Haven't Seen The Light In A While

Chapter Nineteen

As the evening grew darker, a sense of unease began to creep up from the pit of my stomach to my throat. Despite knowing that my mates would never harm me, I couldn't shake off the nervousness. The memory of the last assault made it difficult for me to open up to anyone again. However, I knew I had to gather the courage to express my feelings to them. As I reassured myself, I took a deep breath to calm my frayed nerves.

"Hey, Mel, you know I'd never hurt you," Odin mind-linked to me. My eyes widened at the sound of his voice in my head. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I inadvertently broadcasted what I thought to Odin. Getting used to this whole mate bond is going to take some time. He has no idea what I've gone through. He just knew that I was in that basement.

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to share that with you yet." I linked back to him.

"No need to worry. Although we may not know each other well, I've had my share of hardships in the past, too. When you're ready to share, know that I'll always be here to listen." As I heard those words, a sense of tightness gripped my chest, and my heart began to flutter with emotion.

"How did I get so lucky to have such understanding mates?" There wasn't a response, so I linked again. "Will you please be there for me tonight? I don't expect you to do anything sexual with my mates. I need you to keep me in the right head space since we completed the mating bond."

"Of course, I will be. After last night? How could I pass up a round two with my mate?" I smile, biting my bottom lip in the process.

The clock showed 9:30 p.m., and I could feel my heart racing in anticipation. Sam had instructed everyone to leave the pack house for the night, declaring it a 'sleep under the stars' evening. Every wolf in the pack understood what would happen, yet they seemed excited to build a fire and set up tents. I couldn't decide whether to feel grateful or embarrassed. My cheeks flushed with heat as I pondered what the rest of the pack thought about the situation.

Odin seemed to have tamed my heat last night; it has subsided for this cycle. But now I was worried that tonight wouldn't be as mind-blowing as the previous night with Odin. I kept replaying how Odin moaned as I rammed into him. How tight he was and how good I felt. How in control I felt in that moment. I could feel myself getting aroused thinking of it. I was alone in our bedroom, waiting for my mates to arrive. I pulled the covers over my head and reached into my pants. I closed my eyes, took myself into my hand, and lazily pumped. With my free hand, I covered my mouth. Feeling my stomach flutter as I pumped myself, I let a soft moan escape from behind my hand.

"Are you starting without us?" a voice startles me. I poke my head out from under the covers and see all my mates at the door.

"What? No...," I took my hand out of my pants and kept covered.

"Uh-huh. Sure." Rory snickered. Sam walked over to the windows and carefully pulled the curtains shut, shutting out the remaining traces of moonlight. Meanwhile, Vince stood by the door, waiting for Odin to join them, and then securely locked the door behind them, ensuring their privacy. Rory walked over to the dimmer switch and slowly turned the lights down to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. As I sat up, I couldn't help but admire how they were all working together to set the mood, and I found it incredibly endearing.

"So uh- I think I should start with Odin, and you three should take turns? Then see where it goes from there?" I could feel the blood rush to my face after I finished speaking.

"If that's what makes you the most comfortable, baby," Vince's soothing voice says as he uses the word "baby." Odin comes and sits on the bed with me without hesitation. He gives my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze as our eyes lock.

"I'm n-nervous." I stuttered a bit.

"It's okay to be nervous, but think back to last night. You were far from nervous." Odin continued to hold one of my hands. Odin was right. I wasn't nervous last night, but that false confidence was from my heat. I shook my head, agreeing with him anyway.