Chapter Eighteen. 🌶

At 5:56 PM, we pulled into the Pack House. With a quick cheek kiss—mwah!—and a cheerful "I love ya," I happily skipped inside, unaware of what awaited me.

I was greeted by the most unexpected, intoxicating sight.

Oh

Oh.my.god.

My beloved Micah was bent over the couch, Elias behind him obviously buried deep inside him. Thrusting.

Micahs eyes blown wide meet mine.

A low whine realeses from his throat as he shudders and cums all over the couch below him.

Elias gives a menacing chuckle pulling Micahs head back to face me kissing his cheek.

I gravitate closer unable to help myself.

Elias notices and grabs me pulling me in to a melting kiss. A growl rolls down my throat as he stiffens cuming deep inside the pliable Omega underneath him.

"Welcome home baby girl"  he hoarsely whispers kissing my nose and cheeks before pulling out of a weak Micah.

He promptly buttons up his pants winking as leaves the room with a wink. "Dinner will be ready soon."

Leaving me with the after math.

~~~

At the dining table, the warm scent of roasted vegetables and grilled meat filled the air. The usual chatter of the pack buzzed around me, but my mind drifted elsewhere, replaying the events of the day.

Theo sat at the head of the table, the embodiment of poise, beauty, and strength, as always. Elias and Callum flanked him on either side, their positions a clear reflection of their strong alliance. Micah and I sat opposite each other at the far end, completing the circle.

Dinner wasn’t served until 6:30 in the end—delayed after Micah needed help getting ready. I had used the extra time to slip into one of my cutest sundresses, adding a touch of mascara and lip gloss. Something about the occasion felt important, and I wanted to look the part.

As we settled in, Theo’s gaze swept across the table, landing on me. His presence always carried an air of authority, but tonight, there was a warmth in his tone.

“Ivy,” he began, his voice steady, “it’s time for you to move in here with the pack.”

The table fell silent, all eyes on me. I swallowed, my hands tightening around the edge of my napkin. “Theo, I appreciate that,” I said carefully, “but I think it’s too soon. I want to be with the pack, I really do, but I also need time to adjust. Staying with Morgan for now feels right.”

Theo leaned back, his expression unreadable. “You already belong here. There’s no reason to wait.”

Elias chimed in, his deep voice laced with support. “It’s not about questioning your belonging, Ivy. It’s about you feeling ready. But we’re stronger as a pack when we’re together.”

I nodded, glancing at Micah, who gave me a small smile of encouragement. “I hear you,” I said, “and I want to be here too. But I need this time in my own home. With Morgan. She’s been my anchor through everything, and this transition is a lot for me. I’d rather ease into it.”

Theo’s jaw tightened, but then he exhaled, nodding slightly. “If that’s what you need, we’ll respect it. But I’ll expect you to take steps toward fully joining us.”

“I will,” I assured him, “but in the meantime, I have one condition.”

Elias raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “And what’s that?”

“If I’m going to make this work, I want to get to know each of you better. One-on-one,” I said, glancing around the table. “I insist that each of you take me on a proper date. It’s the only way I’ll feel confident in my choice.”

Callum chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Well, that’s not what I expected, but I’m game.”

Micah’s grin widened. “Guess I better start planning something spectacular.”

Theo exchanged a glance with Elias, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “If that’s what it takes to show you where you belong, Ivy, then we’ll do it.”

"But rest assured,"  he started his Brown eyes flashing with possession. "You will bare my mark, and you will belong to this pack."

My core Tightend and face flushed.

"Ofcourse" I said earnestly. Wishing to appease my Alpha.

Over dinner, I opened up, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest. “I need you all to know... I’ve never dated before. I’m a virgin,” I admitted, glancing around the table. “It’s important to me that I take my time, to be sure, and to feel safe.”

The room was quiet for a moment before Theo nodded, his expression serious yet kind. “That’s more than fair, Ivy. This is about what feels right for you.”

Elias leaned forward slightly, his tone gentle. “We’re here for you, no matter how long it takes. But I do hope that everything we’ve experienced together so far hasn’t been too much.”

I met his gaze, his sincerity warming something deep inside me. “It hasn’t,” I assured him softly. “You’ve all been so understanding, and that means everything to me.”

Micah gave me an encouraging smile. “You set the pace, Ivy. We’ll follow.”

Their kindness and patience eased the tension in my chest. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely seen and supported, ready to take these next steps on my own terms.

The tension at the table eased, replaced by a lighter atmosphere as the pack began tossing out playful ideas for their upcoming dates. I felt a knot in my chest unwind, comforted by the fact that, for now, I could take my time.

~~~

I stayed at the Pack House that night, wrapped up in Micah’s nest. Everyone was there in their pajamas, not wanting me to spend my last night alone—for now.

We spent the evening talking, planning the dates, and deciding on when I’d stay over. It was agreed that each night this week, a different member would take me out, leading up to next Saturday when I’d stay here for the weekend.

I agreed, my heart pounding in my chest as I wondered about all the possibilities. The warmth of their arms around me and the sense of belonging was comforting, yet thrilling. This was a new chapter, and I couldn’t wait to see where it would lead.

~~~

The next morning, Micah helped me gather my things, sneaking in as many kisses as he could manage. With a cheeky grin, he declared each one was essential to get him through the week ahead. His lightheartedness kept the mood playful, but soon enough, Theo arrived to take me back to my apartment.

“I’ll come visit you at work,” Theo said, his voice firm yet teasing.

I couldn’t help the flush that spread across my cheeks. “I look forward to it,” I replied, a little breathless.

Theo grinned, his hand finding my ponytail. Before I could react, he pulled me toward him, his lips claiming mine in a kiss so deep and demanding that I almost forgot where I was. I melted into him, lost in the moment, but then he pulled away with a growl, his gaze dark and intense.

I hand Theo his raspberry muffin, watching his eyes light up as he took it from me.

“I went to the café yesterday” I shrugged in explanation, feeling a little embarrassed but amused. “I thought you might like it.”

Theo smiled, his gaze softening. “You know me too well.” He paused, “You’re full of surprises, Ivy.”

I smiled back, my cheeks flushing slightly. “I try.”

After a moment, he set the muffin down and looked at me seriously. “I meant what I said earlier, you know. I’ll visit you at work. And, Ivy...” He hesitated, his eyes searching mine. “I want you to feel like you can be yourself, no matter where we are.”

I nodded, my heart fluttering. “I feel like I can be myself with you.”

Theo gave me a small, approving smile. “Good. I’ll hold you to that.”

I chuckled softly, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders. His eyes darkened in what can only be possession.

"Go,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I nodded, my pulse racing, and turned toward the door, my heart still pounding from the intensity of his kiss, his eyes and his presence.