Page 163 of Knot Happening Again

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Because of me, because of my selfish actions years ago, her heats have been agony. The knowledge twists in my chest, sharp and painful.

And now, this is the first heat she isn't suffering through. Because I finally did what I should have done from the very fucking beginning.

"I'm sorry," I murmur. "I'm so fucking sorry, Effy."

The name I used to call her slips out without a word and I wince internally, waiting for her to call me on it.

She looks at me, blue eyes clouded with confusion and the haze of impending heat. For a moment, I think she might say something. Or slap me. I’d deserve that. But then Rhys ushers her into the nest, and the moment passes.

We divide tasks quickly. Maddox volunteers for bath duty, promising to add soothing oils to the water. Rhys pulls out his phone to text Mace and Troy, knowing they'll want to cut things short and rush home.

"They'll want to know," he explains when Ophelia protests.

"I'll go on a food and drink run," I offer. "What do you need?"

Maddox grins. "All the junk food. Chips, chocolate, ice cream?—"

"She needs proper nutrition," Rhys argues. "Protein, complex carbs?—"

"Both," Ophelia interrupts. "I want both. And especially macaroons." She glances at Rhys. "They're fruit flavored."

He sighs. "Give the lady what she wants."

I nod, committing her words to memory. "Macaroons. You got it. I'll be back soon."

The cool night air is a shock to my system as I step outside. I take deep breaths, trying to clear my head of Ophelia's intoxicating scent.

It doesn't work.

The grocery store is blessedly empty this late at night. I fill my cart with a mix of healthy options and indulgent treats. Protein bars and fresh fruit sit next to bags of chips and pints of ice cream.

And most importantly, macaroons in every flavor, just in case she decides likes one more than the others.

I grab bottles of water and sports drinks, too, knowing how important hydration will be. The blue one she likes, too.

All Ophelia's favorite foods.

As I load the bags into my car, my phone buzzes. It's a text from Mace.

On my way. How is she?

I type out a quick reply.

Early heat. No pain so far. Just get home as soon as you can.

The drive home feels endless even though the store isn't far at all. My fingers drum against the steering wheel, impatience coursing through me. I want to be there, to help, to make things right.

But I know I can't.

Not really.

Not after everything I've done. The best thing I can do for her is just make sure the others don't have to worry about anything other than taking care of her.

But Ophelia has been more distant since I completed the mark than ever, if that's even possible. There's no way she's going to want me to help her through this heat.

I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

The house is quiet when I return, but the air is thick with pheromones. Ophelia's scent has intensified, sweet and ripe and mouthwatering. My body responds instantly, a low growl building in my chest.

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