by Kole, Lana
That was when she realized it wasn’t her own pleasure she was feeling. The echo of Adra’s ecstasy pulled at her, lost in her own until they were spinning in a whirlwind caught up in each other.
When he finally released her, leaving his mark in her skin, it only lessened the effect. She could still feel the echo of him in her mind. His satisfaction burned down the line of their connection, his arousal and ecstasy feeding her own.
He pressed a kiss to the wound, laving his tongue over it, and it sent sparks dancing across her entire body. She tightened around him, and he nudged his hips into her, making her cry out again.
Lyric knew about the bite, knew it was sensitive, knew it was bonding, but knowing something and experiencing it were incredibly different.
“Oh my god,” she whispered.
Adra lifted his head, lids half-mast as he stared down at her. “It’s not over yet,” he promised.
Lyric whimpered as Adra pulsed inside her, nudging his hips into her.
Adra fulfilled his promise over and over again. He played with her bite mark, and he teased her clit. Bringing her to orgasm over and over again. Throbbing inside her, filling her up until her cries echoed around the bunk area and finally faded as exhaustion crept up on her.
As the last of the ecstasy slipped away, only an echo of it remained down the line of their connection. Lyric blinked her eyes open and stared up at Adra.
“Proud of yourself?” she teased.
She was boneless, utterly pleased and wrung out by her alpha. And she couldn’t help but grin.
“Very,” he rumbled, mouthing at her bite mark again.
Adra rolled over, pulling her across his chest in a lazy heap. He slipped out of her as the knot finally faded.
Lyric snuggled into his warmth, at least until he pulled her up his body so he could nurse at her wound some more. It was nothing overtly sexual, and the sensation that went dancing over her skin was more affectionate than arousing, at least for the moment.
“Thank you,” Adra murmured.
Lyric stroked her fingers over his short hair. “No thank yous allowed. But I could use a nap.”
“As my lady requests,” he agreed.
“Maybe a shower,” she added.
Adra snorted, his chest bouncing against her. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Well, we’re glad to see you put the morning to good use,” Emerson drawled as Adra and Lyric finally emerged from the bunk room that afternoon.
Javi blinked at Emerson’s dry tone, ready to defend Lyric in a heartbeat, but her chuckle made him close his mouth and mind his business. She was grinning, a secret smile on her lips that was no secret at all.
So she’d bonded one of them. Javi couldn’t say he was surprised. With the tour so close to an end, he was actually surprised that she hadn’t bonded more of them already. Had she really spent six weeks with them without snatching them up?
It wasn’t really Javi’s place to question her actions, but he couldn’t help the way his gaze lingered. The first night he’d met her, with makeup smeared around her eyes, he’d still thought she was cute as hell. And the morning was no different. Glowing from the bond, lips curled, eyes sparkling, she was a sight.
“Oh hush. You’re just jealous you weren’t first,” Adra responded.
Lyric’s mouth dropped open, and she reached up and slapped a hand over Adra’s mouth.
“Damn right I’m jealous,” Emerson agreed.
Javi smirked at their banter, ignored the playful growls, and shifted a platter of crepes around on the table.
“What did you make us today?” Lyric asked suddenly, a lot closer than Javi expected.
He turned, clearing the way for her to see the breakfast he prepared. “Something sweet today.”
Lyric clapped her hands together once and grinned. “Yes! They look delicious.”
Lyric wrapped a hand around his arm and leaned her head against him. Did she realize she was scent marking him? “Thank you for taking care of us all the time.”
Javier wasn’t going to move, ever. “Of course. Anything for you, pajarita.”
Seeing her cheeks flush brought him a momentary rush of accomplishment. Yes, he was fully aware of the others’ blatant stares, but he didn’t care.
“So, five days left. Lyric, we’re circling around to your hometown, is there anyone you want me to put on the guest list?” Henry asked.
Lyric eased into the seat, and Javi got busy serving plates and making himself useful. He’d gotten used to disappearing into the background while they talked band stuff.
Even though Javi had only been part of their team for a short while, he’d been able to watch them grow more comfortable with each other. It was intriguing to watch Lyric as she’d slowly opened up to them. Grown less aware of personal space and more relaxed. Himself included.
“Besides Andi... I can’t really think of anyone. Do you guys wanna use the rest of my spots for your friends or family?”
She had no one to invite besides her best friend? Javier was so surprised he missed Lyric taking her first bite, but the sigh she released was answer enough to whether she liked the crepes or not. Lyric was oblivious to Javi’s arched brow. He knew her mom had passed, but Javi didn’t realize how alone Lyric really was until that moment.
A pang of hurt pierced his heart. He wanted to take her into his arms and promise that she’d never be alone again... but it wasn’t his place. And besides, it was clear the fact didn’t bother her. She hummed happily and let her eyes drift closed as she forked another bite of crepes between her lips.
“I mean, I have a couple musician friends who are coming, but they promised to buy tickets so you can all stop sharing pity glances,” Lyric announced. “Feel free to use my spots. We all get like, what, four? Five?”
“It’s not pity,” Henry said, taking a seat across from Lyric and serving himself from the platter. Javi grabbed a plate for himself and got out of the way, standing near the door as Lyric and Henry continued their conversation.
“Liar,” Lyric teased.
Javier cleared his throat. “Would it be alright if I invited my sister to the last home show?”
Lyric glanced up, her smile brightening. “Emma?”
“Si.”
“I’d love for her to come! I want to too see her again,” Lyric chirped, her tone bright. Genuine.
He chuckled just imagining his sister’s reaction. “She would be over the moon to unite with you.”
“Added,” Henry inserted, tapping away at his tablet. “Anyone else?”
“Won’t she bring one of her alphas with her?” Lyric asked.
Javier shrugged. “Probably. Is that alright?”
“Of course. I’ll add a plus one to her name. Or two? Eh, just call me when she gets here, I’ll go get her and her party from the box office,” Henry instructed.
“Thank you,” Javier murmured, a hitch in his chest.
“Anytime. Your family is our family,” Lyric sang.
A thorn pierced his chest, the vines wrapping around his ribcage and poised over his heart.
Family was the most important thing in his life, and slowly but surely, Lyric and this group were worming their way in.
Despite how tired Lyric had to be, she played the best damned show of the tour, at least in Javier’s opinion.
She’d danced around the stage with a new vigor. Working out her emotions from the taxing day. Her bite mark, in order to heal, was displayed proudly to the cool air, and by the time the show was over, Henry was already tapping away at his tablet.
Javier had already prepared dinner, so he’d spoiled himself by watching the end of the show alongside the manager. Who could blame him for looking over the alpha’s shoulder as he sighed?
A bright red button ticked at the corner of his email app. The number was growing.
“She’s kicked up quite a stir,” he said aloud. Javier blinked, glancing up guiltily. He hadn’t meant to stick his nose in their business, but Henry didn’t
seem to mind sharing. “That bite mark has already caught the attention of some news outlets.”
“Will it bother her?” Javier asked.
Henry smirked and shook his head. “I don’t think so. If it was, I think she would’ve covered up the mark.”
Javier turned his attention to the omega in question, watching her as she bounced off stage, full of energy. She hopped off the last step and wrapped her arms around Henry.
“How was I?”
“Amazing, as always,” Henry answered instantly, wrapping an arm around her and brushing her hair off her shoulders.
“You always say that,” she pouted.
“You’re always amazing,” he answered quickly.
“Javier!” Lyric shouted, spying him behind Henry. “You’re here! What did you think, hmm?” she asked. She danced away from Henry and wrapped her arms around him, staring up at him like a cheerleader did the star football player.
“Your performance was beautiful, pajarita,” he told her, somehow finding his breath in her presence.
“Now that’s the kind of compliment a girl likes,” she said, dragging him away from the stage. “What did you make us tonight?”
“Let’s go find out,” he purred, following her lead toward the bus and walking alongside her.
“I stirred up the media?” Lyric questioned, holding a forkful of salad up to her lips.
Javier held his breath as she paused for the second time with that bite held to her lips. Javier didn’t make salads very often, but this recipe was one he’d found online, and all the colors had called to him.
Her feet were thrown across Adra’s lap while she ate… or almost ate.
They’d been attached at the hip ever since, and Javier thought it was very cute, yes, but would she try his food already?
Lyric’s cheeks heated, and she lowered the fork back to the bowl. “How so?”
“Everyone’s curious about your bond,” Henry answered. “We need to be extra vigilant when going out. I already have so many requests from news outlets, I won’t be surprised if the paparazzi becomes an issue. If you go out, keep an eye out for cameras and—”
“Why?” Lyric asked, cocking her head to the side. “It’s not a secret, and wouldn’t it be better to put the truth out there before rumors get started just to fill the headlines?”
Henry arched a brow at her. “You don’t care if everyone knows that Lyric Ceran has bonded with someone?”
She shrugged, her fingers tapping a rhythm on the plastic bowl. “I guess not. It’s already kind of advertised, you know?” She pointed to the bite mark visible in her loose necked tee. “I’d rather put my own story out there than have someone twist it around into something false.”
“Okay… if you want, I can arrange an interview. Maybe after tour? There are only five days left, so fitting it in before then would be kind of tight.”
Emerson cursed, catching their attention and pulling it toward the television. Two odd looking characters battled it out on the screen, accompanied by the furious clicking of the controllers clutched in Em’s and Nohen’s hands.
“Whoever wins this one gets to sleep beside Lyric,” Nohen announced.
“Hey, not fair! You should’ve said that to begin with!” Emerson growled.
Anyone else would have shrunk under the low rumble, but Nohen just flicked his middle finger as they battled it out. By the time it was coming to a close, Lyric’s bowl was empty and she was cheering on her alpha and beta while snuggled up with Adra.
Even Javier was watching with rapt attention as the pixelated characters fought. At least until one of the characters went flying across the screen and the red letters KO bounced in the air.
“Sucks to suck.” Nohen shrugged and sent a dirty glance over his shoulder to the alpha.
Emerson grumbled again, but something in his gaze seemed to shift, and Nohen finally began to look a little nervous.
“Emerson, be nice,” Lyric scolded, waving.
“Oh, I can be nice, alright,” he growled.
Nohen shifted in his seat and it was like a lightbulb went off in Javier’s head.
Oh.
Lyric chuckled, and Nohen sent her a curious glance.
“If what I think is going to happen is going to happen, I want to watch,” Lyric announced.
“Nohen wouldn’t mind an audience, right?” Emerson growled.
Nohen audibly swallowed, and Javier couldn’t stop the way his gaze bounced from alpha to beta to omega and back again like a tennis match.
But who would be the victor?
“Not if it’s Lyric,” Nohen answered.
Emerson released a chuckle that was decidedly alpha, and Javier shook his head.
That beta was going to be eaten alive, and he didn’t seem to mind one bit.
With a glance at Lyric, Javier could tell she’d be glad to help.
“It’s about damned time,” Lyric said, a giggle following the words, and pulled them both from the room to the back.
So it’s like that, Javier thought with a grin.
He couldn’t help but smile at their antics, grabbing plates off the table as Lyric’s giggles trailed from the closed door.
Henry chuckled. “Yeah, it’s like that.”
Had Javier said that aloud? How improper.
“Don’t worry about it,” Henry said with a smirk on his features. “She clearly doesn’t mind, or else she wouldn’t be so open around you.”
Javier nodded, disposing of the plates, trying to organize his thoughts in a more polite direction.
“Javier,” Henry began. “Why do you think I asked you to continue with us?”
He paused stacking bowls. “Because of my food?” he guessed.
Henry chuckled. “Okay, yes, you make the best damned private chef I’ve ever seen. But also… Lyric likes you. And since she’s…”
“Your omega, you’ll make sure she’s happy, yes?” Javier filled in the blanks.
His mind raced in a hundred directions. Lyric was magnetic, drawing him to her even while he tried to remain professional.
“You’re allowed to loosen up around her, is all I’m saying.”
“Hint taken,” Javier replied, his mind reeling with too many thoughts to form a coherent response.
Javier didn’t know what to do with this new information, but as Lyric’s giggle followed him off the bus and back onto his own truck, he couldn’t help but grin.
Henry was a sly one. Javier was just glad he had the alpha’s approval.
Now all he had to do was earn Lyric’s.
Lyric’s heart pounded as she tugged her beta and alpha through their nest and toward her private one. Emerson’s presence—like his scent—was as evident as a storm brewing in the distance and growing ever closer with a spark of electricity in the air.
The tension between him and Nohen had finally reached its peak.
Lyric shut the door behind them and leaned against it with her hands tucked behind her back.
Nohen was a little shorter than Emerson, but only by a few inches, and still much taller than her. But seeing them side by side, the promise of what was to come on the horizon, made her a little breathless.
“Are you guys done with the innuendos? The flirty glances? The teasing banter?” she asked. “Can you please just fuck?”
Nohen coughed into his fist, hiding his smile from Emerson, who crossed his arms and looked down at the beta. “I dunno. Can we?” the alpha questioned.
Slowly lowering his fist, Nohen glanced up and met his gaze. The tension between the two spilled out, overflowed until it reached Lyric by the door, and she swallowed, their scents overwhelming her.
The blooming flowers of Nohen’s gentle scent was swallowed up by the storm of Emerson’s, blown away until she had the urge to cross the room, bury her face in his back, and pull him into her.
“Yeah. Fuck yeah,” Nohen answered, voice hoarse.
Lyric’s stomach flipped, and her skin pebbled with bumps as the tensio
n brewing between them finally struck like a lightning bolt in the form of a harsh kiss. Emerson reached for Nohen, fisted his hands in those short curls just like Lyric liked to do, and pulled him forward. Their lips smashed together, and Lyric went breathless at the sight of them.
She squeezed her hands together as desire pitched south, making her stomach tight.
Emerson ravaged Nohen, lips and tongue and teeth, and Lyric wondered if she had ever had the same dumbstruck expression on her face that Nohen did once they separated.
Nohen’s lips curled up into a drunk smile, and at once, they both glanced in her direction.
“I hope you don’t think you’re only going to watch.”
Lyric’s pulse increased as she stared at the two of them. “Okay,” she said, voice weak with desire.
It was Nohen who reached out and snagged her arm, his grip sliding down from bicep to wrist, and then threaded their fingers together once she brought her arms out from behind her back.
“Don’t act like you haven’t been waiting for this,” Nohen teased near her ear.
Her cheeks flushed with the same warmth that was slowly building along with her pulse. Nohen was right. She wanted nothing more than to see her beta and her alpha together.
Not only for her own selfish reasons either. But also because… she gulped. Because as an omega she wanted her pack to be one.
“As much as I would love to put Nohen in his place,” Emerson practically growled, “I don’t want you to ever question that you’re the centerpiece here in our little band of misfits.”
Lyric’s cheeks heated. “You can put Nohen in his place. I won’t mind.”
Nohen sputtered. “Now hold on a second…”
“What?” Lyric asked, shrugging and trying to hold her smile back.
Emerson chuckled, and the smile curling his lips was one similar to a wolf who’d spotted prey. “You did beat me at all those games without telling me you were a pro-gamer.”
Nohen grinned sheepishly. “So what? You never asked.”
A growl tumbled out of Emerson, and he backed Nohen up to the bed before pressing him down to the mattress with a palm on his chest. Emerson loomed over him.
