Page 25 of Puck Your Neighbor

The urge to kiss her neck comes back, but I hold it down and meet her gaze. “Are you okay?”

She gulps and nods. Her arms stay wrapped around my neck, so she doesn’t sign anything to elaborate.

Her attention shifts to Jenson as he moves closer, and she leans toward him, leaving my arms. I feel the loss, but I step back, giving them space.

Jenson scoops her up easily, their kiss deep and unhurried. I tug off my shirt, not wanting her to feel like she’s the only one half-naked.

After a moment, she breaks the kiss and points toward the hallway at the back of her apartment. That must lead to her room, her nest.

Jenson follows her gesture and looks back at her. “You want to go to the bedroom, Princess?”

Anya nods.

He heads that way with her in his arms, Maverick following close behind. I glance toward the counter where her burger sits. I don’t want it to go bad; she’ll need food after. Grabbing it, I put it in her fridge before heading to the room.

Except for the TV on the wall, it’s mostly just a gigantic bed covered in pillows and fluffy blankets. A galaxy projector casts soft blue light on the walls, giving the room an almost dreamlike quality. I’m just glad she has a proper nest and isn’t using her closet or some cramped space instead. It’s good to know she’s comfortable here, that she has somewhere safe to retreat to.

Jenson sets her down on the end of the bed and pulls off his shirt.

I glance at Maverick and see his is already off. Every instinct in me wants to take care of her, make sure she’s ready before we touch her, but I rein my alpha in again. We need to go at her pace, not push her into anything because she thinks she should.

The soft glow of the galaxy lights casts a haze over the room, and I can’t stop staring at her. She looks ethereal, like she belongs among the stars. Her violet eyes are wide and glazed with heat, her lips parted slightly like she’s waiting to speak or sign, but she doesn’t move her hands. Instead, she keeps them pressed into the mattress, her fingers curling into the sheets like they’re anchoring her.

Maverick steps closer, his eyes tracing every inch of her exposed skin. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. “You’re gorgeous.” He kneels at the edge of the bed, his hand trailing up her thigh, slow and deliberate, giving her every chance to stop him. She doesn’t.

Her chest rises and falls faster, her nipples hardening in the cool air, and I swear I can hear her heartbeat or maybe it’s just my pulse pounding in my ears.My alpha paces inside me, restless, snarling.

Remove their marks and make her ours.

Not yet, I remind myself. She’s not ready for that. None of us are.

Jenson sits beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Tell us what you want, Anya,” his voice gentle but laced with need. “We’re here for you. Whatever you need.”

Her hands twitch, and for a second, I think she’s going to sign. But instead, she reaches up and curls her fingers around Jenson’s wrist, pulling his hand toward her chest. His breath catches, his eyes darkening as he lets her guide him. When his palm cups her breast, she exhales silently, her head tipping back against the pillows.

I step forward, drawn by the pull of her pheromones. They’re intoxicating, filling the room with the scent of her arousal. It’s all I can do not to pounce. I need to be close, to feel her warmth, to breathe her in.

Kneeling beside Jenson, I trace a line just above her breasts with my fingertips, careful not to go near her neck. She flinches at first but relaxes, her body arching into my hand.

“Is this okay?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.She nods, her eyes locking onto mine. There’s something so vulnerable in her gaze that it makes my chest ache. She’s trusting us with her body, her heat, her scars. It’s more than I ever expected, and I’m determined to prove I deserve it.

Jenson leans down, capturing her lips in another kiss. This time, she meets him eagerly, her hands sliding up his arms to grip his shoulders. Maverick moves along her other side, his fingers skimming along her ribs, teasing the sensitive skin. Her breath stutters, and I know she’s already close to the edge.

I reach for her hand where it grips the sheets, brushing my fingers against hers until she releases the fabric and lets me lace our hands together. Her palm is soft and warm, and when she squeezes lightly, my heart lurches. This isn’t just instinct driving her. She’s choosing to trust us, even with all the fear she carries.

Maverick presses a kiss to her shoulder, trailing down the curve of her arm. “You’re so strong, Anya. Let us take care of you tonight.”

She shifts, her body turning slightly toward him, seeking his touch as Jenson’s hand moves down her side, tracing the curve of her waist.

Her breathing quickens, a soft gasp escaping her lips when his hand slides to her thigh, gripping lightly but firmly enough to hold her in place. Her chest rises and falls in uneven rhythm, a flush creeping up her neck.

Jenson pulls back, his eyes blazing with hunger and restraint. “You’re doing amazing,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing her cheek. “Do you want more, Princess?”

She nods. Her eyes flicker between us, a hint of nervousness surfacing through the haze of heat.

I clear my throat. “We hear you, Anya. No neck, no biting, nothing you’re not okay with. You’re in control here.” My voice is soft but firm, grounding her. She gives a small, relieved smile, her fingers loosening their grip on the sheets.

Maverick kisses the inside of her wrist, his lips brushing her pulse point. “Thank you for trusting us. We won’t let you down.” His hand continues its slow exploration, teasing her skin with every pass, nearing the band of her shorts.

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