Page 163 of Knot Like Other Girls

Cole remains on her other side, silent but watchful. And clearly not going anywhere, either.

Roman helps Savva and Troy carry the remnants of our meal to the door, where Troy takes everything to presumably dispose of in the kitchen. Roman and Savva return to the nest, their expressions rightfully serious.

"How are you feeling?" Roman asks Bella directly.

She lets out a shaky breath. "Hot. And... achy. Like my skin doesn't fit right."

I recognize the description. It's the precursor to the more intense symptoms—the body preparing itself for what's to come.

"It's normal," Savva assures her. "Your body is adjusting to the hormonal changes."

Bella nods, but I can see the tension in her frame. She's scared, despite her brave front. This is her first true full-blown heat, after all, and she's chosen to spend it with five alphas she's known for a relatively short time.

The trust she's placing in us is staggering.

"We can still get the suppressants," I offer, needing her to know she has options. "It's not too late if you've changed your mind."

She shakes her head firmly. "No. I want this. I want you. All of you. I'm just... nervous."

"We'll take care of you," Cole says, his voice rough with emotion. "Won't let anything bad happen."

"I know," she says, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "That's why I chose you."

Troy returns, having disposed of the food containers, and rejoins us in the nest. "All set," he announces, his usual boisterousness subdued.

"Thank you," Bella says, then suddenly gasps, doubling over slightly.

We all instinctively move closer to her.

"Cramps," she explains through gritted teeth. "My doctor said they might be intense since I've been on suppressants for so long."

"Did you talk to her?" I ask.

She nods. "Telehealth." Despite her obvious pain, she grins up at me. "The wonders of modern medicine, huh?"

I chuckle, but it's forced. Hard to find anything funny when she's suffering, even her jokes. "Here," I say, shifting behind her. "Lean back against me."

She does so without hesitation, her back to my chest, her head resting on my shoulder. I bring my hands around to her lower abdomen, applying gentle pressure.

"That's nice," she sighs, relaxing slightly.

Her scent grows stronger as her body relaxes against mine, and I have to focus hard on maintaining control. The caramel sweetness that's become familiar is now laced with heady spice. An incense that calls to my inner alpha, making every muscle in my body go rigid.

And something else, too, if I'm being fucking honest.

Roman moves closer, his careful control visibly slipping as he inhales her scent. "Bella," he says, her name sounding like a prayer on his lips. "We need to be clear about what you want from each of us. Before you're in the full throes of heat."

She nods. "I want... all of you. However you want to... share me."

The way she phrases it makes my heart clench. "This isn't about us sharing you," I tell her firmly. "This is about what you need. You're in control here, Bella. Even during your heat."

"Liam is right," Savva agrees. "We rotate, take breaks if that's what you want. If you want only one of us at a time, or some combination, or all of us—or none of us—you only need to say the word."

She nods again, her body growing hotter against mine. "Thank you."

Troy reaches out to brush a strand of hair from her forehead, his touch gentle. "We've got ya, princess. Whatever you want. Whatever you need."

Bella's breathing quickens, and I feel her heart quickening where her back presses against my chest. She shifts restlessly in my arms, clearly becoming more uncomfortable.

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