Page 193 of Knot Like Other Girls

I glance at the time and sit up, suddenly fully alert. "I should get ready."

"No need," he says, taking my hand. "Just as you are."

I'm still wearing the simple cotton dress I had on while painting, now slightly rumpled from my nap. "But shouldn't I?—"

"We want you as yourself," Cole interrupts gently. "Not dressed up. Just Bella. You're perfect."

My heart swells at his words. How far we've come from those early days when he could barely speak to me, when he was convinced his scars made him unworthy of even being around me. Even a few weeks ago, he was wary of being the one to wake me up—he thought he might frighten me if I was still half-asleep.

"Okay," I say, squeezing his hand. "I'm ready."

He helps me up, holding my hand as we walk through the cabin. The space feels different somehow. Expectant, almost reverent. The other Pack Vanguard alphas are nowhere to be seen.

"They're waiting outside," Cole explains, reading my thoughts as he so often does. "Everything's prepared."

We reach the back door, and Cole pauses, his hand on the knob. "Last chance to run," he jokes, though there's a flicker of genuine uncertainty in his eye. It's subtle, but it's there.

I rise on tiptoes to press a kiss to his scarred cheek. "Not a chance in hell."

His answering smile is small, but no less radiant. He opens the door and I step out onto the deck, only to freeze in wonder.

The sprawling wooden platform has been transformed into an enchanted scene straight out of the fairy tales I grew up with. Dozens of candles in glass hurricanes and strings of fairy lights illuminate a perfectly circular nest that fills most of the space. It's built from blankets, pillows, and plush fabrics in a spiral arrangement that mimics the one I created during my first heat.The lake beyond the deck reflects the last pink streaks of sunset, mountains rising dark against the deepening sky.

And then there are my alphas.

Roman, Troy, Liam, and Savva, are all standing in a semicircle around the nest, waiting for us.

For me.

Roman steps forward, regal in his simple black t-shirt and slacks. "The sky is clearing," he says by way of greeting. "We should have a perfect view soon."

"View of what?" I ask, looking up at the twilight sky where the first stars have already begun to appear.

Troy grins. "It's a surprise. But trust me, princess, it's worth waiting for."

"Come," Savva says, extending his hand. "Everything is ready."

I take Savva's offered hand, allowing him to lead me to the nest. Cole follows close behind, completing our circle as we all settle into the plush comfort they've prepared. I find myself naturally positioned in the center, with the five alphas forming a ring around me.

"This is beautiful," I say, running my fingers over what I recognize as the Moroccan cushion Liam contributed to my first nest. "You recreated it."

"We wanted it to be just right," Liam explains, his gray eyes soft in the candlelight. "A proper place for our marking ceremony."

"How does this work?" I ask, suddenly aware of how little I know about the ritual aspects. "Should I do anything specific?"

Roman shakes his head, reaching out to take my hand. "Just be yourself. There's no formal protocol. The claiming is personal to each pack."

"We've discussed the order," Savva adds softly, his voice revealing his emotion. "If it's acceptable to you, of course."

I nod. "Of course. Whatever you've decided is fine."

"We thought Roman should go first," Troy says, for once without a trace of humor. "As our pack leader."

"Yes," I say without hesitation, beaming. "That's perfect."

Roman moves closer, taking both my hands in his. "For this to work properly," he explains, his voice low, "each marking must be complete—knot first, then the claiming bite. It's how the bond forms fully."

My breath catches. "I understand."

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