“Better,” I said, meaning it now. “I just don’t want to disappoint you guys by not adding to the pack funds.”

“If you’re working on establishing a business, why would we be upset? It’s okay to rely on us, that’s the whole point of a pack,” he said. The way he spoke, with such calm sincerity had the worries melting even more.

Maybe I could pull this off. Wren was excited to help me plan and if they were willing to give me time to establish an income stream, I should take advantage of it.

“Thanks, Brax,” I said, kissing him softly.

The shift closer to him had our cocks rubbing together and I groaned despite the conversation we just had.

Braxton kissed the side of my neck, nibbling at the flesh there and breathing me in.

“Want me to help relieve some of this stress?”

“I do,” I admitted. It was a vulnerable moment, but I wanted him to touch me still. His hand wrapped around us both, the shower adding plenty of moisture for his hand to glide over us easily. I whimpered as he increased the pressure, twisting slightly as he reached the top.

My hands glided up his chest before pulling him down to kiss me. Braxton’s head cocked to the side as he deepened the kiss, just as breathless as I was. It wasn’t an eloquent kiss, but a panting, needy mix of nips and greedy swipes of our tongues as we devoured each other.

Pleasure was coursing through my veins, my balls tightening as I threatened to explode. It felt too soon, but was also so fucking good I didn’t want to hold back.

“Come for me, omega,” he husked between kisses, hand working us harder. My hips rocked into each twist of his hand, demanding more as my muscles tightened in anticipation.

If the shower wasn’t washing away my slick, I knew it’d be a slippery mess in here. Fuck, he felt so good against me, hot and hard, the exquisite slide of his hands driving me crazy.

“Braxton,” I whimpered out his name as my knees went weak and I came, forcing my hips forward as I exploded, my cum painting his hands, chest, and chin.

My beta’s face went slack with his own release. His own hot cum painted over us both. The moment he slowed down, I pulled his cum-coated fist to my mouth, licking him clean of our combined releases while he watched me with those sexy green eyes of his, a euphoric smile gracing his handsome face.

Braxton was just as broken inside as the rest of us but made it his life’s mission to care for everyone else. He took on Shepherd as much as the alpha took care of him, kept his siblings fed and loved, and now was making sure we were happy as well.

He believed in me, helped me realize as much as Shepherd did that I didn't have to choose pack life or my passion.

Maybe I could make this all work.

As if he could read my mind, Braxton grinned, kissing me one last time before cleaning us up.

Right then I vowed to myself that I’d do the same for him. Our beta deserved the world and I knew just the omegas to give it to him.

Wren

“You’ll give into me soon enough, Poppy,” I warned the tiny cow as I combed out her fur to keep it from matting. She gave me a side eye and we both knew she was only tolerating it thanks to Pretzel being curled up in front of her, snoring away.

“I’d say she’s halfway there,” Nash mused, his voice making me startle and Pretzel peek open one eye. He crouched down to give the lazy dog a rub and offering me a smile. “I came by to see if you’d like to go out with me after work. You’re off soon, right?”

“I am,” I agreed. “Though, I’m not sure you can top the concert.”

“I’d still like to try,” he said, standing up and looking out over the pasture. “Sure is pretty out here.”

“I love it,” I admitted. “The first time I came out here I knew it was where I was meant to be. Though, at the time I didn’t realize just how much it was true.”

We fell silent for a spell and I finished grooming what I could reach of Poppy. She eyed me the entire time and finally rested her head when I stood to walk away.

“So, where are we going?” I asked as he followed me to the shed to put the brushes away.

“Actually, this time might not be as exciting,” he admitted sheepishly. “I found this shop a few towns away that does custom coffee blends and has handmade mugs. It’s right next to a vegetarian restaurant and bakery. I thought you might be interested?”

“That sounds great, actually. I was teasing before, not every date can be over the top. I’d be exhausted,” I reassured him. Nash’s smile was easy, as usual. The way he smiled and lit up for me made me feel amazing. He was warm and open, like sunshine personified. It helped chase away some of my inner darkness.

He waited patiently while I ran inside to shower and change, before we were heading out of town. I heard the sounds of my omega and beta having a shower together and didn’t disturb them, so I texted Shepherd instead.