Leavingthesleepingquarters,I cannot ignore how Sutton’s presence calmed me. From the moment he walked in the room, all the fear and anger that had fueled me to leave the galley disappeared.
It was in that moment that I knew I had to accept that Layla was right. That has not made it any easier. I am still not sure I have, but I cannot deny that there is a connection between Sutton and me. The similarities of our connection to that of an alpha and omega are also undeniable. I think that is why I am having such a difficult time accepting it. The calm he brought me was not unlike the calm an alpha gives his omega. Accepting this connection means accepting that Sutton is not just another mate. It is possible I was wrong, and he is my alpha.
Is it possible this has been more than a dominance game? That I have not been allowing him to dominate me? Have we just been acting in accordance with our designations?
Every order he has given me, from the order not to claim Layla, to every order he gives when we share her, I follow. Without hesitation.
It is one thing to follow another alpha’s orders in battle or when enforcing the law like I did under Strykr’s or Kydax’s command, but I would kill either of them if they tried to tell me how to pleasure my omega.
Yet, with Sutton, I not only follow his orders willingly, but I wait for them with bated breath. The anticipation drives my desire to new heights, and I welcome the thrill of the fall.
These are questions for a later day.
Our only mission now is to show Layla that whatever comes next, whatever role each of us plays, we are in this together.
“So, I was right,” Layla says, gesturing back and forth between the tented fabric of both Sutton's and my pants when we approach the table.
Though I know Layla is upset, a small smile betrays my pride in Sutton not trying to hide his erection.
“You two want each other,” Layla says, slumping in her chair.
Sutton directs me around one side of the table while he rounds the other, so we stop, standing on either side of Layla.
“They are for you, Layla baby,” Sutton says and pulls her chin with a light touch of his hand until she is looking at him.
“Then why did you already have them before you saw me?” Layla asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Layla, how often have I already been hard when I’ve come to you? To make love to you.” Sutton keeps his eyes on Layla.
That focus is exactly what she needs. I can feel her anxiety go out like the tide.
“All the time,” she says, a titter in her voice.
“Did you ever wonder why, then?” Sutton asks.
“No.” Layla’s breath becomes erratic.
“What did matter?” he asks her.
“That you wanted me. It didn’t matter what got you going as long as you finished with me.” Layla blushes.
Sutton smiles, having gotten her where he needs her. “Why should now be any different?”
Layla pauses, her head turns slowly toward me. She studies me for a moment before turning back to Sutton. “What if you stop coming to me? I’m so scared of being left alone.”
Unable to contain my need to comfort her any longer, I wrap my hands around Layla’s waist and lift her and plant her ass on the edge of the table to sit facing me.
She gasps as I slam my hands on the table on either side of her. “I can promise you, omega, you will never be alone. After I claim you, not only will I be here,” I rub my rock-hard cock on her mound. Layla’s eyes flutter as she wraps her legs around my hips to hold me against her. “I will also be here.” I place a finger on her temple. “The bond between us will allow us to talk to each other across any distance. You will never be alone. If you need me, I will always be there. I will always come for you.” This is what I have wanted since the moment I saw Layla. Even after they invited me into their relationship, I did not wish to overstep, to break my promise.
But now… I will not deny my nature any longer. Layla may be Sutton’s mate, but she is also mine.
“I will always claim you,” I growl and cover her mouth with mine.
“Fuck, yeah,” Sutton growls next to us, as my tongue lashes against Layla’s. “Go on, Zayd. Fuck her. Fucking knot her. Claim her, if that’s what she wants.”
“Is that what you want, little omega?” I ask Layla, backing out of the kiss. “Do you want me to claim you, little one?”
She looks over at her husband, who simply whispers, “Yes,” as he sits at the table next to us and rubs his cock through his clothes.
