If that’s what the mating bond does—cuts away the bullshit, leaving nothing but the truth—then how can I resist it?
“I don’t think we have to worry about pregnancy right now,” I continue. “I’m on the pill, so that should count for something, and it’s the wrong time of the month.” My period ended two days ago, so unless this heat will trigger an early ovulation, I should be safe for the duration of the full moon.
“But the knots…” Carter protests.
Sebastian kicks him in the leg, as if to shush his objection.
But Carter has a point. I press my lips together, trying to find a way to say this without dying of embarrassment.
“We could, um, spend today and tomorrow…exploring this?” I squeak, my voice rising with each word. I glance up at Sebastian. “You said you’d prepare me for it. So we could do that. If you’d like.”
Now I’m very aware of the fact that Sebastian is also hard, his cock poking me in the hip. I don’t move, not wanting to make things worse for him.
For a long moment, the living room is quiet, the sound of our breaths too loud in the silence. From how Sebastian’s heart thuds against my ear where I’m leaning on his chest, I’m not the only one imagining what that preparation might entail.
Then Carter clears his throat. “I-I’m not sure it can be done so quickly. But if you want to try…”
There’s that hope, breaking through his walls.
I reach out and take his hand, squeezing it. “If I feel like it’s too much, I promise I’ll let you know. And if it all goes sideways, you can take me to Clearwater tomorrow morning. Would that give you enough time to then prepare yourselves?”
Carter meets Sebastian’s gaze over my head, then glances at Troy. I don’t know how they’re communicating, but some sort of agreement passes through them, and at last, Carter nods.
“Yeah.” He runs his hand over his short hair and lets out a huffing laugh. “Yeah, that sounds good. Are you sure, Emma?”
I look him in the eyes. “I’m sure.”
Chapter
Twelve
SEBASTIAN
“I’m sure.”
At Emma’s words, a starburst of hope explodes in my chest. I’d hoped—of course I’d hoped—but I didn’t really think she’d want to try for us. She’s human, after all, and until yesterday, she didn’t know anything about our world. That just shows how right the fates were to match us together.
I’ve never put much stock in the celestial forces, even though I’d felt the connection to Troy and Carter the moment I met them. We’d been perfect for each other, though we all knew we were missing one more member of our small pack. I’d hoped that they’d be willing to accept us, naturally, but I never imagined this.
She’s so soft and warm in my arms, I can’t resist licking her neck. Just a taste. Her essence explodes on my tongue, and I close my eyes, an instinctive rumble coming from my chest.
Emma shivers, goose bumps blooming on her skin, but she doesn’t struggle to get away. Instead, she clutches my hand and sinks her blunt nails into my skin.
“So…” Her voice is higher than normal, betraying her nerves, but she soldiers on bravely. “How should we start?”
A thousand filthy images flash through my mind. “Whatever you want,” I blurt. “We’ll do whatever you’re willing to explore with us.”
Emma laughs, and even Carter cracks a smile.
“What he said,” Troy rumbles, scooting closer on the couch to huff at Emma’s neck. He pulled up his sweatpants at some point, so at least he’s no longer showing his cock to everyone, but he’s still furry and massive, his scarred chest heaving with deep breaths.
Carter sits back on his heels. “They’re both right,” he tells Emma. “We can do whatever you’re comfortable with. But if we want to prep you for our knots, we need to, uh…”
“We need to get better acquainted with your pussy,” I supply.
Both my pack mates groan at my direct description, but we don’t have much time. There’s no use tiptoeing around the subject.
Emma hides her face behind her hands. “Oh God. Okay. How-how do you suggest we should…?”
