Page 34 of Knot Happening Again

The thought sends a pang through my chest, a bittersweet mix of longing and regret for all the times it wasn't like this.

As my breathing evens out, I become aware of the silence in the room. There's no fourth set of breaths, no additional weight on the bed. Troy never joined us.

The realization stings more than it should. I barely know these alphas, have no claim on any of them. But the absence confirms what I've suspected since our first meeting—Troy doesn't want me here.

I try to push the thought away, focusing instead on the warmth of the bodies surrounding me. Rhys's arm is draped overmy waist, his breath tickling the back of my neck. Mace's hand rests on my hip, his thumb tracing lazy circles on my skin.

My eyelids grow heavy, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with me. As I drift off, still locked together with Rhys, I can't help but wonder what the morning will bring. Will this tenderness last, or will reality come crashing back in with the dawn?

The last thing I register before sleep claims me is the soft press of lips against my forehead—Mace or Rhys, I'm not sure. But the gesture, so gentle and caring, makes my heart ache in a way I don't want to examine too closely.

CHAPTER 9

MACE

The first rays of sunlight filter through the gossamer curtains, rousing me from a deep sleep. I blink, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings.

The silk sheets feel foreign against my skin, and the scent in the air is a heady mixture of alpha and omega pheromones. It's a scent that leaves me momentarily wondering if I woke up in heaven or at least a tropical paradise somewhere.

Then it all comes rushing back.

Ophelia.

Her heat.

What we did last night.

I'm sprawled on my back, taking up a good portion of the massive bed. My bulk has always been an issue in standard-sized beds, but this nest could comfortably fit our entire pack with room to spare.

Ophelia is curled against my side, her head resting on my chest, while Rhys spoons her from behind. The sight of them, peaceful in sleep, makes my chest tighten with an unfamiliar emotion.

Ophelia's raven hair is splayed across my chest like ink. Her face is relaxed in sleep, all the tension and wariness from yesterday gone. She looks so vulnerable. The urge to protect her, to keep her safe and happy, surges through me with surprising intensity.

Rhys's arm is draped possessively over Ophelia's waist, holding her close. The sight of them together stirs something in me. Not jealousy, but a sense of rightness.

Like puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly.

Ophelia stirs, her scent—jasmine and ocean air—intensifying as she wakes. The fragrance fills my nostrils, making my head swim with desire. Her scent is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It calls to something primal in me, awakening instincts I didn't even know I had in addition to all the usual ones that have had to be suppressed without an omega to pour them into.

Her blue eyes flutter open, meeting mine with a mix of confusion and warmth. For a moment, she tenses, and I can see the memories of last night flickering across her face.

Then she relaxes, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"Morning, little one," I rumble, my voice rough with sleep. The endearment slips out naturally, feeling right on my tongue.

"Morning, Mace," she replies, her voice husky with sleep and satisfaction. The sound sends a shiver down my spine, memories of last night flooding back. The way those full lips felt wrapped around my cock, the feel of her soft skin under my calloused hands, the taste of her on my tongue...

Rhys mumbles something unintelligible, nuzzling into Ophelia's neck. She giggles, the sound light and carefree. It's a stark contrast to the guarded omega we met just days ago.

The change in her is remarkable, and I can't help but feel a swell of pride knowing we played a part in it.

As much as I'd like to stay in this moment, basking in the warmth of our shared connection, I can smell Ophelia's heat ramping up again. The sweet, enticing scent of her arousal is growing stronger by the minute. She needs food and hydration before the next wave fully hits.

So far, I don't think she's come to the realization that smacked into the three of us like a freight train as soon as she walked into that room at Temporary Bonds. But if Rhys is right, she's been on suppressants for long enough that it could take a while.

Patience is a virtue, I remind myself.

And over the course of her heat, I have a feeling I'm going to find out just how virtuous I really am.

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