Page 62 of A Nest of Maple & Mist

My chest swelled at his concern.

“Yes.” Jason’s lips pressed to my temple. “She started nesting and wanted our scents.”

“Should we take her to the nest store?”

“Probably. We’ll talk to Shane about it tonight when he gets home.”

Excitement swam in my veins. I’d never been to a nest store before. The closest one was an hour away, and it always seemed embarrassing to go alone as an omega. But if we went, I wouldn’t be alone. I’d be with my pack.

My scent matches.

“I’ll leave you two alone. I don’t want to disturb her.”

I whimpered, the audible sound cutting off their conversation. Jason stroked his fingers through my hair, his lips resting on my ear.

“Do you want your beta in your nest?”

“Please. Ty. My beta.”

My lashes fluttered, and I cast a shy glance in the direction of Ty’s voice. His dimpled smile waited for me as he moved toward the bed.

“Anything you want, sweetheart.”

The mattress sank under Ty’s weight as he crawled in beside me until I was sandwiched between them both.

Jason and Ty’s fingers laced over my hip as I slowly succumbed to sleep. I burrowed further into Jason’s chest, grinning at the rumbling purr growing there. Ty nuzzled against my back, his lips resting on the column of my throat in the shadow of a kiss.

All that was missing was Shane. And if I wanted him, I had to be the one to show him. I never stopped loving Shane. If I wanted this pack, I had to be brave. I had to decide that our love was worth the fear of losing it.

TWENTY-THREE

JASON

It was unseasonably warm. I hissed, tugging at my tie and loosening the knot. I hated these damned things. My skin crawled at the incessant city noise. Car alarms wailed in the distance, shouts carried over the concrete ground, and too many scents put me on high alert.

My alpha stirred restlessly. I craved to be back at our secluded home. To have my pack nearby. I didn’t belong in a place like this. I belonged with my pack, surrounded by them.

While I deplored the city, I’d do anything for my omega. I’d suffer any pain to take hers away.

It had happened slowly, but over the last few weeks, the stone façade she wore like armor crumbled. My heart ached for Mia and the person life had forced her to become. Dwelling on “what ifs” never did anyone any good, but I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be more open to love if she hadn’t lost it so young.

The sweet, strong girl I had once known seemed to disappear inside herself. She buried her omega, fighting against her instincts, not even allowing one heat to take place.

All because she didn’t know safety and love.

It was a defense mechanism. Something she developed to keep from falling apart.

She didn’t have to do it alone anymore. She had us now—her pack. I’d do anything for my pack. It was my job as our Apex to ensure no one wanted for belonging or affection or safety.

I thrived in that role, innately needing to care for others. It made me feel whole. I grew up in a large family. Our parents worked long, hard hours. When they weren’t around, I took care of my younger siblings.

My fingers dug into my sternum.

A calming scent cut through the stench of the city.

Warmth curled over my back. When I turned, I met Ty’s stern expression. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. Beautiful resolve glimmered in his green eyes, burning like a newly ignited flame.

I huffed a disbelieving laugh, shaking my head and crossing my arms.