Page 40 of Knot My Secret Santa

She nodded and toyed with a button on her blouse. “It’s all-consuming. And when you don’t do anything about it, it hurts.A lot.”

She might not really know. She could have read about it, watched a video, and was lying. Actually, I didn’t care if she was lying. I was ready to scratch her eyes out.

“Then when he knots in you… Mm, it’s the best feeling in the world,” Jessalyn sighed, a flush in her cheeks.

I was immediately on my feet. My chest heaved and my whole body quivered. Grabbing the edge of my desk so I wouldn’t lash out at her, I whispered in a hissed tone. “Who is he?”

Because she had shaken hands with Nathaniel. Her father would never let her be near any Alphas without an escort.

She wasnotallowed to touch Nathaniel.

Jessalyn’s gaze darted from side to side before giggling. “He’s the president’s nephew, Piers Kennedy.” My anger smashed into a brick wall and stumbled backward, confused. She continued on, faster and more excited. “You know how my family made its money from coal. Piers was protesting my father continuing to operate the mines outside the winter ball last Friday. We accidentally touched, and fuck, Ave, there are no words to describe it.”

It wasn’t Nathaniel. It was not Nathaniel. My fury loosened its hold, and my whole body sagged. I had to sit again.

“Don’t be sad, Ave.” Jessalyn gave me a one-armed hug. She was pitying me. Oh God. “You’ll eventually find your Alpha. Kris is a nice guy, but one day you’ll meet an Alpha that will blow you away.”

I gave her a small smile. I was an idiot. If she had been in heat when she shook Nathaniel’s hand, it would be obvious. He’d been with me and only me. I was the one sleeping with our boss. I needed to be a better friend and be happy for her, because I could see that joy on her face. “How awesome! I’m happy for you, Jess. But what’s going to happen? Your father and Piers, well, I won’t say they don’t like one another, because I don’t know that, but there are differences of opinion.”

“We’ve got it all figured out. We’re sneaking away for the weekend together, and he’s going to claim me. Then we’re going to tell our families this Christmas. Dad might be mad at first, but Piersisa Kennedy.” Jessalyn suddenly grabbed my hand. “In fact, he’s picking me up right from work. So I won’t be here for the office party. But in case my heat kicks in and I have to leave earlier, can you cover for me if anyone asks? Just say I had a family event. Please?”

“Of course,” I nodded numbly.

I listened to Jessalyn go on about Piers for the rest of the morning, but my mind kept going over the fact that I was ready to fight her for Nathaniel. I’d never gotten into a fight with anyone in my life. I would have never believed I had a violent bone in my body, but it happened.

How far had I fallen for Nathaniel and would I be able to go back to simply being his employee after my heat was done?

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX – Nathaniel

We got through the day with only having to sneak off to my office once. Avery squirreled away more food, cramming the cupboards full. I joked if we got trapped in the building over the holidays, we’d not starve and still have leftovers.

She was a bit jumpy, and even more tense though. Not even my knot managed to calm her entirely. Was she getting to a point in her heat where she needed me to claim her? I didn’t know if it was necessary or not, but if she wanted it, I wouldn’t hesitate. All I could think about was making her mine forever.

The office party started even before five rolled around. Carmine’s was prompt with dinner at six. Landon and Akari arrived just after the food, and the Franklins popped in. They had come into town so they could bring Henry to Snowflake Lane for the weekend.

Things were a blur of conversation, food, drink, and pictures. Yet every time I looked at Avery’s beautiful smiling face, my heart hammered and my world slowed.

“I’m guessing you still haven’t taken my advice.” Landon had come to stand beside me and handed me a glass of wine. When I didn’t say anything, he added, “About the Omega.”

I glanced at him and tried not to scowl. “It’s much more complicated than you think.” I took a sip, my gaze darting to Avery who was standing with Akari and Noelle as they chatted with Olivia and Henry. “Thanks for the drink.”

Landon leaned in, taking a gulp of wine himself. “So it’s Noelle’s niece then, is it? She’s pretty. Though I never thought you’d go for the wholesome type.”

A growl tickled my throat. “She’s perfect.” I then exhaled a sigh. “Dammit.”

“Cheers!” Lloyd walked up to clinked his glass to mine and Landon’s. “Quite the party, Nate. Good food, good people. Why are you lurking over here?”

“He’s brooding.” Landon smirked.

Lloyd snorted with laughter and smacked me on the back. “Why? There’s everything to celebrate. Good year all around. And the most important thing, our women are all smiling and happy. They are a gorgeous bunch.”

I didn’t bother to muffle my groan. Lloyd’s voice was too loud, but there was no volume control on that man. Landon raised his brows and thankfully had the decency to lean in and speak with more discretion. “You know about her too? Nate hasn’t been taking my advice. Maybe he’ll take yours.”

Fucking hell. I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“I told him if he hurt Avery, I would string him up by his balls.” Lloyd narrowed his gaze at me as Landon nearly choked on his wine. “So, what’s happened since you got back?”

I knew I couldn’t just dismiss this and change the subject. Neither of them were going to let it go now. “She’s nesting in my office.”

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