Page 139 of Knot Happening Again

I purse my lips and her eyes go wide. "Seriously?"

"It's… notthatbig,” I say awkwardly.

"Girl, they're so loaded you'll probably be getting your own for Christmas!"

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "Don't give them any ideas."

As I slip into the dress, Natalie perches on the edge of my bed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, how's it really going? Living here with them all?"

I pause, considering my words carefully. "It's... different. Good different, I think. They're all so kind, and attentive."

"And Leon?" Natalie prods gently.

I sigh, turning to face the mirror as I adjust the dress. "He's trying. Hard. Bringing me my favorite foods, leaving little gifts. The other day, he remembered how much I loved this obscure indie band and got me tickets to their show next month. It's getting a little annoying."

"Annoying?" she echoes in confusion.

"He's making it hard to hate him," I explain flatly. "But then I look in the mirror and see the mark and it's a little easier."

Natalie snorts. "Good. you had me worried for a second." She pauses, growing serious. "Do you believe him? That he's changed?"

I meet her eyes in the mirror, my chest tight with conflicting emotions. "I think I do. He's not the selfish boy he was. The way he is with his pack, with Rhys and Maddox... it's clear he's grown up."

"But?" Natalie prompts, sensing my hesitation.

"But I can't let my guard down," I admit, turning to face her.

Natalie nods approvingly. "Good. Make him work for it."

I feel heat rise to my cheeks. "It's not about that. We're just... coexisting as a pack. Going to support his fight tonight is part of that."

"Uh-huh," Natalie smirks, clearly unconvinced. "Well, let's make sure you look smoking hot for this 'pack outing' then."

An hour later,we're strutting into the arena, flanked by Rhys and Troy. Maddox and Mace are backstage with Leon, doing their thing as his manager and trainer respectively. The energy is electric, the air thick with the scent of excitement and aggression. As we're led to our VIP seats, I can't help but notice the envious glances thrown our way.

"I'll grab us some drinks, ladies," Troy offers, disappearing into the crowd.

"What am I, chopped liver?" Rhys calls after him dryly.

"Oh, you were included in that, Red," Troy shoots back with a taunting little wave.

Rhys rolls his eyes, helping me into my seat. They all fight like brothers, but I've come to realize that's just how alphas show affection to each other. When push comes to shove, they're always there for each other.

"I've never been to an MMA fight before," Nat says, glancing around the room excitedly. "It's way swankier than I was expecting."

Rhys smiles. "Trust me, the arenas he started out in were pretty dodgy."

"You guys have been together that long, huh?" she asks.

Rhys clears his throat awkwardly. "In a sense."

"Oh, yeah. You're like, bondmates, right?" She tilts her head. "How does that work?"

Rhys leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "It's... complicated," he says thoughtfully, his voice low. "Platonic bonding between alphas isn't like the mating bond between an alpha and an omega. It's more subtle."

I find myself hanging on his every word. In all the time I've known Rhys, I've never heard him explain this in detail.

"It starts with scent," he continues. "You find an alpha whose scent complements yours, balances it out. Then there's a... connection. A pull. Once a mark is in place, you start to sync up. Your moods, your ruts. You become more in tune with each other's emotions, I guess."

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