She's not just making conversation. She's learning us. Building something beyond last night's pleasure.
I watch her work through each of us. Thoughtful questions for Dmitri that get more than his usual three-word answers. Genuine interest in Aidan's baking experiments. Even Zayn opens up about his business degree when she asks the right questions.
Eventually, as the plates and mugs empty, a comfortable silence settles over us.
"So," Lexie sets down her mug, finally breaking the silence. "Darren mentioned you all have some kind of plans for how this weekend is going to go?"
We've discussed this. How to approach training the gorgeous beta's body for our knots without making it clinical or pressuring.
"We do," I confirm. "If you're interested."
She raises an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Zayn beats me to it. "We want to help you work up to taking our knots. Betas need plenty of preparation."
Her cheeks pink, but she doesn't look away. "All of you?"
"Eventually." I shoot Zayn a look he ignores. "Not all at once. Today's about starting slow, finding what works for you."
Her blush deepens, but she's smiling. "When you put it that way..."
"Your pleasure comes first," Dmitri adds. "Always. You say stop, we stop."
"I know." She looks at each of us. "I trust you. I wouldn't be here otherwise."
Trust. The foundation of everything.
"So," I bring us back to practical matters. "Are you interested?"
She takes a breath, meeting my eyes directly. "Yes. Very interested."
Heat coils in my gut. "Good. We'll go slow, focus on building your comfort. Actual knotting comes later."
"Who starts?" she asks.
Silent communication passes between us. As pack alpha, I take point. Set the tone. The others agreed, though Zayn wanted to go first. With Lexie, he's learning patience.
She's the first reason he's ever had to bother, I'm pretty sure.
"I will," I tell her. "If that works for you?"
She nods, eyes darkening. "It does."
"The others can stay or give us privacy. Your choice."
She catches her lip between her teeth, considering. "They can stay. If they want."
"Oh, we want," Zayn confirms, all predator.
"Definitely," Aidan agrees.
Dmitri just nods, gaze locked on Lexie.
"Remember," Darren says as he squeezes her hand. "You're in control."
"I know." She turns to me with arousal evident in her gaze that only reignites the fire that started when I saw her with Darren earlier. "How do we start?"
I move the tray to the floor. "First, we get comfortable."
