I hesitated. They just got me here. Did they need attention? I’d never done this before, and I didn’t know what the expectations were. Things for the nest would be nice, but every heat I’d ever had, I’d gotten by with what was on hand. I already knew the nest was beautiful. I didn’t need anything else for it.

“Esme,” Avery said. “Come here for a second.”

I followed him across the hall into the living room, where he enveloped me in a hug. “I can see your mind going a million miles a minute, baby girl.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m proud of you for coming with us when you’re already nervous. And I don’t even have to ask them to know every one of our pack wants to make your heat perfect. If that means getting every little thing you want for it, then we’ll do that. If it’s too overwhelming and all you want is to curl up somewhere soft, we’ll do that. Don’t feel any pressure and don’t worry about anyone else right now. Okay?”

It was easier said than done, but I inhaled the heady scent of spices and let my mind settle. “I think I’d like a few things,” I said. “Not that the nest isn’t beautiful. It is—”

“You don’t have to justify it, Esme. I told you yesterday, we made the nest so our Omega could turn it into the place she wanted. And right now, for this heat? You are our Omega. Do whatever you want to it.” He pulled me back far enough to look at my face. “Have you ever had a nest during a heat?”

I shook my head.

“Why not?”

Shrugging, I stepped back. “It seemed like it would be harder. It’s already painful when you’re alone. Why emphasize it by making a nest when you don’t have anyone to share it with?”

“Then I want you to make it everything you’ve ever wanted. Do you have time before your heat settles?”

“I think so.”

“And you want to do it?”

I pressed down my instinct to say it was fine and I didn’t need it. “Yes.”

“Go on then.”

My breath was easier in my lungs as I went back into the hallway. “Okay, let’s go.”

Addison jumped once. “Hell yeah. This is going to be amazing.”

“And a nightmare,” Ben said sarcastically. “Esme, Addison is a designer. She helped us with the house and we could barely hold her back.”

Suddenly her knowledge made sense.

“She won’t have to hold me back,” Addison said, and hugged Claire. “You have rehearsal?”

The tall Alpha kissed her gently. “I do. Have fun, and don’t wait up.”

Addison looped her arm through mine and pulled me toward the front door. “Oh, by the way,” she called. “All of this is going on your credit cards.”