by Rachel Jonas
“I knew there was a specific way things were supposed to take place,” Rayen rushed to explain, “but I wasn’t thinking as clearly as I should have been.”
Hearing him take the heat on his own, I had to speak up.
“Actually, I came on to him,” I confessed, recalling the sexual tension that mounted between us that night. When I could have walked away, I pushed the limits, which resulted in a night I didn’t regret, but I certainly didn’t understand the consequences of it. Actually, I still didn’t.
“At the time, I thought the worst thing that could happen would be that it’d piss you off to know I’d broken the rules, but now I see it’s bigger than that,” Rayen sighed. “I had no idea it would affect us all.”
Ori still hadn’t said a word, which made him impossible to read.
And also made me a little worried.
“I won’t stand before you and lie,” Rayen continued. “I wouldn’t take back what happened, but I would at least tell you sooner.”
My heart squeezed hearing him say this, because I felt the same way. We’d done nothing wrong. As his mate, there were no limits or boundaries. But, apparently, there were rules.
“You’re pissed, but say something,” Rayen pushed, staring as he waited for his brother to reply.
At first, Ori only shook his head, still keeping his gaze trained on the ground. But then, his hazel irises met Rayen’s. “I’m not angry,” he said. “If anything, I take responsibility for what’s happened.”
My brow quirked with confusion.
“How is any of this your fault?” Rayen clearly shared my thoughts.
Ori dropped onto the edge of his bed when emotion weighed him down. He seemed … disappointed. Although, it was still hard to tell where the feelings were directed.
“I wasn’t as receptive to this new bond as all of you seem to be. I’ve been slow to thaw, so it’s not hard to understand how something like this could happen.” He still wouldn’t make eye contact with either of us while he spoke. “You three and Noelle had a connection before discovering she was our mate, which is why there was already chemistry between you, fewer obstacles to overcome.”
Listening to him speak, I knew exactly where the disappointment was aimed.
At himself.
His eyes lifted to Rayen suddenly. “I’ve been late to come around to the idea of having found our queen, and for that I apologize,” Ori said, shocking me yet again. Not only was he not angry, he felt he was at fault. “You did nothing wrong.”
With those words, he freed his brother of the guilt I’d seen riding his shoulders since the night it happened.
“Whatever it takes to make this right, I’ll do it,” Rayen promised. “I’m heading over to see Ty. Maybe he’ll have answers.”
With that, Ori nodded to give Rayen his blessing to go, and then it was just us.
The room was silent, and Ori’s words weighed heavily on my thoughts. He seemed to hate how long it was taking for his heart to warm, but coldness wasn’t what I saw when I looked at him.
I only saw devotion, conviction and passion. He worked hard to conceal them all, but as his queen, I was beginning to see right through him.
“Please, understand that this … protocol has nothing to do with me. It’s not my rule, not some manifestation of my ego,” he explained. “I take no issue with you being the one to decide which of us you should be with or when. This is simply the way Spirit established order within each of the hives.”
I already knew this, but appreciated him making it clear that his pride hadn’t come into play here. The Omegas were all important to me. Although, I wasn’t completely sure Ori understood that.
I took a few steps forward, to where he still sat perched on the edge of his mattress. The closeness brought his eyes to mine.
“You think I don’t feel as connected to you, but you’re wrong,” I admitted, feeling the way my soul ebbed toward his as I confessed. “I love that you don’t give everything to everyone, reserving what matters most for those you know won’t hurt you. You’re selective who you trust, selective when it comes to who’s allowed to know the real you. Because you lock the rest of the world out, honestly, I’m honored that you’re starting to let me in.”
Long dark lashes closed over his eyes for a few seconds before he reopened them. “I wasn’t sure you could feel the change,” he rasped. “I know I’m hard to read, hard to understand, but—”
“I want you just the way you are.” My statement brought his to an abrupt end, and he seemed relieved to hear me say the words.
I took another step closer, until I stood between his parted knees, staring down at him.
“You’re just as important to me as the others,” I shared, believing he needed to hear me say it. “You four are my mates and my future, but … you’re my alpha—the one Spirit saw fit to protect and lead us all.”
My heart thundered inside my chest when his stare deepened, seeming to pierce straight through me. Not so long ago, I made it a point to tell him he didn’t rule over me, wasn’t “my alpha”. The only thing that had changed between then and now was that I’d gotten out of my own way, stopped thinking his position would make him drunk with power, thinking he could lord over me. Ori wasn’t that type of leader, and with how graciously he handled Rayen, I was now even more certain.
There was more I wanted to say, but wasn’t sure how the words would come out. So, I did away with them altogether, choosing action instead.
Ori’s silken strands slipped through my fingers when I lightly gripped the back of his head, bending to lower my mouth to his. Taken by surprise, he drew in a long surge of air that lifted his shoulders where my arms rested on them. Hot palms moved over my skin when he touched me, his hands sliding up the backs of my thighs. The contact ignited what felt like small fires wherever his fingertips trailed. The chemistry that sparked between us before, was rekindled now, as my need for him swelled greatly.
My stomach quivered when one hand left my thigh and moved to the front of my shorts. First, he undid the button, and then lowered the zipper. With a slow, gentle tug, the fabric moved down my hips and then quickly fell to my feet. Thin, wispy silk that matched my black bra followed, and I stepped out of both. The lips I craved were taken away when Ori paused to push my shirt up my torso. Once it was lifted over my head, and then dropped to the floor, I was almost completely exposed to him. While he stared with unmasked appreciation, I pushed thin straps down my shoulders, and then reached to the center of my chest to undo the small silver clasp.
Naked.
Nothing hid any part of me from him, and the look he wore made me think I’d go up in flames.
A primal groan rumbled from his chest to his throat—a sound that made goosebumps dot my skin. Taking his hands, I made him stand, towering over me like the formidable dragon warrior he was. He didn’t flinch when I pushed both hands up his abdomen and chest, gathering the material of his shirt. At his shoulders, he removed it the rest of the way.
Thick muscle sheathed in magnificently flawless skin met my eyes wherever they roamed, and I feasted on every inch of him. It amazed me that my guys were the total package—kind, honorable, and freakin’ beautiful.
My hands lowered to undo his shorts, and I pushed the waistband down his toned hips, revealing tempting divots at the apex of his thighs that drew my attention toward more.
And by ‘more’ I mean the evidence of how the sexual tension between us had reached its peak.
Evidence of this moment not arriving a second too soon.
Evidence of the unfinished business between us.
With my stare returning to Ori’s hungry eyes, I lowered the shorts, and then the boxer briefs that barely contained him. Now, we were both completely exposed, both at the mercy of the other.
We spun slowly, switching places until my back faced the bed and I was made to lie on top of the mattress. The solid mass of Ori’s body covered me—a buffet of smooth, tan skin and rigid muscle, of which I woul
d never have my fill. As I wantonly dragged the sole of my foot from his calf to the firmness of his thigh, I writhed beneath him. That maddening aroma of his seemed to only be present when we were close like this, turned on. It grew stronger and filled my senses, and I breathed it in deep like before, knowing exactly what it was—the scent of an alpha.
My body was practically vibrating with need as my craving for him deepened. His weight could be felt when his waist wedged between my thighs, pushing them further apart, impatience brewing in his gaze. Fire raced through his veins in short bursts, scattering up his forearms and biceps like peculiar lightning. When he craned his neck to kiss me again, his flesh heated against mine.
Emotion seemed to swirl around us like a cyclone of warm, sultry air. My breath stilled when he briefly lifted his weight, and then ended my suffering by slowly pressing himself into me.
Ori groaned and a quiet, whispered gasp left my mouth, disappearing into his dark hair when he leaned close again. The tips of my fingers pressed into him when I gripped his back with both hands. It was all I could do to stay somewhat composed, feeling like each flex of his hips would pull a moan from within me. Holding it in only made the hunger I fought to suppress grow more intense.
Just like Ori’s impatience.
My hand blazed a slow trail down to his waist and he drew in a sharp breath through his nose. The reaction confirmed a theory that had begun to form in my thoughts. I believed that the mighty giant who had kept others away for so long, hadn’t been touched in this way in a long time. His body—like his heart—had been off limits.
The other Omegas hadn’t said as much, but with how girls threw themselves—and their panties—at them, they’d taken advantage of their status as local celebrities on the island. I couldn’t say how many they had in their beds over the years, but I knew there were enough. But … I didn’t think that was the case with Ori.
The thought of being the first one he’d gotten so close to in a very, very long time … I don’t know … it excited me.
The invisible wall between us was shattered into a million tiny pieces in an instant.
As my volume rose carelessly, carrying up into the air.
As Ori revealed to me the full breadth of his power.
I briefly wondered if his bed—and my body—could withstand the pleasurable assault. But then, just as quickly as the thought came, it left again because I lost focus.
My voice grew louder still, and my limbs tightened around him as we both came undone in one another’s arms. Soon, once our sated panting slowed to normal, the only sound to be heard was the gentle rain that had begun to fall outside his window at some point. We hadn’t quieted down enough to hear it before then.
Soft kisses placed on my neck and chest lulled me deeper into a daze, and I didn’t even think about leaving him. Staying the night hadn’t been in my plans, but now I couldn’t imagine spending it alone.
Somehow, the dynamic between Ori and I—between the entire hive—had just shifted again, and it came with a deepening sense of loyalty and belonging. Now that order had been restored, and I’d established a proper connection with our alpha, our unit felt more solid than ever.
Unbreakable.
Chapter Eighteen
Noelle
Ori fell to the side of me, and I turned with him, unable to let him wander too far. I’d never been one to cling to a guy, but I was beside myself at the moment, feeling crazy possessive over this one. It was almost like he’d marked me in some way, like our souls were even more entangled than they’d been before.
Maybe this had something to do with why Spirit meant for him to be the first.
A massive hand landed gently on my hip, tugging me toward him, and I didn’t hate it. My breasts pressed to the firmness of his chest and, so close, you could hardly tell where one body started and ended.
I stared at Ori—beautiful, sexy, mine—waiting with bated breath when I realized he’d speak.
“From this day forward,” he declared, running the back of his hand down my cheek, “you’re my responsibility.”
My eyes fluttered slowly. “Don’t you mean I’m the entire hive’s responsibility?” I asked, thinking he’d misspoken. However, when he shook his head, I realized that hadn’t been the case.
“First, you’re to come to me,” he made clear, the depth of his voice shaking my soul. “Then, if I need reinforcement, the others will step in, helping to ensure that you never want for anything.”
The hand that warmed my cheek slipped lower, unintentionally grazing the side of my chest while Ori held my gaze.
“Also, I believe it goes without saying, but we’re all at your disposal,” he added, “for anything you need. For anything you want.”
The intended double-meaning wasn’t lost, causing me to draw in a breath.
A girl could get used to this life.
The tone shifted from hot and heavy to sweet when he reached behind me to pull the comforter over us both. Despite this being the first time, it felt like we’d been here a thousand times before—comfortable, natural.
Who knew the king of icy glares and cold shoulders was capable of showing such warmth.
“I hope Maureen didn’t make you uncomfortable today,” he said, pulling me from my thoughts. “She brought up the ceremony before any of us had the chance. I guess we were just waiting for things to settle down a bit before we overwhelmed you with something new.”
With a faint smile, I shook my head. “She didn’t scare me, but … maybe she did freak me out a little.”
His broad chest vibrated against me when he laughed. “It’s nothing to worry about. Honestly, it’s more for the people than it is for us. Our bond is already solid, already complete. The ceremony is simply to present you to the tribe, and give them a chance to acknowledge your place within our hive.”
I swallowed hard with the word that came to mind. “Is it like a … wedding kind of thing?”
Ori laughed louder this time. “No, more like a reception. Seeing as how Spirit took care of the actual union.”
I nodded with my head leaning on his arm.
“So, what about bringing your family here? Ours will all be present.”
My stomach sank at the very idea of it. “I suppose it’ll have to be done eventually one day, so … why not.”
“Don’t sound so enthusiastic,” Ori joked.
My hand moved beneath the blanket, coming to rest on the side of his ribs. “You know I’m in this one-hundred-percent,” I reminded him. “It’s just that … well, you saw how my friends reacted. Or, more specifically, you saw how Tristan reacted. Who’s to say others won’t do the same? And while Tristan’s a cool guy and all, I definitely care more about what my family thinks than him.”
“I get it,” Ori nodded. “It’s tradition, but if you’d rather not do it, then that’s how it will be. No one can make you do anything. Not with us having any say in it.”
I loved the sound of him asserting himself, making it clear that he’d move heaven and Earth for me.
I peered up and couldn’t hide my smile. “No, I’ll do it. I’m not ashamed of what I have with you all.”
A kiss to my forehead put my mind at ease, and I shrank into him even more.
“In the meantime, I do want to have something a bit more casual,” he said. “We’re thinking about a gathering here at the bungalow, Firekeepers and their family’s only. Figured you’d enjoy hanging out with the other queens again.”
Actually, I perked up just at the mention of them, the three exceptional women who’d been so kind and wise—Kalea, Lehua, and Nayeli.
“I’m definitely in,” I smiled. “When are you thinking we’ll do it? Keep in mind, I’ve got finals in four weeks.”
And the big evaluation.
And rumors that scouts from The Guard would be dropping by campus.
No pressure, right?
Ori nodded thoughtfully. “Then, I’ll leave that up to you.”
I visualized the ca
lendar, and did a little calculating. “How about two weekends from now?”
I hadn’t expected any objection to the date, so it surprised me when Ori’s expression seemed to shift, becoming solemn.
“Um … any weekend but that one,” he said.
Curious, my brow pulled together. “Okay … Why?”
He breathed deeply, and I wondered why he seemed to have such a hard time answering that one, simple question.
“Because,” he sighed, “there’s a tribal … thing the guys and I have to be present for. Another tradition.”
He was unnervingly vague about that, which only made me more curious.
“Well … can I come?” I asked chipperly, staring with expectation. Only, Ori’s gaze wasn’t so welcoming when it met mine.
“I’m sorry, but … no.” The words hit me like a ton of bricks. How had we gone from me being told I could have anything I wanted, to having the door shut in my face when I asked to tag along.
“Okayyy …”
When I shifted to pull away a bit after the awkward exchange, Ori caught my waist and brought me back.
“Noelle, wait,” he breathed.
I wouldn’t look at him because I was inexplicably offended. Maybe because I was just starting to feel like I belonged, just starting to feel like I was really a part of the hive.
Ugh … it was so stupid being upset about something so small. I mean, I didn’t mind them going off and doing things without me. It wasn’t that. I just … I guess I just wanted to be around them.
“It’s fine,” I objected, deciding to be a big girl about this. “If it’s not okay to tag along, I’m okay with that. I have friends,” I reminded him. “I’m sure we can get into something on our own.”
It was then that I realized the date I’d suggested to Ori.
My eyes closed and I smiled a bit. “Actually, I already have something going on that day. It completely slipped my mind.”
His brow quirked. “Oh … well, that’s perfect,” he said. “What’s the occasion.”
“Something called the Firelight Celebration? A kid on campus was handing out flyers and my friends got a hold of one.”
