"You're bleeding a little," he notices immediately, concern flashing in his eyes. "Not much, but?—"
"It's normal. First time." Heat makes me matter-of-fact about it. "I'm okay, Calder. Better than okay."
Tyler's already there with a warm cloth, pressing it between my thighs with gentle care. Cleaning away the evidence of lost virginity, Calder's claiming, the proof of his knot that locked us together.
Julian's hand finds mine, squeezes.
My first time. Knotted. Almost marked. With my pack. With Calder.
Exactly as I chose.
Time moves strangely.
I surface from the afterglow in Calder's arms, body sore in new ways, heart full in ways I didn't know were possible. The ache between my thighs is real, a reminder of what just happened, what I gave, what I chose.
Heat ebbs slightly, giving me brief clarity before the next wave.
"Your turn," I murmur, reaching for Tyler.
His smile is sunshine breaking through clouds, but his eyes are serious. "You sure? You just… that was your first time. You might need to rest before?—"
"I'm sure." My body is eager despite the lingering ache. "I want you. I want all of you."
"Bossy omega," he says fondly, but he's already moving, already reading what I need.
Where Calder was fierce and careful, Tyler is playful and achingly tender. He touches me like I'm something precious that might bruise, adjusting his approach now that I'm no longer a virgin but still so new to this.
"Different now," he murmurs, fingers ghosting along my sides. "Will you let me discover what your body likes?"
He kisses me soft and deep, coaxing rather than claiming. His hands map my skin with butterfly touches that make me arch into him, seeking more pressure, more contact.
"Tell me what feels good," he says against my mouth. "Teach me your body."
So I do. I guide his hand to where I'm sensitive, show him the pressure I like, the rhythm that makes my breath catch. When his mouth finds my breast, the sensation shoots straight through me, and I cry out, fingers threading through his hair to hold him there.
"Like that?" His smile against my skin.
"Yes. God, yes."
He works me with his hands and mouth until I'm writhing beneath him, the ache from Calder transforming into newheat, new need. My body preparing itself, slick and eager despite the recent loss of innocence.
"I love you," he breathes against my throat, his timing perfect to undo me completely. "Heat or no heat, biology or choice, I love you, Elowen."
Tears well. "Say it again."
"I love you." His hand between my thighs, working me open gently. "I love you." Fingers sliding inside, careful of my soreness. "I love you." His thumb finding the bundle of nerves that makes me keen.
When he finally settles between my thighs, the slide is easier than with Calder but still significant. My body knows what to expect now, welcomes the stretch instead of fighting it.
He enters me slowly, giving me time to adjust. The fullness is familiar now but no less overwhelming. Different angle, different rhythm, different emotion behind it.
Where Calder claimed, Tyler cherishes.
He moves with languid rolls of his hips, building pleasure, slow and sweet. One hand tangles with mine, the other cupping my face so he can watch every expression cross my features.
His eyes are warm hazel, crinkled at the corners even now with the hint of a smile. Where Calder demanded eye contact, Tyler invites it. Coaxes it with soft touches and sweet words.
"Let me see those pretty eyes," he murmurs, and when I meet his gaze he grins. "There she is. Hello, sunshine."
