Page 18 of Knotty Pumpkin

The rest of the drive is reasonably quiet. A quick stop to grab the food and then a few random circuits of town in case Luke is following. Noah pulls straight into the drive, the garage door opening remotely and closing behind us.

“This way,” Corey says, grabbing my hand and leading me through a door connecting the garage with the kitchen. “Noah will bring your stuff in, I want to show you your nest, and then get you settled with some food, painkillers, and a good movie.”

It doesn’t escape my notice that he saysyour nest. Whilst I want to be here, and truly do feel safe with both these alphas, my instincts haven’t always been good to me. What if I’m making another mistake? Luke was supposed to be safe. Harmless. And the fucker kept me locked in abasement for three weeks, waiting for me to go into heat.

An icy chill runs down my spine at the memory. He had intended to force bond me, make me his. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if he’d succeeded. The way I know I’d have pined for him forever makes me sick to my stomach.

“Saylor, honey, come back to me.”

Corey’s low, steady voice breaks through the assault of memories of those weeks and I blink, focusing on him. On the lines of his face, his bright green eyes, and curly blonde hair. He’s kneeling before me, looking up at me with my hands grasped in his.

My entire body trembles, my breaths coming in short, shallow gasps, going nowhere.

Strong arms come under my legs and upper back, lifting me and carrying me to what I can only assume is their lounge room. Placing me gently on the soft, brown leather sofa, Corey kneels behind me again, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Breathe with me, Pumpkin,” he barks softly, the command ringing through the air. My omega responds without a thought, following his instructions instantly. “In for five. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Good. Now, out for five. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Again”

We repeat the pattern until the world stops spinning and I feel in control again.

“Better?” Corey asks as my eyes meet his, the green in them shining brightly, the features of his face etched with concern.

Nodding, I say, “Yes. Sorry, I freaked out. It’s Luke. Knowing he’s so close by, it makes everything feelfresh and for a moment I worried whether coming here is the safest choice.”

“No need to apologise,” Corey says, rising from his knees and seating himself beside me on the couch. Sounds of dishes clinking together float to us from another room. Must be Noah dishing up the food they’d ordered. “I could smell the fear, the helplessness in your scent.”

“Do you have any siblings?” he asks, and I shake my head.

“No, I’m an only child. Mom disappeared when I was two. My dads were devastated. They never knew whether she was taken or left on her own, and they’ve never stopped looking for her, or even attempted to move on.”

Corey nods, his face grim as he continues, not the least bit surprised.

“Almost everyone has a similar story. Given you’re an omega, I assume your mother was as well?” he asks, and I nod. “My mother is an omega, too, and I have three older sisters, all omegas. Each of them has had experiences with alphas who feelentitledto them. Who think they’re lesser, meant only for claiming and breeding. Macey has a story similar to your own, from what I know of it. She’s suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since, andherassailant is still locked up.

“My sisters are the reason I advocate for omega rights. Why Noah and I run an omega safe haven, and why I’ll forever work in a role that allows me to offer some protection to young omegas.

“I can’t begin to imagine how you feel right now, knowing Luke is here in Linnara. But I can promise you’re safe with us. Even if you weren’t clearly our scent match, you’d be safe. We protect and help anyone who needs it. You are in charge here, Pumpkin. We’ll be honoured to be a part of your heat, but if you change your mind, we’ll still stand guard outside the door. If there’s anything more you need to feel safe, you let us know.”

Tears track down my cheeks at his words, at the honesty and vulnerability there, and I swipe at them with the back of my hand. Words escape me, the lump in my throat thick, so I nod, leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss to Corey’s plump lips. He inhales sharply, his toasted marshmallow scent sweetening the surrounding air. My body reacts by sending a gush of slick straight into my panties. I won’t be surprised if there’s a wet patch beneath me.

Noah appears in the doorway as the kiss between Corey and I breaks, and I smile at him sheepishly. He’s removed his sweatshirt, and my eyes track the muscular lines and bulges of his arms as he carries in the boxes of food and plates.

“Eat, Pumpkin,” he demands, and I lick my lips, wondering if he’ll taste as rich and decadent as he smells. My eyes fall to his crotch and the way his sweats fall over the swell of his cock. This alpha is clearly packing, and I perfume in anticipation of the delicious stretch he’s bound to give me.

Noah tracks my line of sight, and a warning growl rumbles from his chest as he says, “I mean the food, Saylor. For now.”

He winks and if my panties weren’t already ruined, they would have been with the smouldering look he sends my way. Grabbing a plate, I let him load it up and begin eating. Even with everything going on with Luke, I am excited to spend my heat with these two and explore our physical connection.

Chapter Twelve

My gaze doesn’t leave Saylor’s face as I lead her into what I hope will become her nest. For this heat and all the rest.

Her chocolate brown eyes shine brightly in the lamplight as they dart around the small interior room. There are no windows, a skylight in the roof is the only view outside. The walls are a muted cream, the colour schemepurposely chosen to keep the space a blank canvas for when Noah and I found an omega to join our pack.

The floor is covered in thick, shaggy white carpet that your feet sink into with every step. One wall is made of shelves with a variety of sheets, blankets and pillows stacked on the open shelves. Closest to the bed—custom built and filling half the room—is an open hanging rail, where clothes or robes can be hung and stored for our omega. There’s also a mini fridge built into the shelving, stocked with vitamin waters and quick snacks.

We tried to think of everything an omega would need, whilst also keeping the space neutral so it could become their own space.

As Saylor spins in a circle, I wonder how she might fill the room. With a mix of fall colours? A mix of orange, gold and bronze would look great in this space.

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