Page 45 of Knot Happening Again

As I start to ride him in earnest, a realization hits me. My heat, which usually lasts a full week, feels like it's winding down already. The constant attention from Rhys and the others has sated my omega nature in ways I never thought possible.

I increase my pace, chasing another orgasm. Rhys's hands roam my body, cupping my breasts and teasing my nipples. The dual stimulation has me teetering on the edge in no time.

"That's it, baby," Rhys encourages, thrusting up to meet me. "Take what you need."

His words spur me on, and I ride him harder, faster. The sound of skin slapping against skin fills the room, punctuated by our breathless moans.

I lean forward, bracing my hands on his chest. The new angle allows him to hit that spot deep inside me that makes me see stars. My nails dig into his skin as I feel my climax approaching.

"Rhys," I pant, "I'm close. I need?—"

"I know what you need," he growls, reaching between us to rub tight circles on my clit.

The added stimulation pushes me over the edge. I cry out as my orgasm washes over me, my inner walls clenching around him rhythmically.

Rhys doesn't let up, continuing to thrust into me as I ride out the waves of pleasure. I feel his knot beginning to swell, catching on my entrance with each stroke.

"Please," I whimper, not even sure what I'm begging for.

Rhys seems to understand, though. With a low growl, he flips us over, pinning me to the mattress. He hooks one of my legs over his shoulder, changing the angle of his thrusts.

"Ready?" he asks, his eyes dark with lust.

I nod frantically, my body aching for his knot. Rhys pushes forward, his knot stretching me deliciously as it slips inside. The fullness triggers another orgasm, smaller but no less intense.

Rhys growls as he comes, his hips jerking erratically as he empties himself inside me. We're both panting heavily as he collapses on top of me, careful not to crush me with his weight.

As we lay there, locked together, I can't help but marvel at how different this heat has been. The pain and desperationI've come to associate with these cycles have been noticeably duller after those first few rough hours. Instead, I've experienced pleasure and satisfaction.

Rhys nuzzles into my neck, inhaling deeply. "You smell different," he murmurs, his voice muffled against my skin.

I run my fingers through his hair, enjoying the closeness. "I think my heat's ending early," I admit. "Is that normal?"

He props himself up on his elbows, looking down at me with a mix of surprise and something else I can't quite identify. "It can happen," he says slowly, "when an omega finds a compatible pack. Or..."

I frown at the hesitation in his voice. "Or what?"

"Nothing," he says, shaking his head. "I'm sorry I had to take that call earlier. Even on my days off, I'm technically still on call."

I get the feeling he's trying to change the subject, but I decide not to press him on it. "It's fine," I assure him, meaning it. "Your work is important."

A soft smile plays at his lips. "So are you," he murmurs, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

His words send a flutter through my chest, and I feel my cheeks heat up. It's been so long since anyone has made me feel... important. Valued. I'm not sure how to handle it.

"I, uh... thanks," I stammer, quickly changing the subject. "So, did you always want to go into medicine?"

Rhys's eyes narrow slightly, a knowing look crossing his face. "You're not used to being vulnerable, are you?" he asks gently.

His perceptiveness catches me off guard. I open my mouth to deny it, but the words die on my tongue. What's the point in lying? He's already seen me at my most vulnerable—naked, needy, begging for his knot.

"No," I admit softly. "I'm not."

Rhys nods, his expression understanding rather than judgmental. "Do you want to talk about it? About your former alpha?"

I tense at the mention of my past, old wounds threatening to reopen. But there's something about Rhys that makes me want to open up, to let down the walls I've built so carefully over the years.

"I guess I can," I say, surprising myself.

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