Page 51 of A Nest of Maple & Mist

The Apex within me surged to the surface like a leviathan. My chest expanded, my stature doubling as I stepped onto the porch. My dominance coursed like volts of current, electrifying the air.

I didn't say a word, letting my presence command attention.

Mine.

The young, lanky alpha staggered back, his knees buckling. He nearly dropped the basket as he instinctively raised a hand in a submissive gesture, baring his throat in a frantic move of self-preservation.

“Wait! No—this isn’t from me.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Explain.”

“It’s from my mother. Edwin Jameson. Mia works with her at the bookshop. My mom knew she wasn’t feeling well and asked me to bring these over.”

Grunting, I took the basket of goodies, knowing Mia would want them. The kid practically shoved it at me, his hands shaking.

“Tell Edwina thank you,” I said, unable to keep the rough authority out of my voice.

Without waiting for a response, I retreated inside. The smell of fudge competed with the lingering scent of my Apex. I took the steps slowly, placing the basket next to Mia’s breakfast still outside her door.

“Edwina brought you some treats,” I muttered, loud enough for her to hear. “Take your time, Mi. We’re here when you’re ready.”

NINETEEN

MIA

The floor was cold under my bare feet as I stood in the barren nest attached to my bedroom. My fingers trailed along the molding framing the bay window. I imagined sheer curtains draped over them. Enough to dampen the brighter rays of sunshine, but not thick enough to pitch the room into total darkness.

I envisioned streams of light highlighting every delicious line of my alphas and beta.

My hand stilled, and my nails dug into the wood trim. I hadn’t even remembered wandering in here, let alone imagining me and my pack tucked safely into our nest. My nose wrinkled. I had the urge to drag my bed in here.

Before I could do just that, I sprinted downstairs, grabbing my keys before I was late for our omega pack date.

The Omega Pack.

What Fern named our little cohort.

Hazel wanted to be the O-cule—short for omega polycule. But we vetoed that, as the name sounded like some sort of orgasm-themed cult.

The road grew rough, bouncing me in my seat. I parked in a patch of dead grass along a row of log cabins lining the lake. This place was a little slice of heaven hidden down a dirt road. Large maples covered the property, all of them exploding in hues of crimson, gold, and sienna.

Still water covered the lake’s surface, reflecting the brightly colored foliage like a picture book.

After everything with Shane, I jumped at the opportunity to spend a day out of the house. Far away from sweet betas, daddy apexes, and groveling alphas who made me want to nest.

I avoided my heats this long, staying on suppressants ever since I presented. My omega had been a dormant figure slumbering inside me.

Until now.

That girl would not be silenced any longer.

She had lost her patience with me and wouldn’t deal with my bullshit for much longer.

After a minute of standing there like a lost puppy, Lily’s bright giggle rang out. A flowy yellow dress hugged her curves. Her tanned skin glittered with flecks of bronze in the fall sunshine.

Smiling, she threaded her arm through mine, leading me down to the lake’s edge.