After the whirlwind of passionate kisses, Avery and her four mates—Sean, Shane, Cruz, and Romeo—found themselves in a momentary lull, their breaths still ragged and their hearts pounding. The air was thick with an unspoken understanding, a newfound depth to their connections that had been both surprising and exhilarating. As the intensity of the moment began to subside, they all settled back into a more relaxed state, the familiar comfort of their camaraderie slowly enveloping them once again.
Avery, her cheeks still flushed and her mind buzzing with the lingering sensations of the kisses, found herself smiling softly as she looked around at her mates. Sean's intense gaze had softened into a warm, affectionate look; Shane's usual playful grin was now tinged with a deeper, more intimate un
