My omega was thirsty now that she had a taste of our alpha. She couldn't get enough. Her desire to get close to him, to rub up against him, to own him as thoroughly as he owned her was pushed to the forefront of my mind. She craved him, needed him, couldn't live without the way he made our body feel this morning. And truthfully, neither could I. Had I known that having them touch me could feel so damn good, I'd have encouraged it sooner.
I braved a glance at the alpha as I tested if the potatoes were done boiling, and he gave me a flirty wink, nearly causing my knees to buckle. "Need anything, omega?"
He knew damn well what I was thinking. Still, I cleared my throat. "Could you take this pot to the sink and drain it for me, alpha?"
The smirk never left his delicious-looking lips as he reached over me, grabbed the pot, and lifted it over my head. I inhaled, savoring the scent of him that had my lower abdomen pulsing so intensely for a moment that I nearly doubled over. I didn'tknow what was wrong with me, but lately every time he was near, my body did wild things, cramping up and demanding to be soothed. It passed quickly enough, thankfully, but it still hit out of nowhere.
He returned with the drained pot, placing it on the stove in front of me, before he continued working on the salad. I poured some cream and tossed in some butter and spices, before I began mashing the potatoes, using all my strength to work out the chunks.
"I can do that for you," Bran offered as he entered the kitchen, going straight for me to kiss my cheek.
"I've got it. It's almost done."
He reached in, scooping some potato onto his finger, causing me to swat at him as he placed the finger in his mouth. "Tastes delicious."
"Need anything?"
"More salt maybe? Not too much though." He placed a hand on my hip as he leaned forward, retrieving the saltshaker, and placing it in my hand.
"Thank you, beta."
"Anything for our omega," he purred before stepping back and grabbing some plates to set the table. "Where's Leo?"
"He went to check on the animals before the storm hits," James answered.
"It's going to be a big one. I've got candles out and made sure we had fresh batteries in case we lose power." Bran directed his next statement at me, "It happens a few times a year out here. Usually it's not that big of a deal. But on rare occasions, it could be out for days."
"Yikes." I winced, remembering a few times growing up when I was faced with that same issue. Growing up on a farm meant they always fixed the places with higher populations first. A farm in a sparsely populated area would be last on their list.
A clap of thunder roared outside, and on instinct, I shivered, knowing just how cold it probably was outside. Distracting myself from the weather, I announced, "Mashed potatoes are done. If you want to start putting the food on the table, I'll go get Leo."
"It's starting to storm," Bran reminded me.
"It's fine," I moved toward the door and slipped on my boots. "Besides, I'm taking the alpha's jacket, so I'll be warm."
A rumble left his chest as he watched me remove his oversized canvas jacket from the hook and put it on. It hung low, going well past my knees, and the sleeves were longer than my arms, but it smelled deliciously like him. I leaned into the collar, inhaling as my thighs clenched and my stomach pulsed.
"Omega," he growled. "You will go and hurry back before the storm gets too rough."
I rolled my eyes, and he growled again. "It's not even raining yet."
"It's windy, it's dark, it's thundering and lightning," Bran pointed out, and I stuck my tongue out at him the moment James looked down.
"I'm only going to the barn."
"Still," James nearly pouted. "I should have you stay inside."
"Too late," I taunted as I opened the door and skipped outside, well aware of the sound leaving the alpha as I slammed the door behind me.
I wrapped the jacket tight, pulling it close as the wind pushed against me. It was strong enough to make the trees sway and the open barn door bang open and closed. I assumed that was where I'd find Leo, so I began the walk toward the large structure, and when I stepped inside, I called out for the delta.
"Leo?"
There was a little bit of a scuffle. "Omega?"
I smiled, loving the sound of his voice. I followed it to a separated pen and leaned over to glimpse him. "What are you doing?"
"We've got two animals in labor and one of me," he paused for a moment. "I think this one will be okay, but the next pen over, she's really struggling. I've not locked up the chickens yet. Or herded the cows to shelter."
