Page 85 of Knot the One They Want

"That feel good, baby girl?" Lake asks, his voice low and tender.

I hum in agreement, too blissed out to form words. The gentle scrape of nails against my scalp sends shivers down my spine, goosebumps rising on my skin despite the warm water.

"You're so beautiful like this," Asher whispers, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Relaxed, trusting. It's an honor to care for you, Evie."

My chest tightens at his words, a lump forming in my throat. Yet a small part of me still can't quite believe it's real. That they truly want me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Lake cups my cheek, tilting my face towards him. "Hey," he says softly. "Where'd you go just now?"

I blink, realizing my eyes have filled with tears. "I just... it's overwhelming. In a good way," I hurry to add. "I never thought I'd have this. That anyone would want me like this."

Asher's arms tighten around me. "Oh, angel," he breathes. "How could anyone not want you?"

"Let us in and we'll prove it," Lake agrees, leaning in to brush his lips against mine.

It takes me a moment to realize what he's getting at. The bonds that overwhelmed me on our mating night. The ones that turned their incomplete marks angry and infected.

I've been shutting them out for so long. Even now, surrounded by their warmth and the object of their care, it feels like a risk.

But I realize it's one worth taking. Slowly, I let my walls down, little by little. I let myself feel their emotions. Feel their love for me, and I gasp softly as their marks hum on my neck. As I realize they're more than mere words.

"See?" Lake asks softly, leaning in to brush his lips against mine again. "It's the truth, baby girl.”

I lean into him, pressing my lips against his. Asher leans forward, nuzzling his own mark on my neck.

Fuck, I needed this. Needed them. More than I ever realized.

"Lean back a bit, sweetheart," Asher instructs. I comply, and he begins to work conditioner through my hair, his fingers massaging my scalp. Lake's hands find my shoulders, working out the knots of tension.

I float in a haze, surrounded by my alphas' love and care. Their hands roam my body, not with sexual intent this time, but with a reverence that brings fresh tears to my eyes. They worship every inch of me, from the curve of my neck to the arch of my foot.

"Our beautiful omega," Lake sighs, working out a particularly stubborn knot in my shoulder.

Asher hums in agreement, his fingers combing through my now-silky hair. "We're the luckiest alphas in the world."

Their praise washes over me, sinking into my skin like the warm water. For the first time, I start to believe it. To believe that I'm worthy of this love, this devotion. That maybe I'm as perfect for them as they are for me.

As the water begins to cool, Lake reaches for a fluffy towel. "Come on, Evie," he says softly. "Let's get you dried off and back to bed. I bet Cole's finished with the nest."

They help me out of the tub, each taking turns patting me dry with the softest towels I've ever felt. Asher wraps me in a plush robe, while Lake gently combs out my hair. Sure enough, Cole has refitted the bed in fresh, clean linens and there's a cup of steaming tea sitting on the bedside table.

"To help you sleep," he explains, pressing the warm ceramic into my hands.

As I sip the soothing liquid, I'm struck by the care in every gesture. The way they anticipate my needs, the gentleness in their touch. It's more than just physical attraction or the drive to mate. This is love, pure and simple.

As we settle into the nest, I'm surrounded by their warmth, their scents mingling with mine.

Safe, cherished, complete.

Asher strokes my hair, pressing soft kisses to my face. "We don't deserve you," he says softly as I begin to drift off. "But we're so grateful you chose us. Gave us this chance to get you through your heat."

"Hopefully beyond that," Lake chimes in.

I smile drowsily, my eyes still shut. "We'll see," I tease. No harm in keeping them guessing a little, but deep down, I know I'm not going to have the willpower to let this be the last time I fall asleep wrapped up in their arms. It's too perfect, too good to resist.

This is where I belong. With these men who worship me like I'm the most precious thing in their world.

My heat still simmers beneath my skin, but for now, I'm content to bask in their attention. I know when the next wave hits, they'll be there to see me through it. To love me, to care for me, to give me everything I need and more.

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