Page 73 of Shattered Trinket
“Tired,Sirenita?” he murmurs in my ear, bringing a smile to my lips at the nickname he’s coined for me.
I nod sleepily, curling more into his lap and breathing in his spicy mango scent that makes my nose tickle slightly.
“Do you want to come home with us tonight? Or wait until tomorrow?”
I make a sound in the back of my throat, almost a whine, and Manny’s arms tighten around me as the other alphas glance over at us. The thought of any of them leaving me for the night when today has been almost perfect makes me sad. I’m not ready to be apart from them now after spending an entire day in each of their arms.
“Would you all stay here with me tonight? We could all… cuddle in the nest, maybe? I don’t think my bed would fit all of you,” I mutter with a frown.
Manny chuckles, kissing the top of my head like they’ve all been doing so much today.
“If that’s what you want. Come on, let’s get you to bed before you fall out right here.”
Instead of helping me stand like I expect, Manny gets up from his seat with me still curled in his arms, and I don’t fight it, too tired to even concern myself with how much these men seem to like to carry me around. The others follow us as we head inside, telling everyone goodnight, and once we’re in my room, Manny heads straight for my closet, kicking his shoes off before stepping into my nest.
He doesn’t put me down until we’re inside, and I scramble into the mini fort I built during my heat, grabbing my favorite bat plush. My nose wrinkles when I realize Jeremiah’s scent has completely faded, and I look up at him as he enters with wide eyes. Holding it out for him with a pout, he chuckles and takes it.
“Doesn’t smell like you anymore,” I grumble, and he climbs in with me, pecking me on the lips before he gets comfortable with the bat in his arms.
“I’ve got you, Dove.”
“Wait! He gets a stuffed animal tae snuggle tonight? What about me, Ducky?” Zeke asks as he climbs in next to Jeremiah, taking up the empty space in front of me.
I laugh and grab several of my other plushies in my arms, holding them out for him to choose one. He picks the pink yeti, giving me a wink, and despite how comical he appears, I can’t resist smiling when he flashes a wide grin at me, embracing the plush toy tightly and settling in comfortably. I turn to look at Manny, Ridge, and Micah, nibbling on my lip.
“Will you…?”
“Like you’ve even got to ask, Smalls. Gimme the blue yeti,” Ridge says with a smile, holding his hand out.
I pass it to him and watch as he gets comfortable near my feet, facing me as he puts the plush beneath his head like a pillow. Micah and Manny each take their own plushies, finding a spot and laying down. Manny settles in on my other side, his presence warm and comforting, and Micah takes a spot next to him. As I finally lay back, Manny gently turns me to my side so that he can spoon me, and I find myself facing Zeke and Jeremiah, both already fast asleep.
“Dulces sueños, Sirenita,” Manny mumbles sleepily at my back, and I close my eyes at the way my heart flutters.
Sweet dreams, Little Mermaid.
“Goodnight,” I whisper back, my body relaxing completely with him wrapped around me.
I fall asleep quickly, and for once, my dreams aren’t fueled by nightmares. It’s the best sleep I’ve had in ages.
Twenty-Eight
Cozette
After spending most of the morning packing my things, I take a moment to look around my now bare room. Just hours ago it was filled with all the possessions I’ve accumulated since moving in, but now it appears desolate as boxes are carried out by the alphas. All that’s left is the bed, other furnishings, and the colorful walls and ceiling that I love so much.
This is where my new beginning started, so it feels strange to be leaving it behind right now despite the excitement taking root in my belly.
Mama comes in and wraps her arm around my shoulder, both of us tilting our heads until they rest together as we look around the room. She hums, rubbing my arm, and I catch her soft smile out of the corner of my eye.
“Doesn’t get any easier when one of my kiddos flies the coop. Not sure how to feel knowing you’re truly the last one I’ll go through this with,” she murmurs with a sigh, her voice holding a tinge of sadness to it that makes my heart ache.
“I can stay,” I tell her softly, turning to face her.
She chuckles and shakes her head, patting my cheek.
“No, sweet girl. You need this. All of you. And I’m happy for you. Truly. I’m just going to miss seeing your beautiful face around here every day. But I’ll visit, and I know you’ll come see me whenever you want. Besides, I’m only a phone call away if you ever need me.”
Tears well up in my eyes as I stare at her, loving the affectionate way she cups my cheek. Since losing my mom, I’ve felt so alone in this world. Then Ripley brought me hers, and she welcomed me with open arms. She gave me that unconditional love that only a mother has, taught me to love myself again, and loved me without a second thought.