Page 77 of A Nest of Maple & Mist

Was I? A brat? I saw how Ty harangued Jason within an inch of his sanity. I enjoyed the show, but I think I enjoyed pleasing him more. But I also couldn’t deny the rush of heat coating my thighs at the idea of him spanking me.

“I’m not sure,” I murmured, rocking into his side.

He hummed, kissing the top of my head.

Instead of prodding, he took mercy on me, threading our fingers together. He led me to the sofa, tucking a plush blanket around my waist before handing me my dog-eared book from the end table.

I turned the book over, confused how we went from talking about him spanking me to me being cuddled up with a book and blanket.

“Stay here while I make us breakfast.”

The soft command lodged in my ribs. My omega stood at attention, eager to please our alpha. He cupped my face, brushing his cheek over mine, covering me in that earthy amber scent that made me feel safe.

He rose, turning to head toward the kitchen.

“Wait!”

I scrambled, curling my slender fingers around his wrist and yanking him back. His eyes flitted from my face to my hand and back again. I wiggled, burrowing into his throat. My tongue lapped over the gland at the juncture between his collar and jaw.

A feral sound tore from him as I marked him. Even though we weren’t going anywhere, I wanted to mark him. He was mine.

“You’re a dangerous little omega.”

Pearly white teeth flashed at me as he disappeared. I balanced my book in one hand while my other clutched the side of the blanket, hitching it on my shoulder. Soon the rich aroma of coffee and the sizzle of bacon wafted from the kitchen.

My stomach grumbled.

Moments later, Jason strolled in, carrying two plates loaded with fluffy eggs, toast, and bacon. He placed one in my lap, settling beside me. His muscled thigh knocked against my leg.

“Eat, Mi.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

He buried a groan, and I stifled a giggle.

“Good girl.”

Crimson stained my cheeks. I ducked my head, making contented noises as the eggs hit my tongue. They were rich and light and delicious. I hadn’t eaten anything this good since my mom passed. I’d never been a great cook, surviving mostly on takeout while at college.

Jason stroked my thigh, his thumb caressing the bare skin below my shorts. Shivers erupted over my skin.

“I love when you let me take care of you, baby girl.”

“I love it too,” I whispered.

“Mia. I wanted to ask you something.”

My shoulders bunched at the serious tone. I placed my half-eaten piece of buttered sourdough on the plate, wiping the crumbs away from my fingers. Jason moved our food onto the coffee table. He palmed my hips, guiding me until I straddled his lap.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He tugged my lip as I gnawed on it, freeing it from my teeth. “Do you want me to be your daddy? Like I am to Ty?”

My stomach rolled with a foreign feeling. It twisted like curiosity and embarrassment, and I couldn’t figure out why. Jason’s piercing stare made my insides melt and burn like lava. Unable to stand the intensity any longer, I glanced away. He clicked his tongue, palming my cheek and forcing me to meet his gaze once more.

“No, baby. Look at me. If we’re going to talk about this, we have to be honest with each other. No hiding.”

I nodded, tugging my fingers. “Maybe. It’s just calling you Daddy instead of Jason or Alpha, right?”