Kian smiled at Blake while scratching the back of his head. “So, you like the gift?”
Blake nodded. “Yes, I do. Thank you, alphas.”
Mason and Kian moaned almost at the same time. It was the first time Blake had addressed them as “alphas.” Mason loved it, and it made him want to bite Blake’s neck to form a bond with the omega. However, he reminded himself he and Kian had agreed to do a proper courting of their omega. They would go through the ritual until the end, no matter how desperate they felt to claim Blake as theirs.
Kian beamed at Blake. “You’re welcome.”
“How did you both manage it?” Blake gestured at the sepia-toned painting, which showed the three of them from behind, walking hand-in-hand. Mason and Kian’s faces were turned toward Blake as they smiled at the laughing omega, whose head was tilted back slightly and looking upward at the clear blue sky. “This painting is so life-like. It’s breathtaking.”
“It is,” Mason agreed. “Anyway, there was this painter at the carnival. I approached her while you and Kee were busy playing one of the games. Kee’s job was to distract you for as long as possible while I negotiated with the painter. I hired her for the duration of our time there. I wanted her to take as many photographs of the three of us as possible before turning one of them into a painting.”
Blake gaped. “That’s…I…no one has ever done something so awesome for me. Thank you. Both of you.”
“You’re welcome,” Mason and Kian responded at the same time.
“I’ll treasure this gift. It’s a tangible reminder of one of the best dates ever. I remember feeling so safe, surrounded by the scents of my alphas. I was able to have fun and let my guard down because I knew the two of you wouldn’t allow anything or anyone to harm me. There are no words to describe how much I appreciate this painting.”
“I can smell your contentment and joy, baby,” Kian leaned in closer and whispered into Blake’s left ear. “That’s all I want.”
Mason mirrored Kian’s movement. “What Kee said, sweetheart.”
“Now I’m worried about what to get you both.”
Kian shook his head. “Don’t stress out over it. Mase and I will be overjoyed to receive whatever it is that you come up with. “There’s no pressure at all.”
Mason nodded his agreement as he inhaled Blake’s scent. “You smell like the most luscious temptation right now. Kee and I are so damn lucky that you’re even willing to give us a chance.”
“I should be the one thanking you both for dating a freak like—”
“Don’t fucking finish that sentence,” Kian snarled. “You’re not a freak. You’re an enticing, gorgeous omega. You’re also sweet and kind. Those idiotic alphas are too blind to see anything beyond the surface stuff.”
Mason leaned in closer to Blake. “I agree with Kee. I don’t ever want to hear you put yourself down in the future. You’re the omega Kee and I are courting. I don’t care that you’re not the typical omega, but that makes you unique.”
Blake hesitated for a few seconds before nodding at the alphas. “I’ll try my best. I’m still getting used to being wanted as a potential mate. It’s the first time ever for me. I have a hard time wrapping my head around that.”
Kian beamed at Blake. “We will remind you, babe.”
Right at that moment, Mason’s stomach rumbled. He blushed in embarrassment as Kian and Blake stared at him in surprise. His neck and cheeks heated up even further when Kian and Blake burst out laughing in amusement. He bit his bottom lip and scratched the back of his head for a moment before he joined in. The seriousness of the previous few minutes dissipated, being replaced by the lighthearted teasing from Kian and Blake as the three of them got off the couch and headed toward the kitchen.
For the remainder of their date, Mason and Kian enjoyed the baked chicken and boiled vegetables that Blake had prepared prior to their arrival. The three of them chatted about their day and relaxed with one another as they sat around the dining table. Mason loved the simplicity of the date. It felt like a preview of what their future together would be like, and he couldn’t wait to have Blake as his other mate. The day couldn’t come soon enough. He made a silent vow to shower Blake and Kian with even more affection in the future, especially after they were all mated. He would add a surprise or two once in a while. Mason just didn’t expect how creative Blake could be when the omega put his mind to it.
Chapter 7
Blake smirked at Mason and Kian when he visited the alphas at their house on Friday evening. The three of them were seated around the dining table. He specifically chose the chair across from the two alphas. He wanted to observe their expressions when they opened the gifts he presented to them. They stared at him in confusion when he placed two small bottles in front of them.
He pointed at one of the bottles and smirked at the alphas. “Open the bottle with the red cap first, but make sure your noses are as close as possible to the bottle.”
Kian’s eyes narrowed. “What’s in it?”
Blake chortled at the suspicious expression on Kian’s face. “It’s nothing horrible. I have a very strong feeling you’ll both like it.”
Mason glanced at him for a few seconds longer before turning toward Kian. “On the count of three?”
Kian nodded. “Let’s do it together.”
“Of course. Three.”
“Two.”
“One.”
Blake could tell when the alphas figured out what was inside the bottle. The twin look of amazement on their faces was gratifying. He waited patiently for them to
