"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." The words tumble out, surprising me with their truth. Because somewhere between the rest of the pack standing me up at dinner and now, that last wall of fear crumbled. The part of me that kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for them to realize I'm just a beta who can't give them what an omega or an alpha can... it's gone.
They proved it during Darren's heat. Every moment, every touch, every time they made sure I was included, cherished,necessary. Not just tolerated or accommodated, but genuinely wanted. Needed, even.
"Lexie," Aidan breathes, and when I look around the room, all five of them are staring at me with expressions that make my heart do stupid little acrobatics in my ribcage. Like I just handed them the world wrapped in a bow.
"We should do this properly," Jax says, his voice rougher than usual. "In the den. The new furniture was delivered this morning, actually. Perfect timing."
"New furniture?" I ask, letting them pull me to my feet. My legs feel wobbly, like the magnitude of what we're about to do just hit me. Permanent. Binding. No take-backs.
"We've been planning some changes," Zayn explains, leading the way down the hall. "Wanted it to be a surprise for when you moved in, but this feels right. The house needed updates anyway, but with the pack dynamics shifting..."
"We wanted a space that could accommodate all of us," Dmitri finishes. "Properly."
The den door swings open, and I gasp.
The room's been completely transformed. Where there used to be a standard living room setup, there's now a circular pit sunken into the floor. A custom mattress fills the space perfectly, covered in what looks like the softest sheets I've ever seen. Pillows and blankets ring the edges in a riot of textures and colors, creating walls of softness. It's like a giant, luxurious nest built for six.
"Holy shit," I breathe, taking it all in. "This is all so…"
"Excessive?" Jax suggests, but there's pride in his voice. "It turned out better than we hoped. Though of course, you and Darren will want to put your own spin on it when it's time."
"For now, it's perfect for this," Darren says, and before I can process what's happening, he's scooped me up in his arms.
"Perfect for wha—?" I squeal in surprise as he carries me to the edge of the pit.
"For this!" He grins, that wicked smile that makes my heart patter, and jumps.
We land in a tangle of limbs on the impossibly soft mattress, my surprised laughter mixing with his. The landing doesn't hurt at all. It's like falling into a cloud. A very expensive, perfectly designed cloud that smells like fresh linen.
"You're ridiculous," I tell him, but I'm smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.
"You knew what you were getting into," he counters, pulling me against him. His expression grows more serious, though the joy doesn't leave his eyes. "Fair warning, though. I'm not in heat anymore, so we're gonna need to spread things out a little. Two marks now, two marks later. Don't want to overwhelm anyone."
"That sounds like a good idea," I manage breathily. "Pace ourselves."
The others have joined us in the pit, arranging themselves around us with that unconscious pack synchronization they do so fucking well. The space that seemed enormous suddenly feels intimate with six bodies filling it.
"How do we..." I start, then trail off, realizing I have no idea how marking ceremonies work. Is there a protocol? Do we need candles? Should someone say words?
"However feels right," Jax says, reading my uncertainty. "There's no script for this."
Zayn's already pulling his shirt off, because of course he is. "Less talking, more marking. We've waited long enough."
"Romantic as always," Darren mutters, but he's pulling me into his lap, hands gentle but sure. "You okay? We can slow down if?—"
"If you ask me one more time if I'm sure, I'm going to bite you myself," I threaten.
"That would be kind of hot," Aidan says with a grin that's pure sunshine and sin.
The energy in the pit shifts, playful banter giving way to hunger. I can feel it in the way their scents intensify, in the way hands start moving with purpose instead of casual touch.
Darren's mouth finds mine, the kiss different from our usual. There's intention behind it, promise. His hands slide under my shirt, and I help him pull it off, not caring that we have an audience. They've seen me naked plenty of times, but this feels different. Not just mating or connection but… gravity. The force that's been pulling us together from the beginning finally getting what it's due.
"Beautiful," Dmitri murmurs, and the reverence in his voice makes me shiver.
"Who's first?" I ask, looking around at them. The choice feels important somehow, even though I know I'll wear all their marks eventually.
"Jax and Dmitri," Darren decides, his hands steady on my waist. "Then Zayn and Aidan later. That work for everyone?"
