Page 196 of Knot Happening Again

"I know," I say softly. And I do know. I can feel it through our bond, the fierce protectiveness, the desire to shield me from pain. "You were trying to protect me."

"Fat lot of good that did," Troy mutters, but there's no real heat behind it.

I reach out and take his hand, too, still holding onto Leon's. "Thank you," I say, pouring all my sincerity into the words. "For looking out for me. For loving me. And… for helping me realize I deserve to be loved."

Leon's fingers tighten around mine. "Always," he says, his voice rough with emotion. "We'll always be here for you, Ophelia."

"No matter what," Troy adds, his usual smirk softened by genuine affection.

“You know,” I say after a minute, looking between them. “I’ve had a hell of a night, and I could seriously use the distraction.”

“Are you sure?” Troy asks, his brow knitting.

But before I can say yes, Leon scoops me into his arms. “Come on. Enough talk. Let's go show our omega exactly what she means to us."

That’s exactly what I need.

And I’m not going to let Natalie’s bullshit take away a promising night like tonight.

"But the others are asleep," I protest half-heartedly, slipping my arms around his neck as he carries me up the stairs.

"Trust me, they'll want to know what's going on," Troy assures me.

A little laugh bubbles out of me, chasing away the lingering echoes of what just happened. I’m sure I’ll be processing all that for a long time, but not tonight.

Right now, I just want my alphas.

Because Natalie's words echoing my own insecurities helped me realize one thing.

This pack loves me.

Theywantto take care of me.

And for the first time in my life, I believe I deserve to be here, with them. To be happy and loved and cherished.

And as we join the others in our massive, comfortable nest and we fill them in on everything that just happened, they all converge around me, making sure I know I'm just that.

It's the first time I've had them all at once, and it's overwhelming in the best possible way. They take turns holding me, kissing me, and it's easy to lose track of who's doing what.

I gasp as Rhys's lips trail down my neck, his tongue tracing the marks left by the others. His touch is reverent, worshipful, as if I'm something precious. The thought sends a shiver down my spine.

"We're so lucky to have you," he murmurs against my skin. "You're everything to us, Ophelia."

His words make my heart swell. I reach for him, pulling him closer, needing to feel the solid warmth of his body against mine. He comes willingly, covering me with his lean, muscular frame.

To my right, Maddox's fingers dance along my side, leaving trails of fire in their wake. His touch is teasing, playful, a stark contrast to Rhys's intensity. I turn my head, seeking his lips, and he meets me halfway in a kiss that's all heat and promise.

"Let us take care of you," he whispers when we part, his blue eyes dark with desire. "Let us show you how much we love you."

I nod, unable to form words around the lump in my throat. The enormity of what's happening—of being surrounded by my pack, my mates, all of them focused solely on me.

Troy's hand slides up my thigh, and I spread my legs instinctively, welcoming his touch. He grins, that cocky smirk I've come to adore, before dipping his head to place open-mouthed kisses along my inner thigh.

"So beautiful," he murmurs, his breath hot against my sensitive skin. "Our perfect omega."

I whimper as his tongue traces the crease where my thigh meets my hip, so close to where I need him but not quite there. Mace's large hand cups my breast, his thumb brushing over my nipple, sending sparks of ecstasy shooting through me.

These alphas have me in every way possible. I'm surrounded by their scents, their touches, their love. It's intoxicating, overwhelming, and I never want it to end.

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