Page 53 of Knot a Thief

And my resolve is already wavering.

Each breath I take is filled with her scent, making my head spin and my pulse race. I want to touch her, to claim her, to lose myself in her completely.

No. I tell myself firmly.

This is just biology, just my alpha instincts responding to an omega in heat. It means nothing more.

But even as I think about it, I know I’m lying to myself.

There’s something about Ava that calls to me on a deeper level, something that goes beyond mere physical attraction or the desire for an heir.

Scent matching is a bitch.

Because it can only ever be Avaline Darling for me.

I swallow hard, steeling myself against the onslaught of emotions and desires. I can’t afford to lose focus now. Not when I’m so close to getting what I’ve wanted for so long.

Beautiful Ava turns my way, her eyes not leaving mine, and I wonder if I’m fighting a losing battle against my heart.

No, that can’t happen. I steel myself as I smile and say,

“Hello Avaline Darling.”

Chapter 16

Silas

My nose twitches as the overwhelming scent of rum seeps through the edges of the door.

I stand, inhaling her perfume, remembering why I don’t want her. I’ll take her through her heat, but it’s only a onetime experience. After it’s over, I’ll go back to having a vaccination and not smell her ever again.

Max doesn’t have such restraint.

Once the door opens, he rushes in before his feet grind to a halt.

My shoulders tense, seeing her writhing on top of the nest.

“Knot me,” she cries into the pillow as Seb stares at the ceiling.

Seb looks like he’s just finished inside her as he rests his buttocks on his heels. His shoulders slumped as exhaustion covers his somber face.

Ava’s face is in the pillow and her ass in the air. She turns to look our way.

My lungs seize and I feel like I’m drowning.

Her eyes lock on mine for a moment before turning to Max.

“Hello Avaline Darling,” Max says.

Seb’s head glances over his shoulder as we stride into the room, daggers thrown in my direction.

“You did this to her!” His voice is full of venom as I get closer.

“It was the only way,” Max says.

“She never wanted this.”

“She needs alphas right now, Seb,” I say. “You appreciate that.”

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