Page 29 of Knot Happening Again

The Carver pack has to be too good to be true. There has to be a catch.

But as another wave of heat washes over me, I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe this won't be as bad as I feared.

I unpack my meager belongings, trying to ignore how out of place my worn clothes look in this luxurious setting. My heat is building steadily now, making my skin feel too tight and my thoughts fuzzy around the edges.

A soft knock at the door startles me. "Ophelia?" Mace's deep voice calls. "Food's ready if you're up for it."

My stomach growls in response. "Coming," I call back, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

I follow the scent of food downstairs, finding Mace and Rhys in the kitchen. They've set out a veritable feast on the island—comfort foods of all kinds, from mac and cheese to homemade pizza to what looks like the world's most decadent chocolate cake.

"We weren't sure what you'd be in the mood for," Rhys explains, looking a bit sheepish. "So Mace made... well, everything."

I can't help but laugh, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. "It all looks amazing. Thank you."

As I put food onto my plate, I notice Troy's absence. "Will Troy be joining us later?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

Rhys and Mace exchange a look. "He had some work to finish up in his studio," Rhys says carefully. "But he'll join us soon."

I nod, ignoring the pang of disappointment in my chest. It's probably for the best, I tell myself. No need to deal with his obvious dislike of me on top of everything else.

We eat in comfortable silence for a while, the food helping to calm my nerves and settle my heat-addled stomach. As I finish my second helping of mac and cheese, Rhys clears his throat.

"Ophelia, I hope you don't mind me asking, but... how are you feeling? Your heat, I mean. Is it progressing okay?"

I tense, unsure how to answer. The truth is, I'm feeling worse by the minute. The ache in my bones is intensifying, and I can feel sweat beading on my forehead despite the comfortable temperature in the room.

"I'm... managing," I say finally. "It's coming on faster than usual, though."

Rhys nods, concern etched on his handsome face. "That's not uncommon after stopping suppressants. Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable?"

I shake my head, touched by his genuine concern. "I think I just need to rest for a bit, if that's okay."

"Of course," Mace rumbles. "We've got some time before things really kick into high gear. Why don't you head back up to the nest and relax? We'll check on you in a little while."

I nod gratefully, sliding off the barstool. As I turn to leave, a wave of dizziness hits me, making me stumble. In an instant, Rhys is at my side, his strong arm locking around my waist.

"Easy there," he murmurs, his scent—petrichor and sunlight—wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. I can't remember the last time I've been so affected by an alpha's scent, or at least, I don'twantto. "I've got you."

I lean into him, unable to help myself. My omega instincts are screaming at me to submit, to let this kind alpha take care of me. But years of self-preservation keep me from fully relaxing.

"Thanks," I manage to say, pulling away slightly. "I can manage from here."

Rhys looks like he wants to argue, but he respects my wishes, letting his arm drop. "Alright. But please, Ophelia, don't hesitate to call for us if you need anything. We're here to help."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak, and make my way back up to the nesting suite. As soon as the door closes behind me, I collapse onto the bed, my body trembling with the effort of holding myself together.

This heat is hitting me hard and fast, worse than I can ever remember. Maybe Natalie was right. Maybe all those suppressants have made things worse. A tendril of fear curls in my gut.

What if the Carver pack can't handle this?

What if I'm too much for them?

My scent, my need, and all the walls I've built around me a mile high…

I curl up on my side, burying my face in one of the soft pillows. It smells faintly of Rhys and Mace, a mixture of their individual scents that makes my inner omega purr with contentment. Despite my reservations, I find myself relaxing into the bed, letting their scents soothe me.

As I drift off into a fitful sleep, one thought echoes through my mind: I hope I haven't made a terrible mistake.

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