Page 40 of Knot Happening Again

The admission sends a wave of anger through me—anger at the alpha who did this to her, at a world that would force an omega to suffer like this. "Why don't you have a permanent pack to deal with it?" I ask, my voice gentler than I intended. "It can't be from a lack of options."

She laughs, but it's a hollow sound, nothing like the rich laughter from moments ago. "You don't know alphas if you think that," she says bitterly. "No pack is jumping at the bit to have a used, half-marked omega."

I frown, wanting to argue, to tell her that any pack would be lucky to have her. But she continues before I can speak.

"Even if they were, I have no interest in anything permanent."

The words hit me like a bucket of ice water, dousing the spark of hope I hadn't even realized was kindling in my chest. She means it, I realize. It's not just an act of her playing hard to get, not just a defense mechanism. Ophelia genuinely doesn't want a permanent arrangement.

But there's no time to dwell on that realization. Another wave of pain wracks Ophelia's body, drawing a whimper from her lips. The sound goes straight to my core, awakening every protective instinct I possess.

"What can I do?" I ask, my hands hovering uselessly over her trembling form. "How can I help?"

Ophelia's eyes meet mine, dark with need and something else—vulnerability, maybe. "You know how," she whispers.

For a moment, I hesitate. This is dangerous territory. I'm already more invested than I should be, more affected by this omega than I ever intended to be. But the sight of her in pain, the knowledge that I can help... I can't resist.

I strip off my boxers quickly, efficiently, before climbing onto the bed. Ophelia reaches for me, her hands hot against my skin. I gather her into my arms, marveling at how small she feels against me.

"I've got you," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm here."

Ophelia responds by capturing my lips in a searing kiss. It's nothing like the hesitant, almost clinical interactions we've had up until now. This is raw, desperate, full of need and something deeper that I'm afraid to name.

I lose myself in the kiss, in the feel of her soft skin under my hands. She's so responsive, arching into every touch, little gasps and moans escaping her lips. It's intoxicating, addictive in a way I've never experienced before.

Breaking the kiss, I trail my lips down her neck, careful to avoid the half-mark in case it's sensitive. Her breath hitches as I move lower, mapping every inch of her soft skin with my mouth. The sweet scent of her arousal fills my nose, making my head swim.

"Let me taste you," I murmur against her collarbone. "Please."

She nods, her fingers tangling in my hair as I work my way down her body. I take my time, savoring each gasp and moan I draw from her lips. When I reach her breasts, I lavish attention on each nipple until she's squirming beneath me.

"Troy," she pants, tugging at my hair. "Please."

The desperate need in her voice sends heat coursing through my veins. I continue my descent, pressing open-mouthed kisses across her stomach, her hips, the inside of her thighs. Her scent grows stronger with each inch I move lower, calling to something primal inside me.

I spread her legs wider, groaning at the sight of her wet and ready for me. Without hesitation, I dive in, dragging my tongue through her folds. The taste of her explodes across my tongue.

Sweet and addictive.

Ophelia cries out, her back arching off the bed. Her thighs clamp around my head as I work her with my tongue, alternating between broad strokes and focused attention on her clit. Every sound she makes drives me wild, urging me to give her more.

"Fuck," she gasps, grinding against my face. "Right there, don't stop."

I double my efforts, sliding two fingers inside her as I suck on her clit. She's so wet, so tight around my fingers. The thought of being inside her makes my cock throb.

Her walls start to flutter around my fingers, her thighs trembling. I curl my fingers, finding that spot inside her thatmakes her see stars. She comes with a sharp cry, her body bowing off the bed.

I don't let up, working her through her orgasm until she's pushing at my head, oversensitive. Only then do I pull back, licking every last trace of her off my lips.

Ophelia looks utterly wrecked, her chest heaving as she catches her breath. Her eyes are dark with need as she reaches for me.

"Come here," she demands. "I need you inside me. Now."

When I finally enter her, it feels like coming home. She's hot and tight around me, her body welcoming me like we were made for each other. And maybe we were if she really is our scent match. The thought sends a jolt of panic through me, but I push it aside.

Now isn't the time for existential crises.

I set a steady pace, deep, powerful thrusts that have Ophelia crying out in pleasure. Her nails dig into my back, leaving marks I know I'll feel for days. The pain only spurs me on, driving me to fuck her harder, deeper.

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