Page 51 of Gold Rush
“It’s generally up to the omega to decide who’s allowed into their nest.” Bennett’s smile is soft as he speaks from behind them. “Invite only. We’re respecting that.”
“But it’syourhouse.” I stare at them, my eyes wide.
Arin’s smile is gentle. “And this is your space, for as long as you’d like to be.”
It’s the tiniest shred of control, and I grasp at it, my chest feeling tight as I look at the three men, my eyes snagging on Seth first. “Come here.”
He nearly knocks Arin through the wall in his haste to jump into the room. Seth throws his arms around me in an instant, humming as he presses his lips against the side of my face, peppering me with kisses as he mutters, “IknewI was the favorite.”
I laugh, shaking my head at him even as I lean into the feeling of his lips against my skin. It takes me a second, surrounded by the chocolate smell of him, before I turn and look at Bennett and Arin hovering in the doorway.
“Will you come into my nest, alphas?”
Arin looks like I kicked his knees out from under him. His eyes go wide and his face flickers between shock and awe before he strides directly into the room, heading to the door to the bathroom and opening it for me.
My eyes dart to Bennett, my heart flipping when I realize his sole focus is onme. He doesn’t waver on the carpet, instead he reaches me, slides a hand across the back of my neck, holding me in place before bending down and giving my forehead a scorching kiss that I feel down in my toes. He turns hishead, capturing Seth’s lips again, and butterflies explode in my stomach as he pulls back and glances down at me, something darker in his gaze.
I lick my lips, biting my tongue as I whisper, “Which part did you like more, being invited in, or called alpha?”
“Behave.” He leans closer, staring at me like he can see right through me. “Go to our prime before I completely lose the last bit of my sanity, Juniper.”
I grin, unable to help myself as I scamper away, going straight to the bathroom where Arin is lingering. The tile is warm under my feet as I look down at it in awe. Arin motions to the huge space — a tub fit for multiple people sunken into the floor — and a large glass shower that’s more like a room than a bathroom fixture.
“It’s a little brighter than the nest, to help when you’re in the middle of the heat and” — he clears his throat — “keeping clean.”
I watch him adjust his glasses, biting my tongue as he so clearly fidgets. “It’s very nice, thank you for letting me use it.”
Arin tilts his head, eyeing me. “You’re welcome. We should have let you use this space from the beginning. Let me know if there’s anything else you need, I’ll get it, no question.” He clears his throat, hesitating for a breath before leaning closer. Arin’s warm voice glides over my skin. “I’m looking forward to our dinner tonight.”
I stare at him as he brushes past, leaving the room.
I lose track of the sheer amount of trips it takes for Bennett and Arin to bring all the bags up both flights of stairs and to the nest. Seth provides input and commentary as I pull each item out, touching blankets, pillows, sheets, and all manner of other soft, cushy things. We manage to get the sheets on with Bennett’s help and only a little laughter when the corners keep snapping off.
“We knew that there was a nest when we bought this place, but obviously we’ve never used it or needed it.” Bennett shakes a pillow into a case, handing it to me so I can put it exactly where I want it on the bed. They keep doing that — helping up to a point, but deferring to me to make the final decision.
“And Theo wanted the room on this level for himself, but other than his moping and crying himself to sleep, it’sveryquiet up here.”
I give Seth a look, my lips twitching. “Stop making fun of him.”
Seth holds his hands up, grinning back at me. “It’s not making fun of him when it’s true.”
Bennett pauses as he holds a pillow. “Theo doesn’t have to be a part of the heat — whatever you decide isperfect.”
I ease them both with a little smile, wringing my hands together as I look around the room. “It’s nice in here.” I whisper the words, feeling an uncomfortable itch under my skin as my fingers twitch, eyeing a few of the blankets. It smells like… nothing, just stale air from being shut for so long.
All the fabric is very nice. The pillows are plush and were clearly expensive and meant for nesting. The blankets and sheets were pre-washed and completely ready for setting it all up. But it’s all neutral, there isn’t a hint ofmeon any of it.
And I think I’d really like it to smell like chocolate and oranges and mint… and rain.
My eyes land on Bennett as I chew on my cheek. “Are you sure it’s okay if I add a few things?”
“Yes,” Seth answers first. “Like Arin said, this space is yours. Tell us what you need and we’ll get it.” He motions at me. “And none of us will darken the doorstep unless we’re invited, like well-behaved vampires.”
I laugh, looking over at him with a wry smile. “I find that hard to believe.”
He grins at me, but Bennett speaks softly. “Is there something missing, Juniper?”
I glance at the bedding again. Seth did well, its neutral colors, soft browns and earthy greens, nothing shocking or vibrant. And it all feels luxuriously soft.
