Page 31

Theo growls softly.

Pepper goes liquid between us.

The first real wave hits her then. Her thighs press together, and her hand flies to Theo’s chest. Peppermint rises sharp and sweet. Vanilla follows, thick enough to taste.

Theo strokes her hair back from her face. “Tell us what helps, little rabbit.”

“I want you closer.” Her gaze slides to me. “Both of you.”

I move before fear can tell me not to.

She takes my hand and brings it to her mouth. Her lips press against my knuckles. The contact makes my fingers sharpen with sensation, every nerve waking beneath her breath.

“You’re still here,” she whispers.

“So far.”

Her eyes soften. “Right now counts.”

The words strike through me, merciless.

Theo’s hand comes up behind my neck. He draws me close—not away from Pepper, but into them. His mouth finds mine over her shoulder. The kiss is slow and deep, familiar in a way my body has missed so badly I nearly shake. Pepper watches us, scent blooming brighter as Theo’s tongue strokes mine.

Her hand slides over my chest.

I stay solid.

Theo breaks the kiss and rests his forehead to mine. “Still here.”

Pepper’s fingers curl in my shirt. “Good.”

That one word pulls me down to her.

I kiss her softly first, because she is beautiful and deserves to be cherished. And secondly because she is watching me as though I’m not a tragedy. Her mouth opens with a sigh. She tastes like sleep, peppermint, and need.

Theo shifts behind her, sitting with his back to the pillows and Pepper between his thighs. He gathers her against his chest, legs bracketing hers, giving her a place to melt. I kneel in front of her.

Pepper looks between us, breath catching. “I want to touch you,” she says to me.

“Please.”

Her hands slide beneath my shirt. I nearly come from the shock of her palms on my skin. She traces my stomach, then my chest, then the old bite mark near my collar. Theo’s fingers follow hers, grounding me where she explores.

Theo’s mouth brushes my jaw while Pepper touches me. His palm settles over my ribs, holding me steady as sensation rushes through me from too many directions. It’s perfect and not enough.

Pepper watches my face. “Do you want to stop?”

“No.” My voice breaks. “Please don’t.”

She smiles, soft and wondrous. Then another cramp grips her, and she whimpers.

Theo kisses beneath her ear. “We have you.”

His hand slides beneath his shirt where it hangs on her body. Mine follows. She is slick already, thighs wet, pussy swollen and hot beneath our fingers. Theo groans against her neck.

“So ready,” he says. “Such a sweet omega.”

Pepper shudders.