Page 87 of Knot Happening

I don’t…love them… Fuck, I can’t even think it. I bury my face in the fabric of Kodiak’s shit. It’s lost most of his scent. I roll onto my back as the tears threaten to return, and I reach for the hoodie Easton tossed in here the other night.

Crazy fucker. He should know that an Omega’s instincts could go unhinged with the scent of another omega in their nest. Thankfully, Easton is a source of comfort. His scent in my nest is the strongest, since he marked the hoodie about thirty times first.

I stare up at the ceiling as I bring the hoodie to my nose and breathe in the scent of the fireball Omega male that has crashed into my life.

I can’t stop the sting of tears or the unhinged cackle that slips free. I am losing my fucking mind.

My laugh cuts off when I think I hear something. Sitting up, I tilt my head so I can hear better.

The knock against my apartment door startles me, making me jump. I rush to my feet, leaving the hoodie in the safety of my nest.

When I peek out the window, I wish I hadn’t. They… They can’t be here!

“We aren’t going away, and eventually, you’ll need to leave, so you might as well open the door. We won’t come in if you don’t want us to,” Hayden says, as he leans back against the railing outside my door.

The twins are standing shoulder to shoulder, looking very fucking tired. Hayden looks no less tired, but certainly less guilty…wait. Oh my god, they’re wearing matching outfits. I’m trapped at the window. They haven’t spotted me. Or they are letting me watch them…

Either way, I’m stuck with my nose pressed to the glass as I take in the sight of the three Alphas outside my door. In dark blue jeans, all the same shade. Black boots and flannel shirts. Hayden is in red, while the twins are both in gray. Why are they dressed like lumberjacks?

Normally, Kodiak is semi disheveled as well, but right now, he truly does look identical to Declan. His hair is even pushedback and styled with gel. Not trying to hide the scar with his hair like he usually does.

“Come out, please, Little Omega,” Declan pleads. He slowly turns his head, meeting my eyes. I gasp and dive away from the curtain. They’re insane. But Hayden said they wouldn’t leave. I believe him.

I glance at the clock, before searching the room frantically for scent blocking spray. Where the fuck do I keep that thing?

Shit. I’m a mess. I slept in an oversized shirt… Grabbing a blanket off the couch, I wrap it around myself, finally finding the spray so I can drench myself in it. I don’t want them getting even the tiniest hint of my emotions through my scent.

Hesitantly, I unlock my door, turn the knob, and pull it open slowly. I’m holding my breath as I peek out the small crack in the door.

“We wanted to bring you a gift,” Declan starts when he sees me.

“It’s a courting gift,” Kodiak adds.

“And we’re saying sorry. You don’t have to accept it as a courting gift, and if you reject it, we won’t take it back. It’s yours to keep. No matter what,” Hayden says, as the twins step in opposite directions, revealing a massive stuffed teddy bear. My eyebrows jump up.

It’s wearing a matching red flannel. From behind their backs, Declan and Kodiak reveal a matching bouquet of red roses each. Oh…those are stunning. I open the door just a little more, so I can get a closer look. I’m using the blanket like a shield, as I step out the now fully opened door.

I breathe in. Their scents are present, comforting the ache of my self-imposed distance, but not overpowering.

“These each have our scents on them.” Hayden steps forward holding a bundle of fabrics. “Check the pockets,” he whispers, as he hands them to me.

“This… This is from all of us.” Declan uses his free hand to tap the card that the bear is holding.

“We’ll leave these here for you.” Kodiak places the roses on the ground gently, before taking a step back. He meets my eyes, and I can see the pain there. “I’m so sorry we hurt you, Pretty Gift. I miss you.” Kodiak walks backward a few steps, holding my gaze until Declan places his bouquet next to the first.

“We’re not going anywhere, Little Omega. We’ll be here when you’re ready.” I watch Declan leave and turn to Hayden.

“See you tomorrow, Starlight.” Hayden blows me a kiss, and I nibble my lip until he’s out of sight. It takes me a moment to get everything in the apartment. The first thing I do is check the pockets of the hoodies. Three maroon velvet boxes.

I take the boxes and the hoodies and stuff them into my nest. Then I grab the white card from the massive brown teddy bear. My fingers shake as I break the seal and pull out the card.

My heart is in my throat, as I turn it over. The front is a simple beach at sunset. No words.

Opening it quickly, there's three distinct writing styles and signatures. I read the message from Kodiak first.

Pretty Gift,

I fucked up. Forgive me, and I’ll do anything you ask of me for the rest of our lives. Let me slay your monsters, Tatum.

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