'd ever kept a bucket list, this moment would have topped it.

I turn my head to glance at Seth, who's still firmly holding my hands with his. My heart swells at the sight of him. He's captivated, his eyes wide. But he's looking at me. There's a softness in his gaze, an expression of pure wonder that makes me feel cherished. Before I can say anything, he lets go of my hands and slides down my body, taking my leggings and lace panties with him. As he climbs back up, he trails kisses along my inner thighs. He pauses before reaching the apex of my thighs.

"Like I said, the bed is for comfortable viewing. This beach is fairly secluded, and I don't see people down here often, but it's not gated off. Would you rather—"

"No," I breathe, cutting him off. I rip my eyes from the lights to look down at him. His eyes are pinpricks in the night, and I can see his outline between my thighs by the pale of the silver moon. I'm not often sure of things, but I'm sure I'll die disappointed if I don't have Seth right now. I still feel nervous about everything but my omega isn't nervous about anything when it comes to these alphas. She wants them and that need is bolstering my own need for Seth.

The flash of teeth in the dim light tells me he's smiling that wide grin. He closes the distance between us. This isn't coy or teasing. He licks me all the way up my slit, encircling my clit with his mouth and sucking. I buck off the sheets, trying to simultaneously get him to give me more and to get away from him.

"Eyes on the sky," he growls. I do as he says.

His tongue slips down from circling my clit and plunges into my center. I call his name and grab his hair, pulling him further into me. "Seth, please," I beg through panted breaths. He adds one finger and then another. Never breaking contact between his tongue and my clit. Two hard swipes against my spot, and I'm screaming into the stars and lights while tumbling over the edge of an orgasm. When it's done, he lifts himself onto his hands and knees and then sits back on his heels. His eyes skim over me in the dim light and I feel like I'm made of stars with how he gazes at me. A strangled whine escapes my lips.

Without warning, he grabs my hips and flips me over so that I'm on my stomach. He takes both my wrists in his with one hand, and pulls my bottom half into a kneeling position, putting my ass in the air on display for him while my face is firmly pressed into the sheets. My right cheek supports much of my weight while I breathe deeply. This was why he'd asked me those questions in my cottage. So that he knew if I would be okay with this. He's taking charge like I love. My omega whines in need, and I'm breathing heavily. Slick runs down my thighs, and I perfume so hard. It's a wonder we can breathe in this bubble. The idea that anyone could come onto the beach and see this just adds to the excitement.

The hand not holding my wrists together smoothes up the bare curve of my ass. "Do you like to be spanked, Precious?" Seth asks. I nod. I think I do, at least. I like it in books.

A sharp smack echoes across the igloo, and I hear it before I feel its bite. I perfume and gush with slick. There's no question now. I definitely like to be spanked.

"I need to hear your words," Seth's says. I swallow and seriously consider not answering. But I really want to see where this goes, and I'm afraid he'll stop if I disobey too much.

"Yes," I confess. Another sharp smack on the opposite cheek.

"Louder," he demands.

"Yes!" I practically shout. He smooths his warm hand over the skin he's just reddened.

"Have you ever taken an alpha cock?" The question is both electrifying and mortifying. As an omega, the obvious answer should be yes, except I never have. Apparently, my answer is taking too long for my alpha's liking, because I receive another sharp slap. This time lower on my ass.

"No," I confess in a voice less than a shout this time, but more than my whispered first reply.

"So," Seth says, his usual laughing, teasing voice turns low and somewhat menacing. It sends a thrill straight to my core. "This tight little pussy has never had a knot?"

"No," I answer immediately, and am disappointed when I don't receive a smack. What's wrong with me? My disappointment soon abates when I feel two fingers dive into my warmth and twist. They curve to hit the spot inside me that makes my eyes cross.

"Are you protected?" he asks. My brain fog makes it hard to decipher English and I barely understand what he's talking about.

"An omega IUD," I confirm. Omega IUDs are practically their own steel shield. With how fertile omegas are, they have to be.

"Do you think we should practice for any potential heats? Or would you like to wait for that particular step?" he asks.

My brain's short-circuiting. Not only is he hitting that delicious spot inside of me, he's also rubbing my clit with the pad of his thumb. All while he holds my hands together with his other hand. The man literally has all of my pleasure in one hand.

Seth's fingers leave me, and I receive another sharp slap to my ass. The quick transition from pleasure to pain is knee shaking.

"I forgot the question," I admit. He chuckles, and the sound slides down my spine.

"Knot. Yes or no?" he simplifies. As he says it, I feel the head of his cock slide through my folds. Gathering the slick there. He lines himself up with my entrance. I want to push back on him. To surprise him for once. But his hand is still holding both of mine.

"Yes," I breathe desperately. And with that consent, he begins pushing inside of me.

"You will tell me to stop if you don't like what I'm doing," he barks, and I know he's lost control. The bark ensures that I'll obey. Omegas can't resist an alpha bark. Obedience rushes through me, moving me closer to the edge of bliss.

The bedroom is the only place where barks at omegas are considered appropriate, and Seth handled his well.

Seth

It takes all of my willpower not to slam into Cali from behind. I felt it when I fucked her with my fingers. She's so tight that I'm a little scared I'll hurt her. Where I'm not wide, I'm long. But I don't need to worry. She's so slick that Cali stretches around my cock, and pushing into her is pure heaven, but she's so tight that I find myself letting go of her hands to rub up and down her back to make sure that she's okay. I'll pull out at the slightest hint of burn in her scent, and we'll figure something else out.

But to my great delight, Cali not only mewls in satisfaction, she begins thrusting back with her hips, forcing my cock in deeper without me having to worry about it.

"More," she begs, gesturing in a way that tells me she means the handcuffing. I can do better than that if that's what she wants. I begin thrusting in at a deeper angle. Making sure to hit that spot inside her that makes her keen. I'm rewarded with sounds that would make a saint come. I lean over her and grab her hair, pulling her head to the side so she can look up at me through her tousled hair.

"You like that, Precious? You like being held down and spanked?" She nods and moans, gushing more slick all over my cock. I press her head down more, pulling her hair tight in the process while I take her throat in my other hand. "Look how good you take me."

I squeeze just enough to make her feel dominated, but not enough that she can't breathe. I pound into her faster, and it's all I can do to keep it together and not tip over the edge. I need her to come first to make things as easy on her as possible. My knot is filling, and every time I slam into her, it presses against her clit, forcing a whine from my omega.

Her walls flutter, and then she's tipping over the edge, screaming my name into the stars, lights, and dark lake beyond. Her pussy is strangling my cock in the best possible way. Right at the end of her orgasm, when her pussy muscles let go and she's at her most euphoric and relaxed, I start pushing forward. She begins to keen, but she doesn't tell me to stop. I push her ass up and dive in at an angle. Cali instinctively presses down. My knot pops in and then engorges. She screams. She moans as I rock into her as much as I can locked within her and her walls flutter around me again, squeezing my knot with her heat. I can't hold it in anymore. Roaring, I dump my come into her, filling her up completely.

With my knot in place, we'll be locked together for at least an hour. I steadily ease us down and roll so my front is to her back, and we're on our sides. The blankets are within my reach, so I pull them up and wrap them around her, feeling happier and more content than ever.

Calliope

We lay in silence for a while. Then Seth's hands roam over me as he checks me for injuries or harm. As much as he can while we're locked together. He's making sure that he didn't hurt me. I assure him that he didn't. Far from it—I feel the best I ever have after sex. For a long time, I'd wondered if I just wasn't interested in sex like other people were. The guys have been proving me dead wrong about that. I'm very interested in sex. I'm just not interested in the unsatisfying kind.

He smiles, and scent-marks the back of my head. Wrapping his arms around me tightly. I can't hold myself back. I want to know more about this alpha.

"Have you always wanted to be in a pack?" I ask.

Seth holds me firmly against him, his body molded tightly to mine. His warmth wraps around me, creating a cocoon of pleasure. I can feel his steady heartbeat, matching the rhythm of my own. Every inch of me presses against him. I want to linger in this moment, lost in the intoxicating sensation of being so entwined.

"Yes," he says. "My earliest memory is feeling loved and secure around my family pack's dining room table. There were a lot of us. Three alphas, two betas, and a scent-sensitive omega." I can feel him smiling into my hair at the thought.

"Oh, I almost forgot." He bends expertly without pulling on his knot and pulls something out from under the bed. It's two pads with fuzzy cloth attached. He slips them on my hands from behind and then presses a button on the side. They instantly warm.

"Mmm," I say, snuggling them closer. "Thank you so much."

"Those were Papa's idea. The omega in the family. I called him for some advice. Hand warmers. I didn't even know what they were."

"Thank him for me," I say.

"I will. Maybe, you'll get to meet him soon." He tries to keep it casual, but I can hear the hope in his voice.

Seth goes on before I can reply."Anyway, I was so happy and secure living there when I was a kid, and, at the time, I thought I never wanted to leave. As an adult, I realize I want to create that same happiness and safety with a pack of my own." That sounds beautiful.

For a fleeting moment, I envision Seth as a child with wild, sandy hair, bright green eyes sparkling with mischief, and a broad smile lighting up his face. The child in my imagination morphs into a slightly different child, rounder, with curly locks tinged ever so slightly with red. A perfect little one who can carry the love of both of us, growing up in a world as warm and secure as Seth's memories.

"Your scent just became a waterfall, Precious. Tell me what you're thinking." He kisses the top of my head.

"I'm thinking that sounds nice," I admit.

"What about you?"

The question is vague. I can answer about my past, my future, or both.

"My parents are both pack-less betas," I tell him. It's pretty common for betas to enter into monogamous relationships. "They're good parents, nice. They always provided for me. But I'm their only child, and they didn't expect to have an omega. The only other recorded omega in the family was generations back. So, they kind of just… ignored it."

I'm glad he's behind me, and I don't have to face him because I want to tell him the truth, but I've never voiced my feelings about this to anyone.

"They've never said outright that they're disappointed in my designation, but we never really talk about anything," I continue. "They're perplexed about my need to nest. And when my heats started, and I knew that I craved more than a monogamous relationship could give me… they were horrified at the idea of their daughter being in a pack." That short but tumultuous conversation still makes me cringe when I think of it.

Seth senses my unease and gently rubs my arms, his purring resonating through the bed. The warmth of his touch pins me, grounding me in the present and reminding me that, even though there are complexities in my life, I'm not alone anymore.

"But betas do sometimes bond with packs. It's not even that rare," he points out softly. He clearly doesn't want to interrupt, but he's also confused. He's likely thinking of his own beta mothers. I don't blame him. Coming from a home that sounds as happy and supportive as his wouldn't make it easy to understand my relationship with my parents.

"Some do, but my family has been monogamous for generations. It's a long-standing tradition I was not expected to break, regardless of my status."

"I see," he says.

"When I started dating a beta, my ex-fiancé, Nick, they were just over the moon. I think I hung on way too long, even when the red flags started piling up. It was hard to break the news to them when the engagement ended. I took the coward's way out and just texted them." I wince as I think about it, curling up tighter, bracing myself for judgment. I fully expect Seth to tell me how pathetic that is. Nick's voice echoes in my head, whispering that I'm immature and foolish for not having the guts to call instead.

But Seth simply keeps rubbing my arms and purring. He kisses me on the shoulder before saying, "It's not cowardly to protect your mental health. Putting yourself in a position you know will hurt you further is not courageous. You did what you felt comfortable doing, and there's never any shame in that."

I nod but can't say anything for a long time. Knowing that something is right is one kind of validation but hearing someone say it out loud is a much stronger one. It takes my breath away that someone can understand me so well.

We lay in comfortable silence, just cuddling, for a long time. Once I've gathered myself, I finish my story of woe. "My parents eventually called, of course, and demanded to know why I broke off the engagement. They thought I should fix it somehow. They still haven't really given up on that idea." I think back to the texts and calls I've gotten over the last few weeks. "I really couldn't stand to know their reactions if they found out Nick cheated, so I just told them it didn't work out." He stops rubbing my arms.

"That absolute fucking dick. He cheated on you?" Seth's voice is murderous. I don't know what he thinks my reaction will be to his response, but I bet he isn't expecting me to laugh. I laugh and laugh and can't stop.

Eventually, I feel a laugh rumble through him. I know he can't hold out. Laughter is his natural state.

"Why are you laughing?" Seth asks, still chuckling.

"Just the absurdity of having my scent-sensitive alpha's knot deep in me while becoming outraged about an ex ever cheating on me." I burst into giggles again. "Don't get me wrong, Seth, it's very chivalrous of you, but I think I'm past the cheating at this point." The truth is, him reacting the way I've always needed someone to fills me with the relief and the peace I've been waiting for.

Seth's knot loosens enough for us to separate, and I slip on my discarded clothes. He does the same. I turn back to him to find a box on the crumpled and disheveled bed. It's wrapped in beautiful gold paper with a black bow.

"Seth, everything you've done is already too much," I say.

His expression shifts from satisfaction to intensity in an instant. He prowls around the bed, his arm snakes around my waist as he pulls me flush against him. The heat radiating from his body encircles me. His breath brushes against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

"Cali, I will give you all of the gifts, attention, dates, fill-in-the-blank, that I believe you deserve, and you will accept it, or by god, I will put you over my knee and spank you red," he promises in a husky voice that makes my knees weak. I swallow but nod.

"Promise?" I ask with a cheeky half-grin.

Seth smiles, leans over, and kisses me so roughly that I think my lips might bruise. I perfume, and he groans, his hard erection pressing into my belly. Reluctantly, he turns me towards the gift.

I tear off the beautiful paper and reveal a box. It's a brand new, state-of-the-art telescope. I'd seen this one before. The algorithm has me pegged because it's appeared in my social media feeds before. It's worth three months of my salary.

"I—" I start to protest, knowing he was spending far more on me than was reasonable, but then he catches my gaze and arches an eyebrow. "Thank you, Seth," I say instead. He leans in closer, brushing his lips against mine in a kiss that sends shivers down my spine.

"Good girl," he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin, making my heart race. I melt at the praise. Or rather, my omega does. She loves being praised by our alphas.

Connor

I drive to the Café alone since Seth and Bax are still asleep. Later in the day, I'll check on our other locations as part of my weekly routine. As I pass the Library I see something that makes my heart drop. I quickly pull over, get out of the car, and rush over to Cali, who is finishing speaking with a police officer.

Across the brick wall that makes up the front of the building are spray-painted, vile words and sayings that I've seen on some of the social media trends and news outlets with no scruples. They're used by groups that believe certain books should be banned from libraries and schools because they don't align with their beliefs—beliefs about designations and a person's role in society based on them.

I rush to Cali, her arms open wide, and I pull her into a tight embrace. The softness of her hair brushes against my cheek as I scent mark the top of her head. Tear tracks glisten on her face.

In the background, I can see Henry, the alpha deputy, standing a little apart. I've known him since high school, though our paths drifted in different directions. He the jock, and me the one who preferred the thrill of spectating to playing. We lock eyes, and Henry takes a small step back. Not because of any dominance on my part, but out of respect for an alpha courting an omega they haven't bonded yet. Other alphas will go out of their way so they're not perceived as a threat.

"What happened?" I ask Cali.

"I don't know," she sniffles. "It was like this when I got here."

She'd told us about what had happened with the vandalized books. Clearly, someone is targeting the Library. It isn't shocking. Lately, there's been a lot of push back in the media about specific types of materials being freely available in schools and public spaces. It's another part of the current counsel's push for more traditional roles in packs, and two-partner relationships. It's ridiculous. Packs and roles were entirely dependent on the needs of the individuals, and could not be determined or dictated by the government.

As a more diverse and inclusive town, I thought Lakeside Point wouldn't have these issues, but here we are.

I wrap Cali in my arms and rub my cheek along hers. Then she pulls back, and I see a sad resignation in her eyes. It cracks me open.

"Cali," I begin, but she steps back from me. I can see a wall go up between us. She's used to dealing with everything on her own. We were making progress on breaking down those defenses to let us in. Seth said his date had gone really well and she'd started to open up to him but, in the face of distress, I see all those defenses going up again in real time. Cali steps back from me.

"I need to make a few calls and get some things. I can call you later," she says, unlocking the Library doors. I make my way over to Officer Henry.

"What do you think?" I ask.

He glances at the Library and then back to me. "I think it started with books, and then went to the building. That's a classic escalation if I've ever seen one."

My blood runs cold. "Do you think Cali's in danger?" I can't keep the growl from my voice.

He considers it. "I can't say, but there is a big difference between vandalism and assault. It's a concern, but there's no evidence the perp will commit violence."

"What if she was your omega?" I ask.

"Look," he says, "I can send a squad car during the day to the Library, and we can send one to her house in the evenings."

Her house. I hadn't even considered that this psycho might escalate to where she lives. The thought sends a wave of panic crashing into me like I've never experienced before. I want to beg her to move into our omega suite. But I know Cali by now. If we do that, she'll pull away completely.

After thinking for a few minutes, I start making some phone calls.

Calliope

I'm only three weeks on the job, and the Library has already been vandalized twice. What is a librarian who can't protect her library? It sounds like the start of a lame joke. Even though it's his day off, Tyler comes in to help. I look up the best way to scrub spray paint from bricks and head to Dandy Stuff. I tell Winnie about the issue while trying to hold back tears as I buy the cleaning supplies from her. Then I run home to get a bucket and my waterproof, winter gloves. I return to the Library prepared to bundle up and start a process I'm sure will be hours and hours.

But when I get out of my car, I freeze. The graffiti is already halfway scrubbed away from the wall. Bax, Seth, and Connor are there, cleaning it up, but they aren't the only ones. Clara, Sunny, Winnie, Rose, the Mayor, and her husband are also scrubbing away. They're all going hard at it, which explains why the wall is so much closer to being clean than it would have been if I had done it alone.

I hesitate, my eyes wide as I take in the scene before me. "Why…" Words escape me. They tangle in disbelief. Connor pauses, his scrubbing forgotten, and walks over to wrap his arms around me. "Don't you guys all have to be at work and stuff?" I whisper. This can't seriously be happening. There's no way they were all here just for me.

"We have employees who can cover for us," Connor says.

I look around at the girls.

"I think we can all say that this is more important. Our stuff can be put on hold while we help you get rid of this garbage," Rose says. As the only beta in the group, it means something that she's willing to give up her time for me when these problems aren't hers in the same way. Her designation is more common, making her position less tenuous. This vandal and the political beliefs behind them want Alphas to be in charge, betas to be in more menial roles, and omegas to remain in the domestic sphere. So, for a beta to be here means the world. For any of them to be here means the world. Tears prick, and the edges of my vision blur.

"Thank you," I say, wiping my eyes. Why haven't I been able to stop crying since I moved here? I've been thinking about the answer for a while. It's not a sadness that prompts the tears. It's the weight of my past. I've been carrying around an overwhelming tide of low-level distress. It's settled deep within me and taken root. After so long merely surviving and holding every stress in my life by myself, my heart is finally learning to breathe again. My body is expressing its shock in tears, shedding the layers of hurt I didn't know I was still holding onto. In this moment of vulnerability, I realize that the tears aren't just a sign of grief, but a release of the hurt, a way to welcome the possibilities for my future. This new chapter is frightening, yet beautiful.

Winnie's scrubbing a particularly profane word which makes me wince since I've realized that she never even swears. "What about your store?" I ask.

"I closed for the next two hours. It's the off-season. I'm sure I'll miss being open for the one guy in town who needs nails."

They're all doing so much for me.

The Mayor steps up. She's a tall, broad alpha of a woman. About as tall as Seth with golden skin, straight black hair and almond shaped eyes. She extends her hand, introducing herself. "I don't think we've officially met. I'm Mayor Hana Liu. This is my husband, Rob." Rob waves from his place on the wall. He's a fit beta man, taller than me with dark brown skin and close cropped black hair.

"I know, congratulations on your wedding. I'm Cali."

Mayor Liu smiles and the expression is surprisingly soft for such an imposing woman. "When Mr. Evergreen called, I was appalled. I knew I had to come down and help. I hope you're all right. If you ever need anything you can always call me." And she hands me a card. It's thick card stock and shiny. Clearly expensive. I thank her and pocket it, and she goes back to scrubbing in what I assume is a very expensive suit. Whether that's all politics or true caring I can't tell, but I'm grateful for the help either way.

Connor kisses the top of my head and returns to his part of the wall. As I get everything set up to start on my own piece, I look down the line. These people, this place, make me feel fuller than anything else ever has. It feels like home after only three weeks. I will not let some jerk push me back into bad habits or dictate my life. This is my library, and I will protect it with everything I have.

Later that night, the guys practically beg me to move some stuff into their house. They don't want me to stay alone, and I don't want to either. Their presence calms me. They help me load some stuff into Bax's truck and we end up at their house. I'm tired in my soul from the events of the day. We snuggle on their alpha-sized sectional couch and watch The Fellowship of the Ring. Because it's the extended cut, I fall asleep before anyone leaves The Shire.

Bax

The woman works with books all day, and can borrow any of them for free. What was I thinking? This is a terrible fucking date idea. But it's too damn late to change now. I'll just have to grin and bear it until we get there. Then Cali'll probably inform me that she hates it, I'll take her home, and I'll drop out of my pack. There's no way I'll destroy their happiness just because I'm a dumbass.

And Cali looks so fucking cute in an overall dress with little mushrooms on it, a puffy-sleeved red sweater underneath, and black leggings that show off her beautiful legs. I could kiss her into forgetting about the date. Or beg forgiveness. But neither of those is fair. She's clearly put effort into her appearance, even though I'd think she was gorgeous in nothing but a shirt. Actually, I prefer that. If it was my t-shirt with my scent all over it.

I shake myself, trying to stay in reality, and the fact is that I'm so angry with myself that I can't focus enough. We've been sitting in this car in silence for twenty minutes while driving, and her scent has gone from dew in the morning to rain-tinged with burnt grass. The earth tones turn scorched whenever she's upset, nervous, or stressed. That isn't good, and I want to fix it, but I have no idea how. I'm sure that my scent, described as smokey, has also gone bitter. She's reacting to my scent and demeanor, and I'm responding to hers. Stress on stress. Fucking great.

We finally turn down Main Street. We're two towns over in another touristy town called Sandyville. Winter is their slow season, just like us, but where we've decided that the Ice Festival is the answer, Sandyville has decided that a mid-winter book festival is the solution. The town is set up much like Lakeside Point, with a main street that ends at the beach. But Sandyville is on the east side of the Peninsula, and the beach opens onto the end of Grand Traverse Bay, instead of Lake Michigan.

Across Main Street, from light pole to light pole, hangs a banner reading Sandyville Book Festival: 10th Annual Book Buying, Selling, and Signing. Other signs describe the types of books sold and the signing authors. The street is blocked off, and booths and tables are lined up in three rows all the way to the bay.

I glance at Cali as we pull into the closest parking space on the main drag. She's staring out the window at the banners and posters. Eyes wide, mouth slightly open like she can't believe I'd bring a librarian to a book festival. I internally groan, and do my best not to fall face-first into my steering wheel in exasperation.

Then she turns to me, tears pricking the corners of her eyes, and I can't take it anymore. I move over to sit in the middle of the bench seat of my pickup truck where the steering wheel won't be in the way and gather her into my lap.

"Raindrop, I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. This was clearly a bad idea. I'll take you anywhere you want to go. Do anything. You just tell me. I promise I can do this better."

She pulls back just enough to look at my face, her forehead furrowed. "Why are you sorry?"

I huff out a laugh. She doesn't look mad, but my Raindrop is a very kind person. I press my forehead against hers. "I messed this all up. Bringing a librarian to a book fair. You're around books all day. Why are you crying if it's not because I've epically fucked up?" She giggles, and I feel so much pride in making her laugh.

"Because…" Cali trails off, and I give her a moment to compose her thoughts. I'll wait forever if she's in my arms while I do it. "Because no one's ever done this kind of stuff for me. You, your pack, it's so overwhelming to be thought about like this. In a good way." I snuggle her closer and purr deeper.

"Do you want to go pick out some books?" I ask, and her smile is the sun.

Calliope

The book festival is fantastic. We visit every stall, and Bax enjoys himself as much as I do. Whenever I find a book that interests me, I flip it over to check the price. But quick as lightning, Bax snatches it from my hands and holds onto it until I finish browsing. He then pays for the, sometimes small—often large—stack of books he collects from me. Occasionally, I notice him taking out a small notebook and jotting down something. When I ask him what it is, he simply replies, "Research," and doesn't elaborate.

I do my best not to think of the cost like he's asked, but some of those are sprayed-edged, special edition covers, goddammit. I tried to reason with him, to at least tell me when we spent a certain amount of money. But he won't have it. I push it aside. I need to trust him and let him lead.

Finally, we arrive at the author-signing events, and I'm excited to see several of my favorite authors. They're all incredibly kind, even though I think I act like a crazy fangirl. The last signature I get is from Lisa Bowl, and it's the one I've been looking forward to the most. When I mention that I'm a librarian, she asks for my card to arrange a book signing event at my library. I couldn't be happier!

I skip and squeal all the way back to the car, gushing about everyone we met and the books we found. Bax has a wide grin on his face.

He effortlessly carries all the bags. Winking at me, he asks, "What are you thinking about?"

"I was thinking you would make an excellent library page. I can barely lift four books at a time before my arms feel like noodles."

I cringe a little at a thought that pops into my head. Nick called me lazy because I wanted to read at night, and he thought we should go to the gym. Bax must catch the look because he asks what's wrong. I say it's nothing. He wraps the book bags in a tarp in his trunk bed and comes around to help me.

I believe that's the end of the conversation, but when he gets in the truck, instead of driving away, he starts the engine to warm it up and looks at me. "What was that look earlier?" His tone isn't accusatory. If anything, it's concerned.

"It was something my ex said about my reading habits that popped into my head." I cringe. Bringing up an ex on a date feels rude, and I don't want to think about or discuss him. This will be the second date he's come up on. He'd been a constant presence in my life for years, and silencing that voice, even when he isn't around, is more complicated than it seems. Nick's faded since I started being courted by the pack, but he still lingers in my thoughts. Ready to pop out at any moment with some snide remark about myself.

Bax only nods, looking thoughtful. "From what you've said, it seems your ex didn't appreciate your reading habits," he says lightly. I try to hold it back, I really try, but it's like word vomit. Once it starts, I can't stop.

"Reading was just the beginning. He always made me feel lazy and stupid for indulging in fiction, or listening to audiobooks. It was like he loved tearing me down, criticizing everything I did. How I did the dishes, took out the trash, and even how I breathed at night. It was infuriating.

"I attempted to mold myself into what he wanted, thinking if I fixed one thing, maybe he'd finally be satisfied. But he never stopped. He would just latch onto something else. When angry, he'd storm around, clearing my books from the shelves and tossing them to the ground, knowing how much they meant to me. He'd never take me to places like this, and if he did, he would have made sure I didn't buy anything because, in his eyes, I already had too many." The thought of him looms over me like a dark cloud, threatening to ruin what should be a beautiful day with Bax. I don't want to let Nick invade my thoughts today, but damn, it's hard to shake off those memories.

He'd call me names like "bitch" for not wanting to have a house party. We're close to thirty, which seemed ridiculous and exhausting. Then, less than five minutes later, when I'd ask for an apology, he'd claim he'd never said those things. It was awful because he had just said them moments before. That was the worst part. When I was told that what I heard or saw never happened. Even though I knew it did, it made me feel afraid and unstable in a way that nothing else could.

Bax's expression is pure understanding, and I can't stop myself from breaking down. Tears slip down my face, and I try to hide them in my hands. He scoops me into his arms, where I curl up and sob into his shoulder. I feel safe, but I also feel horrible. I'm not crying for another man. I'm crying for the pieces of me that were broken by that other man, that I can never give to this pack. This pack who cares for me so much better than anyone else ever has.

I try to explain everything through tears and snuffles, and Bax listens the entire time. He never stops rubbing my back and gently nuzzling the top of my head with his cheek. His purr is so loud that I'm surprised passersby don't stop to stare. Once I finally calm down, he takes my face in both hands, leans in, and kisses me so gently yet thoroughly that I forget I'm even in a truck. At that moment, I suddenly wish we were at my house, his house, or anywhere private.

"The parts of you that you believe are broken are still beautiful and perfect, and they're the pieces I want. They're not damaged, Raindrop, they've transformed into something new that we can't wait to explore together. I don't want you to hold back because you think we can't discuss exes on a date. We can discuss anything we want, whenever we want. I want to know all of you, including your past. Thank you for sharing that with me," he says. I pull him down and kiss him again. He smiles as we pull away.

"I'm trying not to cry again, and you're making it really difficult," I tell him, aiming for a teasing tone, though it's hard through the hiccups.

Bax's fingers push a stray hair out of my face. "You cry all you need to, Raindrop. Like I said, I want everything you have to offer, including your tears."

Once I calm down, he leans over and opens the glove box. Inside is a green box about the size of a book with a brown silk bow tied expertly around it.

"I cheated a little," he admits. "I found your account on omegareads.com and looked through your wishlist." Omegareads is my favorite social media platform. It tracks your current reading, challenges, and new book announcements and features the latest merchandise popular with readers, especially omegas.

"You looked up my account? That's so considerate." Bax's face shifts from nervous to relieved in seconds. Something is comforting in his worry over me and our date. It proves he's invested in this just as much as I am, in a way words never can.

I gently tug on the bow and lift the lid off the box. Inside is a special, signed edition, omnibus of my favorite three-part series. The cover is made of leather and adorned with foiled lettering and designs. The edges feature a watercolor painting of a beautiful scene from the book. My hands tremble as I open the book to discover the author's illustrations of key scenes within. On the cover page is a signature, but it's more than just a name. It's a heartfelt note that reads:

"To the librarian of the Lakeside Point Public Library, Calliope Robins. Thank you for all your hard work. Without your dedication, there would be no me. Ali Williams."

For what feels like the millionth time today, tears prick the corners of my eyes. The Ali Williams series is my go-to comfort read. It got me through my worst times. When my designation came in. During that tumultuous conversation where Mom informed me that pack life was unacceptable in my family. Finding out that Nick was cheating. I'd just read the whole series last month when I was moving. I don't even know how many times I've read it. My copy in my nest is battered, and some pages are ripped.

I set the book on the dashboard and throw my arms around Bax's neck. He wraps his arms around me and squeezes me back. His purr rumbles up his chest, and I pull back enough to look at him. I tip my head up and graze my lips against his. His purr turns into a groan as he deepens the kiss.

His tongue sweeps in, and his right hand comes up to cup my face while his left curves around to my lower back so he can squeeze me closer. I raise myself up to straddle across his lap. His hard length strains through his jeans, resting under my core. He deliciously bites at my bottom lip, sending a shock of pleasure straight to my core. A car door next to us slams shut, and we startle apart.

When I look back at Bax, his pupils are fully dilated, an intoxicating mix of desire and restraint flickering in his gaze. His breathing comes in uneven gasps, a primal rhythm that ignites something wild within me. Was he on the edge of a rut? I recall the tales of alphas losing themselves to the overwhelming urge to claim their scent-sensitive mates, their instincts taking the reins as desire surges like a tidal wave.

Bax shakes his head as if trying to banish the overwhelming need that hangs in the air between us. When our eyes lock again, the storm of emotions fades momentarily, leaving behind the rich, molten brown that always draws me in. But I can still feel the electricity crackling between us, a promise of what could unfold if he let go.

"I'll take you back," he says before untangling his body from mine and resuming his place behind the wheel.

"I-I've never seen your room," I start a little hesitantly. He looks over to me, a hopeful gleam in his eye.

"That's true. Would you like to see my room today, Cali?" he asks. I nod, and his smile is quick and sincere as he starts the engine.

Bax

Cali exudes the light scent of spring rain, mingling with the fresh aroma of soft, green grass. When we kissed in the car, everything in my core clenched, and when she straddled me… fucking god damnit. For a fleeting instant, desire overtook me and I was teetering on the edge of rut, lost in the heat of her body.

Rut occurs when an alpha inner psyche takes control in the presence of their scent-sensitive omega. An alpha feels an overwhelming need to claim their mate, and all control is lost. I don't want to accidentally hurt Cali.

Her hand on my arm pulls me out of my thoughts. We're driving back to the pack house. She smiles across at me, and damn if it doesn't brighten my world. The drive feels much shorter on the way back than the tension-filled drive to the book festival. Soon, we're pulling up to the front of the house. I get out and practically leap around the truck, trying to get the door opened and help her out before she can do it herself.

Cali laughs and lets me hold her hand as we walk up the porch and into the front door, stopping in the foyer. Since it's Wednesday, the Café's closed and it's the guys' day off too. That's why I texted them on the way here to let them know we were returning to the house. They'd texted back, letting me know they were going into Traverse City to visit Seth's family. Allowing me the house to myself for the evening. Pack etiquette when individual dates are in play.

"Are you hungry?" I ask, even though we'd gotten festival food. Cali's response is to move one step closer, reach up, and gently pull my head down to kiss me like we had in the truck. Picking up seamlessly where we left off.

I growl and deepen the kiss, reaching underneath her ass and lifting her. Her legs automatically snake around my waist. They don't touch in the back, but she's firmly settled on my hips. I back her against the wall at the bottom of the stairs and press firmly against her, hating the clothing barrier between my cock and her slick heat. From her perfume, I can smell how wet she already is. My kisses leave her mouth and trail down the pillar of her throat. Cali moans and lifts her chin to the side, allowing me full access. I kiss and nip my way up and down it.

A clinking sound near my groin tells me she's fumbling with my belt. I set her down on her feet, whip the thing off, and then shuck off my pants. My erection springs up to strain at my boxers. Cali promptly takes her top off. I grab her hand before she can pull down her pants and push her so that her back is firmly against the wall before falling to my knees in front of her and pulling her pants off myself. At the same time, I nip at her lower stomach and then at the mound underneath her lace underwear. She mewls. I begin to lick and suck her clit through the lace. Her fingers twist into my short hair.

"What do you want tonight, Raindrop?" I ask her. I wrap my hands around to grasp her by the back of her thighs and then pull them slightly apart so that she's spread for me. She smells like heaven, and I want to taste every bit of her wetness. Cali pulls my face closer, and I'm happy to oblige while I listen to her tell me the filthy things she wants me to do to her.

"You promised to take my ass the next time we were together," she reminds me in a breathy voice. I still and look up at her. She looks right back down at me, and fuck is it hot.

Cali's pupils are blown wide with lust, and her hair is tousled from pulling her blouse over her head. Her chest heaves as she pants. Her face is a deep pink, blushing from being so direct. I've noticed my omega blushes anytime she's direct about anything. I shoot to my feet and pin her once again between me and the wall. Sliding my hands around her back, I press my forehead to hers, our breath mingling.

"Have you ever done that before?" I ask. She shakes her head. "Are you sure you want to?"

"I'd like to try. In case… my heat," she whispers. When her heat comes, it would be good to know if this is something she likes and wants. I nod and turn to the stairs, guiding her by the hand. If we're doing this, it would be better to be in a soft bed with access to lube. The guys and I got plenty in case Cali entered another mini-heat.

We enter my room, and I stand back for her to pass, feeling just a little nervous. She's never seen my space, and it's been a long time since I'd had anyone in it. One wall holds a line of bookshelves. Next to the window is a large, comfy leather chair. A queen-sized bed takes up the opposite wall, with a rough wood headboard and a fluffy down duvet.

Cali skims along the bookshelves, checking out the titles. This, too, makes me nervous. She's a librarian. What if she finds my books simple or lacking?

"I love some of these," she says, her gaze lingering on the shelves. I'm coiled tight inside and can't focus on which books she's referencing. "Some of these I'm definitely going to want to borrow," she adds with a playful smile.

With her in my room, the air thick with her intoxicating perfume intertwined with mine, my desire surges, becoming impossible to ignore. Every fiber of my being craves her. It takes every ounce of my self-control to keep from surrendering to the overwhelming urge. I need to take the edge off.

I stride towards Cali, destroying the distance between us. "You can borrow any books you like, but tonight, I don't want to talk about books." I hoist her up by her ass and toss her on the bed. Her eyes widen and for one horrifying moment, I think I've gone too far. But then her thick perfume fills the room, telling me she enjoys being tossed around. What had she said to Seth? She likes it rough, but not painful. Perfect.

Prowling on all fours, I climb up the bed and over her body. Cali begins to turn over onto her stomach, but I turn her onto her back again.

"Raindrop. We can't just run into this. Let me work you up to it." She nods, and I treasure the trust she's placing in me. I grab the waist of her panties, pull them down, and throw them to the side. Her perfume becomes even sweeter and more luxurious. Licking straight up her clit, my Raindrop moans and my cock twitches in time with my tongue's thrusts. She bucks up into my mouth, and I pin her hips to the mattress, making sure to work her until she's close to falling over the edge. Just as her inner walls begin to flutter I pull back. She whines.

I grasp her hips and turn her onto her stomach, then bring her hips up so that she can rest on her knees. Her elbows prop up her front so her hips are at an angle. My fingers dip into her folds, and I bring her slick back and loop it around her perfect bud. Then I reach down into the side table and pull out some lube to squirt along my cock. It's coated in two quick thrusts.

Then I line up my head with her back entrance. She stiffens, and I run my hand over her back, soothing her. "It's okay, Raindrop. I'll go slow. But you need to relax for me if it's going to fit." I feel her take a deep breath, and her muscles ease. Then, I begin to push.

Calliope

I brace myself on my elbows. Bax brings me to the edge of climax twice before putting me in this position. I've never done anything with anal, but I'd always wanted to try. If my heat starts in the next few weeks, it's a good idea to see if I would like to do something like this now that I have a pack. Or if it's something best left in my imagination.

I take a deep breath and consciously release my muscles like he suggests. He pulls apart my ass cheeks, smoothing over the tight entrance with both of his thumbs. They're lubed. Then one thumb pushes in and it's a sharp burn as it pops into place.

For a moment I wonder if this is really a good idea. Then Bax brings his middle and ring finger down to swipe at my clit as his thumb puts more pressure on my ass. The sharp sting turns to eye crossing pleasure. When I'm close to the edge, he pulls out. I whine at the loss before I feel his thick head at my back entrance. He begins to push, and I feel only burn. It's so much tighter than my pussy. It's painful, and I'm not sure I want to continue.

Bax moves in slow, careful thrusts, only adding a little at a time. Considering how blown his pupils are, and how close his alpha is to the surface, this seems like an exercise in willpower. I can tell the rut is close. But instead of horrifying me like the idea should, it makes me… gush? I want to see Bax lose control.

He begins kissing up my spine, and one of his hands curls around to tweak my nipples every time he thrusts a little deeper, adding a level of pleasure to the pain. It has me gushing while I moan.

"That's it, Cali, you're gonna take my cock like a good omega. I promise it will feel so good." As he says this, his hand shifts from my nipples to my clit while his other hand holds him up against the headboard. He rubs on my engorged nub as he thrusts the last few inches of himself into my ass. His balls rest on my pussy, and he sucks on my right earlobe and pants into me. He settles there for a bit, letting me adjust.

When I can't take it anymore, I push back into him. He sees this as the invitation it's meant to be, and begins to pull out shallowly and then thrust back in. As he does, the pain morphs into pleasure. At first, the pleasure is small, subverted by its painful counterpart. Then, the pleasure is intense, rivaling the original discomfort it took to reach this point.

Like Bax promised, the pleasure is fierce in a way I've never experienced. It's too bad my pussy feels so empty at the same time. If there was only something to fill it. Soon, Bax is thrusting into me harder and faster while his hand continues to circle and tweak my clit.

"Bax!" I cry. "I'm coming!" and with that, I tip right over the edge, clamping down on his thrusting cock as I scream my release into his room. He thrusts a few more times, and then I feel hot liquid coating my insides and trailing down the backs of my legs. He hasn't knotted me, which is fine since his cock alone is a lot to handle my first time.

He slowly extracts himself, gets up from the bed, and leaves the room. I'm in a boneless puddle on his bed when I start to worry. Have I done something wrong to make him leave? But then he comes back with a warm washcloth and wipes up our mess on me.

Bax throws the cloth across the room and then moves the blankets around so he can tuck them around me and then lay at my side. He scoops me close to his chest and begins purring louder than I ever thought possible. "Was that okay, Raindrop?" he asks, and the question nearly breaks me. It's so shy and so considerate. He's clearly been restraining himself for my first time doing that, and it's perfect, though I secretly wish for the time that he comes to me unrestrained and selfish.

"It was amazing," I tell him honestly. The way that the pain and discomfort had morphed into mind-blowing pleasure is something that I'd imagined for a long time. I can't wait to do it again. His nose finds the crook of my neck, and he scent-marks me. I turn over, and every inch of me is enveloped in the best snuggle of my life.

"Bax," I begin.

"Hmm?" he hums, clearly settling in to fall asleep.

"Where is your family? I know Connor and Seth's family background. But where are yours?"

"Oh, they're an alpha and an omega, single pair no pack, retired to Florida," he says. "They actually don't live far from Seth's sister. They used to live in Lansing, and I went to Michigan State University where I met the guys. When I graduated, my parents moved. I'm an only child, so there wasn't a reason to stay.

"I moved up here with my pack. Then Clara moved up here when she was looking for work. Her mom is my mom's sister, so I agreed to give her a job and let her live above the Café. The rest is what you know." I snuggle into his side. This is something I love about Bax. He's so straightforward and earnest. It makes me feel safe. Soon, he's snoring behind me and I happily follow him into slumber.

Calliope

Brunch with the girls is as easy and enjoyable as our book club. It's been days since my date with Bax, and I still feel the lingering euphoria.

Everyone's chatting about everything that's happened since book club two weeks ago. Sunny is apparently being harassed by a corporate group that wants to include the land where her bee farm is located in their plans for a new luxury hotel. She's determined to resist their offers, even though the numbers they present make my head spin. To emphasize her point, she bangs on the table. It's the first time I've seen Sunny angry, but when she gets up for a scone, Clara confides to me that she can be pretty scary when she's mad, and that no one should get on her bad side.

Clara has finished a new manuscript and is working on editing it. Winnie brought in a new order of animal-themed kitchen tools to her shop in preparation for spring tourists. She's incredibly proud of a sloth cheese grater. Rose lost one of her marketing clients because they decided to go with a marketing firm. Down one income stream, she asks us to keep our eyes peeled for opportunities. We say we will, and cover her portion of the bill when she isn't looking. She tries to protest when she discovers us, but Sunny tells her tough shit. Sunny is in rare form today.

It's my turn to share, and I recap my dates with Seth and Bax. Everyone squeals, and it feels good to have positive news. Sunny and Clara had apparently filled Rose and Winnie in about my changed courting status, because they aren't surprised. I enjoy the positive attention for a minute, but I have some thoughts that have been nagging me all day. If I don't express them to these girls, who I now consider my friends, I'll never stop thinking about them.

Ever empathetic and perceptive, Winnie is the first to notice my hesitation. "What's the matter? Didn't you like the dates?" she asks.

"I did! I loved them, actually. It's just… I moved here four weeks ago, and ended my engagement with my ex three weeks before that. So, it hasn't even been two months since my breakup, and I've only been seeing the guys for two weeks. Does that make me a horrible person for moving on so quickly?" I feel a knot in my stomach at the thought of my mother's response. She'd definitely think it's wrong, and I can hear her disapproving voice asking what I'm thinking. But I'm not asking her this time. Mom has good intentions, I think, but doesn't understand omegas and isn't open to learning. It feels like she can't ever grasp why I'm so different from her, which worries me.

Winnie takes my hand, her grip gentle, as if trying to ground me in the chaos of my thoughts. "I understand why you feel that way," she says softly. "Being scared is okay. It's a normal reaction." Her voice wavers, filled with understanding. "If this were just a normal situation, I'd tell you to tread carefully, to watch out for rebounds and fleeting emotions. But Cali." She pauses. Her gaze becomes more intense as her eyes search mine. "They're not strangers. Not really. They're your scent-sensitive matches. Your mates."

Tears sting the corners of my eyes as I absorb her words, the gravity of that statement settling over us like a heavy, soft blanket.

"No pace is too fast or slow when mates come into play, and everyone knows it," Winnie continues, her voice steady. I can feel her strength and unwavering support wrapping around me, even as I wrestle with my fears.

"That's my opinion as a totally unbonded omega," she jokes, and we both let out soft chuckles, breaking the tension.

Rose has lowered her phone, but it still remains in her hand. She looks directly at me, which is my clearest sign that she cares. "You have to do what you and your omega feel is right. No one else's thoughts or opinions matter." I smile at her. That's excellent advice, though it seems a little unusual coming from a beta who doesn't have an omega internal psyche. Maybe she found it online?

Aannndd, she's back to typing on her phone. I really like Rose, but she works too hard. I remind myself that everyone has stressors that others don't know about, and she did just lose a client. What matters was that she cares enough to participate and always shows up for her friends, like when she came to scrub the graffiti off the Library.

"Thank you," I say.

Winnie and Rose nod while Sunny and Clara smile. Connor's red hair appears behind the café counter. He smiles and waves, and I wave back. He takes that as an invitation to come over and say hi. Bending down and kissing me soundly, the girls make little chittering noises in the background. His scent encircles me, cinnamon and sandalwood highlighting my lovely morning.

"Hi, ladies," he says. "Who's hosting book club next week?" I'd told the guys about the book club, and they've been supportive. My ex had told me I couldn't be in a book club because he felt they were ridiculous and took too much time away from us.

"It was supposed to be me," Winnie says. "But I wanted to talk to you all about something. My roommate has been ridiculous lately and has banned any guests… ever." I cringe at her words. I hated having roommates. Nothing can make you dislike someone more than living with them. "She might be over it by next week, but I'd rather not take the chance. Who knows how she'd react? So, I hoped we could choose someone else's place instead."

Before anyone can say anything, Connor interjects. "You guys could do it at our place." We all turn to look at him. He's smiling and seems completely serious.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"Yeah, we have plenty of space. You could use the study or the living room. I can whip up an amazing charcuterie board." He winks dramatically as if he needs to bribe us to use his gorgeous home. I glance at the other girls, who're nodding vigorously. I guess having the book club at a big house in the woods sounds like a good idea.

"Okay, thank you, Connor," I say, smiling up at him. He grazes my cheek with his fingers before one of the baristas calls his name, and he reluctantly heads back to work.

"Wow," says Clara. I turn back to them, and they stare at me.

"What?" I can feel my face flushing.

"He just clearly adores you. I've never seen him, or any of the guys, like that with anyone."

I try to hide my pleased smile by ducking my head and sipping my frappuccino. The guys won't let me pay for drinks here anymore. When I'd tried my first day after I'd been snowed in at their house, the barista informed me that the owners had shown everyone who worked there my picture, and that they were not allowed to charge me. They told me they'd lose their job, which was a little extreme, so hopefully an exaggeration.

"They showed everyone my picture?" I'd asked.

"They actually sent it in a company-wide email so everyone at every branch knows," he replied. I accepted the drink, but put the cash I'd planned to use to pay in the tip jar along with the tip money I was going to give them anyway.

"Okay, book club at the Evergreen Packhouse," I say. "We can text about it after the Ice Festival."

"Hey, also, we should all meet up at the Ice Festival. The vendors come out on Saturday night, and I would love to get a few things," Clara suggests. We all agree to text the day of the event to schedule a time to meet. I leave the Café ready to take on the week.

Connor

"Where are we going?" Cali asks as we stand in her driveway. I'd texted her earlier to see if I could come over to pick her up for our date. I told her not to change anything about her appearance. No dressing up or special makeup. She agreed, but also asked a million questions, all of which I refused to answer. It's Sunday, so thankfully she doesn't have work and the guys agreed to cover anything that came up at the Café.

"Nowhere," I reply. I brace myself, hoping that I didn't misjudge our omega. If she displays even the slightest bit of disappointment in my plan, I'd rearrange the whole thing.

But, as I expected, she slumps in relief and smiles. "Really? Are you sure?" she asks. I walk around to the trunk of my Jeep and pull out two bags of groceries.

"I'm very sure. I'll go start making this. It's a surprise," I remind her as her mouth opens to ask me what I'm making. It's no wonder our omega likes it when we take control. Her mind works a million miles a minute. I can practically see it working now. "While I'm cooking, how about you change into these?" I hand her a bag. She doesn't try to ask more questions or peek into the bag I've handed her, but she narrows her eyes at me.

I smile as she makes her way to her nest. I carry in the groceries, my heart racing with anticipation. In the cozy warmth of the small kitchen, I find myself lost in thoughts of Cali, our lovely omega. I'd watched her savor meals before, her eyes lighting up as she indulged.

There's something enchanting about how she closes her eyes in bliss with each bite of meat and carbs, as if each flavor stitches magic around her. It's become my newfound purpose to create delectable meals for her. To see that blissful joy reflect on her face when I prepare a meal she adores. Her happiness is the sweetest reward. I long to fill her plate and her heart, ensuring she's nourished physically and emotionally. Wrapped in the warmth of love, laughter, and shared meals that will forever bind our pack together.

So, I cook cheesy bechamel sauce, poached lobster, noodles, a perfect medium-rare filet, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet creamed corn. When she comes down, I'm only halfway done.

Cali wears a soft V-neck sweater that hangs loosely on her frame, matching soft pants and a pair of slippers shaped like flowers that might burst from the amount of stuffing in them. They absolutely swallow her feet. And she's in a head wrap that encases her beautiful hair. It's soft against her head, and keeps her hair out of her eyes. I'd done a ton of research on omega forums, and these items were deemed the very best, softest, and most coveted on most of the sites I'd been on. She looks so cute and so incredibly comfortable. I want to wrap her in my arms and purr for her. Fuck it, that's just what I do.

I walk over to Cali and let my purr envelop us. She melts into my chest, and I scent-mark the top of her head. When she pulls back to look up at me, she's beaming.

"Are you sure this is ok? You don't…" She trails off.

"What?" I don't want her to keep her thoughts from me. I cherish every one. Then, her question clicks. With Cali's permission, Bax and Seth told me about their date conversations with her. We want to ensure we're keeping up with her needs, and all the information she's given us individually can only help.

"Cali, I chose this date for two reasons. "First, I understand that many interactions can be draining for you. I saw it when I saw you at the Café the other day. You like going out and doing stuff, but you need a break to recharge, right?" She nods, and I continue. "The other reason is that the guys and I also work and interact with people all day. It's not the same as working a service-facing job like you, but we deal with our team and vendors all day. I really want to be a person you can recharge with. I don't need you to focus on me. I want to focus on you." She blushes pink, and I bend down to kiss her nose.

Cali wraps her fingers in my hair and pulls me lower into her kiss. Her lips are soft, and she parts them to let me sweep in. We pull apart, and I sigh. I don't want to let her go, but I don't want to burn everything on the stove. "There's another bag for you." I gesture to one on the couch.

She opens the bag and pulls out two new coloring books, one fantasy-themed and one called Cozy Vibes, which has a lot of cats and happy ghosts. I also have a new set of quality watercolor markers, colored pencils, highlighters, and two new puzzles featuring libraries worldwide. I'd gotten it all from a crafting store in town. I'd seen Cali looking through the display window on my way home from work the other day.

Once she'd gotten into her car, I stopped in and asked Cameron, the beta owner, if he'd seen her come in. He had, and I'd had to seriously keep myself from whooping in joy. He pointed out a few things she'd been lingering over but never bought. My guess was that budget was a factor, though my independent omega would never admit it or ask. Bax was right. We'd probably let it be if it was a matter of pride. But in Cali's case, we thought it was more a combination of budget and her ex convincing her she wasn't worthy of nice things. I'll override that false belief with everything I have, goddamnit. And as our omega, she's fully entitled to every penny we have, and we'll make sure she uses it. What do we even have money for if not to give our omega everything she desires?

She looks up at me in awe. "I… how did you know?"

I'd have liked to remain mysterious, but I can't hold anything from her. I explain about my happy happenstance.

She laughs. "I guess I do go in there and dream a lot. Cameron probably knows everything I've ever wanted in there."

"Later this week, I want to take you in and get you everything else you want." I envision creating a puzzle, coloring, and reading area for Cali in our office so she can be with us even when we're busy. It fills me with light and joy in every corner of my soul.

"You don't have to," she begins, but I sweep an arm around her waist and squeeze her to my chest.

"What was that omega?" I ask. "Because I know you weren't about to deny me my right to spoil you." Her eyes are wide, but a small smile crooks her lips.

"Yes, alpha," she replies, and my cock is instantly hard between us. I cough and turn slightly from her. Though I hope we'll end up with her wrapped tightly around me at some point tonight, I don't want her to think that our interest in her is purely physical.

I'm falling for Cali in every way. From her blush to her passion for books and a community she's only just moved to, to how her nose crinkles, to her selfless nature. I need her to understand that I'll adore her in any situation. Including when she's just relaxing at the end of a hard day. Especially then, actually.

"If you want, you can relax with those while I set everything up to eat," I say. She nods and heads for the floral couch.

Tonight is about relaxation, so I don't set up the table as I'm sure she expects. Instead, I head out to my car and bring in the fanciest TV trays I've ever seen, a DVD, and some candles. As Cali colors and peers at me over her new book, I set up the trays in front of the TV and plate up the dinners. Lobster mac and cheese, filet, potatoes, and sweet corn. I place them in front of us and then pop the DVD in.

When she ate the last time we were over, I noticed she took small bites and covered her mouth with her hand. I'd worked in restaurants long before opening our first Café with my pack. I know deipnophobia, or anxiety around eating in public, when I see it. It makes her anxious when she thinks someone is watching her eat.

Eating side by side seemed like a good solution. If we're facing the TV, she can eat happily without worrying.

Cali's stomach grumbles and I chuckle as she turns an adorable shade of pink. From the corner of my eye, I see her expression melt into one of knee-shaking pleasure as she takes the first bite. Jane Eyre's opening scene begins to roll.

Calliope

The Rochester Pack starts expressing interest in Jane, and my heart flutters. Pack courting was much wilder back then. If you had scent sensitivity with a pack, you could engage in courting, but there was no physical contact allowed, even for heat breaks. This often left the omega in pain while the men brooded over it. It also meant that many omegas were touch-deprived and undiagnosed, as nobody bothered to study omega-specific health issues until the late 1970s. After all, why would they? We're only the most biologically essential members of our packs. It's absurd, but I admit that it intensifies the sense of longing, so long as you don't delve too deeply into the real-world consequences.

The alphas of the Rochester Pack were forced into a marriage with an omega they didn't even have a scent match with. And poor Bertha. Today, she'd be hospitalized, and no one would be allowed to bond with her if she was deemed a danger to herself or others. Back then, omegas had no rights. While things aren't perfect now, and a lot of work still needs to be done, we've made some progress. I'm not just property to be handed over to the first scent-matched alphas who come along. However, some fringe groups still practiced the custom of match-made bonds created by families instead of the individuals getting married.

In the books and movies, since the alphas of the Rochester Pack were bonded to another, they couldn't bond with Jane. I always cry at the scene where she runs away to the moors.

Connor had tossed the dishes into the sink earlier, promising to clean them before leaving. As I cry over Jane's separation from her fated mates. Connor holds me close and purrs softly to comfort me. By the time the movie reaches its climax, where the characters reunite, and two of them are blind, I find myself smiling through my tears.

I turn to him when the end credits roll, but he just stares at the screen. "That was insane."

"Wait." I stare at him wide-eyed. "You've never seen Jane Eyre before?"

"No. That lady was in the attic the whole time? That really got me." He eyes the stairs leading to my nest.

I laugh. "There are no angry omegas in my nest," I assure him. "But wait, if you've never seen it, how did you get the DVD?" It's not like finding a DVD is easy anymore. Most people stream, but it's hard to get a signal good enough to stream out here in the woods. I know for a fact that the Library doesn't have Jane Eyre.

"I called everyone I knew until I found someone with a period romance movie on DVD that wasn't at the Library. That way, I knew you hadn't watched it recently. This is actually John's copy. He's an alpha who works at our Traverse City location. I paid him for the hours to meet me halfway between here and Traverse City to let me borrow it." I stare at him. He'd gone through so much trouble just to get a DVD for me.

"I also brought you these," he says, pulling another bag out from behind the couch that he must have brought in when he took the dishes to the sink since I hadn't noticed it before. In the bag is bath stuff. Bath bombs, salts, essential oil diffuser, a clay face mask, candles. "I was planning on giving you a massage, while I drew you a hot bath. I forgot that your bathroom is connected to your nest, so you have to walk through the nest to get to it. I can just leave these here."

He won't ask or expect to be allowed into my nest. It's a huge step. Nests are more private than underwear drawers. I lean forward and wrap my hand around the back of his neck. Connor slips his arm around my waist and pulls me closer as our lips meet. The kiss isn't demanding, but it's firm. When we break apart, I search his face and find only caring.

"Or you could come up and draw my bath," I whisper. His eyes widen in surprise, then darken with desire as he presses his forehead to mine, our breaths mingling in the warm air. The heat between us is palpable, a tantalizing hint of what's to come.

"Are you sure? You don't have to rush, Baby. I can wait as long as you need."

Deep in my soul, I know this isn't just a platitude. They've all done so much to show how much I mean to them. Connor organized an entire date night to ensure I felt comfortable and could recharge. I didn't even know that was possible on a date. I want these alphas to be part of my nest, where I can feel safe with them. I nod.

He smiles, and it takes my breath away. He grabs the bag he'd given me, and I lead him up the stairs. Just as we reach the top, I start to get nervous. There's nothing special about my nest. It's just a mattress on the floor with blankets I'd found on clearance and a ton of books. Would Connor or any guy want to be in such a cheap, shoddy nest?

I take a deep breath and move to allow him the rest of the way to into my room. With the sloping ceilings, he has to hunch even more than usual. I brace myself for the rejection, but he tucks me into his side, kisses my forehead, and says, "Thank you. I'm so glad you trusted me with your space." I relax, point him to the bathroom door, and he walks in. The bathroom is something I love most about the cottage. The claw foot tub is so deep and comfortable that I sometimes have difficulty not falling asleep.

Connor gets to work immediately. He kneels next to the tub and begins filling it with water. He sets up the incense burner and arranges some candles around the area. Their flames dance as he turns off the lights. Then, he adds a bath bomb and some bubble bath, resulting in purple, shimmering bubbles.

While he's distracted, I quietly slip into the bedroom and remove every piece of the outfit he so thoughtfully picked out for me. When I return, I find him focused on checking the temperature of the water, and I pause in the doorway, simply admiring him. A wave of warmth washes over me. His concern, care, and reassuring presence overwhelm any barriers that I keep up. The way he looks out for me, his familiar scent, and my omega's reaction all feel so overwhelming in the best possible way. I know I'm cherished, and I feel deeply loved in this moment.

"I love you," I whisper. I mean it so much that saying it feels like a relief. Connor's still touching the water when I say it, and I wouldn't have thought he'd heard me if he hadn't frozen. He turns back to me, and my heart breaks to see his eyes glassy and tears threatening to spill from them.

He rises to his feet with an intensity that takes my breath away etched across his face. He moves toward me with such swiftness that I fear he might slip on the cool tile. My arms instinctively wrap around his neck, pulling him closer. Connor's kiss sends shivers skittering across my skin. His jeans press against my lower stomach, and I can feel the undeniable proof of his desire beneath the fabric.

With effortless grace, he lifts me into his arms, and I instinctively cling to him, feeling the strength and warmth of his embrace. He cradles me, carrying me bridal style. The world around us fades as he focuses solely on me. He lowers me into the tub without a care in the world for his soaking wet shirt sleeves.

Once I'm in the water he raises his hands to cup my face and kiss me. "Cali," he says, and I hold my breath. This is the moment I'll either be shattered forever, or loved forever. In my heart, I know what it will be with this alpha… this pack. There aren't any more doubts. And that feels so insanely amazing.

"I love you. I have always loved you. I will love you until I'm dead, and even beyond that, my love will be with you."

Our foreheads press together, breaths mingling as we hold each other's faces, feeling the heat radiating from our skin. Then, he kisses me, and it ignites something primal within me. His shirt is wholly soaked, but I grasp at it, fisting it in my hands.

Connor pulls back, and I let go. My heart drops, but I realize he's just taking it off. He shucks it and throws it in the corner. Then he stands and removes the rest of his clothes. When he pulls his boxers down, his cock springs free. It's long and straight, and the head is practically purple. The veins along it strain with need. I can't breathe. I'd never get used to that.

I thought he'd join me in the tub, although that might be physically impossible given his size. Instead, Connor grabs a bottle from his bag, opens it, and squirts some clear liquid into his hands. There's enough space between the back of the tub and the wall for him to squeeze in. He applies gentle pressure to the spot where my neck meets my shoulders, and I instantly relax. It feels so good, and he's just started.

I realize he's making a point. No matter what, my comfort and pleasure come above anything else for him. I want to tell him I understand and want to make him happy too, but the words are drowned in a moan when his hands knead my shoulders harder. They work lower, and finally, they're at my breasts, kneading the flesh there and tweaking my rock-hard nipples. I perfume hard and moan again. Connor's face is pressed against mine, and I bring my dripping arm up to snake around his neck and pull at his hair.

He stands to get more oil, but I stop him with a hand on his thigh. I turn to face him, and his cock is at eye level. I take it in my hand, and he hisses. His stare is fire, and I'm burning with it. My tongue trails from the base of his cock, all along the underside, and to his head, which already has drops of pre-cum that I immediately lick off. I can't get enough. I'm kneeling in the waist high water, using the edge of the tub as leverage to keep upright. The head of his cock slips past my lips, and my tongue swirls. Connor throws his head back and growls so low and loud that the windows rattle. He fists his hand in my hair and pulls my head off of him, forcing it back so I'm looking at him.

"Tap my thigh three times if you need a break or to stop," he says, and I smile at him. His smile is wicked and dangerous. The actual play has begun.

Connor

My Baby is fierce when enjoying herself, making my alpha's need to claim much deeper. I squeeze her hair in warning, and she opens wide. I'm so long that she can only get about half in before I feel the back of her throat. But here's the thing about omegas that I learned from those books Bax borrowed from our girl's library. They can take so much more by virtue of physiology. I yearn to try with Cali. So I tilt her head back slightly and cocked my hips so that I'm aimed straight down her throat. I tease in, and her eyes widen, a little fear edging into her expression.

"Breathe through your nose. I promise you can take it, Baby." I'm gifted with her immediate obedience. Her nostrils flare, and I feel her breathing against my cock.

"Swallow." My voice edges on a bark, but I hold it back. I never want her to do anything because I demand it. I want it because we both love it. She swallows, and my cock slides the rest of the way down her throat. My balls rest on her chin, and her lips are at my base.

"We can go hard or soft this way. Tap once for soft and twice for hard, three to stop." She taps once. Thank fuck because if she wanted to go hard, I was going to have a difficult time not embarrassing myself.

I ease my cock back so that I'm half in again and then slide forward. Cali begins experimenting with the position of her lips. Sucking in and then blowing them, curling her tongue up as I ease out until we hit a rhythm of me lightly thrusting and her sucking and blowing in time. And goddamnit, if it isn't the sexiest thing I've ever felt. The hand not in her hair braces against the wall behind the tub that she's still kneeling in.

My control is razor-thin when I feel her tap my thigh twice. Not once, not three times. Twice.

"Are you sure?" I grind out. Cali taps my hip twice, very deliberately. God help me, this woman is going to kill me, and I'll be happy about it.

I let go of the wall, tangle my other hand in her beautiful, wet hair, and begin pulling out less and thrusting in harder and faster. I look down, and the sight before me sends me growling over the edge, my cum shooting straight down her throat. I pull out in time to make sure that my knot doesn't become a part of this. I'll knot her mouth in the future, but not this time. I'm too aware that I'm the only one who's come, and that can't continue to be the case.

I help her out of the bath, grab a super soft towel I brought with me, and dry her off, making sure to add some nips and sucks along the way. I kneel to dry her legs and can't help leaning forward and licking up her slit until I come to her nub and then lightly suck. Cali rakes her hand through my hair and keens, throwing her head back.

I pick her up and stand to my feet, almost slipping on the floor. We share a nervous laugh as I regain my balance. The last thing I want is to awkwardly explain to the pack that I need to go to the hospital because I broke my ankle slipping in Cali's bathroom. The teasing would never end.

I manage to make it to her nest without any more slippage. It's comfortable with its big, chunky blankets and pillowcases with little mushroom embroidery. I lay her down gently and skim my fingers around her ass and through her folds. She gasps and shivers. It's kind of cold in here. I look at the black stove fireplace. There are already some spare logs and paper next to it. Matches sit in a little box by the window. I cover her with the thickest blanket and start a fire.

When I return to the bed, she holds her hands out to me. I bundle her into my arms where she belongs. She's still slightly damp from the bath, but neither of us minds. Soon, we're entangled.

Cali's on top of me, and in one slick movement, she sheaths herself on my cock. I buck up into her, and soon, we hit a steady rhythm that has me close. I reach between us and slick her nub. She screams and tips over the edge. Her walls clamping down on me like a vice. I pull her down and press up with all my strength, and feel my knot pop into place. She screams again, and I topple over the edge as her first orgasm flows into a second.

I lay her onto her side, facing each other across the pillows. My knot is engorged deep inside her pussy. We can't disengage until it recedes. For a while, we nuzzle together and scent-mark each other. Her face is in my chest, and my nose is in her hair.

"Can I ask you something?" Cali asks. I tense a little. Easy questions usually don't follow phrases like that, but I want Cali to ask me about anything.

"Of course, Baby," I assure her.

"You mentioned before that you lived with Seth in high school. Why?" I squeeze her just a little bit tighter.

"My parents abandoned me when I was a toddler." She squeezes me back, and I lean my forehead against hers, but she doesn't interrupt. "I still don't know why, and I only have vague memories that I'm not even sure are real. I'm not even sure what type of family I came from. Whether it was a couple, a pack, or a single, scared mom. I was left at a local firehouse with no note or anything, just a dinosaur t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I didn't even have shoes on." That information stung more than anything else. I wasn't loved enough to even get shoes. "News and police reports were filed in case I was a lost or missing child, but no one came looking for me."

"I bounced around to a lot of different foster homes. Some were better than others. The whole system wasn't bad, but I was furious about a lot of it, and I didn't make it easy on anyone. Then, in high school, I met Seth. He was easygoing, and we just clicked, almost like brothers. I spent nearly every night at his parents' house until they eventually asked me to stay permanently. They filed all the necessary paperwork with the state. That was in my freshman year.

"My grades improved with the stability that a big packhouse could provide. An adult was always there to help me with my homework, attend any sports events I was involved in that year, and drive me to and from my first job until I could buy my own car. Finding Seth's pack was truly life-changing for me.

"I got a scholarship. We went to college and met Bax, and now we're the luckiest pack cause we found our omega." Finally, we've made our own family, and I intend to make it as safe and stable as possible. That was one of the reasons we decided to open a Café instead of a restaurant.

"Obviously, we'd wanted to do something we knew we could be successful at, and we all felt that food was a good way to go. Bax had lots of information about various places in northwest Michigan. Plus, Seth wanted to stay in his hometown. But I also wanted to build something with a good work-life balance so we could all eventually create a family. Something we, as a pack, had discussed thoroughly and were now discussing with Cali. A café with a set menu that was only open half the day seemed perfect.

Cali looks at me, and it's like she can see all that in my eyes. "I knew that Seth wanted a big family, and Bax said as much on our date, but I didn't know how much you wanted it, too," she says.

I cup her cheek into my hand, and she nuzzles my palm. "It would be wonderful. Especially in the house where all my best memories are."

She pulls back a little. "I didn't realize that the house you're in now was the one you all lived in."

I chuckle. "Seth not get to that yet?" She shakes her head. "It's the house his pack lived in all his life. They stayed there until Seth, the youngest of the kids, graduated. Then, they moved to Traverse City into a condo complex. They didn't want the upkeep of the big place without kids to take care of it.

They offered it to all the kids, but Seth's brother Jess and his pack are already established in Detroit. His sister Mel is a beta and is established with her wife, Fanna. They love Florida. They hardly even come back for a visit. So, Seth happily took it. It's his not-so-secret dream to raise a family there."

Cali considers this.

"Not that we'd pressure you into anything." I'm quick to add. She seemed happy with the idea with Seth. He'd been over the moon when he'd told us about their date. But maybe she just didn't want to upset him.

Her big, expressive eyes lock onto mine, sparkling with hope. "I've always dreamed of being part of a big, loving family and having a few kids, maybe three to five. There was a time when I thought it was just a fantasy, something I'd never experience, especially thinking I'd have to follow in my parents' footsteps. Nick only wanted one kid, which felt limiting. But I can finally believe in that dream again with you guys."

My heart swells at her words. We drift off to sleep with me still fully buried inside of her.

Calliope

Since Connor's date a few days ago, I've spent every night at the guys' house after work. Connor makes dinner, and we cozy up around the table to discuss our day. I love hearing about their various Cafés and everything going on with them. I had no idea that one of the guys drove to every café once every two days. They each take turns to make it fair. There are five in total from Lakeside Point all the way around to Petoskey.

When I talk about what's happening at the Library, the guys always respond with questions. They seem genuinely interested.

I take turns staying in each of their rooms. Connor's room is more basic, with gray walls and minimalist decor. In contrast, Seth's room features a full computer station and various humorous art pieces, including dogs in famous paintings and stormtroopers marching across the moon.

Tonight, we're all sitting around the dining room table eating dinner, and the guys begin to talk about something that has my heart thundering in my chest.

"Listen, I'm telling you there's something wrong with that guy. I understand that Molick is the love interest, but I think he's pretty toxic," Bax says. Molick is the love interest in the first book of a fantasy series by Ali Williams. The same book that Bax gifted me as a courting present. My mouth practically drops open. It falls even wider when Seth and Connor join in.

"And what's with that other guy? The 'villain' has serious vibes," says Seth.

"I'm still hung up on the fact that this self-described skinny and weak omega supposedly hunted for food on her own. Not that omegas can't hunt! They can. But with no instruction and no training? Come on!" Connor adds.

"You… you read my books?" I ask. The all look at me.

They aren't my books, obviously. I didn't write them. But after living in that world for so long, it feels like they're intrinsically mine on a soul level. Seth can't keep the big grin off his face as usual. Connor ducks his head but smiles, and Bax smirks. Then I remember.

"The notes!" I practically yell. I remember seeing Bax taking notes at the book fair. When I'd asked him what he was doing, he'd evade the question. "Did you take notes about my reading?"

"That, and I looked at your reading history on Omegareads. I saw that you'd reread this series when you don't usually reread, and you picked out some of the merchandise related to the series at the book fair. We figured this was a good place to start." Bax side-eyes the guys.

"A place to start?" I echo. What did that mean?

"Reading's a big part of your life, Precious. Bax has always been a big reader, but it's not like I can't read. I want to know what you like, and these books help that. Plus, some of these books have some really interesting ideas." Seth waggles his eyes suggestively, and I laugh.

"Honestly, Baby, I don't usually read," Connor says. "This might be my first real try since high school, but I like these. I think you may make a reader of me."

I stare around at them, beaming like an idiot.

"You guys are serious?" I'm a little breathless.

"Very." Bax's rumbling voice assures me.

"Where are you in the books?" I ask.

"Bax is a speed reader, so he's halfway through the second book. Seth and I are near the end of the first," Connor says. Bax shrugs and winks at me.

This sparks a lively conversation among the four of us. I'm careful not to reveal any spoilers. Still, listening to their theories, predictions, and insights about the characters is enjoyable. They're surprised to learn that there are three additional spin-off series, totaling more than twenty-two books.

"I'm gonna have to get an audiobook membership," is Seth's only comment.

When dinner is over, we decide to go to bed. The guys go to work at five in the morning, and I've started waking up with them and keeping their hours. It's nice. I have a lot of time in the morning to slowly wake up instead of rushing around. But the transition hasn't been seamless. I've lost some sleep, and I keep yawning. I apologize, but the guys aren't bothered.

"Who gets you tonight, Precious?" Seth asks, a hopeful gleam in his eye. It's all a tease. I was in his bed two nights ago.

I glance at them all, a warm smile playing on my lips. After our conversation in the kitchen, something's shifted within me. My feelings have transformed from quiet, cautious hope to a blossoming sense of certainty. The uncertainty was replaced by a newfound confidence. Reading a few books felt like a small step, yet it revealed a level of care and a deeper understanding of my needs than anyone had ever shown.

When the pack began courting me, they'd spoken of wanting me to stay in their nest, a notion that filled me with warmth and possibility. I wonder if the invitation still stands. With a flutter of anticipation in my chest, I realize there's only one way to find out.

"What if we all stayed in the same room tonight? In the omega bed?" I suggest. They all turn to concentrate their full attention on me.

"Are you sure, Baby?" Connor asks.

I shift from one foot to the other, tucking my hair behind my ear. "I'm very sure if you all still are?"

Seth, of course, rushes forward, wraps his arms around my upper thighs, and hoists me up onto his chest so that, for once, I'm looking down at them.

"Raindrop," Bax says from below me, standing beside Seth. "We've always been sure and we always will be."

Connor takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. The gesture perfectly captures the love I feel for these three men. Seth expresses it with big, sweeping grins and gestures, Bax through verbal affirmations and a steady presence, and Connor with his intensely sensitive heart.

Seth eventually lets me slide down his body, and we head upstairs to the omega suite, which is still bare.

"We'll get bedding," Connor says, and the three enter their rooms. When they return moments later, they have armfuls of pillows and blankets for the bed. Considering how big their arms are, that's saying something. Their individual scents are all over the bedding, and I can't wait to leap into a pile of them.

I don't have to wait long because the guys quickly create a cozy little nest for us all. Soon, I find myself lying between Connor and Seth, with Bax snuggled up on the other side. The warmth of their bodies surrounds me, and there's a gentle silence for a moment. I take a deep breath, feeling the comfort of their presence and summoning the courage to share what has been weighing on my heart all night.

"My heat is coming up in a few weeks," I say into the dark room. Actual heats, not mini heats, occur every six months. They're intense and require an omega to be cared for by their partner or partners. Alternatively, omegas can visit heat clinics where anonymous alphas provide care. A perfectly legitimate practice, but it often feels sterile and, unfortunately, isn't always ideal. Incidents do happen. Another option is for the omega to take sedatives and use toys. However, from personal experience, that isn't an actual solution. I still endure significant pain, leaving me emotionally drained afterward. I remember crying for days after my heat.

The silence feels like it's expanding, wrapping around me like a heavy blanket I can't shake off. A small part of me begins to spiral into panic. Did I misread everything? Were they actually not ready to share my heat with me? No, that didn't add up. They'd been so open with their intentions. More than once, they'd made it clear that they wanted to keep me. So why are they hesitating?

Finally, Bax breaks the silence. "Raindrop, we're ready for your heat. The guys and I have discussed it, and we want to take you to The Nest Store to outfit your suite with whatever you want. The Cafés are independent enough to run smoothly, so we can take heat leave anytime. Of course, we want to be with you during your heat." I let out a sigh, feeling my muscles relax. "But…" Connor starts and I tense back up again. He begins smoothing his hand up and down my back. "But we also want to talk about bonding."

Bonding? They want to talk about bonding? With me?

Of course, they do, my omega chastises me internally. They've made it clear that they want us. An intricate part of the omega's role in the pack is to bond with them.

Bonding involves the guys claiming me with a bite somewhere on my body, and then I would do the same to each of them, one at a time. This process creates a psychic link between us, allowing me to sense their feelings and some of their thoughts while they gain the same connection with each other. This bonding brings the pack together on the deepest, most spiritual level.

This is another thing I've only considered seriously since I met them, and only have the most basic understanding from texts and books. Before, I'd never thought I would be in a bond.

"I've been thinking about bonding," I admit. Seth twitches as if he might tackle me on the bed but stills with a quelling look from Connor. I can't hide a smile. Seth has absolutely no sense of subtlety.

"We've been reading some books about bonding and omegas, and it seems that the best time to bond is at the end of the heat. It's a lot of medical terminology, but it would provide you with the most health benefits," Bax admits.

They're worried about whether it would help me the most? I tackle Seth, rolling onto him and pinning him between my body and the bed like a sandwich. I need someone to hug me wild, and I can feel him practically vibrating out of his skin. They're all so caring of me. Seth laughs, and Connor and Bax join us in a group cuddle.

"I'd like to think on it more," I admit. "But I'm open to the idea, and edging into consent territory."

Bax laughs. His voice is rich and velvety. "We want you to think about it. If you're not ready, we will understand and back off." We've all come apart, and Bax is very pointed in his words toward the others, who nod. I know that they'd never pressure me.

"Precious, this is real for us. I know you're meant to be part of our pack. It's not just the scent sensitivity. You fit with us so seamlessly. Everything is so much better when you're in the room. Even when you're just in our office, and we're getting work done, our lives are lighter," Seth says.

"But, will you move into the suite? If it's not your regular living area, having your omega here for the heat might frighten and confuse her," Seth says.

I know that that's right from my own research and experience. My omega subconscious would take over when in heat, making conscious thought difficult, if not nearly impossible. My first heat after moving in with Nick had only been a few days later, and my omega had broken many things in her confusion and fear of an unknown place that she hadn't considered her nest yet.

"I'd like that. To move in," I say, nodding. I feel them all relax into the bed, their presence warming me like a gentle embrace. I let out a soft yawn, unable to fight it. The week had weighed heavily on my shoulders, and now, with them all with me, I can finally let go. As they settle in closer, their soothing purrs wrap around me.

I'd thought our first time in the suite might lead to some play, but they understand the depths of my exhaustion better than I do. As the gentle vibrations of their purrs resonate through the air, a sense of calm washes over me. Their quiet companionship promises safety and affection. I find it nearly impossible to keep my eyes open and drift into the most blissful sleep I've ever known, cradled by love and utter contentment.

Calliope

The Ice Festival is in full swing. My alphas mentioned they might see me, but may have to cover at the Café due to the tourist crowd. They'd text me if they got free. I scolded myself for feeling pouty over the absence of my alphas. It's been three days since our conversation at their house, and we'd agreed to go nest shopping. Tomorrow was the day, and I couldn't wait to decorate my space and spend an afternoon with them as a pack out doing things. Since that talk, we've been sleeping in that bare room with no curtains, but I haven't wanted to sleep without the pack again once I started.

The ice sculptures are incredible. I thought I knew what to expect. I imagined the kinds seen at weddings of people wealthy enough to not know how to spend their money.I was wrong.

These ice sculptures are more like ice buildings. Some are literally bigger than my cottage. Some depict things the Peninsula is famous for, like cherries, honey, and wine. Some are commissions by the town and different companies, like a car by General Motors, a competing vehicle across the street by Ford, a large open book for the Library, and an extra-large cup of hot chocolate by the Evergreen Café. It looks suspiciously like the cup of hot chocolate that Connor and made me the first night I'd met all of them.

"You're grinning like a fool," Clara says, startling me. I turn around to see her standing behind me. She isn't wearing a long dress for the first time since I met her. Instead, she wears a faux fur-lined leather coat embroidered with flowers, bell bottoms, and shiny black boots.

I laugh, and we hug. I recall that first hug we'd shared outside the Evergreen Café when we had snuck pasties before I'd realized its owners were my mates. It was awkward because I'd been so unused to physical affection. That feels like a lifetime ago. I've definitely gotten better at hugs since then.

I can't hold my news in for even a second.

"The guys and I have discussed bonding," I say. It's so easy. I don't even feel myself blush. It's like saying it's cold outside, or the sun will rise in the morning. I feel no sense of unease or discomfort.

Clara's eyes widen, and she issues the highest-pitched squeak yet.

"Oh boy, Clara's blown a gasket. I wanna hear the juice." Rose walks up behind us, typing away on her cell phone as usual. How did she walk around with that thing without tripping over something or slipping on anything? It seems impossible. Maybe she has secret magic.

"Cali's going to bond the Evergreen Pack!" Clara practically shouts. I shush her but can't help giggling at her enthusiasm.

Rose turns her phone screen off for the first time and slips it into her back pocket.

"Wait, what?" she asks, looking shocked and cautious. I nod. "When?"

"We don't have a specific date yet, but my heat is coming up in a few weeks."

"As long as it's something you want and chose," Rose says, eyeing me as if looking for any signs of distress or coercion. Moments like these make me realize I don't know a lot about Roses past and she moved here six months ago so no one else does either.

"It is," I assure her.

Both women squeal with excitement. I can't help but laugh. It feels like we've all turned into teenagers again. My whole life has shifted so dramatically in just a few weeks.

"You're going to be my cousin-in-law!" Clara exclaims, jumping and hugging at the same time. Sunny walks up, and Clara and Rose share the information with her. I don't have to say anything. Winnie, unfortunately, has to cover her shop during the festival. It's one of her busiest nights of the winter season.

"Do you want to do a ceremony, or bond privately?" Clara hooks her arm to my left, and Rose hooks her arm to my right. Sunny hooks her arm into Clara's,

"Definitely privately." I cringe at the idea of being in front of a ton of people for such an intimate moment. "They asked me to go shopping for the nest tomorrow, and we might discuss it more then."

They giggle again and bump my shoulders with theirs as we walk. We encounter a burly alpha wielding a chainsaw, carving something into a giant slab of ice. The sign indicates it will be a sandcastle. So far, only one turret has been carved, which doesn't resemble a sandcastle yet. It's very...phallic.

"Wow," Rose says, and we all blush and walk away giggling harder than ever. We grab some greasy festival food and eat is as we make our way around to the other sculptures. They are an amazing array of art. There's a giant sunflower, a bee ice commissioned by Sunny's apiary, and a sculpture of a massive troll. That one is about the Mackinac Bridge. Referring to the fact that people from the lower peninsula of Michigan are often called trolls because they live under the bridge. Nothing like local humor in ice form.

We're heading towards one of the vendor booths when I hear someone call my name.

"Cali!"

I turn and freeze. My mother and father are smiling at me… and my ex stands behind them.

Calliope

If one of the troll sculptures suddenly came to life and squashed me between its toes, it wouldn't have shocked me more than seeing Nick at that moment. Standing before me, beaming as if they've just uncovered the greatest treasure, are my mother and father. My mother is a slim woman, with my auburn hair and small nose. My father sports my eyes and chin. My heart races as disbelief washes over me.

The girls are looking between me, my parents, and my ex. My face must not look pleased because Clara whispers, "Who are they?"

"My parents and my ex," I whisper back. Never taking my eyes off of them.

I'm frozen. I have nowhere to go. My mother pushes forward, wrapping me in a tight hug that I return automatically. The girls have let go of my arms, but I can hear them talking in low tones behind me, though I can't figure out what they're saying over the buzzing in my ears.

"Cali! We're so glad we found you! We've been looking everywhere for you. We didn't have your address and wanted to surprise you, so we came to the Festival hoping you would be here." She beams at me as if she expects me to jump for joy.

"Mom, what—why are you here?" I gasp, my heart racing as I turn to Nick, who, remarkably, dares to look sheepish. He hasn't changed a bit since I'd last seen him three months ago. But I've changed. When I look at him, I see nothing. I feel nothing. No pain. Still some anger at him tricking and using me, but no longing or disappointment. How can I be disappointed when I've found so much joy.

Three months ago, a mutual friend dropped the bombshell. My fiancé, was seen kissing a coworker at a bar. Nick claimed he'd needed to work late. He'd denied it, of course, but the friend had snapped a picture. Pretty undeniable at that point.

He admitted to it then but said it was just a kiss and not a big deal. I didn't believe that, but even if it had been just a kiss, that was still cheating in my book. So, I moved into the guest room. I poured myself into job applications, determined to escape the mess he created. After many virtual interviews, I got the position at the Library and moved as soon as I signed with the first rental I'd found.

Nick didn't expect me to leave even though I'd stopped talking to him after our argument. He figured I'd just get over it, and he continued to "work late." He hadn't known that I quit my job. One day, when he went to work, I packed up all my things, leaving anything mutually bought, like the furniture, behind. I drove to my new cottage, seven hours away, and never looked back.

Yet here he is, with my parents. Why?

Mom purses her lips at me, clearly feeling she doesn't need to justify meeting up with her only daughter. "We wanted to see you, dear," she says, as if the fact that Nick is standing behind her with Dad requires no further explanation. My stomach twists, and I can barely bite back the reply on the tip of my tongue.

"We?" I ask, my voice shaking. I feel sick as my fight-or-flight instincts kick in.

"Yes and we brought Nick. We've been talking to him for a while. He's been distraught since you ghosted him, and we were all hoping to talk to you and work things out."

I look around, my disbelief deepening. Who do they think I'm going to reconcile with? Winnie and Rose stare at my mother, their expressions mirroring my shock. Clara's gone. My friends know the details of my relationship, the cheating, and how unhappy I'd been. I hadn't even told my parents about the cheating, just that I was unhappy for what felt like an eternity, that I needed to break free.

How could they think I wanted to relive that misery? Just because I've gotten over it with the help of my pack and therapy didn't mean I wanted to open new wounds. And Mom doesn't know that I'm not still devastated, meaning she did this without regard to my feelings. Hot anger makes me clench my fists. I can't hold back the shake in my voice.

"Work things out? We've broken up, Mom. We have been for three months." I honestly can't believe that it's only been three. My time with Nick feels like it could have been years ago.

"Cali, you can't just throw away a two-year relationship on a whim. This is something that can be worked out. Let's go talk about it somewhere more private," Mom urges, extending her hand as if to guide me back to the life she envisioned for me, like a small, lost child.

After so much work on myself, with my therapist, with self-help books, with my pack, I know I never want to see Nick again. And yet my parents thought it was acceptable to just come up here and invade my new space, whether I liked it or not, my ex in tow. I'm a twenty-eight-year-old woman, not a teenager, as much as my mother always makes me feel that way. I don't have to do anything that I don't want to. I picture my pack in my mind and my friends behind me.

"No," I say, my voice trembling with frustration. My mother's eyes widen in shock. I've rarely told her no in my life. The times it has happened include when I told her I would never eat olives again when I was five, and when I told her I was leaving Nick.

"How can you not see how damaging this is?" I continue, my heart pounding. "You really thought bringing Nick up here without any call or warning was a good idea? Expecting me to just... what, pretend everything's fine? Why are you even in contact with him?"

I can feel the weight of my mother's disappointment pressing down on me. This one action has obliterated any trust between my parents and me.

"Well, I knew you'd just make an excuse if we called. Besides, I don't have to warn you. I'm not a natural disaster. I'm your mother." She laughs as though this was all some big joke that could blow over. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

She continues, "Besides that, we've known Nick for two years. You can't just expect us to cut him off after all of that time."

When I open my eyes, my mother has moved to the side, and Nick is a few feet ahead of me. I squeak and jump back. God! He needs to wear a bell.

"Cali, I know we had an argument, but you can't just storm off and act like it's over. We've spent years building something, I don't want us to let it go." His eyes are all plaintive and pleading but I see the hard edge underneath. The one I ignored for years.

He reaches for my hand, but I jerk it back and step away. Winnie and Rose stand beside me, and when Winnie wraps her arm around my shoulder, I feel a surge of strength. Their presence only solidifies my conviction that I deserve better than this.

"I absolutely can decide it's over," I say.

"Why?" he asks. "It was just a mistake. Why are you making it such a big deal?"

Once again, we've reverted to gaslighting, and it happened so quickly. But I realize he hasn't told my parents the truth. I have several options. I could talk to them about the cheating, reveal the lies, or confront him directly. However, I know Nick can twist the narrative to his advantage. He might have already framed the kiss as something trivial. Another option us to refuse to rise to his bullshit.

I take a deep breath and step forward, clasping my hands to keep them from shaking. Winnie, let me go. "Nick, I am not going to argue with you. I don't want to be in a relationship with you. End of discussion."

He splutters and tries to say something, but I turn away and stand before my parents. My dad looks uncomfortable. My mother looks angry. Both of them looked stunned.

"I'm sorry that you're disappointed that I'm not a beta, and I don't want a beta life," I say. "Even if I had been a beta, I would not have been happy with Nick. I won't be with him. None of these ridiculous stunts will change my mind. I am your daughter, and I hope I'm your priority. If you can't respect my decision, you should just leave."

I try to turn away, but my mother grasps my upper right arm, holding me in place. "What happened? I'm sure we can figure this out if you tell me," she says.

I look down at her hand on my arm and then back up at her face. "I don't need to tell you every detail of my shitty relationship with Nick to justify my decision. It should be enough for you that I say no. Now let go of my arm." She doesn't. She stares at me as if she doesn't know who she's looking at. It hurts me to realize that she probably doesn't. Like with Nick, I tried to morph myself into something I wasn't for them.

"My omega told you to let her go," A rumbling voice from behind me says.

Bax

The woman gripping Cali's arm is unmistakably her mother. She resembles my omega, with the same hair and nose, though she's taller and slighter. The beta characteristics are evident, but as I watch her grip tightening around Cali's arm, likely leaving marks beneath her coat, a low growl rumbles deep in my chest, protective instincts surging. The passersby quickly move away, sensing the tension in the air. Seth and Connor join me on either side, their expressions mirroring my concern as we focus on the woman's hand constricting around our omega.

Cali's mom's wide, horrified eyes meet ours, but before she can say anything, I step forward, a silent promise in my stance. My priority is clear. No one will hurt Cali. Not even her own mother. This woman needs to understand that her actions aren't just unacceptable. They're threatening the safety and well-being of my pack.

"His omega? What did he just say? Cali, tell these men to go away. This is between family." Her voice is demanding and nasal-filled, unlike my sweet Raindrop's soft voice.

"They are my family, Mom. This is my pack," Cali says. It's the first time she's referred to us as her pack aloud, and my chest fills with pride. I see the other two puff up at the words.

Cali's mom is livid. Blotches of red darken her cheeks, and her eyes narrow at her daughter. "Your pack?" she spits, her voice sharp and cutting. "We don't do packs in this family! We never have, and you're not starting now!" As she starts yelling, she shakes Cali's arm violently, her frustration boiling over. I can feel the anger rising inside me and I see red.

"Let go of her arm!" I bark. I'm surprised to find that I'm not the only one. Seth and Connor also bark a variation of the same command.

Cali's mother instantly lets go and staggers back, falling onto the ground with a hard thud. One alpha's bark over a beta can be overwhelming, but three at once is almost like a punch in the gut. Cali glances at her mother, who's floundering on the ground, but her eyes have a newfound determination. Instead of rushing to help up the woman who let her down, Cali turns away and enters my embrace. I wrap my arms around her, shielding her from the chaos, ready to protect her from everything.

I immediately begin to purr. Seth and Connor flank her on either side, but we never entirely turn our backs on her parents. Our hackles are raised, and our alphas are on high alert.

"Seriously?" A short man with thin brown hair and light skin stares at us. Cali stiffens, and I growl at the man, who steps back.

"Who the fuck are you?" Seth asks. His expression is furious.

"I'm her fiancé," the man replies. This is Nick, then. We all growl at once, and he takes several more steps back.

A man I assume to be Cali's father finishes helping his wife up. I gently scent-mark the top of Cali's head. "Are you okay, Raindrop?" She nods and turns around in my arms but doesn't let go of my hold. I keep my arms firmly around her, and she clings to my forearms as if they're a safety harness.

The three people in front of her, her parents and ex-fiancé, look at her with a mix of disbelief and anger. Her mother's eyes burn with resentment. Her father's expression is a blend of sadness and hurt. Her ex-fiancé's face twists in betrayal, fury radiating from him.

"I never want to see you again," she spits at him, her voice heavy with emotion. Looking to her parents, the hurt she feels spills over. "This is my life. This town, my job, and, most importantly, this pack. I am loved, safe, and happy here." Each word drips with hurt and frustration. "I hope you'll understand one day, but today is not that day. Until you can own up to everything you've done, all the ways you've tried to tear down the happiness I've finally built, I need you to stay away from me."

Her mother looks at her like she's a stranger, defiantly refusing to back down. At the same time, her father's eyes glisten with unshed tears. He flicks his gaze helplessly between them. I can smell the smoldered grass in Cali's scent. The silence between her parents and her deepens the ache in her heart.

"You will not—"

My omega turns away from the beginning of another rant by her mother. Seth, Connor, and I close her into a triangle of our bodies so she can no longer see her parents. She looks up at us, eyes brimming with tears, allowing us to see the hurt but no one else.

"I want to go home," she says, trembling. I nod. We gather around her, creating a solid wall of support and protection. Every step toward the car feels like a silent promise. Nothing will harm our girl while we're here.

We all pile into the Jeep. Cali nestles into the back seat, her head resting gently in my lap, her hair cascading like silk against my skin. Seth carefully removes her shoes and rubs her feet. I can't help but run my fingers through her hair, the connection between us deepening with each stroke. Connor slides into the driver's seat, and we speed away from town, leaving those assholes behind us. The last thing we need is for those people to follow her and upset her further. When I ask if they know where she lives, Cali shakes her head.

"How did you know I needed you?" she asks softly.

"Clara came bursting into the Café, saying that your ex was here with your parents. I'm glad she did. Does your mom often put her hands on you?" I ask, trying not to let my scent turn bitter. Not that I'd ever be upset with Cali, but if the answer to the question is yes, I might have to kill my future mother-in-law.

"No." Cali's voice trembles, laced with a mix of defiance and pain. "She's never done that before. Words were always her weapon, and I was her willing target. She twisted my thoughts until I wanted to bend to her will, but this time… this time I couldn't." Her smile is small and breaks my heart. "She was desperate," she whispers, the weight of her confession hanging in the air. "She knew this was the one fight I wouldn't lose, and it scared her. Is it okay if we return to my nest tonight?"

That makes sense. Omega's nests are their safe spaces. Although she's been sleeping in the omega suite at our place for the last few nights, she hasn't made it her own yet. It isn't decorated or personalized. It doesn't have her comfort objects. Given how much emotional stress she's experienced tonight, familiar comfort seems like the best choice.

I gently stroke her hair. "Of course, Raindrop. As long as you're comfortable, we would be honored to spend the night in your nest." It's a big step in alpha-omega courting. Usually, it's the last one before bonding. We know that Connor's already been there, the lucky bastard. But inviting one over the others is all about the omega's comfort level, and I don't take it for granted.

Our Jeep pulls up in front of Cali's cottage, and we climb out. I help Cali out of the jeep and lift her into my arms, carrying her to the door. Once we're inside, the wood furnace alarm starts beeping. Seth's on it.

"Are you hungry, Raindrop?" I ask.

She shakes her head. "I got some festival food before the shitshow," she replies, a crooked smile on her face. There's nothing happy in the expression. I nod and begin carrying her up the stairs. The sound of heavy footsteps from the guys follows behind us.

Her nest is cozy. The bed is covered in chunky blankets and soft pillows. It may not be elaborate, but it's perfect because it belongs to our omega. It's small for three alphas like us. We're all hunched over due to the low-sloped ceiling. The bed might fit us all if we squeeze together. We're about to get really comfortable, really fast. There won't be any extra activities tonight—not that we're planning on them anyway. My Raindrop looks wholly drained.

I carefully pick my way across the room, avoiding the scattered books that threaten to upend my balance. Her room is cozy chaos, but I know I'll tumble to the floor if I don't tread carefully. Gently, I place her on the soft bed and climb in beside her. The warmth of the blankets wrap around us. On her other side, Seth lay pressed against her back.

Connor wisely builds up the fire in the hearth, sending soft, flickering light dancing around the room. He settles in next to Seth, wrapping his arm protectively around both of them, his touch warm and reassuring. Seth glances at Connor, but a quiet understanding passes between them, a silent agreement that this is part of pack life and everyone is at peace.

Cali's breathing becomes even as the fire crackles softly, and I can feel her chest gently rise and fall. Seth's snores soon join in. Deep and rumbling, like a freight train. I marvel at how Cali can sleep through such a ruckus. Further proof that she's made for us.

Connor twitches a few times before settling into light, easy breathing, and I can't help but smile at the sight of my pack. In this moment, surrounded by warmth and the gentle sounds of sleep, I finally find my own rest.

Calliope

The Nest Store, which is the actual name of the place, is the largest warehouse I've ever seen. It has everything. Throughout the three-story building, there are displays of actual nests that you can see and interact with, so you don't have to visualize how something will look. It's wild.

I'd taken the measurements for everything before we left for the store, not just for the bedroom. I'd finally opened the nest. I'd found the idea of being in there so nerve racking before, but after my confrontation at the Ice Festival it felt like walking into another part of my home. It's round in shape. In the center of the room, there's a recessed circular area designed to serve as the nest's sleeping and play space. The walls are smooth, round, and white, but I know that will need to change.

I want my bedroom to be cozy, but also light and airy. To achieve this, I start with the color scheme. I choose baby blue as the primary color, with bright white as the accent I use in the comforter and sheets. Around the room, I want various shades of cool blue for accents. The bookshelves are bright white, featuring wave-themed wallpaper backing. I pick an area rug that depicts a light blue sky with puffy white clouds in a watercolor style. I also matched side tables and accessories to the overall color scheme. Whenever I decide on an item, I scan it, and it's either brought to our cars or shipped the same day to the house if it's too large to fit in the cars. We brought both Connor's and Bax's truck. Additionally, someone would come to professionally paint the rooms according to my selections.

If my main bedroom is like a beautiful day, I want the nest to represent the night sky. I choose stunning wallpaper for the ceiling that depicts a starry night. Then, a deep blue, almost black color for the walls, adding LED strip lighting that curves around the round room, mimicking the aurora borealis. Pillows complement the contrast of the dark sky, featuring shades of pink, blue, and purple on the black and dark blue fabrics.

Seth and Connor get into a mini pillow fight in that area and try to drag me into it, but Bax is having none of it. He has me tucked under his arm almost the entire time, and both guys tease him, calling him an omega hog more than once. I'm too comfortable to care.

The blankets I choose are a Milky Way gray and plush. Lots of big, cable knit things and plush fluffy fabrics. I blush when we pick out other items for the nest, like waterproof sheets, pillow wedges to comfort certain positions, and some exciting toys. The guys pick out a few I've never seen, and I pick out a few I've always wanted to try.

"We should try some of these before your heat to double-check what you'll like," Connor says with a wide smile. I blush but nod. The heat is not a time to experiment too wildly. An omega wants what she wants. I won't be fully in charge. My omega and the guy's alphas will be at the forefront. It'll be like a hazy dream for me.

Both Seth and Connor's cars are stuffed when we leave the store, and tons of things have been slated for delivery.

We'd decided to stop by Seth's family's house. It's in Traverse City, the same place as The Nest Shop. I'm so nervous I feel like I'll shake out of my skin. What if they don't like me? What if they're toxic or upsetting? Given Seth's laid-back and thoughtful personality, it seems impossible to imagine they could be. Still, sometimes people aren't products of their raising. Instead, they're the results of them.

We arrive in front of a row of condominiums. Their brick exteriors are each identical to the ones next to them. The building is large, clearly a packhouse condo, which tends to be bigger than the average condo.

Seth helps me out of the car. The door to the condo bursts open, and a crowd of people rush out to greet us. Seth and Connor groan in unison while Bax places a protective arm around my shoulders. I reach up and hold his hand tightly.

There are so many people. One alpha female stands out above the rest. She's intimidating, taller than any of my pack with broad shoulders, and chin-length black hair with streaks of gray. Her brown, almond-shaped eyes are flecked with lines at the corners, and she wears a sleek black pantsuit. She approaches me first. Her dominance radiates from her in waves.

"Cali, this is the dominant alpha of my family's pack, Miriam," Seth says. His introduction serves as a reminder, but I'd already received the basic information about everyone in the pack before my arrival. Miriam reaches out, and I shake her hand, feeling like a child in the presence of her dominance.

"It's so nice to meet you, Cali. Our sons have told us only wonderful things about you." Her voice is smooth and luxurious, like silk gliding through soft waters. I notice how she refers to both Connor and Seth as sons, and I feel a wave of gratitude. Connor had explained how they adopted him, and I'm so glad they took him in. If they hadn't, my pack might never have existed.

"They've also told me very nice things about you. Thank you for having me over." I try to smile, but I can feel my cheeks heating up. Damn my constant blushing. Miriam smiles warmly and steps aside to let the others rush forward in a wave. Soon, I find myself shaking hands with the two male alphas of the pack. Greg, who's balding and has a pot belly, and Dan, a hulking man with long sandy blonde hair pulled back at his nape. Seth had mentioned that Dan was his biological father, but even without that information, I would've known. They look like copies of each other.

Two beta women approach me. Sara, Seth's biological mother, hugs me tightly and looks like she might cry. Trisha, the second beta, smiles warmly, trying to comfort Sara.

"She's just very excited to meet you," Trisha explains as she purrs, for Sara and holds her close. Beta purrs are softer than alpha purrs but still effective at comforting.

Lastly, a man slightly taller than me with warm, leathery skin and dark brown freckles steps forward. His name is Alejandro, the pack's omega.

"It's so nice to meet you," he says in a thick Mexican accent, shaking my hand with both of his. His presence feels like being enveloped in a cozy blanket. He's the type of omega that anyone could recognize as such, even without a scent, just from his warmth.

"It's nice to meet you. Seth told me that the hand warmers were your idea. I love them, thank you." His smile is broad, and though Dan and Sara are Seth's biological parents, I can see this man's influence over Seth's personality.

Plenty of kisses and hugs are exchanged between the guys and their parents, including Bax, who's clearly become like a part of the family. Eventually, we all make our way inside. Similar to the guys' house, the condo is designed with a larger group in mind. The living area and kitchen are part of an open space, with no walls dividing them. A long dining table stands before a row of windows, and a sliding glass door overlooks the bay. In front of a fireplace, there's a sectional couch that appears to seat ten. Seth's already informed me that the finished basement contains several guest rooms.

The table is laid out with food. Seth had told me that Dan and Alejandro love cooking, and it shows.

"I hope you don't mind things spicy," Alejandro says with a playful waggle of his eyebrows. Connor groans and rubs his hands over his face, clearly exasperated. I can see where Seth gets his sense of humor. He's chuckling behind me.

"What?" Alejandro asks, feigning innocence.

We all gather around the table, filling our plates with small bites. While it isn't a full traditional dinner, there's plenty to sample and enough to satisfy everyone's appetite. It's is a fantastic way to host someone you don't know, and I'm making a mental note to consider it for future dinner parties at my pack's house. My house. A warmth spreads deep within me at the thought.

Though Miriam delegates and ensures everything is coordinated smoothly, Alejandro is clearly the center of the emotional support for the house. He cracks jokes and makes sure everyone feels at ease. I'm at the center of the table between Bax and Seth, with Connor on Seth's other side.

"So, Cali," Dan starts, "Do your parents live around here?"

I glance at Seth. They hadn't told his family about my family. That made sense. This was the first time we were meeting.

"No, I'm from southern Indiana, and my parents still live there," I reply, leaving out that they visited just yesterday. Dan nods.

"Connor mentioned that," Greg says from across the table. "He says they're betas, right? Married but not part of a pack?"

I nod. If they have concerns about their sons being involved with someone from outside pack life, they don't show it. Their questions feel friendly and conversational rather than interrogative. The difference in their reaction compared to my own parents' is so stark that it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. When I examine the feeling, I realize it's stale. Something I've held onto for so long about my perceptions of what a family should be vs. what I actually had with mine. It doesn't belong in my life anymore.

So, I take a deep breath and let it go. If my parents ever realize their issues and come back to me with love and understanding I know I won't be able to turn away. But if they never do, that's their loss. I have what I need right here at this table.

"You went nest shopping today?" Alejandro asks. I nod. He takes Dan's hand on one side and Trisha's on the other. "I remember when we went nest shopping for the first time. I was so nervous about making everything perfect for the pack."

I feel relaxed now that we've moved away from the topic of families.

Miriam's small smile belies her serious nature. "But you did, and always have," she assures him.

"Back then, they didn't have the big box stores like The Nest Shop. It was all mom-and-pop places, small nooks filled with charm, and you had to wander from store to store to find what you were looking for." As Alejandro reminisces, a wistful look in his eyes, I realize these moments we're sharing will become our most cherished memories in the years to come.

The guys sense the weight of the moment, too. Bax's hand finds its way to my thigh beneath the table, his thumb tracing lazy circles that send a shiver through me. On my other side, Connor's fingers intertwine with mine. I can feel the gentle pressure of Seth's hand on my shoulder as he reaches an arm around Bax to touch me, grounding me in the warmth of our small group. Everything feels perfect, surrounded by happy conversation.

"I remember you searched high and low for these specific triangle pillows that were all the rage back then," Sara adds, and they all chuckle.

"If I remember, we made excellent use of those triangle pillows. It's why Seth is even here," Greg reminds them. Everyone laughs harder when Seth makes a gagging sound.

"Please, god, no heat talk in front of the children," Connor begs.

"Are you supposed to be the children here? If so, why do you eat so much?" Miriam asks. The tall alpha cracking a joke makes me feel more comfortable. This is a family. A real one that laughs, jokes, and cries together. I've been allowed to see what it can and should be like and be a part of one. The entire meal continues like that. Jokes, stories, and questions, and before I know it, Tupperware full of leftovers are being pressed into our hands, and we're in the car and on the road back to Lakeside Point.

Seth

Cali's been working to assemble the nest and the room, and we, as her pack, have been helping in any way we can. She's already taken our clothes and some of our blankets to place around the nest. Omega's like their alphas scents to permeate their nest areas for comfort. I've installed a small counter with a mini fridge and a microwave. Connor has pre-made a bunch of meals that can be easily heated up. We've read all the books available on omega heats at the Library. Though there will be significant periods of rest and eating, it's akin to a marathon of bonding and sex. We won't have a lot of time between heat spikes. I'm sure there won't be enough time to make whole meals.

Cali won't want her alphas to leave the nest for longer than short bursts. With the trauma from her last partner leaving her alone during her heats, her omega may need even more assurance in this area. We can't plan for that. The omega psyche is basically its own being. Cali was not technically conscious for her last heats, even though she can hazily remember them, and doesn't know how deeply her omega's trauma runs.

As I walk into the house for lunch, the strong, slightly burnt scent of Cali hits me.

"Cali?" I call out. It's her day off, and I've returned to have lunch with her and check if she needs anything. When she doesn't respond, I quickly make my way upstairs. "Cali?" I knock on her door.

A muffled voice replies, "Come in."

I slowly open the door to find the room in darkness and the blankets in a mound over a slightly moving object. I sit on the edge of the bed and pull the covers down. Cali looks at me with a flushed face, wild hair, and blown pupils. I put my fingers on her forehead, and she whines.

"Cali, you're burning up. Are you sick?"

She huffs. Cali's well known for losing her voice in high-emotion situations, but this is different. I peer at her closer, wishing the light was on, but she keens when I move toward the switch near the bed. My hand freezes, and I look back at her and realize I'm not looking at Cali anymore. I'm looking at her omega. Her heat has come early.

"Okay," I breathe, trying not to panic. Obviously, I've never been part of a heat before, and books can only do so much to prepare. Why did this happen to me? Everyone knows I'm the person with the least chill in the house. I freak out when the furnace filter needs to be changed. Now, taking care of and organizing the beginning phase of Cali's heat has come down on my shoulders.

I scramble with my phone and stand to call the guys and get some stuff from downstairs. But when I make to step away, Cali whines in a way that tears out my heart. I turn to find her arm outstretched and tears in her eyes.

Oh, right, the abandonment trauma by her ex. At that moment, I can't, for the life of me, figure out why we didn't run over that man with Bax's truck and bury him in the woods. I sit back down on the bed and gather her into my arms.

"I'm not leaving you. I will never leave you," I say as she nuzzles into my shoulder. I bring my phone around enough to unlock it and type a short message to the guys.

Seth:

Cali's heat early. Come home. Bring shit up to the suite with you.

I don't want them to come without provisions. It'll probably be a long time until Cali doesn't need us.

She keens again.

"Do you want to go into your nest, Precious?" I ask, stroking her hair between my fingers. We've got a lot of items stocked, and some items help relieve pain. She nods but is still curled up, clutching her abdomen. I scoop her up, her head tucked under my chin and carry her to the door. Inside is beautiful. It's the first time seeing her nest fully finished. It reminds me of our date under the stars. I scent mark her cheek.

"You made the nest our special spot," I whisper to her as I set her down amongst the many pillows in the recessed nest area. She smiles at me and nods. My beautiful Cali is still in there, just under all of the heat.

Inside one of the side cabinets are medical heat supplies we'd gotten this week. Thank fuck we hadn't waited until her actual week was supposed to hit. She's two weeks early. It's not uncommon after an omega meets her mates. I activate a battery-operated heating pad and grab a bottle of water and some pain pills. Not the strong ones that her ass hat doctor put her on when her shitty ex refused to participate in her heats. Those would confuse and sedate her omega in a way that wasn't healthy for her. Just some low-dose pain pills that would stave off any headaches, and take the edge off her abdominal cramps between knots.

When I come back to her, Cali's pulling at her clothes. During heats, omegas become very sensitive to touch and textures. Her clothes must be like wearing itchy burlap. I set the items I've gotten down, help her peel off her shirt, and then slide off her pants. She practically rips her bra off, and I pull down her lacy underwear. I can only imagine how uncomfortable lace hurts right now. My omega is laid before me naked, and I swear I short-circuit for a moment.

Only her soft whine pulls me back. I press the warm heating pad against her abdomen, and she lets out a low groan, instinctively curling around its soothing warmth. Lifting her head gently into my lap, I coax her to take the pain med, my fingers brushing against her lips as I offer her water from the bottle. She reluctantly complies, but I can sense the heat engulfing us, slowly melting her resistance.

As Cali drifts further away from clarity, I know her desire for comfort will ultimately surrender to my touch. As the heat progresses and she becomes less and less lucid she'll only be able to speak in small sentences or single words. She'll become more resistant to anything that isn't a knot.

"I need your knot, alpha," she begs, and then gasps as another wave of pain washes over her. She doesn't have to ask twice. Alphas are built to serve omegas during their heats. Whatever Cali wants, she'll get. I lay her head back onto a pillow and then shuck off all my clothes in seconds. Honestly, that has to be the fastest I've ever gotten undressed.

I gently return to her, but she stops me with a single hand on my chest. "I want it hard," she says, and a growl slips through my lips. If I'm not careful, this woman will send me straight into a rut.

I flip her around and bring her to the edge of the knee-high wall that makes up the lip of the recessed nest. Bending her over so that her knees are in the recess, but her breasts are pressed firmly to the floor of the room, I grab both of her hands and cuff them at her back while using my knee to knock her legs further apart. She's splayed fully underneath me and perfumes. The scent fills my senses, and I growl, the hand not holding hers running the head of my cock over her folds, gathering the slick. I marvel at how wet she is. Her heat has made her ready for a knot at all times.

"You want this cock hard and fast, Precious? You want to take me all the way to the root, and then fill you with my knot and cum?"

She perfumes. "Yes, alpha."

I can't take it anymore. I plunge part way in, and she moans in pleasure. I rock my hips, giving her more and more each time. She's so tight and slick with need. Once fully seated to the root, I pull out and plunge back in at a demanding pace. My omega can take it.

The room fills with the sounds of my sack hitting her clit. Her walls flutter along my cock and I know she's about to come. I slam in and push. My already half-full knot pops into place and begins to fill. She screams in pleasure, falling over the edge of ecstasy and strangling my knot with her orgasming pussy. I rock as much as I can until we're firmly locked together, and I spill my seed into her.

After a few minutes of laying together my knot begins to deflate. I know, from the books I read, that alpha, during an omega's heat, will release their knot sooner than usual because of their body's response to omega heat hormones. It's so that omegas can have as many knots and as much relief, as possible.I hadn't noticed the door open behind us as Connor and Bax step in.

Calliope

Three alphas are in my nest. I can't remember their names, but I know I want them here. The alpha who just knotted me slips out of my body.

I look over, and the two alphas, one dark and one red, are still, irritatingly, wearing clothes. Ones holding a bag of stuff. To demonstrate why they should fix that, I push the alpha, who was just knotting me, and force him to lie on his back. I reach down and take his already half-hard erection in my hand. That's another great thing about physiology. Being around omega heat hormones will cause an alpha's cock to be ready at a moment's notice. The blonde, long-haired alpha in question growls and fists the blankets beneath him. A few quick pulls have him impressively hard once again.

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see the other two stripping off their clothes and putting the bag in a corner. I lean down between the blonde one's legs and take his length into my mouth. As I do, I feel someone behind me. It's the dark-haired one. He starts licking me right at the apex of my thighs, and I could melt from pleasure. His tongue works from one end of me to the other and then dives into my opening.

I moan around the cock in my mouth, and more curses have me panting. As lovely as the alpha's tongue in my cunt is, I need knots right now. I take the cock in my mouth out to beg.

"Please, alpha! I need your cock!" I shout. He, very eagerly, complies. I feel his head line up with my entrance. As he eases himself in, something touches at my ass. His thumb is rubbing juices from my pussy up to my asshole. Before I can think, he's popped his thumb in.

I've gone back to sucking the cock at my mouth and scream around it, causing the alpha under me to buck up and grab my hair so that he can thrust up into my mouth more. I vaguely remembered that both alphas are part of my pack, and I trust them. The one in my pussy continues to thrust, using one hand to grip my hip so that he can slam into me deeper and the other to delve his thumb into my ass at the same time. A sense of disappointment hovers at the edges of my mind that the digit in my ass is just a thumb and not a cock.

He uses the hand that's on my hip to reach around a tweak hard at my clit. I scream around my orgasm, and the cock in my mouth begins to pour cum down my throat while the cock in my slick cunt pushes deeper. I'm knotted for the second time of my heat. The pain in my abdomen immediately recedes every time.

I slump into a shaking puddle between the thighs of the one who had been in my mouth while the other lets me slide from his already receding knot. I peer up at the one with red hair. His sharp green eyes gaze back at me with a glint that I know spells trouble for any thoughts of rest.

Instead of ravaging me, he comes up beside my still slightly shaking form and covers me with one of the softest blankets. Connor, my mind finally provides now that the heats cleared a bit.  

"Hey, Baby," Connor whispers, his voice low and soothing. Sending a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the chill in the air. Looking into his eyes, I see a depth of understanding and affection that makes my heart race.

"Hey," I struggle to smile at him, but it comes out all wrong, shaky and uncertain. The alpha whose lap I'm occupying—Seth, I remember—is gently stroking my hair, but I can hardly focus on that.

Where's the third alpha? Panic rushes through me like ice water. Did he leave? Did I scare him off like the last one who dared to share my nest? My heart races as I shoot upright, feeling the weight of my anxiety pressing down. Why can't I keep anyone near? I can't bear the thought of being alone again.

"Bax, where is he?" My breath hitches, and the fear claws at my throat. I can't lose another one.

"Shhh, Baby. No one is scared off. We're not little bitches like him."

Oh, I must have said that last part out loud. It's so hard to tell in this haze.

"Bax is right there," Connor points to the third alpha, who's grabbing a water bottle. He takes a swig and then tosses it to Seth, who drinks it too. He offers it to me, but I shake my head.

"Please, Precious, for me," Seth says. "I don't want you to get sick from not drinking enough." I reluctantly let him sit me up and then tip the water into my mouth. Some deep part of me protests at being treated like I'm incapable, but I squish that voice down. I'm in charge now, and I preen at the attention.

Seth sits up so that I'm cradled against his chest. I snuggle in only to take a break, but between the fever and the knotting, I fall into a restless sleep.

Calliope

When I reawaken from my slip into unconsciousness, the guys are sitting around me chatting. They're still fully naked, to my delight. My head is tucked in Connor's lap, though all the guys have hands on me, touching and soothing along my sides.

When they see I'm awake, they pause, and three sets of eyes look down at me. And just like that, the ache in my core returns tenfold. Connor's jaw tightens, and he slips me out of his lap and turns me around so I'm straddling him.

"Do you need this knot, Baby?" his voice is rougher than sandpaper, and I whine in need.

His hand skims under my hair and cups the back of my neck. The hand grounds me, but the ache in my core only grows. Slick covers my core and drips down my thighs. Connor pulls my hips down, and in one fluid motion, he sheathes himself inside of me. I cry out, and his forehead tips to rest against the collar of my neck. As he begins thrusting into me, he leaves kisses that burn wherever they land. I can barely breathe through the ecstasy.

As he pumps, my need grows. I feel full, but something's missing.

"More!" I cry out. I don't know what I'm asking for. But Bax knows, because he's given it to me before.

"Lean back, Connor, let me have our omegas pretty tight ass," Bax growls. Connor leans back, and I tilt my hips up while still riding Connor's hard length. I hear the click of a cap being popped and look back to see Bax squirting lubricant onto his hard, fat cock, rubbing it around until he shines.

Fingers grab my face and turn my head. Connors's green eyes meet mine. "Look at me while he works that big alpha cock into your tight little asshole. Tighter with me pushing it from this side." I moan and perfume so hard it fills the room.

Bax's engorged head works its way into my back entrance. I pant and gasp as Seth whispers praises into my ear about how I'm a good omega who can take what her alphas give her. With a sharp thrust, the head pops in. That's all it takes and I'm screaming my release into Connors neck. But Bax doesn't stop. He pumps, slow at first and then faster. I can feel Bax and Connor as they rub against eachother through my body. Despite my orgasm, I'm needy, and begin pushing back on him, pushing him deeper. Bax growls and I have to hide a smile in the crook of Connors's shoulder.

"You like torturing us, little omega?" Connor asks. Every time he pulls out, Bax pushes in. Bax's hands flex on my hips, trying to keep me still and himself from going over the edge. But I want him to go over the edge. I want that edge of rut that I'd seen out our date.

So I pull myself forward, which tilts Connor's cock as well, and then slam back onto both of them. Bax snarls and grabs my middle, hauling me towards him.

"You want me to rut into this ass, Raindrop?" he asks.

When I nod, he growls, and so does Connor, who's looking at us both. I can feel more than see their eyes connect over my shoulder in silent communication. Bax presses on my back so that I'm flush against Connor's chest. Connor thrusts in, and as he pulls out, Bax fills the emptiness by thrusting up into me. But that rhythm doesn't last. Soon they're savagely thrusting in harsh waves without a beat. It's raw and primal and perfect.

"Gotta knot this pussy," Connor grunts, and when he next pushes in, he holds me down until his half-engorged knot pops in. Soon after, Bax does the same in my ass. As the two knots fill, they touch every muscle, every nerve, and every point inside of me that I didn't know needed to be touched. They rock in me as much as they can until Connor rubs his thumb just right around my clit, and I come again, screaming their names. They roar, and I feel their cum hot inside of me.

Connor

It's been three days since Cali's heat started. We've had her all over the nest in as many combinations and positions as she could think of. With as many toys and props as we have available. Her omega is insatiable. But I'm worried now.

We've gotten her to eat and drink only in small amounts, and at odd hours. This is part of why a pack takes care of omegas. During heat, they forget everything but their insatiable need for knots, and they can easily hurt themselves by not maintaining a healthy amount of sustenance. How Cali managed by herself, I'll never know.

We've taken her into the attached bathroom suite and had to knot her in the shower to get her to stay still long enough to wash. We've enjoyed every minute of it, but we miss our sweet girl. We miss talking to her, and spending time with her. Feeding her delicious food and taking her on dates.

She begins to stir, and her pupils are no longer dilated when she opens her eyes. I can see their hazel, and I know that Cali, not her omega, has regained control.

She smiles at me and then promptly bursts into tears.

"Hey," I whisper, scooping her into my arms. I'm laid down next to her, and she's curled her head under my chin and weeping into my neck.

"I'm sorry," she gasps. "It's always like this after my heat. The hormones going nuts." I nod and rub soothing circles into her back while she cries. I'm the only one awake. Bax and Seth are passed out on the cushions next to us.

"You cry all you need, Baby. We're not going anywhere," I remind her. Her omega has been completely freaked out about any of us leaving the nest, and I don't blame her. Thank god for the attached bathroom to the suite. We only leave while she's sleeping to sneak down to the freezer get some of the meals I'd prepped. She never even notices.

Cali finally calms down enough to look up at me. Her puffy, red-rimmed eyes snag onto my heart and won't let go. Her wild, untamed hair frames her face. We tried to keep it brushed for her, but she wouldn't sit still. Seth had to knot her while I snuck behind her and brushed it.

"I love you," she whispers, and the sound cracks me in half and then stitches me back together. My eyes burn, and I find myself burying my face in her shoulder while holding her to me so tight that I let go just as quickly for fear that I'll hurt her. She smiles, and I smile.

"Can we bond now?" she asks.

I take in a deep, shaky breath. "I couldn't think of anything better. If you're sure?"

We all talked about bonding again before the heat hit, thank Christ. But we'd thought she'd still have a few weeks to consider it. We'd assured her we could wait until the next heat if she wasn't ready, but we were prepared. We would always be ready for Cali. She'd said she wanted to bond the first night sharing our bed together, but this wasn't something set in stone, and if she's changed her mind, I want to give her that out.

"I will always be sure, " she vows. Blurring pricks the edges of my vision, and I don't even try to stop the tears from rolling down my face. I'd always let her see me and all of my soul. She leans up and kisses each one off. "I will always be sure of our bond, our pack, and especially of us, " she continues. Shifting beside us lets me know that the guys are awake.

Cali climbs onto my lap and looks me right in the eyes. As she sinks down onto my cock, everything we've shared, our scent-sensitive match, our love, overcomes me, and I lean forward and bite her right where her neck and shoulder meet.

She calls out my name, and I can feel our minds connecting. It's like a window, and she's on the other side. Though slightly muffled, her emotions, love, care, and desire all flood me. And all of my devotion, protection, and love flow back. I can close the window, but I leave it wide open. Honestly, I can't imagine ever closing it.

I lick the bite mark a few times with the pad of my tongue, tending it. When I pull back, she looks me right in the eyes, kisses me, and then leans down to bite me in the exact same spot on my own neck. Her emotions, which are muffled, become crystal clear. The bond is complete. I thrust up into her a few times before we both tip over the edge. The bond makes every touch and every thrust feel electrically charged.

I didn't knot Cali, knowing, from those books, that once we began bonding, she would be compelled to finish the entire pack, creating the strongest bonds she could between us. If I was knotted in her while she bit the others, that wouldn't be fair, even if the thought does make my cock hard again.

She crawls to Bax next. Her gaze drifts over him, and his hands shoot out. One to tangle in her hair while the other curls around her waist and pulls her into his lap, sheathing her in one quick thrust. I hiss. I can feel her orgasm already building.

"I love you so much, Bax," she whispers to him.

"You're everything to me, Cali," he promises her, and then bends down to bite her on the shoulder, opposite my bite mark on her neck. Her head falls back, and her eyes roll up in ecstasy. She comes and I feel every moment of it. He licks and sucks at the bite mark, and before he even lets go of it, she swings her head forward and bites him on his shoulder. He roars into her skin and ruts up into her at a hard, sharp pace until she screams, and he tips over with a hard growl.

Calliope

A burning desire in my soul has me peeling myself away from Bax. Seth sits at the edge of the recessed area of the nest, legs splayed, watching me with a heated expression. When I turn to him, he grins and opens his arms wide. I scramble into them and tuck my head under his chin. He scent marks me. I can feel Bax and Connor both inside of me. Nothing but love and admiration pour into their bond as they take me and Seth in. We're almost there, almost whole.

"You ready to be a bonded pack, Seth?" I ask. It's a teasing question. I know that this is what he's always wanted. Ever since he was a little kid in a chaotic but loving household. This is something he's dreamed about, but was never sure he'd find.

His eyes are shiny with unshed tears as he takes my face in both of his and kisses me so soft that my confession of undying love slips into his mouth before we even part. I can't hold it back. He whispers it right back into me. Vowing to love me forever, and always make me smile. Which, of course, makes me smile.

Seth lays me down on my back and breaks the kiss, positioning himself between my legs. His cock nudges my entrance, and he looks me deep in my eyes. I nod, and he rocks into me. Soft at first and then faster and faster until we're nothing but a thrusting mass on the floor. Just as I'm tipping over the edge, he snarls and bites me just under my ear on the side opposite from Connors bite.

His emotions rush into me, and though they're still hazy from the bond not yet being completed, I can feel devotion, love, and sweet exuberance, which is all Seth. His excitement is champagne bubbles in my veins, fizzing to the surface, cooling the fire of Connor's bond and highlighting the calm of Bax's. I bite him in the same spot he bit me, and his emotions focus in my mind. Like the others, the bonds are a two-way window, and I can open and shut them at will, but I know I'll keep mine open. These men's emotions are as bone-deep as my soul, and I don't want to live without them.

Seth turns us to the side so he doesn't collapse onto me, and I snuggle into him. Bax takes a place on my other side, spooning into my back to make me a cozy sandwich between them. Connor takes up the place on Seth's other side. We're a perfect pile of happiness.

Epilogue: Calliope

"It was my roommate!" Winnie yells as she comes in the front door waving a wine bottle. Bax deftly plucks it out of her hand while she passes and takes it to the kitchen to uncork it. Sunny, Clara and Rose are already here. Clara's standing, holding her wine glass next to the fireplace, while Rose is typing away on her phone on the leather couch with Sunny sitting next to her. I'm sitting in the big reclining chair. The guys had set up a small table in the corner and are filling it with food.

"What was your roommate?" I ask.

"The Library vandal," she says, and we all freeze. The guys peer in from the kitchen. I can feel their tension through the bond.

"It was?" I ask. I'd never met Winnie's roommate.

"Yeah. I didn't know her before I moved in with her a few months ago. I'll never do that again, by the way. Answer an ad for a roommate. I don't know what I will do, but not that."

"Winnie," Bax growls, trying to get her back on track. The guys hang on to her every word. They've been incredibly stressed about the vandal situation. Visiting the Library every few hours when I'm working to stand as a library guards.

"Oh, right," she goes on. "I found the spray paint that she'd used. It was the same color as the writing on the Library. And who just keeps spray paint anyway? She also had pages from those books you said had been ripped up and written on."

"Did you confront her?" Rose puts away her phone and is on the edge of her seat. Drama seems to get Rose's attention above anything else.

"Heck no!"

I try not to laugh. I've learned that Winnie never swears. I have no idea why. She doesn't have a problem with us doing it, and doesn't mind it in our books. She just doesn't.

"I put all the stuff in a bag, took it straight to the police, and told them what I thought," she explains. "They acted like it wasn't enough and then sort of acted like they thought the stuff might be mine!" Now, her story is officially stressing me out. I'd never suspect Winnie of doing such a thing. She is just too kind and lovely. "But the moment they came to the apartment to ask her about it, at my insistence, the stupid B-word confessed. Took the police completely by surprise."

The girls and I laugh, but the guys just look relieved as fuck. Seth actually slumps against the door frame where he's been listening.

"Did she say why?" I ask.

"Started spouting all that bullcrap about designations needing to know their place and that certain books were poisoning society. The usual crazy stuff from the news. The craziest thing is that she's an omega. I tried to get her to come to book club with us a ton. She was totally freaked by the idea and tried to get me to stop going. That's why I didn't think it was a good idea to have the meeting at my place."

"Wait, what are you going to do about a roommate now?" I ask.

"I don't know. The landlord was kind enough to offer to let me out of my lease. He's thinking of turning the house into a vacation rental anyways. But I can't afford a lot up here and this time of year nothing is on the market."

"What about the cottage?" I offer. "I want to let go of my lease anyways. It's really reasonably priced and the utilities come with it."

Winnie lights up at this idea. "And I won't have to have a roommate. That sounds so great!" We beam at each other.

All the food gets placed, and the drinks are poured. The guys retreat into their study to work. We insisted they didn't need to, especially since they've read the books. My pack and I had our own impromptu book club about it around the dinner table last night. But they repeat what they'd talked to me about last night. That I need time with my friends. A chance to miss them, as Bax had put it. An all-girls book club.

Rose had called it an omega book club. When I point out that that's an unfair name since she's a beta, she blushed for some reason. I hope I haven't made her feel uncomfortable or unwanted.

"Well, I guess I can be an honorary omega with the four of you," she says. It's a perplexing thing to say, but then I remember my parents and their attempts to basically make me a beta. I decide that there's no way for me to understand the complexities of her background with her designation, and take her at her word that it's what she wants. We all agree on the club name. Rose is one of us, no matter what her official status. So, we're officially dubbed The Omega Book Club.

I look around my home with my pack and friends, and am happy.

Thank you for reading A Pack of Cozy!

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About the author

Veronica Samek is a romance writer specializing in why-choose/RH relationships. She lives in Michigan, where her books are set, with her husband, four children, and goldendoodle named Doctor (Doctor Who). She is a Michigan Native and resided in Traverse City while attending college. At the time, she thought she'd be a chef, but then she fell down the omegaverse rabbit hole and now…here she is!

When she isn't writing cozy but smutty little romances, she's playing with her kids, reading other people's books, or watching Gordon Ramsey scream at people with her husband.

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