Page 20 of Knot Happening Again

The first thing that hits me is their scents. Even through the haze of suppressants and all the scent maskers they pump through the vents, their combined alpha musk is intoxicating. Petrichor and sunlight, bourbon and leather, freshly baked cookies. And they all smell divine in combination. It's a heady mix that makes my head spin and my knees weak.

The second thing I notice is how devastatingly handsome they are. Like, unfairly attractive. The kind of good-looking that makes me wonder if they're even real or if I've stumbled into some kind of alpha fever dream.

The tallest of the three steps forward, a warm smile lighting up his face. He has dark auburn hair that falls in soft waves around his face and warm brown eyes that crinkle at the corners when he smiles. He's prettier than any alpha I've ever seen, but it's all masculine beauty. The sort of beauty I imagine motivated more than a few sculptors to put chisel to stone.

"Ophelia, it's a pleasure to meet you," he says in a deep, warm voice that makes my knees weak. "I'm Rhys."

He takes my hand, and I have to suppress a shiver at the contact. His skin is warm, his grip firm but gentle. I find myself staring, lost in those kind eyes. He's definitely the one who smells like sunlight dancing across freshly wet grass after a long, hard rain.

Rhys seems to shake himself out of a similar daze for some reason, clearing his throat before gesturing to the others. "Let me introduce you some of the other members of my pack. This is Mace."

The second alpha is huge, close to seven feet tall and built like a linebacker who's been out of the game for a while. He's a bit older than the others, probably in his early forties. His arms and shoulders are huge and ripped, but his middle is soft and padded, like a big teddy bear. But despite his intimidating size, his face is open and friendly, with twinkling gray eyes and a beard that looks soft enough to nuzzle.

He gives me a small wave. "Hi there, little one."

Finally, Rhys turns to the third alpha. He's younger than the others, maybe in his mid twenties, with short dark hair and piercing blue eyes lined with just a hint of kohl. He's lean and muscular, with an air of danger about him that makes my pulse quicken.

"And this is Troy," says Rhys.

Troy nods, his expression guarded. "Hey."

Samantha clears her throat, reminding me of her presence. "Well, I'll leave you all to get acquainted. Remember, Ophelia, just let me know if you need anything."

With that, she slips out, leaving me alone with three of the most attractive alphas I've ever seen.

Great. No pressure or anything.

Rhys gestures to a comfortable-looking armchair. "Please, have a seat. Can we get you anything to drink?"

I shake my head, sinking into the chair. "No, thank you. I'm fine."

There's an awkward pause as we all size each other up. I'm acutely aware of their gazes on me, and I resist the urge to fidget under their scrutiny.

Finally, Rhys breaks the silence. "So, Ophelia, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living?"

I freeze, my mind racing. What do I tell them? Somehow, I don't think "I sell my body to strange alphas" is going to go over well.

"I, uh, work in customer service," I say lamely.

It's not entirely a lie, right?

I do serve customers.

Just in a very specific way.

Troy raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.

But Rhys just nods encouragingly. "That must be challenging work. Dealing with the public can be quite demanding."

You have no idea, buddy.

"It has its ups and downs," I say with a shrug. "What about you guys? What do you do?"

"I'm a doctor," Rhys begins, looking at the others. "Mace is an MMA trainer."

"Really?" My eyes widen as I study the burly alpha in shock. My track record with alphas who fight professionally is a huge freaking mess, but this one seems like a gentle giant, at least.

Then again, I know how deceptive first impressions can be.

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