Grey’s [POV]
I have the biggest case of blue balls in the world.
I could have joined them, but I felt like there was more I needed to do first.
More than could be done for her.
She stayed. After everything, she’s still here, and now my brothers are tending to her, which gives me time to purchase things for her in town.
The urge to care and nurture pulses through me as I go over the meticulous shopping list in my head.
Honey. Cheese. Imported fruits.
Three different kinds of spring water.
Cashmere coats.
Imported wines.
Local chocolate truffles.
I know he already has more than enough.
But I want to cherish her.
Worship her.
Take her.
Her beautiful mating gland has resurfaced on her skin, pink and smooth, and my mouth waters as I imagine sinking my teeth into it.
We could claim her. All of us.
Keep her for ourselves.
She couldn’t run away, and nothing would ever keep us apart.
And if that asshole Michael ever comes around here, I will gladly chop his dick off while claiming her in front of him.
But I can’t go down that road in my head.
So instead, I busy myself with practicalities.
By the time I come back, the Innis quiet, and James and Beau sit in the front room, both looking exhausted and content.
They’ve showered, but the smell of Harper’s sweet cunt lingers on them.
“How did she do?” I ask, setting the bags on the loveseat.
“She took to her nest well,” Beau says. “She’s happy, I think.”
Happy.
I wonder when was the last time any of us were truly happy.
“She’s sleeping peacefully,” James says. “Which is a fucking miracle.”
“We cleaned her nest for her,” Beau adds. “So, whenever you want to…”
They know I’m going to be with her by myself. That’s why they tended to her first.
“Well, call us if you need us,” James smirks, obviously pleased with himself. “Good luck waking her up, though. We thoroughly wore her out.”
“Is that really how you’re going to talk about her?” I snap.
He rolls his eyes and huffs.
I grab the bag and head upstairs, doing my best to quiet my nerves.
I’m an Alpha. She needs me.
So why are insecurities plaguing me?
It’s because I still want to be worthy of her.
And right now, I don’t feel like the three of us are, for several reasons.
But her tempting scent calls to me, and I stuff down my guilt.
Omega needs us.
I knock on her door, granting her privacy, even though I want to tear it down.
I don’t want any more barriers between us.
“Come in,” she calls, her sweet voice soft.
Go to her.
I swing the door open, and she’s as beautiful as ever sprawled out on her nest. She’s wrapped in blankets, surrounded by mountains of pillows, her expression peaceful.
And so familiar.
If she knew how deep my feelings for her went if she could hear the way my heart pounds in my chest, she would run.
She can never know.
Control, Grey.
“Hi, Alpha,” she whispers, and my dick throbs.
She’s calling me Alpha.
Knot her. Fuck her.
Take her.
But I clear my throat, refusing to lose control around her. My hands are twitchy as I set the bag down near the bed and approach her.
“It hurts,” she whispers. “Grey, it hurts.”
Oh, fuck.
Claim her mate her bite her!
“Tell me what you need,” I murmur. I clench my hands into fists, waiting for her to say it.
Forcing myself to stay composed.
Her breathing is ragged, and she twists in her nest, kicking blankets off her body.
She’s in a dark long sleep shirt and she’s never looked more beautiful. It slides up her thighs, just skimming below the top of her mound.
I’m going to combust.
“I missed you,” she whispers, and I clench my jaw.
She doesn’t know how deeply those words cut.
“I’m here now.” My voice is clipped, careful not to let any emotion slip out.
Because if I do, I don’t know if it will ever stop.
Her scent permeates throughout the room, making my cock throb in agony.
My inner Alpha is done being patient.
“Beg for it.”