Page 12 of Knot Their Valentine

I don’t answer Caelum, I just pounce.

Chapter Three

Harlow

I made the mistake of heading to the kitchen for a cup of coffee in my pajamas this morning before getting ready for work, which was just a t-shirt and boy shorts. I was too tired to bother with pants and assumed everyone else would still be asleep. It was six in the freaking morning!

It’s a mistake I won’t make again, but I’ve spent the entire damn day thinking about the interaction. Even now, on my way home, when I should be too exhausted to think…

“Now that’s a good morning greeting,” Caelum growls behind me, and I yelp, nearly dropping the mug I’d been reaching for.

“Fuck, you scared me,” I hiss, clutching my chest as I spin around to glare at him. My heart is racing, and I’m slightly annoyed until his scent washes over me.

Oh shit, that's good. I can smell Quinton all over him. They definitely fucked last night. That explains the X-rated dreams…

Note to self. Buy more scent blockers asap since mine were no longer in my fucking bags when I unpacked.

I’ll spray myself and them. Often.

“You should only wear those around here from now on.” The smirk on his face makes me want to bite him.

“You sure you want your mate seeing my ass?” I snap, propping my hands on my hips, and lifting my brow. “He might realize he likes it more than yours.”

“Definitely. And he might, but I’ll let you in on a secret, Fireball.” Caelum walks over to me, stopping just inches from touching me. I’m frozen in place, staring up at him with a racing heart. “I’ve never been scared of sharing, and Quinton is hard to say no to. I give my Omega what he wants. So if he wants,” Cae drops his head, his lips brushing my ear as he whispers, “to see your ass in these tiny shorts, I would never dream of denying him.”

I’d stood there frozen in place for so long, that I had to skip coffee and rush through getting ready for work.

I’ve been here one day and already regret giving in to this living situation so easily.

Quin works from home. Website programming, apparently. Lachlan is an artist and works in a warehouse nearby.

Caelum works as a sous chef at his friend's restaurant that's not too far from the apartment.

I had to work late tonight, covering a coworker's closing shift after my opening shift this morning. Trying to save up money has me willing to take whatever shifts I can. The specialty cosmetic clinic I work for often takes last minute clients. Tonight we had two Omegas wanting Botox and an older Beta getting a laser treatment, so our clean-up took longer than normal. By the time we were reset for the morning shift I was dead on my feet and ready to admit defeat.

I only just left fifteen minutes ago. Twelve-hour shifts are not for me. I’m tired and hungry as hell. I didn’t have the energy to stop for food on my twenty-minute walk home, so I’ll needto make myself something to eat. Instant noodles, preferably. Something easy, requiring minimal effort.

I push the door open, expecting everyone to be in bed already. Of course the fuck not. Quinton is still up even though it's nearly eleven and jumps to his feet when I step inside.

“Harlow!” He seems excited to see me, and I stifle a yawn as I greet him. Rolling my shoulders, I drop my keys in the designated dish on the counter, mustering a little wave for the Omega. “You look exhausted, are you hungry? I can make you something to eat? Here, I’ll take your bag to your room, sit, I’ll be right back.”

He’s tugging my bag off my shoulder and hustling away faster than I can find the will to protest, so I just plop into a chair at the kitchen island. It’s just Omega nature to want to care for others. Even if they’re not your pack. It’s not super common, but I guess it makes sense.

He’s an Omega, and I’m in need of care. No Alphas are around to step in, so I suppose he feels like he needs to do it?

What if Lachlan was here, and he tried to care for me? Would that upset Quin enough to get me kicked out?

It takes me a moment to notice how abnormally tidy the apartment is. How fresh and clean it smells. How thick the scent of peaches is.

The white marble counters gleam in the low lighting of the kitchen, and a small vase of flowers sits in the middle of the island. Even the stainless steel appliances have been polished free of fingerprints. It looks like the glass in the upper blue cabinets has been cleaned, as well.

I wonder if Quin was having a bad day and just needed to expend extra energy? Or was the presence of my scent in his space setting him off?

I tried to tell them that living with them was a bad idea…

I haven’t really settled into this space. It doesn’t feel like my apartment at all, just a temporary stop, and I’m looking for somewhere else to live, so I don’t know how comfortable I should get. I might have to settle for Omega housing if I can’t get my own place.

I drop my head to the upturned palms of my hands and rest against the counter, my eyes falling shut. I’m so tired…

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