A Pack for Winter (Cozyverse, #2)

by Eliana Lee

“Ms. Winter?” Bob did a double-take. It had been a long time since I’d taught one of his children but the name stuck, just as it had for most of the town. “What are you doing here?” Come on, Ivy. You can do this. Assert yourself. “I heard you were leaving your fish tank behind. Could I please have it for my classroom?” I asked politely. Bob stared at me blankly. “Your classroom?” “They make great teaching tools. Water chemistry, caretaking, teamwork,” I explained earnestly. I tucked my hair behind my ear, neatening my short brown bob out of habit rather than untidiness. “Not only that, they help create a calming environment so⁠—” “Yes, yes, you can take it.” Bob waved an impatient hand. I did it!

IVY IS SO CUTE!

I took his coat from him, my mouth going dry as I fought the urge to press my nose into the wool blend. Rome began to roll up his shirt sleeves and I prayed all the claims the No-NonScent Deodorant ads made were legitimate. Look at the ground instead of the strip show you’ve unwittingly initiated.

I laughed. “Are you implying that he won’t have anything better to do because he can’t be around you?” Rome stopped texting abruptly. “Yes,” he finally said.

Don’t bother. It’s not like anyone ever shows interest. You’re just Ms. Winter. Wrangler of children, and — I glanced down at my shapeless woolen sweater — sexless caterpillar.

Im already so sad for her…

He let out a sheepish huff. “Do you know how Rome and I met?” I shook my head. “We were waiting in line for a croissant.” “That’s a cute way to⁠—” “For two hours.” “Oh.” I couldn’t imagine anything worse. James seemed amused by how badly I was hiding my thoughts. “We chatted almost the entire time and by the time we got to the front of the line there was only one left. Made sense to split it.” “Was it worth it?” “Yes. Definitely.” He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, suddenly shy. “But not because of the croissant.” I inhaled sharply, feeling my heart expand. Would I ever find a love like that?

Felix scrunched his nose with distaste. I shouldn’t have said that. Mom and Dad’s chocolate labrador was in love with Felix and it was a torrid one-sided affair.

Felix was watching me. Looking outrageously smug. This was getting out of hand. I bent down, getting eye to eye with him so I could lay down the law. Man to…cat. Only to be hit with a burst of Ivy Winter’s delicate gingerbread scent. Fuck. It had been months since I first scented her and it hadn’t lost its allure. Not one bit. In fact, I think it was getting worse.

I ate slower than usual, wanting our time together to stretch that little bit further.

My ass hit my desk as he backed me up against it. A tiny gasp escaped as I inhaled sharply.

Hehehehe

My lower abdomen seized with pain. I doubled over and saw Logan and Rome visibly sway, needing to get closer to help me. “I-it hurts, James,” I gasped. “I need⁠—” I need to be rutted until I’m limp from coming so much. I need to be stretched with a thick alpha knot, right before I’m filled up with cum.

Her gaze was unfocused as she wound her arms around my shoulders and nuzzled her cheek against mine. She’s scent-marking me. Just when I thought my dick couldn’t get any harder.

Watching Rome fit his toned, hard body against Ivy’s was mesmerizing. The ink sprawling up his side was so stark against the pale cream of Ivy’s skin. Please don’t let this be the last time I get to watch them together like this.

My words died as Ivy wrapped a hand around my cock. Fuck. Had to go and rile her up so much she put me firmly in my place. Logan chuckled at my predicament and I managed to give him the finger.

I could already see how devoted Logan was to her. He’d love her so hard once he moved past whatever hang-ups held him back from going all in. And me? Hopefully she’d see a place for me with them too.

Trust me. She wants you.

“IhadaheatspikeandRomeJamesandLoganhelpedmethroughit,” I squeaked. They stared at me. “Could you repeat that at human speed? My chipmunk is a bit rusty,” Olive requested kindly.

“You ran away?” Summer repeated incredulously. My head started to descend into a mad panic. “What if they only helped me because they couldn’t resist? What if I forced them?”

Poor girl!

Logan ran a frazzled hand across his bearded face. He had three takeaway coffee cups in a cardboard holder balanced in one hand. “I went to get coffee for everyone,” he said, kicking off his wet boots. “And I saw her.” “You saw her?” I prompted. “How did she look?” “Yes.” James nodded encouragingly. “What did she say?” “Is she alright?” I urged. Logan pinched the bridge of his nose like he was trying to dispel the memory. “I ran away,” he grimaced. He fucking did what? No. Calm down. I forced myself to see reason. Ivy likes him and he brought you coffee. Plus if you hit him he will absolutely crush you with that wrecking ball he calls a fist.

I wanted to say that in his shoes I would’ve marched confidently into Beans ‘n Bliss. Called Ivy mine in front of all her friends and all the townspeople. Then dipped her into a swoony kiss to the sound of rapturous applause. But that would be a lie. Clearly our courtship of Ivy required a little more…finesse.

“I think Ivy is our omega,” I repeated. Logan’s gaze ping-ponged between James and I. “You want me in your pack?” James tilted his head in my direction. “I think he’s finally getting it.” “Yes, I was getting a bit worried there,” I agreed.

“I can recommend some TikToks for you if you think women do not like a gruff man who’s good with his hands,”

“She wanted you there last night just as much as she wanted us, Logan,” I said quietly. “We should court her together as a pack.” Logan took his hat off and ran his hand nervously through his dark blonde hair. Each movement leaving him more frazzled than the last. “Don’t let me fuck up,” he pleaded finally.

“Hey Ivy.” The screech that escaped me was proof I was the furthest thing from an elite predator on the food chain. It was Rome who had spoken but he wasn’t alone. All three of them were in front of me. Together.

James made a motion like he wanted to reach for me but held himself back instead. “How do you feel after…you know,” he said wryly. Like I’m wondering why you’re not throwing me over your shoulder and carrying me off for round two.

It’s always the quiet ones lol

Even the fresh, biting air couldn’t sweep away the sudden acidic edge to Logan’s scent. He dragged his collar away from his neck. “I told you not to let me fuck up,” he hissed at the others.

HES A TEDDY BEAR

“Don’t expect too much,” I blurted suddenly. They were taken aback but I couldn’t stop. It was only fair that they knew exactly what they were getting into. “I work a lot. Watch reality shows that make me cry. See my friends and family every now and then.” My voice dropped to a small whisper. “I don’t really do anything else. I’m not very interesting.” “Was that meant to deter us?” James grinned. I stuttered. “No, maybe, I don’t⁠—” Rome shrugged. “Makes us want to court you more, if anything.”

Smooth guy

James was already waiting for me. “Fuck yeah, Ivy. Lay it on me, I’m ready,” he said, tapping his cheek with his finger. I laughed and yanked him to me with a little extra force. “You’re trouble,” I whispered. He turned just in time to graze the tip of his nose against mine as I was pulling away. “And opportunistic,” he murmured.

But as Rome and I lined up for our skates, I got a covert elbow to the side. “He better treat you right, Ives. Or he’ll answer to us,” Char whispered loudly before making a slicing motion at her neck. The female alpha was perfectly innocent again, wrapped up with Rosie by the time Rome had turned around. I glanced around, looking at familiar faces in a new light. The town weren’t gawking, they were…looking out for me. Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes and I blinked rapidly trying to dissolve them.

They love her. I love her. We all love her!

Rome turned to Dr. Patel. “I will pay you to knock me out. Because if you come at me with a needle, it will be like trying to cross-stitch a fish, just—” He flopped his hand around gracelessly before suddenly gesturing at me. “I was on a date with her tonight. Can you fucking believe, I mean, just look at her. I can’t even pretend I’m not afraid of needles to try and impress her so you’re gonna have to give me something, doc.”

“My butt’s kind of flat,” I said instead. James shrugged. “I have enough for the both of us.” I put my head in my hands and laughed despite myself. “You do.” “I noticed you staring at it earlier.” Of course I had. There was a fucking peach stuffed down his jeans. Two fat loaves of sourdough. The curvature of the Earth as viewed from the moon times two.

“It’s never been like this before, James,” I admitted, feeling intensely vulnerable. He dotted kisses over my face. “I told you, Ivy. You’re ours.”

We were absolutely nailing this. Logan was an excellent sous chef at Overcooked. He’d picked up the game quickly, kept his cool and⁠— “LOGAN THE NOODLES ARE BURNING!” “FUCK!”

Logan let out a sigh, the tension loosening from his body. “But time does heal. Dad and I have never been closer. And he’s even got a girlfriend now,” he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “He’s sixty-three and sending me pictures of outfit options before dates,” he grumbled. Logan’s dad sounded delightful.

Teddy bear and papa bear

I’d eaten all of them that day. “You gave them to me because you knew I liked them? Even though you like them too?” I said in a small voice. “Yep. Get used to it.”

“Yes…a lot.” They got her ready for me. My pack got her ready to take my knot.

They gaped goldfish-like at me. Lucy was first to recover. “We are going to circle back and scream about the fact that you called them ‘my pack’ in a second but oh my god, inviting them into your nest? This is big,” she murmured in awe.

“Do you want to tell them what you told me?” he prompted me carefully. I should. They deserved to know. It was probably a good thing I’d gotten the story out first with James. I was able to retell it feeling much more detached. Even so, by the time I was done, the alpha purrs were long gone and it felt like I was holding the leashes on two rampaging bloodhounds. “He’s fucking dead,” Logan growled. “Logan,” I gasped. “We’ll murder him so quietly for you, baby.” Rome’s purr was different now, like the rev of a car engine presumably getting ready to run Sean over. James yanked him back by his hair. “You are a music teacher,” he scolded his alpha. “Princess, I’ll find out where he lives.” Logan was undeterred. “A few little snips and his house will be back in stone ages. Maybe he’ll go into debt trying to fix it. Maybe it’ll be the first of many terrible incidents that eventually results in him living in a cardboard box somewhere.”

“I couldn’t give a shit what’s normal, Ivy. You fucking drove me crazy from the day I met you, wondering what was hidden under those sweaters of yours. And now that I know, I’m only more addicted. Addicted to everything that makes you who you are.” He kissed me right over my pounding pulse point in my neck. “Especially how long we get to enjoy earning every single one of those orgasms of yours.”

“But I have to be honest with you, Ivy. This distance…you’re hurting us.” Us. All of them. I was a poison. Decay. Eating them alive.

I’m fucking crying. This is more angst than I expected and wanted!!!

“You’re ours,” he said resolutely. “Ours to take care of in every way you need,” James continued, lips seeking all the sweet spots up my back. “Do you understand?” It was becoming impossible not to believe them. I nodded, finding it easier than words. Logan rolled us onto our sides and James wrapped himself around my back. I was safe here. Safe with them. I could let go and they would catch me. “Pack,” I whispered. Saying it out loud made me feel weightless. Logan kissed my nose. “Glad you’re finally getting it, princess.”

“I know you want to keep things professional at school and I agree,” Rome began. “But I really want to⁠—” “Yes.” He looked taken aback. “But you don’t even know what I’m⁠—” “Yes. Just yes, whatever it is.” Rome’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve given me a lot of power right now.” I smiled. “I know.” “I could use it for evil.” “You won’t.” He sighed. “Now you’ve ruined it and summoned my conscience.” He was so adorable I had to kiss around his neck until I found the spot that made him let out a high-pitched squeak. “I only wanted to walk into school holding your hand,” he said, trying to sound serious as he protected his neck from tickles. I squidged the tip of his nose with a finger and he huffed at the indignity. “I’d like that.”

“Ivy! It’s a madhouse. Obscene is what it is! I need you to⁠—” “No.” I didn’t even look up from my phone. Did I put too many exclamation marks? Could I replace a couple of them with emojis? But what emoji? I deleted my last line with a frustrated exhale. This was harder than I thought. “Ivy, are you even listening to me?” “Hmm?” I finally looked up at my principal, all red-faced and sweaty with outrage. “I’m on my break, Jeff.” “B-but⁠—” “Is it something that only I specifically am able to do because of my extremely individual skillset?” I asked, blinking at him earnestly. He sputtered like a rusty clunker. “That’s not the point, you⁠—” “That sounds like more of a you problem, Jeff.” I turned away, already losing interest.

YESSSSS

“So…all three of us need to shower?” I asked, trying to pat my hair back into place. James licked his bottom lip. Slowly. “We can’t have sex in the shower. We’ll be late,” I said, putting my foot down. He blinked so innocently like I was the perverted one. “I don’t know where you got that idea from, Ivy. All I was going to ask was if you needed to wash your hair today.” Incorrigible, up-to-no-good deviant.

I couldn’t stop picturing myself filling her full of my cum. No suppressants, no birth control, full-blown heat. Days of nothing but rutting her. Breeding her. Pushing anything that spilled out back inside her cunt where it belonged. I wanted her pregnant. Carrying our child. Growing our pack family. Fuck Logan, don’t say it. I bit my tongue as I pulled her down on my knot. And I came harder than I’d ever come before.

Say it you pussy

“James, why are these all coupons for…” she looked around furtively making sure no one else could hear. “Pussy eating,” she hissed. “Think of it as a present for both you and me.” “Oh my god.” I snorted. “Princess, I’ve got you covered with a lifetime supply already.” “Shh!”

Easton was dispensing some seriously alarming advice. “Amir, you remind me a lot of myself. When you know, you know, right? The secret to getting with your one true love is stalking. Find out her schedule and follow her to every class,” he said magnanimously.

Fucking hell man lol

I watched the way his words made her shrink. Her shoulders caved in, scent souring. Making her believe she was less than the fucking miracle she was. I was going to jail for murdering Sean Prior tonight.

Rome was the first one to see me. “Ivy. Baby. God, what happened to you?” He took in my ashen face and uncontrollable shaking. “H-he scent-marked me,” I sobbed. My backbone had completely disintegrated and I was reduced to a blubbery mess. The immense spike in alpha aggression almost drove me to my knees. Instead of being cowed, my omega relished it. Reveled in calling her pack to war. Show him who you really belong to. “I’m gonna kill him,” Logan snarled. Rome’s fist curled. “He’s dead, Ivy. That fucking asshole is leaving town in a body bag.”

Sean flailed and sank even deeper. “Never come back here again.” My alpha dominance had never risen so quickly, so easily before. For Ivy. Her name pounded in my ears like drums of war. “If I get a single whiff of you, I will string you up on the flagpole in front of the whole town.” His fear was a fine wine on my tongue.

Felix stood at the head of them all, a fearless leader. I had no idea how he managed to corral everyone so quickly. His tail flicked imperiously. You’re welcome.

They let me settle and adjust to the stretch with a flurry of kisses. Logan guided my mouth back onto his cock as James worked himself further into me. “Eyes on me, princess.” I lost myself in the icy blue of Logan’s eyes. “Beautiful,” he murmured, threading his fingers through my hair. “You look like ours.”