Page 40 of A Nest of Maple & Mist

A stray tear leaked from the corner of my eye. I swatted it away, releasing a wet chuckle. A hand slid along my cheek, cradling my face. Ty’s bright green eyes darkened, glazed with concern.

I hated it. They should only ever glitter like emeralds.

“Mia? Did I get it wrong? We can exchange it. Please don’t cry. I can’t stand it.”

The crack in his voice spurred my omega to life. My hand covered his larger one, anchoring his touch in place, afraid he’d leave.

“Oh. No. No. You got it right. So right.”

Letting my omega lead, I crawled into Ty’s lap, draping my legs on either side of his waist. A choked sound rolled from his lips, his hands falling to my hips. My fingers danced over the seam of his mouth.

A muscle in his jaw jumped as his cock twitched against my thigh. This had to be a dream. When things were too good to be true, there was always a reason.

“There’s no way you’re real,” I whispered.

“Why don’t you kiss me and find out, sweetheart?”

I shifted, the hem of my dress bunching around my hips. Ty’s fingers tightened, dimpling my skin under his bruising touch.

Day-old scruff scratched under my palm as I cupped his cheek. He didn’t rush me, staying still, his chest heaving.

My lips pressed to his, the touch tentative. A low groan vibrated in his chest, and I moaned. Soft lips melded to mine, my tongue flicking along the seam until he opened for me. He tasted like the espresso and whipped cream from our dessert.

The world quieted.

For a moment, nothing existed except me and Ty.

I hoped it lasted forever.

He let me lead the kiss, swiping his tongue along mine until I pulled back.

Our panting breaths mingled between our swollen lips.

“Real enough for you?” he whispered, gently tugging a curl.

“I think I need another sample to be sure.”

He barked a laugh, spreading his arms wide. “Then by all means, Omega. This beta is yours for the taking.”

FOURTEEN

JASON

Moonlight spilled in from the open window, the fall breeze making the curtains flutter. I tossed an arm behind my head, staring up at the dark ceiling. Cold sheets stuck to my bare back, irritating my overly sensitive skin.

Quiet footsteps pitter-pattered outside my door. The strongest, most delectable scent of my omega permeated through the gaps. A riot of sweetness mixed with the tang of arousal drifted into my room, invading until it smelled like a godsdamn bakery—like her.

My cock throbbed, straining against the waistband of my boxers. Blood whooshed in my ears, my alpha threatening to storm out into the hallway and drag our omega into our bed.

I drew in a slow breath.

It had the opposite effect.

I imagined my beta and omega curled together, stealing soft kisses from one another. My perfect girl and bratty boy.

“Fuck.”

I slammed my fist on the bed.