Page 127 of Knot Like Other Girls

"Or," I say quietly, meeting his intense golden eyes, "there's the other option."

Roman's expression remains carefully neutral, though I notice the slight flare of his pupils. "Yes. The other option."

By now, the rest of the table has quieted, everyone tuned into our conversation despite the pretense of continuing their own discussions. This isn't just about Roman and me. It affects all of us.

"I've never experienced a full heat," I admit. "Not without suppressants dulling everything. Part of me is scared. But part of me..."

I trail off, searching for the words.

"Wants to know what it's like," Savva finishes for me, his voice gentle.

I nod. "Yes. And not just with anyone, but with you. All of you."

There's a collective intake of breath around the table. The air suddenly feels charged, vibrating with energy as my words sink in. I'm sure it's what they were already hoping for. It can't come as a surprise. But the fact they were clearly not planning on pressuring me isn't lost.

"You understand what that would mean?" Roman asks carefully. "The implications? The intensity?"

"I think so," I say. "I've read about it, of course. But reading and experiencing are different things."

"Very different," Liam confirms, his accent thickening slightly as he sits forward in his chair. "Heat with compatible alphas is... intense. Especially your first full one."

"Which is why we would take precautions," Roman states. "Establish boundaries, safe words, regular check-ins. We would ensure you have periods of rest, hydration, nutrition. And any one of us would step back immediately at your word."

The clinical way he describes it should diminish the romantic aspect, but somehow, it only makes me want this more. These men—these powerful, dangerous alphas—would dedicatethemselves to my care, my pleasure, my safety. Would set aside their own needs to attend to mine.

"I want that," I say, my voice stronger than I expected as I look around the table, meeting each alpha's gaze in turn. "If you want me, too."

Troy's grin is answer enough, but it's Savva who speaks first. "We have wanted you since the moment we met you," he says simply. "But this must be your choice, freely made, with full understanding."

"It is," I assure him. "I may not have much experience with heats, but I know my own mind. This feels right in a way nothing has before. Tomorrow, I want to build a nest. And tomorrow night…"

They all wait, so silent I hear a leaf rustling against the window, hinging on my every word.

"Tomorrow night, I want you all to get me through my heat."

CHAPTER 35

SAVVA

For five seconds, no one breathes. I count the five heartbeats around the table through scent alone, a trick I picked up during my infiltration days. Each alpha's scent shifts in subtle, telling ways.

My own scent rises from my skin like steam—that mix of amber, clove, and old books—now heightened and directed toward the omega who's just dropped this bombshell on us all.

I watch Bella's face as she registers our collective response. Her pupils dilate, nostrils flaring slightly as she processes the chemical conversation happening beyond words. She may be inexperienced with heats, but her omega instincts are spot-on.

She knows exactly what she's just ignited.

Roman recovers first, as befits our leader. He sets his wineglass down carefully. "You're sure?" His voice is steady, though I catch the faintest roughness at its edges.

Bella meets his golden gaze without hesitation. "Yes."

Such a small word for such a big decision. I admire her directness. It speaks to a strength of character that fits our pack perfectly.

Troy, predictably, breaks the quiet with a boyish grin. "Well, I'm not going to argue with the lady."

"For once," Cole mutters, though his good eye never leaves Bella's face.

I take a measured sip of wine, letting the crisp notes clear my palate. "Have you ever built a nest before?" I ask her, setting my glass down.

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