“I never thought I’d be allowed to do this,” I admit softly.
The room goes still.
Sol’s voice is low. “Allowed?”
I nod, fingers curling into the blanket. “If I’d presented at home, it would’ve been suppressed. Managed. Controlled. There would’ve been protocols…and punishments.”
Finn re-enters the room quietly, ending his call.
“No nest,” I continue. “No instincts. Just medication. Beatings.”
Kai’s expression shifts from humour to something darker.
“Then it’s a good thing you’re here,” he says lightly – but there’s steel under it.
Koa kneels near the edge of the mattress. “Does it feel right?”
I shift slightly, adjusting a pillow and pulling Sol’s shirt closer to my chest.
“Yes,” I breathe.
The heat pricks a little sharper now, warm and steady beneath my skin. Not overwhelming. Not urgent.
Just building.
Sol shifts, wincing faintly as he pushes himself upright.
“Stay,” I tell him immediately.
His eyes narrow slightly. “I’m not fragile.”
“I know,” I say gently. “But you’re injured. And I want you here for the duration.”
There’s something almost reverent in the way he looks at me then.
Finn steps closer to him. “Sit. Let her settle.”
Sol exhales, but he obeys.
Kai drops down cross-legged on the floor beside the mattress. “We’ve got water. We’ve got sugar. We’ve got protein. And you’ve got four alphas at your disposal. If you want us.”
I laugh softly, the sound surprising me.
Koa sits on the opposite side, back against the wall, steady presence radiating warmth.
Finn leans against the doorframe now, arms folded loosely, gaze never leaving me.
And Sol —
Sol watches like a predator who has chosen not to hunt.
The heat pulses again, stronger this time, spreading warmth down my spine and pooling low in my stomach. I shift deeper into the nest, curling slightly, adjusting the blankets around my waist.
“I can feel it building,” I say quietly.
No one jokes this time.
Kai’s expression softens. Koa’s fingers rest loosely on the edge of the mattress. Finn steps further into the room. Sol watches me with something intent and controlled in his gaze.