Page 23 of Knot My Luck

If the woman in the bedroom is Lorcan’s scent match, then...I’m fucked.

The thought hits me like a sledgehammer to the chest. It’s an awakening that comes out of nowhere, but it makes sense when I pause to really think.

I head back in, taking a few steps toward the door of the bedroom, as I listen for any sounds coming from inside. My pulse quickens as I hear nothing – just the stillness.

The way Lorcan hurriedly described how everything had gone wrong when they met leaves me with a knot in my stomach. I’m not sure if I should feel pity for the woman or annoyance at how impulsive Lorcan’s been.

But the scent? That keeps pulling me forward.

Lorcan’s dark bourbon scent has cleared, leaving behind something that’s all omega.

The scent...it’s unfamiliar, but also tantalising. Sweet and fresh with a hint of spice. I can’t put my finger on the specifics and it’s driving me crazy.

I hesitate for a moment. Should I just stay put? Keep waiting for Lorcan to come back, like he asked?

No. I can’t resist it.

Slowly, I creep closer to the bedroom door, barely making a sound as I press my ear against the wood. The faint rustle of sheets is the only thing I hear, but it’s enough. I don’t want to intrude on whatever’s going on in there, but the temptation is too strong.

My curiosity wins, and I gently push the door open, just a crack, just enough to see what’s going on.

My breath catches in my throat.

It’s her.

Devlin.

The room is dimly lit, but I can still see her, the soft curve of her back as she lies on the bed, her body relaxed, chest rising and falling in even breaths, red hair fanned out around her on the pillow as vibrant and as soft-looking as I remember.

Her scent is even stronger now, like it’s swirling around me, consuming me.

Sweet, crisp green apples, swirled with smooth, deep caramel and lightly toasted pecans, with a sprinkling of subtle cinnamon on top. Beautiful. Delicious.

Mine.

I’ve known her. I’ve seen her countless times before, watched her from afar, but this…this is different. Her scent matches the one I’ve been struggling to push aside. The epiphany hits me with the force of a wrecking ball.

Devlin’sthe woman Lorcan’s been looking for.

But more than that – she’sminetoo.

Which means she’s probably Cathal’s as well.

Shit.

Devlin’s anomegaand we had no idea.

I blink, trying to make sense of the thoughts racing through my head. But it’s impossible. The world feels like it’s spinning around me. I don’t know what to do, what to say, or even how to move.

I step back, my heart pounding in my chest. The weight of the discovery settles over me, a mix of shock and something darker I can’t identify.

I can’t stay here. Not now.

Not until I figure this out.

With one last look at her, I step away from the door, retreating into the lounge, trying to breathe through the turmoil inside me.

FIVE

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