Page 61 of A Nest of Maple & Mist

He spread his arms wide like an offering. My fingers trembled as they found the hem of his shirt. He closed his eyes and the lines around them almost made him look like he was in pain.

More clumsily than I intended, I removed his shirt, pulling it over his head as he bent down.

Oh no.

It was worse than I thought. My lips parted as I stared unabashedly at my alpha. Long lines of chiseled muscles swirled around his torso, a V disappearing beneath the waistband of his sweats.

When we were younger, his skin had been so pale. Now, a sun-kissed tinge highlighted the dips and marks on his body. He looked like a freaking Greek God.

I should leave. I had what I needed, but I remained rooted to the spot. The clothes were nice, but something would be even better. My hands shook, and I brushed my palm over my shorts.

Rough skin met my soft hand as I twined my fingers with Jason’s. We molded together, and he gave my hand a gentle squeeze, a wide smile splitting his cheeks.

“Would you join me?” I whispered.

The grin on his face fell, his eyes blowing wide. Shit. I knew this was a mistake. I attempted to yank my hand away, but his grip tightened.

“In your nest?”

I shrugged, my gaze falling to the floor. A finger curled under my chin, and he tipped my head back until we were staring at each other once more.

“It’s a pretty pathetic nest. Mostly a bed on the floor with a quilt.”

“It could never be pathetic. It’s beautiful and perfect because you made it, Mi.”

A reverence colored his tone, lighting up the depths of my soul. I didn’t know what to say. So instead, I led him up the stairs. With my pack’s shirts in one hand and holding onto Jason with the other, I led us toward the nest.

An omega whine scratched at my ribs, but I refused to allow it to escape. Now that we’d arrived, I regretted every decision that had led to this moment. His gaze raked over the space, judging the sad, too small mattress and the lack of anything cozy for us.

I threw the shirts on the bed.

“We should go. I’m sorry,” I babbled.

“Do you want me to leave?”

“No.”

Needy omega.

“Do you want to cuddle on the bed, so it smells like us, Omega?”

My eyes stung as I nodded.

“Good girl,” he whispered, kissing the top of my head.

My insides smoldered like dying embers. Our alpha knew what we needed. He made the hard parts easier. His hand drifted to the small of my back.

Slowly, I crawled on top of the comforter, slipping under the downy fabric. Jason joined me, nuzzling into my side. One arm slid under my shoulders, the other draped across my waist. My face rested on his chest, where his heart thumped a steady, rhythmic beat that lulled me.

His cheek pressed mine, and he stilled.

“Is this okay, baby?”

Almost shaking, I nodded. Jason dragged his cheek along mine, marking me with his scent. I yawned, letting my eyes flutter.

A hand brushed along my spine, the motion threatening to make me fall asleep. Footsteps drew closer until they eventually stopped. I thought about opening my eyes, but decided not to once I heard Ty’s voice.

“Is Mia okay?”