Page 31 of Knot Sharing the Ice

Special.

I find myself wanting more than just this heat-fueled encounter.

Desperate for it.

But that's a problem for future Mason. Right now, our omega needs us, and I'm determined to make the most of whatever time we have with her. To show her just how good it can be with a pack that truly cares for her.

As Adder carefully pulls out, Ember whimpers at the loss. I soothe her with gentle touches, murmuring reassurances. "It's okay, baby. We're not going anywhere."

She lifts her head, meeting my gaze with those big brown eyes that seem to see right through me. There's a vulnerability there that makes my heart clench. "Promise?" she whispers, and I'm not sure if she's asking about right now or something more.

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to make promises I'm not sure I can keep. "You wanna get rid of us, you're gonna have to chase us off with an army," I say instead, hoping she can hear the sincerity in my voice.

But even that's a lie.

There's no army in this world that could keep us from claiming what's ours.

As long as she'll have us.

Ember nods, seemingly satisfied with that answer. She settles back against my chest, her breathing evening out as exhaustion starts to take over.

I exchange glances with the others, a silent agreement passing between us.

We'll let her rest for now, but we need to be ready for when the next wave hits. And when it does, we'll be there for her.

All of us.

Chapter

Twelve

EMBER

Iwake to the feeling of warm bodies surrounding me, strong arms holding me close. For a moment, I'm disoriented, my mind foggy with sleep and the lingering effects of my heat.

Then it all comes rushing back.

The snowstorm.

Being trapped in the rink.

The four alphas who turned out to be my mates.

My mates…

The thought sends a shiver through me, equal parts excitement and terror.

I blink my eyes open, taking in the nest around me. It's been tidied up, fresh blankets replacing the ones we ruined in our... activities last night. The memory of those activities makes me blush, heat pooling low in my belly.

How many times did I wake up, desperate and needy? How many times did they take care of me, each one stepping up to satisfy the primal urge burning through my veins?

I shift slightly, feeling the delicious ache between my thighs. I'm still in heat, but it's different now. Less frantic, more of a slow burn. It's ending sooner than usual, probably because Ihave four alphas catering to my every need. Four alphas who are apparently my perfect biological matches.

This is so surreal.

I never thought I'd find one alpha who fit me, let alone four scent matches.

A soft groan escapes me as I stretch, and immediately the arms around me tighten. I look up to see Mason's hazel eyes, warm with affection.

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