Page 35 of Pack and Forth
And then, as the first course was served, Kira heard it – the difference between Rex and his father, stark and unavoidable.
“Pass the salt,” Eric barked at no one in particular, his tone sharp and commanding. Sabrina’s lioness bristled, ready to pounce on the offending wolf.
But beside her, Rex’s voice was gentle. “Kira, would you like me to pour you some wine?” he asked, his eyes soft and attentive.
But as the evening wore on, Kira began to notice the subtle dynamics at play within the alpha triad. While Eric remained aloof and commanding, Sabrina and the pack’s beta, Max, shared a deep connection, their interactions filled with easy banter and gentle affection.
Kira watched as Max made Sabrina laugh with a well-timed joke and as he listened attentively to her stories and offered his own insights with a thoughtful nod. She could see the love and respect that flowed between them, the way they balanced each other out and supported one another.
Kira felt her heart swell with love and gratitude, marveling at the way her mate seemed to anticipate her every need, to cherish her every desire. She saw the way he looked at her, his gaze filled with tenderness and respect, and she knew in that moment that he was nothing like Rex’s father.
Where Eric was cold and distant, Rex was warm and present. Where Eric demanded obedience, Rex sought partnership. And where Eric seemed to view his mate as a possession, a trophy to be displayed, Rex saw Kira as an equal, a partner in every sense of the word.
As the meal progressed, Kira found herself drawn into easy conversation with Nash’s parents, their kindness and humor a welcome respite from the tension that seemed to emanate from Eric’s end of the table. She laughed at Thames’s jokes and marveled at Lila’s stories of Nash’s childhood antics.
But through it all, she kept one eye on Rex, watching the way he navigated the treacherous waters of his family dynamic. She saw the way he sought to include her in every conversation, to make her feel valued and heard.
And when Eric made a cutting remark about the quality of the food, Kira saw the way Rex’s hand clenched beneath the table, the way he bit back the urge to defend his mother’s hard work. Instead, he turned to Kira, his voice low and intimate.
“The roast is delicious,” he murmured, his eyes shining with appreciation. “My mother’s recipe. She’s an amazing cook.”
Kira felt a lump rise in her throat, moved by the way Rex sought to uplift and support those around him, even in the face of his father’s disdain. She reached out beneath the table, finding his hand and twining her fingers with his.
“She is,” Kira agreed, her voice soft but filled with conviction. “And so are you, Rex. In every way that matters.”
She felt his hand tighten around hers, saw the way his eyes widened with surprise and gratitude.
And in that moment, something clicked into place for Kira. She finally understood the true power of a triad, the way three souls could intertwine and strengthen each other in ways that a pair never could. She saw how her own bond with Rex and Nash mirrored that dynamic, how they each brought their own unique qualities to the table to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
As the night drew to a close and they said their good-byes, Kira pulled Rex aside, her eyes shining with emotion. “I get it now,” she said softly, her hand coming up to cup his cheek. “I understand what it means to be part of a triad, to have that kind of connection and support.”
Rex leaned into her touch, his eyes searching hers. “And what do you think?” he asked, his voice low and hesitant. “Is it something you still want, even after seeing how my parents’ triad works?”
Kira smiled, her heart swelling with love and certainty. “More than ever,” she said, her voice firm and unwavering. “Because I see how different our bond is, how much stronger and more balanced we are together. You and Nash... you’re not just my mates. You’re my partners, my equals in every way.”
She took a deep breath, her next words coming from a place of deep conviction. “And you, Rex... you are a far greater man than your father could ever hope to be. You have a warmth and a kindness in you that he lacks, a desire to truly connect with the people you love. That’s what makes you an amazing alpha, and an even more amazing mate.”
Rex’s eyes widened, his expression stunned and vulnerable. Her words had caught him off guard. He had never expected such a ringing endorsement of his character. But as the shock faded, she saw a glimmer of pride and gratitude in his gaze, a sense of validation he had perhaps been seeking all his life.
“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “You have no idea how much that means to me coming from you. I’ve always worried that I would end up like him, that I would never be able to escape his shadow. But Max has been a guiding force in my life as well.”
Kira leaned in, pressing her forehead against his. “Max has really had an impact on you,” she agreed, her heart full to bursting. “You’re so much more than only a commanding alpha, Rex. Believe me.”
TWENTY
Nash wanted her all the time. When they returned to Rex and Nash’s house, they smothered Kira with kisses and caresses as soon as they got to the bedroom, allowing her to turn from one to the other and back again at her whim.
Nash thought of nothing but worshipping Kira’s body. She leaned into Nash, her hand caressing his hair as he kissed her neck. Rex stood in front of her, his hands pulling down the straps of her dress, so the fabric dropped to her waist, exposing her breasts.
Rex licked his lips, and Nash felt like it was himself dipping down to take a nipple in his mouth when the alpha did.
Nash’s hands gripped her hips and pulled the dress’s fabric up. Their beautiful mate was playing dirty not wearing any underwear, and as she rubbed her ass against his cock, he thought of how easy it would be to slip inside her right then.
Rex pressed Kira against the big couch in what would be their triad bedroom, currently Rex’s room. She was perched on the arm, her dress collected all around her waist, her legs spread to reveal her.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Rex breathed. He licked his fingers, then dipped them over her sex and spread her open.
“Is she sweet?” Nash asked, returning to his place at Kira’s side. He kissed her mouth then wrapped an arm around her waist to support her while her body began to shake with passion.