Page 15 of Knot Sharing the Ice

Are you sure you're ok?

I type back quickly.

I’m fine. We have heat, food, and drinks.

My thumb hovers over the send button, and I find myself hesitating.

Should I tell her about the pack?

About them being my...

No. I can't even think the words.

It's too much, too soon. And maybe if I don't say it out loud, it won't be real.

Yeah, right. All I can think about are their scents, swirling into a heady combination that shouldn't work but somehow smells like a candle that would sell out immediately if it ever hit shelves.

I hit send without mentioning it.

Taylor's next message comes through almost immediately.

Are you sure you're safe with those alphas?

I glance up, my eyes finding the four of them huddled together across the room again. They're talking in low voices, shooting concerned looks my way every few seconds. It should be annoying, but instead, I find it... oddly comforting?

They've all been gentlemen so far.

… Surprisingly lol

"Most of them, anyway," I mutter under my breath.

Okay, good!

Keep me posted, please?

I will. Promise.

Then a shadow falls over me.

I look up to see Carter—the quiet one—standing there, holding out another steaming mug. His dark eyes are soft, concerned, and I feel a flutter in my stomach that has nothing to do with hunger.

"Thanks," I say, my voice coming out raspier than I intended. I clear my throat. "But if I consume any more caffeine, I'm going to take off into space."

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "It's just cocoa," he says, his voice low and soothing. "But I should warn you, the box says it technically expired last week."

I can't help but laugh. "I think I'll live," I say, taking the mug from him. Our fingers brush, and I feel a jolt of electricity shoot up my arm. I take a sip quickly, hoping he didn't notice my reaction.

Carter lingers, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. There's an awkwardness to him now that wasn't there before, and I brace myself for whatever's coming next.

"I, uh... I wanted you to know," he starts, then pauses, running a hand through his hair. "We were talking, and... we can tell you're going into heat."

I feel my face flush hot, even though I knew they'd be able to smell it. Hell, I can feel it myself—the warmth spreading through my body, the heightened awareness of every alpha scent in the room. Dark chocolate, woodsmoke, mint and snow, salted caramel... It's intoxicating, and it takes every ounce of willpower I have not to bury my face in Carter's neck and breathe him in.

"I checked the first aid kits," Carter continues, his voice gentle. "There's no sign of suppressants, but I can show you if you want to look for yourself."

I blink, surprised by the offer. "I... thank you," I say, meaning it. "I believe you."

He nods, then takes a deep breath. "We've talked about it, and... if you'd be more comfortable, we can go out to the lobby. Give you some space."

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