Page 28 of Break Me Knot

Zane moves with deliberate care, each motion slow and telegraphed as he enters her space. His scent mingles with mine and Mira's, creating something perfect and right. Her nest is small, barely big enough for the three of us, but somehow that makes the situation more intimate.

“Thank you, Omega,” he murmurs, settling on her other side. His large frame dwarfs her, but he's careful to keep his movements gentle, non-threatening. When he reaches out to touch her cheek, his hand trembles slightly with restraint.

Mira turns her face into his palm, instinctively seeking the comfort of her alpha. The gesture makes Zane's breath catch, his scent spiking with protective love. She's so small between us, our bodies creating a shelter around her thin frame.

“We've got you now,” he whispers, leaning in to press his forehead against her temple. “Both of us.”

Her scent shifts, the bitter notes of distress fading slightly as she allows herself to accept our presence, but there's still an undertone of need, of something missing.

Someonemissing.

Chapter Thirteen

Zane

Adrian cradles Mira against his chest, his eyes meeting mine over her head. He shares my pain at her circumstances, my joy at finally having her here as I settle into the nest. The empty closet is surreal, our massive frames dwarfing her small one. The bond I share with Cole and Adrian pulses with potential, with what could be if she wasn't so traumatized.

If Cole was here.

The empty space inside me aches like a phantom limb. He’ll be able to sense us through our pack bond and I’m torn between understanding and sympathy for his pain, and something more violent because ofhis absence.

“Let us take care of you,” Adrian murmurs against her temple, his hands gentle as they stroke her sides. His eyes find mine. “She needs our skin on hers.”

“I need to remove your clothing, Mira. It will be more comfortable for you,” I rasp, not recognizing the strain in my voice. I slowly reach for the hem of her borrowed shirt…myshirt. “May I?” I wait for her nod.

“Your words. I need to hear your words,” I say.

She licks dry lips, unfocused eyes settling on me. The wait is a lifetime before I hear her whisper. “O…okay.”

Slowly, so I don’t scare her, I take the hem of her T-shirt and draw it up her body. Every inch of exposed skin makes me want to howl, but I keep my movements careful, controlled. She trembles between us, fear and arousal warring in her scent.

“You're safe. Always safe,” I promise, pressing gentle kisses to her shoulder as Adrian helps work the shirt over her head. “We won't hurt you.”

Her small breasts are exposed to the air, nipples tight with arousal. She tries to cover herself, but Adrian catches her hands, bringing them to his lips. “You're beautiful,” he tells her. “Perfect.”

I don’t disagree, because she is both.

I want to devour her, to claim her completely, but I keep my touches gentle, reverent and try to ignore the evidence of her past pain. She's been hurt too many times. We have to show her that not all touches bring pain.

“Our omega. Our mate. We’ll make you feel so good, Baby Girl.” The name slips out, so right.

The words make her shiver, but she doesn't pull away.

Her skin is hot under my lips as I trail kisses across her jaw line and down her neck. She trembles with each touch.

“You're doing so well,” I whisper against her shoulder blade, tasting salt and need on her skin.

She's so small between us, so vulnerable. I want to shelter and protect her, showering her with everything she's been denied, but right now she needs relief from the heat burning through her veins.

“Do you want me to touch your perfect breasts?” I ask.

She pants as she stares at me, her full lips parting.

“Words, Baby Girl. I need to hear your words,” I remind her.

“Yes. Please,” she breathes.

Adrian's hand moves with infinite gentleness as he cups her breast, his thumb brushing over one sensitive peak while I cup her other breast in my palm.

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