“I’m not trying to,” I said honestly. “There’s just a lot here.”

He reached out and covered my hand with his where it stroked a blanket of dark brown artificial fur. Sleek and smooth, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like on naked skin.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes.”

“Addison, mark it down.”

I opened my mouth and closed it. “Okay, I get it.”

“I hope so,” he smirked. “Now go.”

The words weren’t a bark, but they were close. I found myself moving and telling Addison which things I wanted without questioning myself. It was too much—it was way too fucking much—but I gave myself over to my Omega instincts and the vision which lingered in my mind.

Pillows were next, and I did the same. Silver and turquoise, sparkling things which seemed like stars. In my chest, there was a bright bubble of happiness that kept growing.

I noticed Avery came back and Luke left. When he came back, Kade slipped away. They all rotated, but I didn’t ask. If they wanted to tell me, they would.

There were lightbulbs to choose from, or rather, lightbulbs which could be programmed to match the colors of the nest. And sparkling fairy lights to line the top of the nest and create a galaxy. There might have been some silky sheets and towels somewhere. By the time we reached the end of the store, I was completely overwhelmed and my pain was starting to come back.

It would only be a few hours now, and I was starting to feel both delirious and like a ticking time bomb.

“Esme?” Avery appeared in front of me and pressed the back of his hand to my forehead. “We need to get her back.”

Addison waved a hand. “Go. I’ve got everything. We’ll be right behind you. Just make sure the nest is accessible so we can get everything set.”

“You got it,” Ben called.

“I’m fine,” I said. “Really.”

Avery lifted me. “You’re burning up, baby girl. Don’t worry though, we’re going to make you feel better.”

Warmth was flowing under my skin now, pain rippling through my gut. This was usually the time when I buried myself in blankets and felt miserable. But Avery’s arms were anything but uncomfortable. “Really?”

“Really.”

He carried me out of the store, and they were all with me. I didn’t care if there were photos, and I didn’t care if anyone saw. All I wanted to do was stay here, wrapped in their arms.

Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

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ESME