Page 12 of Knot that Simple

I nodded in confirmation.

“I get you're not used to our ways. There's no being done with our omega, Gabriela. We dreamed about mating.”

“And you’re sure it’s me?” I asked them.

“I was sure the test was correct before you got here, but now… Gabriela, there’s no doubt. Your perfume…” Oisin closed his eyes, turning his head to the side, and Tadgh picked up.

“It’s overwhelming. I’m sure that’s why Lorcan is acting like an asshole.”

“I thought he was just disappointed,” I chuckled, trying to make light in a self-deprecating way.

Tadgh snorted. “It’s not that.”

“And back at the village…” Oisin continued. “You saw the packs, right? Three or four alphas for one omega?”

I nodded. Yeah, they were all grouped that way.

“That is our way. That’s what we want.”

“It’s not what my mother wanted,” I said before thinking better.

“Yes, we are learning now how many omegas and alphas left and mated with betas. It’s giving us a new chance, and we are grateful. People shouldn’t stay if they don’t want to commit to a pack. If you didn’t want to come, if you want to leave, we get it.”

The possibility looked like it pained him, so I kept my mouth shut.

“But never think it’s because of us, because you aren’t enough for us.”

Enough.

He guessed even though the word never left my lips. I felt transparent. Gross. I hugged myself, looking around, anything but to face them.

“You underestimate how dark it was before you got here,” he said in a soft voice. “If we look starved, it is because we are.”

Reluctantly, I turned back at him. I nodded. I wasn’t sure if I could even believe they really wanted me, but I understood what they went through.

Teresa said their pack was marked to be alone for their rest of their lives. No more omegas—they could leave and try their luck with betas, but most of them wanted to stay in their community. They wanted to be a pack even if their family had a big missing piece.

I stood, gathering the cups. “I’ll bring these up.”

They both nodded, knowing I was actually going to find Lorcan. His reaction bothered me, his lack of words too.

I didn’t need to look far. As soon as I opened the back door to the kitchen in the main house, I spotted Lorcan bent over the sink, his head hanging low. The door closed softly behind me, and he turned to find me there.

“Hi,” I said softly.

I placed the cups to the side, trying to come up with words, but nothing came. I’d just met him a few hours ago. I knew nothing about him, and while the others were certain he liked me fine, I couldn’t be sure.

He reached for the cups, going to wash them, but I put my hand out, stopping him.

“I can do that.”

His skin felt like silk under my fingertips, our touch enough to make me gasp. Lorcan reacted quickly, taking his hand and stepping away from me.

I frowned, tilting my head to the side as I stepped in his direction. Never in my life had I touched someone and felt like this. I wanted to try again.

His arms were loose beside his body, his sweater rolled up to his elbows. I watched with curiosity, his corded muscles irresistible even like that.

Growing bold, I reached for his arm, and he hissed, as if I was burning him.

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