Page 92 of Now Their Starlet

She’s still stressed, it’s obvious in the bitter notes of chamomile and the way she’s picking at her cuticles.

“Plus, there’re a couple of us without knots,” Beck chimes in. “That way you don’t have to worry about that at all.”

The blush that flushes across Andi’s cheeks as she glances between Beck and I—the two members of the pack without knots—makes the tenseness in my shoulders finally relax a little.

“We can all take things slow. You’re the one in charge here, Lucky Duck. We’re all here to help you. You are our priority.”

“What—what did I do to deserve you guys?” she rasps, blinking quickly.

“You just existed,” Beck murmurs.

“You didn’t, and don’t, have to do anything at all, Honey,” Everett adds.

“Will—will you guys be upset if I—I... you know...” she trails off, going back to picking at her cuticles.

“Pick?” I offer, finishing for her.

“Yeah,” she nods slowly.

“When the doctor said you had a bunch of options, I don’t think that meant you had to jump right into a gang-bang with all of us,” Eli grunts.

“Eli!” Beck huffs, smacking him on the arm. “Language.”

“What? That’s what she’s thinking.” His expression softens as his gaze returns to her. “My point is, I think we’ve all made ourselves real clear where we stand with you, but like Leo says. This all goes at your pace. And if you only want one of us for now, then that’s fine.”

“I—I didn’t say I just wanted one of you,” she mumbles, that blush returning as she glances between Beck and I. “Could—could you two help me for tonight?”

“Of course,” I nod, reaching out and squeezing her knee—one of the few places on her body visible from under the blanket.

I know we all just gave her some pretty big speeches about going at her pace, but I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a little thrill shooting through me, knowing that she feels safe enough to pick me.

“Hell yeah!” Beck says, his smile bright.

“Can—can I go take a bath first?”

“Of course,” I say, standing from my position at her feet and offering my hand to her. “I got you a bunch of bath products in preparation of you returning home, they’re all waiting for you in your ensuite.”

She looks up at me, blinking rapidly again. It seems she loses the battle against her tears because they cling to her lower lashes like sparkling gems.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “That—that means a lot. You always seem to know what I need before I even have a chance to ask.”

“Of course.” My lips quirk up into a soft smile before I lean down and kiss her forehead.

“Alright,” she says, offering my hand a tight squeeze before directing her attention to the alphas still sitting on the couch.

Eli beckons her forward, and she makes her way over to him.

“You’re not upset, are you?” she whispers as he tugs her between his spread legs.

“Not at all, Princess.”

“I—I’m not saying I don’t want you guys. I just—just need a little more time... I hope that’s okay⁠—”

Eli silences her insecure ramblings with a passionate kiss. She melts into the touch, clinging to his shoulders as she sways on her feet, honeyed chamomile mixes with blood orange.

“That show you how okay it is?” he huffs.

“I mean, sort of?”