Page 153 of Knot Like Other Girls

Maggie beams, looking from me to Cole.

"You're lucky alphas," she says warmly. "You have a real sweetheart here."

"We know," Cole says quietly.

The butterflies start up in my chest all over again.

Beth joins us, carrying swatches of the fabrics we've selected. "I've pulled these options for the primary nesting materials," she explains, spreading them on the table. "Now we should discuss scent integration. Some omegas prefer neutral base scents, while others want their nest to carry specific fragrances."

"I hadn't thought about that," I admit, looking at the array of fabric samples.

"It's a personal choice," Beth assures me. "There's no right or wrong answer. We have sprays that can enhance the natural calming properties of alpha scents, or neutralizers if you find certain elements a bit too much."

"The enhancers," Cole says unexpectedly. When we all look at him, he adds, "They're better for anxiety. During heat."

Beth smiles at him approvingly. "Exactly right. Many omegas find that amplified alpha scents—especially scent-matched alpha scents—help soothe the more uncomfortable symptoms."

"You seem knowledgeable about this," I say to Cole, touched that he's thought about what might help me.

He looks slightly embarrassed. "Did some research. After we found out."

My heart swells enough that it feels physically warm in my chest. "That's so sweet," I find myself saying.

He mutters something unintelligible under his breath. Pretty sure it's "don't worry about it."

"Are the other alphas this invested?" Maggie asks me, grinning.

The rest of them join us as if on queue, Troy immediately going for a lavender cookie while Liam and Roman take seats near Cole and me, forming a protective semicircle. Savva settles back into his seat, crossing his legs elegantly. Beth and Maggie exchange a knowing look, clearly recognizing the pack formation is instinctive and hardwired into these alphas.

"Now, while you enjoy your tea, let's discuss the more practical aspects," Beth says, pulling a notepad from her pocket. "A proper nest needs comfort materials, scent integration items, hydration, nutrition, and personal comfort objects."

"Personal comfort objects?" Roman asks.

"Items that provide psychological comfort," Beth clarifies. "Books, music, soft toys, photographs—anything that helps the omega feel secure and grounded during the more intense phases."

"She has Cole's duck," Troy offers helpfully. When Beth looks bewildered, he chuckles and adds, "It's a wooden figurine he carved for her. Not a rubber one. Uh… or a real one."

Cole shoots him an irritated look.

"I do keep it with me," I admit, trying not to laugh. It's actually in my pocket right now.

"Hand-crafted items from pack members make excellent comfort objects," Maggie approves. "The care that goes into making them carries its own energy."

"Speaking of care," Beth continues, "let's discuss the alpha rotation schedule for the duration of the heat. First heats typically last between three to five days, with intensity fluctuating throughout."

"We've discussed some basic arrangements," Roman says, his deep voice calm and measured. "But we're open to guidance."

The matter-of-fact way they're discussing what will essentially be an intensely intimate experience should be embarrassing, but instead, I find it strangely reassuring. This is being treated as something natural and important, not scandalous or shameful.

"The most important thing," Maggie says, "is communication. Establish clear signals for when Bella needs a different alpha, more space, food, water, or rest. Heat can make verbal communication difficult at times."

"Hand signals," Cole suggests. "Simple ones."

Beth nods enthusiastically. "Excellent idea. Many of our customers develop a basic system—one finger for water, two for food, that sort of thing."

"A middle finger?" Troy asks curiously.

Maggie rolls her eyes and swats his beefy arm playfully. "Oh, stop it."

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