Page 30 of Scent of Sanctuary

Callum props himself up further, sitting back against the headboard, his voice playful but edged with mock offense. “Hey, I’ve never gotten this kind of treatment.”

“If you’d take my knot, I’d be glad to bring you breakfast in bed.”

Lyle chuckles, stealing a strip of bacon, continuing the teasing. “It’s true. I’ve had breakfast in bed several times.”

I let out a quiet sigh, nibbling the last bite of a piece of bacon, the mattress cluttered with empty containers. The room is still dark, from blackout curtains once I took in more of the room but it has to be at least six or seven in the morning. “I should clock in, right? Do you think someone… right, my computer is damaged.”

Callum lightly tugs me into his side. “Sweetheart, you’re not going back to work right after that. I’ve also put in for a few vacation days to help you settle in, make sure you have everything you need here.”

I want to argue that but Ambrose slides off the bed, shaking his head. “Vetoed. We’ll figure out the work thing. You can call the chief if you want but he said to take all the time you need. So, you get to rest with Callum and we get to get all the things our beautiful Omega should need.”

“At least let me pay for my own pillows this time!”

Ambrose is halfway out into the hallway, Lyle on his heels, humming like a child as if he can’t hear me. I know he won’t take my money but at least I offered, right? It’s silent after they leave so I slide back down to lay my head on the pillow, Callum moving with me. He hands me a small device, my eyes lighting up when I realize it’s my phone. I must have dropped it in my nest when I was gathering my keepsakes.

“Seems you’re a little popular, sweetheart.”

I frown and swipe open my phone to see a flood of messages from theChattedapp. They’re all extremely worried about me but I’m not sure why. The thirty-five missed messages doesn’t make any sense. Opening up the chat, I see a slew of ‘are you okay’ and ‘what happened’ before reading the last one.

MacNCheese – just tell us you’re okay. Please.

Coolblue – shit she just read the messages. Come on bubbles!

Strawberrybubbles – I’m fine. What’s going on?

Razorfox – We saw the news and remembered you lived over there. Are you okay?

Strawberrybubbles – Physically, yeah. I’m safe, though.

MacNCheese – thank fuck. Are you at a hospital or something? Can we come see you? I know we never have but I’m worried.

I stare at that last message, realizing how many people I’ve had in my corner and just hadn’t figured it out.

Strawberrybubbles – No, I’m okay. The Alphas I’m always telling you about came and got me.

Razorfox – Okay, I demand to know when you’re going to claim those men. Seriously? Big strapping firefighters save you from a fire and they’re still THE Alphas?

Strawberrybubbles – They’re mine.

My face warms at the declaration, the lips pressed against my neck no doubt a direct response as Callum reads over my shoulder. A shudder of need runs through me as his breath fans my skin, a whimper tearing from my throat. In two days, I’ve somehow come to terms with what has to happen for my heat, my Omega spurring me until the only thing I can focus on is their hands and fingers and cocks andknots.I’m still worried that something will change, that they’ll attack me—but that worry has now fed mostly into something else.

Because I don’t know who that Alpha was, I can’t fathom the idea of going outside. But in here, in these confined spaces, with my Alphas, I think I’ll be okay. Especially when Callum places a hand on my stomach, his fingers splaying out, his pinky hanging dangerously close to my pussy.

I drag my attention back to the chat, seeing a lot of whoops and cheers.

MacNCheese – I’m so happy for you, Bubbles. You deserve it. Now, go have fun with them and if you need us, we’re here.

Strawberrybubbles – I’m just resting.

Even as I type that, a gasp tears from my throat at the tendril of need that worms its way through me, slick coating my thighs again. I part them slightly, tilting my head back in a silent plea, Callum’s hand dipping lower.

“Do you need me, sweetheart?”

I scrunch my eyes closed, gripping my phone in my hands a little tighter. “I don’t know why. Last night… I just...” A whine cuts off my words as two fingers swipe through my slick heat.

“It’s a preheat, Fi. The spikes are going to ramp up but that’s what we’re here for. Whatever you need. Tell me where you want me.” His cock thickens against the seam of my ass but I’m too tired and too sore so I just widen my legs a little more, his fingers sliding inside of me. “Let me know if this is too much. Color, Fi.”

“Yellow. Just… just your fingers.” I breathe out, his other arm moving to wrap around my waist. I cling to that arm, gasping every time his fingers enter me. I need relief so bad but I’m also not ready to fully give myself over to my Omega. Soon, but not yet.

---