Page 22 of Knot Happening Again

"I assume Samantha mentioned my... condition?" I add hesitantly.

Rhys nods, his expression softening. "Yes, she did. And I want you to know that it doesn't change anything for us. We're here to help, in whatever way you're comfortable with."

I turn to the others, my gaze lingering on Troy. "And you? Does it bother you that I've got a broken mark?"

Troy's head shoots up like he wasn't expecting me to call him out, but I'm assuming that's the reason he seems so uncomfortable around me. I'd rather get that shit out in the open right now so we can all avoid wasting each other's time.

Once Troy has recovered from his surprise, he frowns and says, "No, it doesn't bother me."

It's not exactly an enthusiastic response, but I guess it'll have to do. Not that it matters. I don't need his respect or his love.

I just need their knots.

Then I'm gone.

"Doesn't bother me one bit," Mace chimes in. "You're not defined by your past."

I can't help but smile a little. He seems genuine enough, at least. "Thanks. I appreciate the sentiment."

Rhys leans forward, his expression earnest. "Ophelia, I want you to know that we'll do whatever we can to make you feel comfortable and safe during your heat. If you'll have us, that is."

I hesitate, weighing my options. This pack seems... complicated. There's clearly more going on here than a simple heat arrangement. But their scents are calling to me in a way I've never experienced before, making me want things I've sworn off long ago.

And if I'm being honest with myself, I'm feeling a little desperate. The thought of spending my heat with these three is far more appealing than picking up some random alpha at a rut bar.

"Okay," I hear myself say. "I'm in."

The relief on their faces is palpable. Rhys smiles warmly and Mace makes a rumbling sound deep in his chest. Even Troy's expression softens slightly.

"Wonderful," Rhys says. "When is your next heat due?"

I shrug. "Whenever, really. I'm on suppressants, so..."

Rhys's brow furrows in concern. "I see. Well, if you're comfortable with it, we could aim for tomorrow evening? That would give us some time to prepare for your arrival. Of course, that's assuming you're okay with spending your heat at our home."

I hesitate. I have a strict policy against going home with clients, but this is different, right? Temporary Bonds has vetted them, and it's not like I can take three alphas back to my tiny apartment.

"Yeah, okay," I agree. "Tomorrow works."

They exchange excited glances, and I can't help but feel a flutter of excited nervousness in my stomach.

What am I getting myself into?

We exchange numbers and finalize the details. As I stand to leave, Rhys takes my hand again, his touch sending sparks up my arm.

"We're looking forward to tomorrow, Ophelia," he says softly. "Thank you for giving us a chance."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. As I walk out of the room, I can feel their eyes on me, their scents lingering in my nose.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'll be spending my heat with three incredibly attractive alphas who smell like everything I've ever wanted.

What could possibly go wrong?

CHAPTER 6

TROY

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