I nuzzle closer without thinking, my hand fisting lightly in his shirt. “Don’t stop,” I whisper. “It’s amazing.”
Alphas purr for omegas. I’ve never known one to purr for a beta. It’s certainly a sound I’ve never experienced before, but oh my, is it amazing.
The purr deepens. I feel it right down to my bones and the deep resonance soothes something in me at a soul level.
His arms tighten around me, careful and protective, and whatever resistance he had left gives way. I feel him relax beneath me, accepting it, letting it happen.
I drift.
The last thing I register before sleep takes me is Finn’s voice, barely more than breath against my hair.
“I’ve got you,” he murmurs. “You’re safe. I’m not letting this get worse.”
I believe him. I trust him. Ilikehim.
BETA BAIT
Beta Bait:It’s been a while since we’ve heard from you. Do you wish to keep using Beta Bait? If you no longer wish to hear from us, just reply STOP. Your comfort remains our priority.
TWENTY-ONE
SOL
Apparently,I’ve been a nightmare.
Kai tells me this over cereal, milk sloshing dangerously close to the rim of the bowl as he gestures with the spoon like he’s conducting a symphony of my personal failings.
“You’ve been snapping at everyone,” he says. “Clients. Locals. Me. Koa. That poor bloke yesterday who asked if the surf was safe.”
“It wasn’t,” I mutter.
“That’s not the point.”
Koa leans back in his chair, arms folded, watching me like I’m something he doesn’t quite recognise anymore. “You’ve been insufferable for weeks.”
“Weeks,” Kai echoes. “With a capital W.”
I grind my teeth and focus on tightening the strap of my watch. Too tight. I loosen it again.
“I’m fine,” I say, for what feels like the thousandth time.
No one believes me.
Finn isn’t here.
That’s the real problem, I think dimly. The balance is off. Finn’s usually the one who diffuses things – calm, steady, the quiet line between chaos and implosion. Without him, the house feels louder. Sharper.
Empty.
“Where is Finn, anyway?” Kai asks, like he’s just noticed the gap. “He’s barely been back this week.”
Koa shrugs. “Next door.”
My head snaps up before I can stop it. “What?”
They both look at me.
“He’s with Lani,” Koa says. “She’s really not well and he didn’t want to leave her alone.”