Page 20 of For All My Effort

After shutting the door, and getting a shake of the head from Seb, Han said, “Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot here. How does delivery sound?”

“Well, I want—”

“We know, rebel,” Jackson said, already scrolling on his phone. “Something with cheese.”

I huffed, turning my nose up, feigning a propriety I didn’t have.

When a hand forcibly turned my face toward Jackson again, I could see the feral gleam in his eyes. This was an alpha, dealing with an omega’s attitude. It made me want to run—not out of fear—to be chased.

My perfume bloomed, hinting at the excitement that I was almost shaking with.

Slowly, so slowly, Jackson leaned closer. Between my legs, I could still feel the firm body of Zeke, but the alpha didn’t move as Jackson lowered his lips near my neck. His hand around my jaw turned my head again before I felt his lips finally press against my nape.

And then my entire body seemed to relax. My muscles losing every inch of tension.

When he pulled away, still close enough that I felt his breath against the little hairs on my neck, I whimpered. I wanted more. That spot was perfect.

“That’s where my claiming mark is, rebel,” Jackson said.

I was nodding along to his words, already agreeing to everything, nothing, anything if it meant he would kiss me there again.

“Do you know why it’s on the back of your neck? Not the side?”

Words didn’t exist. What did he want? Yes. No. I wasn’t sure.

“Because you like to run. And I like to chase you. Then when I catch you, I make you present for your alpha. Head down, ass up.”

Slick was leaking from my core. I tried to press my hips closer to Zeke, hoping he’d give me the friction I needed, or even better, touch me like he had before. His hands were on my thighs, his thumbs so close to where I needed them.

Still, neither was committing. The tease thrumming through my body didn’t make me compliant. No, it was like a spark over the liquid in my veins.

I growled, reaching out with one hand to pull Jackson that last inch that separated us, and with my other, I dragged Zeke’s hand right where I wanted him.

Jackson took over the kiss, demanding all my focus and attention to give him as good as I was getting. Each nip, lick, suck had more slick pouring from me. I had no idea whether it was because my heat was so close, or if it was just always like this with my mates.

My attention was so focused on my lips, I jumped when I felt the cool press of a finger against my clit. I was pretty sure I had never been so sensitive there before, but the anticipation, the need, was building tension in all my nerves.

I wrapped my legs around Zeke as best I could without seeing, ensuring he didn’t pull away until I was done with him.

I think he chuckled? The sound was a rumble I felt up my legs like a vibration on the lowest setting.

When I pulled away from Jackson, just an inch, needing to breathe, I inhaled the scents of four aroused alphas. All of them mixed together, an array of mouthwatering smells that I wanted to pour onto a pillow and inhale constantly.

Was it possible to become addicted to an alpha’s scent?

“What happened to waiting until her heat starts?” Sebastian demanded. “Or going over limits?” The male had his arms crossed over his chest, attempting to look stern despite the obvious arousal bulging in his pants. It was an impressive bulge, too.

I hadn’t kissed Sebastian yet. Or Han. And I really wanted to.

Jackson was demanding. Zeke was all-consuming. How would my other alphas touch me? Would Sebastian let me take the lead? Did Han like to play any sort of game? They were my mates after all, and if I was going to spend the rest of my life bonded to them, it was important to know how we all interacted sexually, right?

My body was craving my alphas. Zeke’s touch, Jackson’s kisses, I needed more. I was already aroused, my body taut with the anticipation of more. The pressure on the back of my head was barely noticeable. If that was my only injury, I was sure that sex would be fine so long as no one pulled my hair.

“See something you like, princess?” The question was cocky, and I wasn’t even ashamed to realize I was still staring at Sebastian’s bulge in his pants.

“Definitely.” My mouth watered like it was already anticipating the taste of him.

“No can do. A conversation still needs to be had about what everyone’s preferences are and then we’re supposed to be waiting until your heat starts.”