Page 103 of Knot Only His

“I promise I never touched that omega. I admit I was swayed, but I never went home with her or kissed her. I just watched Jenson with her, that’s all.”

“It’s enough,” I whisper as I step into the building and walk tothe elevator.

“No—”

The elevator doors slide open with a soft ding.

“I have to go.” My voice breaks.

Eleven years of loving Colton, and despite that, I can’t spend another minute with him. Not because he cheated, despite what he claims. But because how can I when I know his brother is mine?

Maybe Carver and I could sail off into the sunset together. Maybe it could be just the two of us.

My phone rings again as the elevator stops.

I stare at the screen. This time it’s Parker’s name that lights it up. My thumb hovers over it for a few seconds as I contemplate answering, but I know he’s only calling because Asher made him.

I switch off the phone and drop it in my purse before stepping into Freya’s cozy apartment.

Later that day, I'm still curled up on Freya’s oversized armchair when her key turns in the lock. She bustles in, her copper hair dusted with a coating of flour. She's carrying a paper bag that fills the apartment with familiar scents.

“Special delivery.” She holds up the bag with a flourish. “Coconut, pineapple, and vanilla muffins. Just what you ordered, minus the rum.”

“I need the rum,” I mutter, pulling my knees tighter to my chest.

“Only joking.” She sets the bag on the counter, her smile softening. “I wanted to know how much you needed every scent, because deep down they all fit together, don’t they?”

My throat tightens.

Freya and I talked on the phone when I first arrived at her apartment, and despite her usually scattered demeanor, Freya picked up immediately that something was awry.

She fills her green kettle and sets it on the stove, the familiar motions somehow comforting. “Tell me everything.”

“I don’t even know where to start.” I press my palms against my eyes, fighting back tears.

“Start with why you’re here instead of in that gorgeous house with your alphas.” She pulls two mugs from her cabinet, both painted with ridiculous puns about baking.

“They’re not my alphas.”

She nods as she fills each mug and walks toward me.

I take the steaming mug Freya offers, wrapping my fingers around its warmth. The ceramic declares ‘Muffin to worry about’.

I wish that was true.

“Sure they’re not.” Freya breaks a muffin in half, pushing part of it toward me. “That’s why you ordered these specific flavors.”

“Asher turned me down. I tried to have sex with him.” As I pick at the muffin, the coconut, and pineapple smells makes my chest ache. “I know it was because of what I said. They don’t like me anymore.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Some people need a little more than wanting sex. Maybe Asher needs more love than other alphas.”

“How’s your heat coming along?” I ask her, ignoring that ridiculous comment.

“Don’t change the subject.” She takes a sip of her coffee, then waves her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. I’ve done it before. Threedays in the wellness center being fucked by the alphas I choose, and then they’ll leave me and I’ll go home feeling empty.”

“Empty?”

Her lower lip trembles. “I want a baby, Harlow. Every time I’ve left, I’ve never ached for the alphas. I suppose you don’t if they aren’t a scent match, if they’re not your mate or mates.” Her voice cracks. “But each time I sit here and wish I could have a baby to love. To cherish. You know?”

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