Absolute Devotion (An Omega’s Preference #3)

19. Nala

nineteen

NALA

I’m raw and sore but couldn’t be happier in this little cocoon of space two days after my heat started. I’m pressed up against Montgomery, the Alpha wrapped around me, and Zahria who is behind me. I twist around to see Xylo sprawled across the edge of the nest and Bear suspiciously missing. Seeing them together wasn’t what I had expected and while I’ve been taught that Omegas are jealous, I loved seeing them love each other.

Even if Bear was blushing as Montgomery fucked him. I’m not sure who was more surprised at that moment—me or my Alpha.

“He’s fine,” Montgomery purrs in my ear. “Just making food. How are you feeling?”

“I hate that question.” I scrunch up my nose and press my face into his bare chest. Zahria scoots a little closer, kissing my neck, just above my gland. A shiver runs down my spine as I try to wriggle out from between them but Montgomery isn’t allowing me to escape without an answer. “Surprisingly okay. I don’t feel like I’m in heat anymore but my heats are never that short.”

Zahria chuckles as she sits up, running a hand through my hair. “Dr. Ashford said that your body was under a lot of stress, that your heat might manifest differently this time around. Your body is trying to find a new schedule but that will happen soon enough and we’ll be right here to help you through the next one.”

My cheeks heat at the thought of all this happening again as I lose myself to my Omega instincts and drag them all into my nest. Both of my mates catch on as they finally let me scramble from the nest and race to the door. A shirt hits me in the back of the head, Montgomery’s words following. “As much as I love seeing you like that, princess, unless you want a redo, you might want to put something on.”

Embarrassed, I slip it on and escape to the kitchen, Bear stealing me to place me on the kitchen counter. He steps in between my thighs, searching my expression before kissing me softly. “Didn’t think you would be awake, Nala but your color is back. You look better.” He caresses the side of my face, his thumb running across my lips. “Hungry? It’s almost dinner time but I was in the mood for breakfast.”

My stomach speaks first, gurgling as I take in the aroma of freshly toasted bread and a hint of cinnamon. Chocolate spreads through the air afterward as I search for the owner of the scent. Bear chuckles as he retrieves a pan from the stove and prepares a mug before handing it to me. I frown at a half-filled mug of chocolatey goodness until a small marshmallow pops to the top.

It’s like an explosion of snow, Bear filling the rest of the mug with the little marshmallows. “There’s colors?” I ask, excited at the pale blue, green, pink, and yellows. The addition of color to my chocolate makes me happy, almost as if my heat has given us a new beginning.

“I thought that might make you smile. They don’t have flavors, don’t worry. I would never ruin your drink like that.” Bear kisses my forehead and returns to making breakfast—a large spread of French toast and eggs. I happily sip my chocolate from where I am, chewing on the marshmallows as my other mates soon filter into the kitchen. Each of them dole out several kisses and light hugs, the mass of bare skin making my skin heat.

I’m too sore for a repeat but my Omega doesn’t seem to get the memo, each of my mates chuckling at my flushed skin and the way I’m holding my mug with a death grip. “Sorry,” I mumble.

Zahria snorts as she leans against the counter beside me, Xylo handing her a mug. She’s the only one wearing a shirt but I’d gamble there’s nothing under it. “Don’t apologize, Nala. Knowing that you want us the way we want you makes us happy. Sure, it might take a little to get there outside of your heat but we already told you that we’d wait a lifetime if that’s what you need.” She steals one of my hands and raises it to her lips for a quick kiss on my knuckles.

I focus on Montgomery whose gaze darts between me and Bear, the Zeta’s cheeks flushed just as mine are. I didn’t expect last night but I’d pay for a repeat. Watching my Alpha sink into Bear’s ass while he fucked me senseless is a fantasy I won’t soon forget. Zahria and Xylo stole me away seconds before Bear gave me his knot, knowing that I wasn’t ready for a three-way like that.

Soon though. Soon.

Montgomery starts mumbling something into Bear’s ear, a warm smile spreading across their lips as Bear leans into the Alpha’s chest. Bear hums a response and then glances over at me. “Are you okay with this, Nala?”

I choke on a sip of chocolate before swallowing and pressing my thighs together. My scent answers for me but they deserve an actual response. “Yes. I’d be okay if it happened again.” Bear pulls from Montgomery and pats my thigh. I can see the worry in his eyes because most Omegas want all of the focus but I like seeing that this is more than just me. It’s a family. “I like knowing that you have each other too. I’m okay with this.” I cover his hand with mine and then slide down from the counter. “I need to go get ready for work. Wait, what time is it?”

It's a wonder my heat happened over the weekend and only took over my Monday. God, I haven’t checked my phone or called my brother or—

Montgomery is suddenly in front of me, cupping my cheeks in his large hands, blocking out the rest of the world. I’m ready to protest when he just shakes his head. “It’s nearly six pm, Nala and the school is aware that you took the week for your heat.”

“But I don’t need a week!”

“That’s what you’re allowed and I’d feel more comfortable if you took a few days off, princess. However, if you really want to return, we aren’t here to tell you what to do.”

I really enjoy my job but an extra few days to relax sounds nice. I just hope that comes with learning more about my mates in between their investigation. There’s just one problem. “I can’t sit here all day, Alpha. I’m getting a little antsy and…”

He bows his head, rubbing his nose against mine. “Then we have an idea. We threw it around a little, thinking it would be nice to spend the day with you. Chief Hart said we could take a little time after your heat before we have to dive back into the investigation.”

I don’t know what he’s talking about. “Like a date?”

“Yes, love. Something light, maybe a walk through town, or a visit to the park. Whatever feels good.” His words are casual but I can see the intention in Xylo’s gaze. They want to give me something I haven’t had before within the circle of their protection. They’ve already proven my scent at its worst doesn’t affect them. For a moment, doubt creeps in, the weight of old habits urging me to retreat, to say no. “Are you all coming?” I receive four, firm nods, as I look into their hopeful faces. A small spark of courage blooms in my chest as I take a step forward. “Okay. A day out sounds nice.”

I’ve never had one. There’s never been a day that I was excited to step outside and scour the city where my academy was located. Even with the patches, I was always on alert. Montgomery engulfs me in a hug before pushing me toward the kitchen island for dinner. “You eat. Zahria is going to grab some stuff from your apartment. Is there anything in particular that you need?”

I know better than to push back and say I can go on my own. With all four of my mates here, promising to protect, there’s no world in which I would be allowed to go alone. “Just clothes and the patches, I think.”

The meal passes uneventfully, the occasional joke causing us to burst into laughter. I’m still finding my footing in this space, allowed to enjoy the fullness of my scent around people who won’t attack me. There’s a small bubble of happiness growing in my chest, a sense of belonging that feels foreign but welcome. And as I glance at each of my mates, I realize I’m looking forward to a day when I can call them my forever. I escape to the bedroom and snuggle into my nest, the first nest that I made all of my own. Montgomery’s shirt and Xylo’s socks are expertly woven into the edge, and Zahria’s bra by one of the pillows. I don’t see any of Bear until I realize that I’m in his shirt, not my Alpha’s.

It's a stark contrast from my empty apartment, the need to share this moment with my brother growing. I search around for my phone, eyes widening when Bear returns to the nest and pulls me down with him. I curl into his hold as the dial tone rings, suddenly embarrassed to share my happiness in front of my mate. He just kisses my head and holds me tighter, reassuring me.

“Nala? Hey! I wasn’t expecting a call until later this week. They treating you okay?”

My cheeks heat as Bear chuckles, the deep sound stirring up funny feelings in my belly. I smack his chest and wriggle around until my back is facing him. “Yes, they’re fine. It didn’t last long. The doctor said that it’s okay. That’s not why I called. I built a nest, Joel. My very first one. With pillows and blankets and they bought them all and…” I chew on my bottom lip, waiting for his response.

“You sound so much happier, Nala. And I bet it’s the best nest in the entire world but don’t tell Kieran I said that. He’ll have my ass.”

I snort, unable to refrain from making a joke. “But you’d like that.” My brother’s pack is unconventional at best. Their Omega is more dominant than most Alphas, not that my mates’ dynamic is any less unconventional. Bear is the first Zeta I’ve ever met.

“And that’s when I hang up. Nala, I love you but we’re not swapping sex stories. Besides, I heard a lovely male voice in the background. Am I interrupting something? Please tell me that I’m not.”

A laugh bubbles up from my throat as I shake my head, Bear keeping quiet this time. “No. We’re just in my nest. They’re going to take me to the park.” It sounds dumb when I say it aloud but it’s the first date I’ve ever been asked on and I’m going to cherish this day for the rest of my life.

“A date? I’m jealous. I need to go and ask Isaias when he’s taking us on a date. Hey, Alpha!” Joel whispers a goodbye before hanging up, leaving me curled up with Bear. Xylo peeks into the room, his gaze finding us over by the bed that they moved over to allow my nest more room.

“Zahria’s back, love. She brought a few options and your scent patches.”

Bear releases me as Zahria slips under Xylo’s arm pressed against the doorway. She shakes a small bag at me and lays it on the bed. I search through and find everything I could possibly need, including a pair of slick panties. “Will you be mad if I put on the patches? I know you guys will protect me but—”

“Angel, whatever you find most comfortable is fine with us.”

My heart warms a little more as I steal the bag into the bathroom as if they haven’t just seen every last inch of my bare skin over the last two days. When I return, I find my mates all waiting by the front door, their smiles mirroring the excitement simmering in my chest. They lead the way out, each of them moving with an unspoken ease, their presence grounding me as we step into the crisp morning air.

Zahria takes up my left hand, Montgomery my right hand, the brothers taking up the rear. I feel fully protected and loved in this moment as we make our way through Emsboro to the small park just beside the school. I haven’t seen much of this place, always shuffling my feet with my head down. I only ever visit Joel’s house or the school, ordering most of my groceries so that I can swipe them from the store on my way home.

For two weeks, I’ve lived almost no differently than I had at the academy. I still haven’t lived. And yet, a few days with my mates and I’ve experienced more than I have in years. With them around, everything is less overwhelming, more vibrant. The presence of my mates by my side turns every step into a quiet reassurance, their closeness a reminder that I’m not alone, that I have a place here.

We wander through the greenery until I find a weeping willow that calls out to me, near a lake that I didn’t even know existed. It seems there’s much about this place that I haven’t seen and I hope to rectify that in the coming weeks. Even with their looming investigation, I want to enjoy my moments with them. I eagerly plop onto the ground, beaming up at my mates as they take seats around me.

Montgomery steals me into his lap, my other mates scooting closer. A rumbling combination of their purrs starts up, lulling me into a soft rest as we stare out at the gentle ripple of the lake. “Can it always be like this?” I murmur. “After you catch those other agents. I want it to always be like this.”

My Alpha wraps his arms around my waist and stuffs his face into my neck. I secretly wish I hadn’t worn the patch so I could feel his lips against the sensitive skin but this is still nice. “Are you ready for something like that?”

I don’t understand what he’s eluding to at first. Bonds. Bites. Forever. “One day. I’ve always wanted it, Alpha but I didn’t think I could. Not without someone reacting to me.”

“I would be honored to give you my bite, Nala. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we would be honored to officially call you our Omega.”

“If I was ready, I’d let you all bite me right now.” That’s apparently the wrong words to say, a collective groan sounding around me as slick coats my panties. Thank fuck Zahria brought the thick ones or this night would end with all of them giving me those looks I won’t be able to resist. “But I’m not ready. No bites tonight. No sex either. I’m sore.”

The groans turn into laughter as I settle back against Montgomery’s chest, content to stare at the reflection of stars across the lake, the stillness of the night bringing a peace I’ve rarely felt. The simplicity of just being here with them, fills me with a sense of contentment I haven’t felt in years. The day stretches on, each moment weaving itself into the fabric of my heart, strengthening the fragile bond that’s slowly taking root within me. And as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over everything, I feel something shift, a quiet acceptance that maybe, just maybe, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.