Nicolaus was the last to rise, his calculating eyes scanning my face for any hint of doubt. Finding none, he gave a single, decisive nod. "To the nest, then."
My heart hammered against my ribs as Julian took my hand, leading me from the kitchen toward the living room. The short journey felt momentous, each step carrying me further from myold life and closer to the future I'd chosen. The nest looked different in the morning light—softer somehow, the blankets and pillows we'd arranged together creating a perfect nest.
I paused at the edge, suddenly overwhelmed by the significance of what we were about to do. Four mating marks—unprecedented, unconventional, and absolutely right for us.
"Second thoughts?" Miles asked softly, his hand finding the small of my back.
I shook my head. "No. Just... taking it in. Also…there are four of you and only one of me when this happens so..” I blush slightly at my words, glancing to the ground.
Julian's laugh was soft and understanding. "We've thought about that too, sweetheart. We know how to make this good for you."
Christopher stepped closer, his hand cupping my cheek gently. "We'll take our time. Make sure you're comfortable every step of the way."
"The marking itself doesn't have to happen all at once," Nicolaus added, his analytical mind already working through the logistics. "We can space it out, let your body adjust between each one."
Miles nodded in agreement. "Your comfort and pleasure are what matter most. We're not going anywhere."
I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders at their reassurance. Of course they'd considered this—they'd been thinking about marking me far longer than I'd been thinking about accepting it.
"Okay," I breathed, stepping into the nest and settling among the soft blankets. The familiar scents of all four alphas surrounded me as I knew that I made the right decision…and also knew that I was going to be in for a long day.
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Lilianna
The four men followed me into the nest, their movements careful and deliberate. Julian settled beside me first, his warmth a comforting presence against my side. Christopher positioned himself at my other side, while Miles and Nicolaus arranged themselves at the edges of the nest, creating a protective circle around me.
"How do you want to do this?" Julian asked, his voice husky with anticipation. His fingers traced delicate patterns on my arm, raising goosebumps in their wake.
I took a deep breath, suddenly aware of how little I knew about the actual process. "I... I'm not sure. I know where the marks go, but..." I trailed off, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
"Let us guide you," Christopher murmured, his gentle hand cupping my face. "We'll take it slow.”
"The marks will be placed on your neck," Nicolaus explained, his analytical tone softened by the intimacy of the moment. "Each in a slightly different position, but all visible when you choose to display them."
I nodded, my heart racing. "And it... it happens during..."
"Yes," Miles confirmed, his eyes darkening as he watched me. "The marking is most successful at the height of pleasure. The bite creates a bond—chemical, emotional, spiritual—that connects us permanently."
Julian's fingers traced the curve of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "It will hurt for a moment," he said honestly, "but the pleasure will overwhelm the pain."
"The order matters," Christopher added, his thumb brushing across my lower lip. "Each mark builds on the one before, strengthening the bond."
I looked between them, suddenly uncertain. "Head Alpha goes first….so Julian?”
Julian smiled, “It usually is that yes…but it also matters if that is what you want. Is that what you want? ”
I blushed, biting my lip, “Yes. That is what I want.” The smile that spread across Julian's face was both tender and primal. He shifted closer, his hand sliding to cup the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair.
"Then that's what you'll have," he murmured, his voice dropping to that deep register that made my omega instincts respond instantly. His lips brushed against mine, the touch feather-light but electric. I felt myself melting into him, my body responding to his alpha presence with an intensity that stole my breath. The other men shifted around us, creating space while maintaining their protective circle.
Julian's kiss deepened, his tongue sliding against mine as his hand traveled from my neck down my side, coming to rest at my hip. He pulled back slightly, his eyes nearly black with desire.
"I need you to be sure," he whispered against my lips. "Once this happens, there's no going back."
"I'm sure," I breathed, reaching up to touch his face. "I want this. I want you—all of you."
That was all the permission he needed. With a fluid movement, Julian shifted our positions, guiding me to lie back against the soft pillows while he hovered above me. His hands moved with reverent slowness, fingers tracing the hem of my sundress.
