Page 76 of A Nest of Maple & Mist

It was irrational, but I had never quite shaken the feeling that my parents had abandoned me. Whenever I thought it, I cursed myself. They died. In a car accident. They didn’t leave me willingly.

Still, I believed if I stayed alone, I’d never experience loss again.

A knock at the door made me jump.

“Mi? Are you awake?”

My heart did a little somersault. Jason’s voice sounded husky and thick, as if he had just woken up. The throb in my pussy traveled to my clit, and I whimpered. I really wanted to drag Jason into my nest and demand his knot.

Shit.

Except I didn’t have a proper nest. I had to fix that. And soon.

“Define awake,” I groaned.

“Open the door.”

That deep command warmed a spot in my belly. I grinned, padding over to the door and opening it. I squinted as the too-bright light from the hallway flooded in. Being overly dramatic, I hissed like a vampire.

His thumb and forefinger brushed against my jaw, leading me forward.

“Did the Dragon Slayers get the better of you, baby girl?”

“How did you…”

“Who do you think carried your cute ass up here?” He smirked, caging me between him and the doorframe. “Lily told me you might have a rough morning.”

“Traitor,” I whisper-hissed, blowing a stray curl off my face. “Never let me drink anything that looks like blood and sparkles again.”

“Noted.” He pecked my temple. “You’re cute when you’re hungover.”

I grumbled, crossing my arms. Dark hair trailed down his abdomen, disappearing beneath the waistband of his sweats. Of course, he was shirtless. My mouth watered, and for a moment I forgot how my head throbbed.

Despite looking like he had just woken up, he appeared deliciously sleep-rumpled—his black hair an attractive mess hanging over his oceanic eyes. My brows pinched.

“Don’t you have maple trees to maim and sap to set fire to?”

He chuckled. “Sugaring season isn’t until March.”

“Sure. I understand those words.”

“We don’t tap the trees and boil the sap until March. Right now, we’re busy gathering supplies for the Maple Festival, and ensuring the lines are clear for the winter.”

“And why aren’t you doing that then?”

“I took the day off. I wanted to spend time with my pretty omega. Is that alright?”

“If instead of pretty, you don’t mind this hot mess express.”

I gestured to my figure. A possessive sound fell from his lips, his eyes darkening. I perfumed, my omega waving a big, red banner, saying, “I’m here.” Jason smiled, collaring my throat with his rough hand. My omega preened, adoring the dominance pouring off our alpha. I arched into his touch, loving how the pressure grounded me.

“Don’t talk about what belongs to me like that, baby girl. Or I might have to punish you.”

I whimpered, my knees buckling. Jason chuckled, the dark sound slicing straight to my core. My slick responded to him, and Jason’s smile elongated to something slightly resembling the Cheshire Cat.

Hot breath fanned over my cheek as he whispered in my ear.

“I thought I only had one brat. Don’t tell me my omega is also one who wants me to spank her ass.”