The softest growl came from his chest. He yanked me into his arms and suddenly his teeth were at my throat, biting just hard enough to make me go limp, my Omega falling into instant submission. He licked over the point of my pulse when he released me, dragging his nose up to my ear, taking his time and making no secret of the fact he was enjoying my scent.

Prey.

I was prey, and this close to an Alpha I couldn’t breathe. Instant, thick perfume swirled around us. I needed to run, and I needed him to fucking chase me.

“You’re so fucking tempting,” he murmured. “But I need you to breathe. Ben will close the windows and the curtains.”

“Okay.”

I heard the sounds of it happening. “Did they bother you a lot?”

“No more than expected. And as much as I’d like to punch a couple of them in the dick for the things they think they’re allowed to say, they’re not going to get anything. From any of us. Right?”

Four voices answered in the positive.

Twisting, I saw the rest of them had entered and were looking around the new space.

“How do you like your room, baby?”

I couldn’t contain my smile. “I love it. And I love that you changed the lock without me even asking.”

Rylan bounced on the bed, pulling me down onto my back to kiss me. “Why would you have to ask?”

“Because she’s used to having to ask for everything which should be a given,” Avery said. “And I’m determined to break the habit.”

My face flushed, and Rylan kissed me again, long and slow. When we pulled apart, they were closer. Ben had a hand on my leg. “Tell us what happened?”

Not a command, but a request. I didn’t want to, because it would mean admitting Mom didn’t want to give them a chance in the same way the store manager had judged them. But they didn’t have secrets, and not telling them wouldn’t save them from the truth of it. That would only delay the process, so I told them.

“Sorry.”

Luke chuckled. “Your mom isn’t the only one who’s made the wrong judgment on sight. We get that a lot and you’ve already seen it. We’ll be fine. As long as you’re happy, your mother’s approval isn’t the one I’m looking for.”

“I do want her to meet you, because I think she’ll change her mind. But it will take time.”

“We have plenty of that,” Rylan said with a grin.