I lean in and give her another sweet but short kiss as she trails off. But even that brief touch makes her melt. My heart aches for her all over again. Omegas are sensitive creatures, more so than any other designation. They need safety and security, and often that comes in the form of physical touch. Having someone to lean on, both emotionally and physically, keeps omegas healthy and happy. And if she’s gone so long without those things, it’s no wonder Delilah is in such rough shape.
I take my time to run my hands over her body, imagining what she’ll look like once she’s gotten a few really good meals and enough affection to last a lifetime. I can feel her bones through her clothes, and my protective instincts flare to life.
“You deserve to be worshiped and cherished every day, little wisp,” I say, making sure she’s looking in my eyes so she knows I mean every syllable.
Delilah’s eyes water but I refuse to let her look away. I only break the contact to drag her down into another deep, thorough kiss, one that leaves her breathless as I pull away. I keep her close as she rests her forehead against mine, wrapping my arm around her waist to make sure she’s as close as she can be without my cock inside her.
“Thank you, Joker,” Delilah breathes, so low I’m not entirely sure she meant for me to hear.
“Always, my dear little wisp. I’ve got you,” I murmur, sealing my vow with a kiss.
Chapter twenty-six
Hissmilemakesmyheart melt, and I swear I fall in love with Roman all over again. His blue-green eyes spark like firecrackers when he laughs, and I can’t help but giggle along.
“No peeking! I see your eyes open!” Isaac crows, tickling my side as we walk down the hallway toward the door I’ve been forbidden to open for weeks.
I close my eyes, letting them lead me forward, their hands warm and sure on my skin. The excitement and joy in the air tastes like popping candy on my tongue, effervescent and playful. Alex’s hand tenses on my back for a moment before he pulls away, his fingers lingering on the thin strip of skin around my middle where my shirt rode up.I shiver with anticipation, knowing that if this is what I think it is, that touch is going to be the most innocent one I get from him for the rest of the night.
“Are you ready, Lilah?” Roman asks in my ear from behind.
I nod. “Yes, Alpha,” I reply eagerly.
“On the count of three…” Isaac says.
I giggle, my shoulders tensing with excitement. I hope this is my nest. They’ve been asking me about nesting materials and colors for weeks, as if I wouldn’t put it together. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be surprised by whatever they made for me, or ungrateful. It’ll be so nice to have a space of my own in the house, a safe haven of peace and security.
“One…”
My hands shake at my sides, the nervous excitement building. I want this so bad. Need this nest so bad. More than I’ve needed anything. Need to be safe. Need to nest.
“Two…”
I’ll take a mattress under the stairs at this point. Anything is better than what I have. But I need to be grateful. It could be anything behind that door. Whatever it is, don’t forget to smile and thank them.
“Omega! Wake up!”
I scream as I’m pulled from my dream, moving to the nearest corner and cowering with my arms over my head. The room is too bright, the voice too loud. Nothing smells right. Too much alpha, and not my pack. My neck aches as my severed bonds try to twitch back to life, but the phantom connection just hurts all over again.
“Why are you still asleep at this hour? Get up! What’s wrong with you?”
Bones. It’s Bones. I’m on my feet before I’m conscious of deciding to stand, staggering along the wall toward the door. I have to focus on my breathing, tryingnot to let him see me cry. But all I smell is smoke and leather, his alpha scent even more potent in such an enclosed space. I was having such a good dream, and my exhausted body is still half asleep. I freeze when he growls, clasping my hands at my waist and looking at my feet.
“Why didn’t you cook breakfast?” he demands, several feet away but somehow his presence fills the whole room.
“I-I’m sorry, Alpha. I didn’t—I must have—I’m sorry,” I stutter, my nails digging into my palms.
“And now you’re in here, whimpering and crying in your sleep. What is your problem?” he goes on, words biting like teeth.
I flush hot, not looking up or answering. I don’t know how to explain that I was dreaming about my pack, or more specifically my old nest. About how much I want it back. But I can’t say that, can’t ask for it. Not when they’ve already been generous enough to let me stay for this long.
“What? Nothing to say? Cat got your tongue?” Bones demands, and I hear him take a step forward.
“No, Alpha. I’m sorry, Alpha. I’ll be better,” I whisper, barely audible to my own ears.
“Good. Now get out of here so I can work out,” he snarls, half to himself before snapping at me.
I flee as quickly as I can, going right to the kitchen, realizing they’ve left the dishes for me. I set to cleaning right away, not wanting further trouble.