Page 31 of Love in Excess

I clamp down on him before my orgasm rushes through me, warmth filling my pussy as Hunter follows. He leans down to kiss me before his tongue moves to my jaw and then my neck, lapping up my scent as I come down from my high. He’s still rocking against me, the squelch of his release and my slick making me clench down on him again.

“Fuck, baby girl,” he growls into my skin, his hands tightening on my hips. We stay like that for a while, Hunter still fucking into me with what little give he has until we both come a second time, a softer, warmer orgasm that has me sighing with relief.

All three of our scents are fully mingled in this bathroom but it’s nowhere near enough. Hunter slowly pulls me with him until he’s sitting on the mat and I’m straddling his thighs, his knot still locked inside of me. I slump against my Alpha, my limbs heavy but sated for now. “Lincoln will be here for my heat, right?” I mumble as I nuzzle into his chest. “It’s coming too soon and I need him.”

“I’m gonna try my best, baby,” he purrs in my ear, the sound rattling through his chest as it drags me under. “No promises, but I’ll do everything I can.”

I nod, my cheek pressed against his skin, his heartbeat steady under my ear. For now, Hunter’s words are enough. Tomorrow, though, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure Lincoln says yes.

LINCOLN

Two hours ago, I was racing through the streets to drop off a heart attack victim to Star Medical, my adrenaline on high, my heart in my throat. They needed a fill in and I needed something to occupy my brain as I thought through everything. Last night felt right.

More than right. It was perfect and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Now, I just have to get rid of this fucking anxiety and take it.

Right after I shower and pass out.

I snort as I stick my head under the spray, the lingering scent of my mates still clinging to my skin. Textbooks always told me that we wouldn’t be able to keep our hands off each other, that it would just be this one big fuck fest for several days before ourpheromones calmed down. But last night showed me something different.

Just holding Celeste in my arms while Hunter held me?That’swhat I’ve been looking for.

I let out a heavy sigh as the last of the conditioner washes down the drain. I wonder what I did in some past life to deserve two people so beautiful, so fierce, somine. A few days ago, I would have been terrified of this progress but now it just feels like there’s a seat calling my name.

A sharp whine cuts through my thoughts, followed by a bark, my body suddenly on alert. Jasmine’s not usually loud in the apartment unless something is wrong. I turn off the water, my heart kicking up, and grab a towel, wrapping it around my waist as I step out. I push open the bathroom door and freeze when I see my mother sitting at my kitchen table, her lips curled in a smug smile.

She’s well-dressed as always, in something that probably costs my monthly salary. Whites and golds are draped over her shoulders, gold jewelry covering her hands, wrists, and neck. Her and my sister have always leaned into that richer life, showing off their fortune to people who couldn’t give two shits. I’m just happy with the little space I carved out. Unfortunately, my mother is not.

“I was very surprised to see you weren’t at the hospital. I even called,” she says, her tone laced with judgment.

I grip the towel tighter, my jaw clenching as Jasmine comes to sit at my feet. “You know good and well I work as a paramedic now,” I say, keeping my voice steady despite the irritation simmering in my chest. “You wouldn’t find me at the hospital. What are you doing here?” I completely forgot that I gave her a key at one point because she has never once stepped in this place.

“You weren’t answering your phone, so I made sure I came up to this little place of yours to let you know you have a brunch date.”

I stare at her, disbelief washing over me. “Seriously? I haven’t seen you in, what, three months since whatever holiday it was last, and you want me to just date someone? News flash, you broke into my apartment to tell me about a date I didn’t agree to. Regardless, I have someone.”

Her smile falters, but she recovers quickly. “I don’t approve of whoever you chose. Come on.”

“Let me get dressed, and I’ll meet you downstairs.” I can at least let the Alpha down nicely, letting him know that I’m already spoken for. Jesus, this couldn’t have happened at a worst time. I needsleep, not the likes of my mother trying to have me pushed onto a pack.

“You’re not getting out of this.”

“Great,” I mutter, “and I’m not changing in front of you.”

She huffs but heads for the door anyway, her perfume hitting me as she passes by. It smells like money, although nothing I find appealing.

I wait until the door clicks shut, then let out a heavy breath, my hands running through my wet hair. Jasmine’s tail hits my calf and I look down at her, a wry smile tugging at my lips. “I have a really bad idea but it’s better than suffering through breakfast with someone I don’t know.”

I grab my phone from the counter, my fingers still damp as I text Hunter.

My mom showed up. Broke into my place. Wants me to go on some brunch date. I told her I have someone, but she’s not listening. Need a way out.

I hesitate, then add,

Please.

His reply comes fast.

Address of the place?

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