Absolute Devotion (An Omega’s Preference #3)

24. Bear

twenty-four

BEAR

The morning sun filters through the living room windows, casting a warm glow across the room as I watch Nala curled up on the couch, her face soft with the peace of sleep. There is something grounding about seeing her this way, at rest, as if she is finally letting go of some invisible weight she’d been carrying. The fact that I can feel her peace as well as see it makes all the difference. I was surprised at her request last night but secretly, it makes me feel better that we’re all tethered to her now.

Even if Xylo’s bite won’t last, I’m sure Montgomery will bond him in so that we are all his.

My brother strolls in from the kitchen, a mug in hand, his footsteps light as he joins me by the window. “She looks peaceful, doesn’t she?” he murmurs, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Yeah,” I reply, my gaze never leaving Nala. “It’s good to see her like this. Like she’s… safe.”

“You know, I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to make her feel that way. Not after everything she’s been through.”

I understand what he means. Nala came to us with so many layers of pain, of mistrust, and it has taken a little—patience and gentle reassurance—to help her start lowering her guard. But seeing her now, with that small, content smile gracing her lips, makes all of it worth it.

Montgomery joins us, glancing over at Nala with a thoughtful expression. He pulls me into his side, a conscious gesture that I find I enjoy. “I’ve seen a lot of people come and go in my life,” he says quietly, his voice almost a whisper. “But I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like her.”

There is respect in his tone, a recognition of her resilience, and I find myself nodding in agreement. “She’s strong,” I say. “Stronger than she knows.” Montgomery runs his nose along my cheek, scent marking me in a way that no one else ever has other than Nala. We’re drenched in her scent from last night and this morning but now his scent lingers around me too. My body responds to his touch so easily, my purr rumbling through my chest. “Is it my Omega you’re interested in because I’m not sure I can always be that part of me.”

“I thought it might be but no, it’s you Bear. I’m attracted to you , my Zeta. Wherever that leads us, only time will tell but I want all of you.”

My purr strengthens, Xylo laughing at our embrace as the last Alpha of our pack bounds into the room. She’s gotten very comfortable wearing Xylo’s shirts whereas Nala finds mine or Montgomery’s more comfortable than her own. Not that I mind. I truly enjoy seeing everyone here find comfort in being themselves. Unlike us, she joins Nala on the couch, delicately running her fingers down our Omega’s cheek before brushing the bite over her lip. “I thought we would have to wait an eternity to have her with us like this. Feeling her through the bond is more than I could ever dream of, knowing that she’s ours. That she’s protected, that she’ll never be alone again. We’re going to get those Alphas, right?”

I chuckle and nod, deciding to wait to release some of the new information that popped up recently. Xylo’s ‘friend’ who wants to reconnect after all these years is the one link between those four Alphas. But that’s an issue for the dinner date that’s been configured, a meeting that is slowly moving up in time as if the urgency is growing.

As if sensing our attention, Nala stirs, her eyes fluttering open as she blinks against the soft morning light. She sits up slowly, a hint of sleep still in her gaze as she takes in the faces around her. A small, sleepy smile creeps onto her lips, and she lets out a soft sigh. “Morning,” she whispers, her voice gentle and filled with a contentment that makes my chest tighten.

“Morning, angel,” I say, unable to keep the warmth from my voice. “Sleep well?”

She nods, stretching her arms above her head, letting out a small yawn. “Better than I have in a long time. Sore, but good. Still mad at all of you for your bites. I won’t even be able to do anything until they heal!” She holds up her hands but I just laugh. Despite our need to nurse her new bites, I know that Nala is going to try to go to work or something equally as stupid.

“What’s the agenda?” I ask, timidly, hoping and praying that Nala is staying home. While we’re meeting those Alphas, I don’t want her anywhere other than the safety of this house, as selfish as that is. “Do you have to work today?”

She shakes her head. “No, I wanted to go visit my nephews. I haven’t seen them in a little while and I know Kieran could use the break. Nothing else, though. Maybe a date?”

We all wholeheartedly agree with that plan, Zahria offering to go with Nala to Isaias’ house. She doesn’t need the company but we’d all feel safer that she wasn’t alone. Nala’s nose scrunches up as she glares at the three of us perched against the window. “This bond goes both ways. I can feel you too and I know you don’t want me to go alone. It’s fine. I wasn’t planning on it.”

“We’re going to head out in a little bit but call if you need anything.”

I know she’s caught onto what we’re about to do but we only have a day or two left before the authorities rip this case from us. And I refuse to let our hard work be brushed under the rug for someone else to restart this shit somewhere else.