Page 64 of Knot Happening

I look down at my shoes. Should I take these off? I’m worried about the white marble floors.

“Should I be worried about how you’ve earned enough money to live in a place like this?”

“Now, why would you ask a thing like that, Tatum? What do you think we get up to, hmm?”

“Illegal activities. Obviously.”

“Wow, I’m almost offended.”

The way he grasps at his chest like he’s clutching pearls makes me snort. “Oh, I’m sure.”

“A lot of it was inherited.” He comes to a stop at the end of the hall, and I can hear voices around the corner. “My brothers took over the family business, and when I was old enough, I joined them.” Hayden turns so he’s facing me and leans back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. I think he’s doing it just to tease me with those biceps. “We own several businesses. Legit businesses. And while we are involved in…less than legal activities, I promise, our intentions are for the greater good.”

“Right. The greater good? The greater good is how you own such a lavish home? You could live in an apartment and donate–”

“We do donate. But we inherited this place. Debt free. It’s…not ours, exactly. We use it for um…” Hayden squints, thinking for a moment. “I want to tell you everything, Starlight, but tonight isn’t the right time, and this conversation should include my brothers.”

“That's fair.” I nod, understanding that he doesn’t want to reveal anything his brothers might not want me to know.

“Come on, they’re this way.” I let him pull me through the mansion with a hand on my waist, mostly because I’m worried I’ll get lost in these halls, but I can’t deny the way his claim satisfies my instincts. His hand on me as we walk into a room of strangers is a statement. This Omega is mine.

It would be hot as fuck if he also scent marked me, but I am not about to bring that up. Stupid soft Omega heart. We should be stronger than this!

“Tatum!” Kodiak’s voice booms in the open space of the massive kitchen when we make it around the corner. He’s playing some kind of card game and looks ready to abandon it to rush over to greet me. He looks a bit inebriated and more than a little excited to see me. He’s undeniably handsome. Especially in this relaxed state.

The scar over his left eye is visible right now since it doesn’t seem like he’s as worried about hiding it, and I have to wonder if that's because of the alcohol, or because he’s surrounded by people he must care about.

I wave, feeling very shy as a room full of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas all turn and stare at me. Declan hides his smirk behind the rim of his beer as he takes a sip.

Kodiak gives up on whatever game he’s playing and rushes me.

“Hey,” I giggle, as I’m wrapped up in strong arms and smothered in his delicious scent.

“I’m so glad you made it!” he roars, as he squeezes me against his chest.

“Are you drunk?” I squeak, barely managing to inhale.

“Absolutely,” Kodiak chuckles, as he rubs the edge of his jaw along the crown of my head. Kodiak just scent marked me…

My eyes are wide as I remain frozen in his arms.

It occurs to me then that Declan and Kodiak are twins, so why isn’t this his birthday party as well? “Happy Birthday.” It’sharder to get the words out, since my face is now pressed to his chest, but I do it.

“Thanks, Pretty Gift.” The smack on my ass isn’t unexpected, given that he’s now wrapped around me. “This dress, did you wear it just for me? Declan’s Birthday is tomorrow, you know? I was born first, by fifteen minutes, just before midnight.” He’s rambling, which seems like it would usually be out of character for Kodiak, but I don’t point it out.

I’m also not sure if I like the way Kodiak is groping the life out of me in front of all these strangers, but I do know one thing. Hayden’s scent is filling the room as he no doubt watches his brother’s hands rove all over me. The cool breeze against the skin of my ass lets me know that Kodiak is basically exposing my thong to the room. Thankfully, the only person behind me is Hayden.

I squeak when Declan’s voice is in my ear, his breath caressing my skin. “Let's get you a drink.”

The shiver is involuntary, but I nod, as he extracts me from his brother’s vice-like grip and drags me away from Kodiak.

“Thanks, I was about to lose consciousness, he was squeezing me so tight.” I can only imagine my cheeks are bright red, because now I smell like Kodiak after what he just did. With an audience. Something mates reserve for each other.

Scent marking an unmated Omega is a claim. A very clear claim. Hayden, Kodiak, and Declan are a pack. Do they know about each other? Oh my god, they must…

My scent spikes, breaking through the scent mark…barely, and flooding the small gap between Declan and me with anxiety. They must know the only Alpha to ever knot me is Hayden. And that I dry humped Kodiak. And that I let Declan go down on me… Five days ago.

“Nearly lost your dress as well. Good thing there are so many witnesses here tonight, or my twin might have taken you right here on the counter.”

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