Page 154 of Knot Like Other Girls

"Or color codes," Savva adds, ignoring Troy's antics as usual. "Green for continue, yellow for slow down, red for stop."

"That's what Troy uses at all-you-can-eat buffets," Liam quips, earning a laugh from everyone, including Cole, whose quiet huff of amusement might be easily missed if I weren't paying such close attention to him.

"Ha ha. Very funny," Troy says, reaching for another cookie. "But seriously, that system works for a lot of shit."

As the conversation continues and we go back to exploring the rest of the store's offerings, I notice how Beth and Maggie seamlessly include Cole in their questions and explanations, treating his input with the same respect they show the others despite his reticence. Each time they direct a question or comment to him specifically, he responds a little more readily, his answers growing slightly longer.

When we finish gathering the rest of the nesting supplies and start stuffing everything into bags at the cash register, I find myself almost reluctant to go even though returning to the pack house means building my nest. This shop has become a second sanctuary of mine in just a few hours.

"Come back anytime," Beth says, clearly reading my expression. "We're always here if you need anything at all."

"We will," I promise, giving both women a hug. They're not just emotionally warm, they're physically warm, too. Beth squeezes me so hard, my back cracks.

Outside, the day has warmed up, too, the last of the morning clouds burning away to reveal a brilliant sky. The lake sparkles in the sunlight, the rolling mountains reflected in its still blue surface like a mirror.

This beats the skyline any day.

"Successful trip?" Roman asks as we walk back toward the SUV, each alpha carrying bags except for Cole, who took the heaviest boxes himself before anyone could stop him.

"Very," I confirm, feeling more prepared and confident than I have since discovering my approaching heat. "Beth and Maggie are amazing."

"They liked you," Cole says, falling into step beside me.

"They liked you too," I point out. "Maggie practically adopted you."

Cole's mouth twitches at the corner. He doesn't argue.

"So, lunch at the lakeside cafe?" Troy asks. "Or do we head straight back to start setting up your nest?"

I laugh at his enthusiasm, feeling light and happy despite the intensity of what I know is coming. Especially after plenty of warning from Beth and Maggie. "Let's head back," I say. "I want to start putting everything together."

Maybe I should be nervous, but I'm not. All I can feel right now is excitement. For the first time, I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be—surrounded by people who see me, value me, and want the best for me.

And they're not just people.

They're my scent-matched pack.

CHAPTER 42

SAVVA

Iwatch with quiet fascination as Bella transforms the guest room into something entirely new. We've barely returned from Sweetwater, bags and boxes still being carried in from the SUV, when her demeanor shifts. The nervous energy that's been building during our drive back suddenly focuses into purpose.

"I need to start building my nest," she announces, her voice carrying an unfamiliar certainty that draws all of us to attention.

Her heat is progressing precisely on schedule. The caramel coffee notes are deepening with a honeyed sweetness that pulls at my more basal instincts. Instincts I typically keep buried beneath the thin veneer of civility.

Roman immediately takes charge of the logistical aspects. "Troy, grab the refreshments. Liam, help me move the furniture. Cole, bring in the nesting supplies. I'll clear space in the main bedroom."

I note how he doesn't assign me a task directly. Roman knows I function best when allowed to observe first, then contribute where my particular skills are most needed. It's one of the many ways he demonstrates his understanding of our pack dynamics.

"The guest room I chose," Bella says, stopping Roman with a hand on his arm. "I want to use that room. It felt right from the beginning."

Roman pauses, recalculating. "Are you sure? My room is larger, with the attached bathroom?—"

"The guest room feels like mine already," she insists, her green eyes bright with certainty. "The light is perfect, and the view of the lake..."

"Of course," Roman acquiesces immediately. "Whatever you prefer."

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