Page 125 of Monster. Me.

An overwhelming urge comes over me to make something for them, to build, to prepare, to arrange everything, even though they are not here yet.

For years, I kept telling myself I shouldn’t do it. I held myself back, because I was an alpha, and no one would accept it or understand. I kept suppressing that need, pushing it out of myself

Now, something inside my soul is practically clawing its way out. On the bed in the nursery, I arrange two tiny nests out of blankets, quilts, and little throw pillows, smiling the whole time.

The hell with it! I’m an alpha… but I still want to build a nest! And nobody can stop me.

Wait a minute.

Maybe I should make one in our bedroom too. Let’s go all in!

The thought alone sends a thrill racing through me.

I walk into our bedroom and stare at the bed. It's empty. Too empty. Flat and plain. Something's definitely missing.

I open the closets. Well, of course. Mr. Davos's son is an omega, so naturally there are nesting supplies tucked away in here that he left in a hurry: colorful throw pillows, bright scarves, silk wraps, gorgeous fabrics in every imaginable shade.

Biting my lip, excited like a little kid, I throw myself into it, picking things out, rummaging through fabrics, spreading everything out to match the colors, and then working for over an hour with complete focus, so absorbed that I lose all track of time.

I never thought I'd be capable of building a nest. Never thought I could awaken that uniquely omega instinct, that powerful, potent energy that can mend relationships, soothe broken families, strengthen positive emotions, and tone down the negative. It was always reserved for omegas.

My hands tremble as I fit pillows together with blankets, scarves, and woven belts, and damn… it's working. That deep part of me, the one that always believed I was an omega inside, finally rises to the surface, blooming through me like a flower opening to the sun.

I know my hormones are changing. People say that when two betas find each other, as fated mates, one becomes an alpha and the other an omega. When two omegas discover they are fated mates, one turns into an alpha. And when two alphas find each other… one becomes an omega.

So that's going to happen to me too? Another dream coming true? Am I really going to transition my subgender?

Well, in any case, the nest is finished. Complete, beautiful, high, sturdy, and perfect. And so full of colors, with purple as the dominant shade!

I'm very proud of it and so immersed that I don't hear the footsteps on the stairs, quiet and light, as though the feet carrying such a large man weigh nothing at all.

I turn around, and our eyes meet.

Fenn first looks at me, then slowly shifts his gaze to the bed. For a long moment, we both simply stare at it as if it were a breathtaking painting, beautiful enough to enchant anyone who laid eyes on it.

"I… made this," I mumble at last, suddenly embarrassed.

But Fenn doesn't look at me like I'm crazy. Instead, he slowly walks closer, takes my hand, and says quietly, with unmistakable respect, "It's beautiful… Marlow. Stunning."

He shakes his head slightly, as if in disbelief but also admiration.

Like every alpha, he knows that a nest binds relationships together, heals them when needed, strengthens them, that it lies at the heart of every deep bond between AOs.

"Something changed in you too," he whispers.

I raise my head to him, our eyes locking.

"Yeah… I think another dream of mine is about to come true. Thanks to our Bond."

His hands touch my face, gently cupping my cheeks.

"Your body will finally match your soul."

"You think so?"

"Yes, but you know what? It isn't really a change. It's just a flower finally opening."

I close my eyes, moisture gathering behind my eyelids. I had that exact thought; we are truly on the same wavelength!