Knot the One They Want (Claimverse Book 1)

My heart pounds in my chest as Lake’s words sink in.

Daria.

Their former omega.

The woman they once rejected me for, the ghost that’s haunted our relationship from the beginning. And now she’s here, in the flesh, looking like she just stepped off a runway.

I’m reeling, a toxic cocktail of emotions churning in my gut. Annoyance at her audacity to show up here, on what should have been my night. Fear of what her presence might mean for my fragile happiness. And a deep, gnawing insecurity that threatens to consume me.

‘What the hell does she want?’ Cole mutters, his jaw clenched tight.

The others murmur in agreement, their bodies tense as coiled springs. But I barely hear them over the roaring in my ears. My gaze is locked on Daria as she saunters toward us, her hips swaying with practiced grace.

‘Hi, boys,’ she purrs, her eyes fixed on Damien. ‘Miss me?’

The gallery has gone deathly silent, every eye trained on our little drama. It’s clear from the hushed whispers and pointed stares that everyone knows exactly who Daria is. They’re all waiting with bated breath to see what the alphas will do.

And I’m terrified. Terrified that this is it, that all their promises to me will crumble in the face of their first love’s return. Only this time, I’m marked. If they reject me now, it won’t just break my heart—it’ll shatter my very soul.

Daria’s gaze finally lands on me, her perfect nose wrinkling slightly as she gives me a dismissive once-over. I fight the urge to shrink back, to hide behind my alphas like the insecure little omega she clearly thinks I am.

‘What the hell are you doing here?’ Damien growls, his voice low and dangerous.

Daria’s face crumples, hurt flooding her delicate features. But there’s something off about it, a falseness that makes my skin crawl. ‘I… I just wanted to talk,’ she says, her voice trembling. ‘Can’t we do that? For old times’ sake?’

Her eyes flick to me again, cold and calculating beneath the show of vulnerability.

‘Alone,’ she adds pointedly.

Asher steps forward, placing himself between Daria and me like a living shield. ‘Evie is our omega,’ he says firmly. ‘She’s not going anywhere.’

A flicker of annoyance crosses Daria’s face before she schools her expression back into a pout. ‘Please,’ she whimpers. ‘I made a mistake. I want to come back.’

Cole barks out a harsh laugh. ‘What, the barista you hooked up with didn’t turn out to be Prince Charming after all?’

Confusion flashes in Daria’s eyes, quickly replaced by dawning realization. ‘You’ve been watching me,’ she breathes, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. ‘I knew it. I knew you still cared.’

Her words hit me hard. I knew Damien wasn’t over her before. Knew that was why he pushed the others to reject me. But hearing the evidence from her lips still hurts.

Damien clenches his jaw, but he doesn’t deny it, so it must be true.

The other omega’s gaze slides to me, dripping with disdain. ‘There’s no way you’ve replaced me with this vapid princess.’

White-hot anger surges through me, momentarily drowning out the fear and insecurity. How dare she? She doesn’t know me, doesn’t know anything about what I’ve been through or who I am.

Before I can open my mouth to defend myself, the alphas leap to my defense.

‘You have no right to talk about her that way,’ Lake snarls, his usually gentle eyes flashing with fury.

‘Evie is no one’s replacement,’ Cole adds, his massive frame practically vibrating with rage as he stands beside his brother. Asher, too.

Damien steps forward, his presence commanding everyone’s attention. ‘They’re right. Evie,’ he says, his voice ringing with conviction, ‘is our omega. Our mate.’

Daria’s eyes widen, her gaze traveling to my neck. I know the moment she spots their marks peeking out from beneath my collar. Her face contorts with rage, all pretense of vulnerability vanishing in an instant.

‘You marked this stuck-up bitch?’ she shrieks, lunging at me with clawed hands. She manages to grasp my arm with her stiletto claws, but I’m too stunned by the surreality of her antics to even process the pain.

Everything happens in a blur. The alphas move as one, forming a protective barrier around me. Damien and Lake wrestle Daria back, while Cole catches me as I stumble.

‘Are you alright?’ Asher asks, his hands ghosting over me, checking for injuries.

I nod, too stunned to speak. Daria continues to struggle against Damien and Lake’s grip, her composure completely shattered.

‘Please,’ she wails, her mascara running in black rivulets down her cheeks. ‘Take me back. I’ll do anything. I changed my mind! You can’t do this, you can’t give what was supposed to be mine to that chubby, prissy little bitch!’

‘Shut your fucking mouth!’ Damien’s alpha bark—even if it sounds more like a roar—echoes through the room and everyone goes dead silent.

Including Daria.

In fact, her whole body freezes as if she’s just been struck, her eyes growing wide.

‘That’ll be the last time you or anyone else utters a word against my mate,’ Damien says, his voice as cold as ice, his expression carved from stone. It’s a warning, and not just to Daria. I’m pretty sure I just heard Vivienne gulp across the room. ‘Security,’ he snarls, his voice colder than I’ve ever heard it. ‘Get her out of here before I violate my own rule about never hurting an omega.’

As burly security guards drag a still-screaming Daria away, the families close ranks around us. Carl places a protective hand on my shoulder, while my father hovers awkwardly nearby, looking torn between concern and embarrassment. He really hates when anyone makes a scene.

Sometimes I’m not sure how he’s stayed married to Vivienne all these years. At least she seems to be enjoying herself, even if she isn’t at the center of the drama for once. But after Damien’s threat, she knows better than to try to get in any more of her typical barbs.

‘Are you sure you’re alright, dear?’ Carl asks, his eyes kind as he looks down at me with more concern than my own family has ever shown me. I realize now I was right to be nervous about this night, but not for any of the reasons I thought. None of the Blackwood pack’s family members have been anything other than supportive and welcoming to me so far.

I manage a shaky smile. ‘I’m fine,’ I assure him, looking down at my arm. Daria’s claws left marks, but they’re not even bleeding. ‘Just a few scratches. Nothing serious.’

But as the adrenaline fades, I’m hit by a wave of emotion so strong it nearly brings me to my knees. They defended me. In the face of the omega they once rejected me for, the woman I was so afraid would steal them away if she ever came back… Now she has, my worst fear came true, and they chose me. Without hesitation.

‘Evie?’ Damien’s voice is soft, almost hesitant. I look up to find all four alphas watching me with a mix of concern and… is that fear?

‘We’re so sorry,’ Lake says, reaching for my hand. ‘We never thought she’d show up here, never wanted to put you through that.’

‘Do you…’ Asher swallows hard, his usual confidence nowhere to be seen. ‘Do you want us to take you home?’

I blink, surprised by the vulnerability in their expressions. They’re afraid, I realize. Afraid that Daria’s appearance has shaken my faith in them, in us.

I can’t help but smile, my relief a palpable thing that soothes my shaking hands. ‘No, of course not. It’s Lake’s night. There’s no reason to let her ruin it.’

Relief washes over their faces, and I feel the last of my lingering insecurities crumble to dust. These men, these amazing, complicated, frustrating men, love me. They chose me, marked me, defended me.

And I choose them right back.

‘It’s our night,’ Lake corrects, squeezing my hand. He leans in to kiss me, whispering against my ear, ‘You never cease to impress me, baby girl.’

My face flushes at his words and I lean into him, nuzzling him affectionately. ‘Come on,’ I say with a genuine smile. ‘Let’s meet the rest of your adoring patrons.’

The rest of the night goes off without a hitch, now that security has made sure to keep a close eye out for any red dress wearing interlopers.

I stick close to Lake’s side, my hand resting in the crook of his elbow as we navigate the sea of art enthusiasts and socialites, the others usually trailing close behind us. His warm presence grounds me, chasing away the lingering echoes of Daria’s hateful words.

‘You should talk to that woman over there,’ I murmur, nodding toward a silver-haired alpha in an impeccable Chanel suit. ‘I overheard her mentioning she’s opening a new gallery in the city.’

Lake’s eyes light up. ‘Good catch, baby girl.’ He presses a kiss to my temple before striding over to introduce himself.

I watch him work his magic, effortlessly charming the gallery owner with his quiet passion and depth of knowledge. Pride swells in my chest. This is what I’ve always wanted—to support my alphas, to help them shine in their individual spheres of influence. To be more than just a pretty face on their arm.

‘You’re good at this. I’ve never seen Lake so bold.’

I turn to find Carl watching me, approval glinting in his eyes. ‘Thank you,’ I say, warmth spreading through me at his praise. ‘I just want to help however I can.’

He nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. ‘You’re exactly what they need, you know. What this family needs.’

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, in the best possible way. I blink rapidly, willing away the sudden moisture in my eyes. ‘That means a lot to me,’ I whisper.

Carl leans in to kiss my cheek and murmurs, ‘Welcome to the family, Evie,’ before moving on to mingle with other guests. I take a deep breath, savoring the feeling of acceptance, of finally belonging somewhere.

The night wears on, and I find myself drawn into conversation after conversation. Damien’s mother, a statuesque woman with his same piercing blue eyes, regales me with stories of his childhood mishaps. Cole and Lake’s parents fuss over me, insisting we all come for Sunday dinner next week. Even Asher’s notoriously prickly grandmother seems charmed, patting my cheek and declaring me ‘a breath of fresh air.’

It’s overwhelming in the best possible way. For the first time in my life, I feel truly seen and valued for who I am, not just what I represent as an omega.

As the crowd begins to thin, I catch Damien’s eye across the room. He’s deep in conversation with a potential investor, but the heat in his gaze when it locks with mine sends shivers down my spine. I watch as he leans in, whispering something to Cole.

Both alphas’ eyes darken as they turn to look at me.

Warmth pools low in my belly. I know that look.

Sure enough, moments later, all four alphas converge on me like predators stalking their prey. Lake’s arm snakes around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

‘There’s something I want to show you,’ Lake announces, his breath tickling the curls falling loose from my updo on the side of my neck. ‘There’s one more piece I haven’t unveiled yet.’

‘There is?’ I ask, looking up at him in confusion.

Rather than answer, he takes my hand and leads me through the gallery. The others follow close behind.

As we come to the one section of the gallery I thought was just under construction, considering it was partitioned off earlier, I realize the small glass barrier is no longer there. We round the corner of one display wall to reveal a massive canvas covered in a thick white cloth.

The other partygoers gather around, curious about what’s going on. And it’s already been an evening full of excitement. As long as Daria isn’t lurking behind that cloth, I’m fine.

Lake reaches out to take a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, raising it above his head. ‘Everyone,’ he begins, lifting his voice to be heard over the quieting murmurs of conversation. ‘I’d like to thank you all so much for coming to the exhibition tonight. It means the world to me to have your support, but even more so to be able to step out into the world with my full pack for the first time. Including our newest addition.’

His gaze is as warm as his smile as he looks at me. I don’t even realize the others have come up beside me until I feel a hand on my shoulder. I don’t have to look to know it’s Cole’s.

‘Now that you’ve all had the pleasure of meeting Evie, who’s completed our pack in ways none of us thought possible, I’d like to introduce you to my latest piece,’ Lake continues, reaching for the edge of the cloth. ‘Anyone who knows me knows that this last year hasn’t exactly been my most prolific, but I think it’s safe to say I found my muse. And it’s all because of her.’

My throat tightens as I realize everyone is looking at me, but all I can see is Lake. I’m glad I’m not expected to speak right now, because I don’t think I could find the words if I tried.

‘So, without further ado, I’d like to present my magnum opus,’ Lake says, pulling the curtain off the massive, golden frame surrounding the painting. ‘It’s called ‘Heart of the Pack.”

My heart drops into my stomach as I take in the painting before me, done in soft hues of gold, blue and pink.

It’s… me.

I’m sitting at my vanity in an intimate moment, fixing my hair, and it’s done in such lifelike quality with the kind of care and attention to every minute detail that only a master artist could give, I’m left wondering how many times Lake has watched me get ready without my noticing.

I’ve always connected more with music than visual art, but this… this painting speaks to me in a way nothing ever has. I didn’t even know it was possible for art to be an expression of love. Every tender brushstroke a whisper of admiration, every bit of dappled lighting across my skin—including the curves I used to be so self-conscious of—on canvas an act of worship. Like Lake has spent months studying every inch of me, committing them to memory.

And I guess he has.

I’m barely even aware of the applause as the others celebrate Lake’s work, and the low murmurs of interest and discussion. I should feel self-conscious, considering I’m up there for the whole world to inspect, but the way he painted me, I feel like a goddess. And the way he and the others are looking at me now only confirms it.

‘Lake,’ I breathe, tears slipping down my cheeks. ‘It’s beautiful.’

‘It’s nothing compared to the real thing,’ he says, coming over to take my hand. ‘Thank you, Evie.’

‘For what?’ I ask, still recovering from my surprise.

‘For being my muse,’ he murmurs, leaning in to kiss me. ‘For giving me back my inspiration. For giving me something worth painting.’

My cheeks flush as I lean into him. What am I supposed to say to that?’

‘I’m really going to have to step up my game,’ Asher says, raking a hand through his hair. ‘I don’t think dedicating my next album to her is going to cut it anymore.’

I give him a gentle nudge, but something tells me he’s not joking. ‘This is amazing,’ I breathe, looking from Lake to the others. ‘All of you… the way you make me feel is… it’s amazing.’

‘It’s nothing close to what you deserve, baby,’ Cole says, leaning in to rub his cheek against mine, marking me with his scent. ‘But we’ve got the rest of our lives to work on that.’

‘Speaking of which, I think it’s about time we head home,’ Damien rumbles, his voice pitched low enough that only I can hear. ‘We’ve shared you with these vultures long enough.’

A thrill runs through me at his possessive tone. ‘But what about networking?’ I ask innocently, batting my lashes. ‘There are still so many people here…’

Lake growls softly, leaning in to nip at my earlobe. ‘The only networking I’m interested in right now involves you, naked, in our bed.’

Heat floods my cheeks, and I have to stifle a whimper. ‘Well, when you put it like that…’

Cole chuckles, the sound sending pleasant vibrations through my body where he’s pressed against my back. ‘That’s our good girl,’ he purrs. ‘Always so eager to please.’

We say our goodbyes, Lake graciously thanking everyone for coming while the others hover impatiently. I can feel the tension thrumming between us, the promise of what’s to come making my skin tingle.

As we step out into the cool night air, I’m struck by a wave of gratitude so intense it nearly takes my breath away. This is everything I’ve ever wanted—to be loved, cherished, protected.

To have a family, a pack of my own.

Damien opens the car door, his touch lingering as he helps me inside. The others pile in around me, a tangle of limbs and heated gazes.

‘Take us home,’ Damien instructs the driver, his voice rough with barely contained desire before he puts up the partition.

As the car pulls away from the curb, I close my eyes and lean back, savoring the feeling of being surrounded by my alphas. My mates. My family.

The air in the car crackles with tension, thick enough to cut with a knife. I can feel the alphas’ eyes on me, their hunger palpable. My skin prickles with awareness, every nerve ending singing with anticipation.

Damien’s hand finds my knee, his touch searing through the thin fabric of my dress. ‘You were incredible tonight,’ he murmurs, voice low and rough. ‘So poised, so perfect.’

I flush at his praise, warmth blooming in my chest. ‘I just wanted to make you proud,’ I whisper.

‘Oh, baby girl,’ Lake breathes, nuzzling into my neck. ‘You always make us proud.’

His lips brush against my pulse point, and I can’t help the soft gasp that escapes me. Cole’s hand slips into my hair, freeing it from my updo until it splays around my shoulders.

‘I think our omega deserves a reward,’ he growls. ‘Don’t you agree?’

Asher’s eyes gleam in the dim light of the car. ‘Absolutely,’ he purrs, fingers trailing up my inner thigh. ‘What do you say, sweetheart? Will you let us show you how much we appreciate you?’

My breath catches in my throat. We’re still at least twenty minutes from home, but the desire coursing through me is too potent to ignore. I nod, not trusting my voice.

That’s all the permission they need. Suddenly, I’m awash in sensation. Lake’s mouth on my neck, Cole’s hands cupping my breasts through my dress. Asher’s fingers inch higher beneath the slit in my dress, pushing it up and teasing along the edge of my panties.

Damien captures my lips in a searing kiss, swallowing my moans as the others work me into a frenzy. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, claiming, possessing.

‘Such a good girl,’ he murmurs against my lips. ‘Our perfect little omega.’

I whimper, overwhelmed by their touch, their scent, their praise. It’s almost too much, and yet not nearly enough.

Cole tugs down the neckline of my dress, exposing my breasts to the cool air of the car. I arch into his touch as he palms them, rough calluses catching on my sensitive skin.

‘So responsive,’ he growls approvingly. ‘Always so eager for us.’

Asher’s clever fingers finally slip beneath my panties, and I cry out at the contact. ‘Fuck,’ he hisses, his voice laced with desire. ‘She’s soaked for us already.’

The alphas growl and purr in unison, the scent of my arousal filling the enclosed space. Lake captures my earlobe between his teeth, tugging gently.

‘You love this, don’t you?’ he whispers. ‘Being surrounded by your alphas, cherished, worshiped.’

‘Yes,’ I gasp, rocking my hips against Asher’s hand. ‘Please, I need⁠—’

‘Shh,’ Damien soothes, brushing his thumb across my bottom lip. ‘We know what you need, baby. We’ve got you.’

And they do. Four sets of hands work in perfect harmony, touching, teasing, bringing me right to the edge of bliss.

‘That’s it,’ Cole encourages as I start to tremble. ‘Let go for us, sweetheart. Show us how good we make you feel.’

His words are my undoing. I shatter with a cry. The alphas murmur praise and endearments as they work me through it, drawing out every last tremor.

As I come down from my high, I become aware of the car slowing. We’ve arrived home, but the night is far from over. The heated looks the alphas exchange tell me they’re just getting started.

Damien helps me out of the car after I’ve made myself mostly decent, steadying me on shaky legs. ‘Think you can make it upstairs?’ he asks, a wicked glint in his eye.

I nod, still breathless. ‘Lead the way.’

As we enter the house, a sense of rightness washes over me. This is where I belong, with these four incredible men who chose me, who fought for me.

Damien sweeps me into his arms, cradling me against his chest. ‘Fuck it, I can’t wait another second,’ he growls, his voice rough with hunger. My heart races as he carries me up the stairs, the others following close behind. This will be the first time I’ve actually had all of them at once, not just sharing a bed.

I nestle my face into the crook of his neck, breathing in his intoxicating scent. My mind whirls with the events of the night—Daria’s appearance, the alphas’ unwavering support, the painting’s unveiling.

It’s almost too much to process.

‘What are you thinking about, Evie?’ Damien asks softly as we reach the top of the stairs.

I lift my head, meeting his piercing blue gaze. ‘Everything,’ I admit. ‘It’s been… a lot.’

His expression softens, concern replacing the heat in his eyes. ‘Do you need to talk about it?’

The others crowd around us, their presence comforting rather than overwhelming. I shake my head, smiling. ‘No, I’m okay. Just… happy. Overwhelmed, but in a good way.’

Lake reaches out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear. ‘We love you, Evie,’ he murmurs.

Tears prick at my eyes, and I blink them away. ‘I love you too. All of you.’

Damien carries me into our bedroom, gently setting me on the edge of the bed. Our nest. The alphas gather around, their gazes filled with a mix of desire and tenderness that makes my heart swell.

‘You were incredible tonight,’ Cole says, kneeling in front of me. He takes my hands in his, his touch grounding me. ‘The way you handled Daria, how you charmed everyone at the gallery… You continue to amaze us.’

I duck my head, unused to such open praise. But I could get used to it. ‘I’m just doing my job as your omega.’

Asher tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes. ‘You’re not just some trophy omega, Evie. You’re our partner, our equal.’

His words hit me in the best possible way. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted to hear, everything I’ve been afraid to hope for.

‘We know we haven’t always been… the best at showing it,’ Damien adds, his voice tinged with regret. ‘But you’ve changed us, Evie. Made us better. As alphas, as men.’

I look around at them, this pack who have chosen me, who fight for me every day. The lump in my throat grows, threatening to choke me with the intensity of my emotions.

‘I don’t know what to say,’ I whisper.

Lake sits beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. ‘You don’t have to say anything, baby girl. Just let us show you how much we love you.’

I nod, leaning into his embrace. The others move closer, surrounding me with their warmth and strength. In this moment, I feel utterly safe, completely cherished.

Damien kneels, gently removing my heels. His touch is reverent as he kisses his way up my ankle and calf, his fingers brushing the tops of my stockings before he pulls them down, revealing the soft flesh beneath.

I shiver as Damien’s lips trail up my leg, his touch igniting sparks beneath my skin. The other alphas watch with heated gazes, their presence both comforting and thrilling.

Safe. Cherished. Loved beyond measure.

Their gazes scorch my skin as Damien slowly drags my skirt up, baring me to their hungry eyes. My skin feels too tight, charged with electricity, as they devour me with their stares.

Damien settles between my legs, his breath ghosting over my sensitive flesh. His tongue darts out, tasting me, and my hips buck off the bed. He chuckles darkly, the sound vibrating against me, sending spikes of heat through my core. Then he begins to feast, his tongue stroking and flicking with torturous slowness.

Asher kneels beside him, those talented fingers of his sliding into me. I cry out as he pushes into me, his touch firm and sure. He knows exactly how to drive me wild—how to tease and torment until I’m a quivering mess, begging for more.

The sensation of being filled, of having their mouths and hands on me, pushes me closer to the edge. I’m theirs to do with as they please, and I can’t get enough.

Cole and Lake tug my dress straps down, exposing my breasts. Their mouths descend, Lake sucking gently on one peak while Cole lavishes attention on the other. Their hands mold and knead my flesh as they feast, driving me to the brink of insanity.

Hands, mouths, everywhere. I can’t keep track of the sensations bombarding me. Lake’s kisses trail up my neck, scattering fiery kisses along my jaw. He captures my mouth in a searing kiss, swallowing my whimpers as Damien’s tongue and Asher’s fingers work in tandem, pushing me closer and closer.

Cole’s hands roam down my body, caressing my waist, my hips, before landing on my thighs. He urges them apart, baring me even more, exposing me to their ravenous gazes. Lake breaks the kiss, nibbling along my jaw as he watches his pack brothers pleasuring me.

‘You’re so beautiful when you come undone for us,’ Lake murmurs, his warm breath fanning over my ear. ‘Let go, baby girl. We’ve got you.’

His words send me spiraling. I cry out, my body arching as I fall apart. Damien and Asher don’t relent, drawing out my release, milking every last tremor. They worship me with their mouths, their hands, as the others continue to mark me with hungry bites and feverish kisses.

The aftershocks are still pulsing through me when Damien lifts his head, his eyes blazing with dark desire. I whimper at the intensity of his gaze, his hunger for me so blatant.

‘I need to be inside you,’ he growls, reaching for his belt. ‘Now.’

Cole steps forward, his eyes glittering with wicked intent. ‘That makes two of us.’

I can only nod, my voice stolen by the onslaught of emotions crashing through me. Their unrestrained need for me fuels my own desire, leaving me boneless and willing.

Their eyes shine with the same fervent desire reflecting in my eyes. I can see in them that they know this need…this craving…is mutual.

‘I think our omega can handle all of us,’ Cole growls, his eyes gleaming with challenge. ‘But we’ll need to figure out the logistics.’

A shiver runs through me at the idea of being taken by all of them at once. I’m not sure if it’s physically possible, but I’m more than willing to try.

Cole wastes no time, shedding his clothes and climbing onto the bed. He pats his lap, his eyes fiery with lust. ‘Come here, baby girl.’

I move toward him, my legs slightly trembling. Cole’s strong hands slide around my waist, pulling me onto his lap. He slots his hardness against my core, making me moan at the contact.

‘That’s it, sweet omega,’ he rumbles. ‘Straddle me.’

As I sink down onto his length, he fills me completely. I cry out, arching my back as heat spears through me. Cole’s hands grip my hips, guiding my movements as I rock against him.

Meanwhile, Damien moves behind me, his breath hot on my neck. I feel his fingers between my cheeks, slick with lube, stretching and preparing me for what’s to come. I clench around his digits, my inner walls fluttering. The sensation is new, but not unwelcome. The initial burn eases into a pleasant ache, and I find myself rocking against Cole’s cock in a desperation to increase the friction.

They’re filling me from both holes now, Damien’s fingers pressing into me from one side, Cole’s cock from the other. Oh, that feels so…

‘She’s ready,’ Damien grunts, and I know he’s not just talking about my body.

Asher steps forward, taking his place on the bed, his length hardened and straining. I reach out, wrapping my hand around his girth and guiding him to my mouth. As I swirl my tongue around the tip, tasting his musky saltiness, Damien presses the head of his cock between my cheeks and slowly pushes inside me from behind.

I choke on a moan around Asher’s cock as Damien fills me, thick and relentless, not stopping until I feel the bulge of his knot. Asher’s hands tighten in my hair, urging me to take more of him as he thrusts slowly into my mouth. Lake’s fingers weave through mine, holding my hand tight as he presses heated kisses to my wrist.

It’s too much, and yet, it’s not enough. I want more.

‘Damien,’ Lake’s voice rumbles, firm and demanding as he begins to stroke himself. ‘Take her.’

With a growl, Damien begins to move inside me, his hands gripping my hips as he thrusts in a slow rhythm, clearly holding back for my sake. He pulls out each time Cole thrusts up into me, an alternating, complementary rhythm that has me writhing. Asher picks up the pace, his hips snapping forward as he plunges into the warmth of my mouth. My head spins, the sensations overwhelming and exquisite.

‘That’s it, baby,’ Cole encourages, his hands guiding my hips as I ride him. ‘Take it all.’

His knot keeps bumping up against my pussy, catching on the rim, but with Damien in my other hole, I can’t take it. Not yet, anyway. I reach over, desperate for Lake, too. I replace his stroking hand with mine and run my fingers down over the precome beading on his tip, eagerly spreading it down over his thick shaft.

‘Fuck, yes, baby girl,’ Lake snarls, his fingers sifting through my hair. ‘She feels so fucking good.’

Asher moans his agreement as I take him deeper into my throat. So deep I feel the swell of his knot bump against my swollen lips.

Their grunts and growls fill the room, mingling with my whimpers and gasps. The bed groans beneath us, the headboard knocking rhythmically against the wall. The scent of our arousal and sweat fills the air, heady and intoxicating.

I’m surrounded by their heat, enveloped in their need. It’s chaotic and beautiful, a symphony just for us. My body is alive with sensation, every nerve ending singing.

My hands explore, filled with an urgency that matches the men around me. I stroke Lake harder, more desperately, in time with the others’ thrusts.

As Damien’s thrusts increase in force, I cry out, my voice muffled around Asher’s girth. Cole fills me completely, his knot slipping in finally. It’s dizzying pressure, swelling against Damien’s shaft in my other hole, and I can hardly take the burst of ecstasy it brings. Moving as one, the four of them take me higher, their expert touch coordinating to push me closer to the edge once more.

I’m lost in a storm building like a tight coil in my core. My cries fill the room as they work me into a frenzy, the heat of their hunger matching my own.

‘Look at me, baby,’ Lake rasps, his voice raw.

Through lust-heavy eyes, I meet Lake’s gaze. His eyes, usually so warm and gentle, now smolder with darker desires. Every emotion he feels is laid bare in that moment—passion, possession, adoration.

It undoes me.

With a strangled cry around Asher’s cock, I shatter, white spots dancing before my eyes. My body trembles uncontrollably, each one of them holding me as I fall apart in their arms. The aftershocks rolling through me seem to go on forever, driving me to cry out and writhe against them. I feel myself clenching and releasing around Cole and Damien, milking them as their own releases hit.

Cole grips my hips, his teeth gritted as he pushes into me once, twice more before he stills, unleashing a string of expletives. And as he spills himself inside me, Damien follows, moaning my name, urging me to take him as he knots inside me. I didn’t even think it was possible to take both their knots at once, but fuck, it feels good.

Asher spills down my throat moments later, his fingers holding my nape as he buries himself in my mouth, riding out his release. Lake is the last, coming with a bitten-off shout, my hand still pumping him, our gazes locked together.

They cradle me, lowering me to the bed, covering me with their bodies in a possessive display, covering me in kisses until we’re all too spent to do more than cling to each other, our hearts beating as one.

Lake’s fingers trace idle patterns on my skin, his breath soft and even against my neck as he holds me. I sigh, boneless and utterly satisfied.

‘Look at that,’ Asher says, a satisfied rasp to his voice as his hands tangle in my hair, my head resting against his heart. The steady rhythm of it taps against my cheek, soothing. ‘We finally came together as a pack.’

A weary groan ripples through the tangle of us.

‘I should punch you for that,’ Damien mumbles half-heartedly into the hollow of my neck and shoulder. ‘Fucking cheeseball.’

Cole grunts in agreement, his huge arm draped possessively over my hip as he pulls me closer to him so we’re facing each other since we’re still knotted. Damien pulled out already, but he’s still close, pressed against me from behind. Lake is a little further down, his head resting on my thigh so I can reach down to stroke his hair.

This is bliss, Asher’s terrible dad jokes aside.

Who am I kidding? I love that I’m the only one who gets to see this side of the famous, put-together musician. The reality that at home, he’s a complete dork.

It just makes him hotter.

‘He’s right, though,’ Lake muses, tracing circles up my spine as he gazes up at me. ‘She has brought us together. In a way I honestly didn’t think was possible.’

‘Me either,’ Damien admits quietly. When he nuzzles me, his breath falling against my throat, I feel the affection in his embrace. The adoration backing up his words. ‘I never knew it could be like this.’

I bask in the warmth of their bodies, their scents mingling with mine. The air is thick with the musk of sex and satisfaction. My skin tingles where they touch me, little sparks of electricity dancing across my flesh.

‘I never knew it could be like this either,’ I whisper, my voice hoarse from everything that just happened. ‘You’ve given me everything I ever wanted… and so much more.’

Cole’s arm tightens around my waist, his lips brushing against my temple. ‘You’ve given us more, Evie. You’ve made us whole.’

His words settle deep in my chest, filling a void I didn’t even know existed. I think back to the scared, insecure omega who first stepped into this house, desperate to prove herself worthy. How far I’ve come since then.

‘We still have a lot to learn,’ Lake says, his voice thoughtful. ‘About each other, about being a pack. But we’ll figure it out together.’

‘Together,’ I repeat, tasting the word on my tongue.

It doesn’t feel scary anymore. It feels right.

We lie there in comfortable silence, our breathing syncing up as we bask in the afterglow. I can feel sleep tugging at the edges of my consciousness, but I fight it off, wanting to savor this moment for as long as possible.

‘What are you thinking about?’ Cole asks, his voice a low rumble against my skin.

I smile, tracing idle patterns on his chest. ‘Everything. How much has changed. How much I love you all.’

‘And we love you, too, Evie,’ Damien whispers, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. ‘More than you could ever know.’

As I drift off to sleep, surrounded by the warmth and love of my alphas, I realize something.

I am home.