Page 14 of Knotty Pumpkin

A sob escapes me at the same time a cramp tears across my lower stomach. Maybe the candied apple was too sweet.

One last sweet thing before my life goes to shit again.

Tears track down my cheeks as my entire body shakes, all the buried emotion and trauma coming to the surface. My skin tingles, hot and clammy from the adrenaline.

Up until now—perhaps naively—I’d believed I would never see Luke again. I thought my life was mine, and that I don’t have to live in fear anymore. Gods, I even started to trust, feeling like maybe I can finally let my guard down. Noah and Corey seem so kind and genuine, and their scents—luscious coffee and roasted marshmallow—call to me on a level that is something… other.

Of course this is when Luke pops his goddam twisted head up. Just when I can see happiness on the horizon and have started to let go of the hold he had on me.

I am stronger than this.

Bringing my arm up to my nose I inhale deeply, willing my heart to slow down and the tears to stop. Noah’s scent still lingers on me, and I close my eyes, imagining his arms around me again, keeping me safe from silly little jump scares in the House of Horrors.

His scent gives me the strength I need to push up from the floor and make my way to my bathroom. Maybe a relaxing bath will help me figure out what to do next.

Turning on the faucets, and adding a little non-scented bubble bath, I carefully pull my sweatshirt over my head and hang it on the back of the door. Noah’s rich coffeescent still clings to the fabric, calming my omega. I hate to admit it to myself, but I want him here, Corey too. I want to get lost in them, explore the bond already forming between us and forget all about Luke.

My skin flushes and my core throbs at the memory of Noah’s kiss, and the thought of both alphas kissing me at once. As I finish removing my clothes I picture their hands on my body, exploring every inch of me. Slick drips down my inner thighs as I stand naked by the tub, my pussy pulsing with need.

What has gotten into me? Now is not the time to be picturing my two gorgeous alphas worshipping my body. Now is the time to figure out what’s next. Instinct tells me I need help, that I shouldn’t stay here on my own, not with Izzy out of town.

I pull my phone from the pocket of my discarded pants and place it on the table beside the tub. Climbing into the bath, I turn off the tap, sinking slowly into the hot, bubbly water.

Closing my eyes, I drop my head back against the rim, attempting to empty my mind and focus. There’s an ache building between my thighs that I desperately try to ignore. There are more important things to worry about.

How did Luke find me? And what are his plans this time around?

I shudder at the memories, ice filling my blood despite the heat of the bath and my already flushed, heated skin.

He won’t get his hands on me again; I won’t allow it. There are people around me now, people who will protect me. I’m not a lost omega anymore, scared about what her designation means for the rest of her life and worrying she’ll always be under the control of others.

I know my worth, my value, and I don’t allow anyone to control me, doing what I want, when I want. And who I want.

Right now all I want is the safe haven alphas. Want them to take this ache away, to satisfy the need building in me. My hands cup my breasts, thumbs rolling over the hardened peaks and I gasp as the action sends a wave of pleasure rippling through me.

Still teasing one nipple, I imagine Noah’s mouth closing over it, teasing the tip with his tongue with all the expertise he showed in his kiss. My other hand slides down my stomach, over my mound, finding my folds and sliding down to tease my entrance. Corey’s bright smile and mop of blond curls would look amazing between my thighs while his tongue lashes at my clit.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

I should be doing something like calling the police and filing a report. Anything other than masturbating to afantasy about two alphas I barely know—even if their scents make me feel like I’ve known them all my life.

My eyes shoot open as another cramp hits my stomach, stronger than the first. Realisation dawns on me. The sweat. The flushed, prickly skin. The inability to focus.

Fuck. No. No. No,

I’m not due yet, am I? Reaching for my phone I go straight to my Heat Tracker app, my eyes widening as the big green letters jump out at me.

Heat due in the next seven to fourteen days.

It’s early, but not by much. Usually, I get a notification at seven days, which gives me time to organise my next heat. Figure out whether I’m going it alone or line up some alphas to help me through it.

But I’m out of time. It’s starting now. Within twenty-four hours I’ll be in full blown heat. Was it the date with Noah? Or finding my scent matches that jump started things?

I’m not sure, and it really doesn’t matter now. I’ll call the police and then I’ll settle in for the next few days.

It’s far too early in our relationship to ask Noah and Corey for help, isn’t it?

“You’ve reached Linnara Police Station. Our officers are currently busy and unable to take your call. If this matter is urgent, please call 911. If not, leave a message and we’ll return your call.”

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