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He sat up straight. Maybe there was something they could do before tomorrow, something to bring them a little closer together. “Hear me out,” he started, and two heads turned his way.

He took a deep breath, then decided to let go of all reservations and say what was on his heart. “I think we should spend as much time as we can together today…and have sex.”

11

Isam’s mouth dropped open. That was not what he had expected Mostyn to say. At all.

“Why?” Servas asked before Isam could.

Mostyn’s expression softened. “It’s too complicated otherwise. Our situation is so convoluted, so messed up, that we’re looking for clarity. At least, I know I am. I need some kind of playbook, a clear path to follow going forward, but there isn’t one. All we have is a bond none of us can deny…and enough chemistry to light a fire. So let’s start with that.”

He turned to Servas. “Your heat starts next week, but is that really what you want for our first time, to be half out of it with need? You won’t even remember it, not in detail anyway, and I want more for you, for us.”

Then he addressed Isam. “And tomorrow, you and I will be going on a mission that’s not without risks. We all know the danger is real. So why not spend today together, enjoying each other, so we’ll at least have those memories to take with us?”

All of his points were valid, but the one about Servas’s heat especially resonated with Isam. He’d never looked at it that way, but a heat was horrible timing for a first time with someone. The whole experience was driven by need, by biological urges and processes. Nothing particularly romantic about that. Today, they’d be able to get to know each other’s bodies, take the time to find what brought each other pleasure.

Decision made, he nodded. “I’m in.”

Servas’s mouth had dropped open a little, but he caught himself now. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone talk about our heats like that. Most focus on how hot it is.”

“I’m sure it is,” Mostyn said, “though I wouldn’t know from personal experience. But reading Palani’s blog posts about the Melloni gene and how it affects heats has made me realize that even if you don’t have the gene, heats aren’t all sunshine and roses. Personally, I would absolutely detest feeling that dependent on others, especially alphas.”

“It’s awful,” Servas said, sharper than Isam had ever heard him. “Even having to ask someone to help you is humiliating in a way. I hate it. There’s not only the chance at getting rejected, but also the danger of picking the wrong guy and being taken advantage of or abused—and it’s all but impossible to fight back during a heat.”

Isam’s stomach churned. He’d never, ever considered that aspect, which was a stark reminder of the incredible privilege he had as an alpha. “I’m sorry. It’s a lame, almost empty cliché to say, but I mean it. I never thought about that aspect…and I’m sorry.”

Servas raised his chin. “No one does, so thank you. That means a lot.” Then he looked at Mostyn. “Thank you for taking that into consideration. I would love the opportunity to grow close before my heat starts.”

Isam checked this watch. “I’ll ask Bray for some personal time after the pack meeting. It shouldn’t be an issue under the circumstances.”

“I’ll let Ori know I’m unavailable this afternoon,” Servas said. “One of the benefits of leading the crew.”

Mostyn shrugged. “I don’t have anything else to do and nowhere else to be, so I’m available whenever.”

“We can meet in my cabin,” Servas said. “Sando has moved back in with his father, so I’m by myself right now.”

It was about as far from spontaneous as possible, but Isam saw it for what it was: their only chance to create some kind of normalcy before their mission tomorrow. They needed that, needed to get to know each other at least a little better. And truth be told, hooking up was a pretty good way to do just that.

The pack meeting was brief, with Lidon announcing Mostyn had been able to shift and would participate, then Bray taking over to explain the plan they’d made for the mission.

The only surprise, as far as Isam was concerned, was that Sivney would be joining them, but he didn’t mind at all. Yes, Sivney might slow them down a bit since his wolf would be the smallest and slowest—though it remained to be seen what condition Palani would be in—but the omega was smart, resourceful, and had balls the size of an alpha. Isam liked him, though Sivney intimidated him as well.

After the pack meeting, the three of them made their way out together, with Isam walking between both of his mates. People were staring at them, which was a tad awkward, though Isam figured it was even more so for Mostyn, who didn’t even know anyone and had to deal with their gazes on top of everything else.

On impulse, he held out his hand to the beta, who immediately took it, shooting Isam a look of gratitude. On his other side, he did the same with Servas, and so the three of them walked off, holding hands. Funny how such a simple, innocent touch could feel so good, cementing the bond he already felt with his mates.

As expected, Bray had not raised any objections when Isam had asked for time to spend with his mates. The funny thing was that six months ago, his reaction probably would’ve been very different, but today, he’d put a hand on Isam’s shoulder and told him to spend as much time as possible with his mates. Bray had changed so much after bonding with Kean and Ruari. It was both encouraging and inspiring.

When they came to Servas’s cottage, Isam held open the door for his mates. When Mostyn let out a soft gasp, he whipped his head around, then stepped inside. The living room had been…transformed was the best way to describe it. The blinds had all been closed and soft lights cast a gentle glow. Jazz music played in the background, and a bottle of champagne sat in a bucket of ice on the coffee table, with a plate of cookies, fresh fruit, and various chocolates next to it.

“You did this?” Mostyn asked Servas, looking as shocked as Isam felt.

Servas nodded. “After what you said, I realized that we all deserve something special. In a way, we’ve been robbed of that first excitement over meeting someone, so I wanted to make this special. Again, Vieno helped.”

Isam softly closed the front door behind him, then simply locked it, in case anyone had the dumb idea to disturb them. He couldn’t believe Servas had, once again, gone to this much trouble. How had Isam never noticed how sweet the man was under his tough construction exterior? He’d always respected him, but now he…

It wasn’t love. No, it was too soon, but that soft flutter in his chest was definitely new, and it filled him with so much gratitude.