Page 84 of Knot Like Other Girls

Troy.

The realization comes just as he rounds the corner into the living room, stopping short when he sees me. His usual easy smile falters, eyes widening as he takes a deep breath.

"Bella?" His voice sounds strained. "Are you okay?"

I try to answer, but another wave of heat washes over me, more intense than before. A small whimper escapes my lips as I curl in on myself, arms wrapped around my middle.

Troy is speaking, but not to me. His hand flies to his earpiece. "Roman," he says urgently. "We've got a situation. It's Bella. She's... fuck, she's going into heat."

Heat? But I've been on suppressants ever since I first presented as an omega. I never even get breakthrough symptoms.

But the cramping in my abdomen, the fever, the heightened senses—it all points to one thing.

Somehow, Troy is right.

He approaches cautiously, keeping his distance even as concern radiates from him. "When was your last shot?"

I try to think through the fog settling over my mind. "Two months ago? Not long before we went on that trip. It was a shot. They last three months."

He nods, his expression grim. "That's what I thought. Look, Bella, the others are on their way. Just... hang tight, okay?"

As if on cue, the elevator dings. Moments later, Roman bursts into the living room, followed closely by Liam and Savva. Cole hangs back in the doorway, his stance rigid.

Their scents hit me all at once, and I nearly buckle under the sensory assault. Roman smells like cedar and rain, Liam like whiskey and leather-bound books. Savva's scent is old paper and expensive cologne with metallic undertones. And Cole's stone and steel scent makes me want to bury my face in his neck and never come up for air.

I've never smelled them so clearly before. Never felt so attuned to their presence, so aware of their every movement.

The room spins as the alphas' scents wrap around me like invisible cords. My skin burns, too sensitive against the fabric of my clothes. Every breath brings new waves of their scents,and each one hits me like a drug straight to my veins. I've never experienced anything like this before. This all-consuming need.

"Something's wrong with me," I groan, clutching the edge of the couch. The cramping in my abdomen intensifies, radiating outward.

"Bella," Troy says, his voice strained as he backs away, "when did you start feeling like this?"

I try to focus, to push through the fog clouding my thoughts. "Just now... after talking with Braxley..."

Roman steps closer, then hesitates, visibly forcing himself to maintain distance. "What happened with Braxley?" His voice is tight, controlled in a way that seems to require tremendous effort.

"He confessed. About cheating. About not being attracted to omegas."

The alphas exchange loaded glances, a silent conversation passing between them. There's more happening here than I understand, and trying to figure it out feels like solving a puzzle while my brain is melting.

"Stress can trigger heat," Savva explains, his accent noticeably thicker than usual. "Particularly emotional upheaval."

Another cramp hits me, stronger than before, and I double over with a whimper. My legs feel weak, unable to support my weight as heat pools low in my belly. I try to stand, thinking vaguely that I need to get to a room, but my knees buckle.

I don't hit the floor.

Roman moves faster than I thought possible, catching me against his chest. The moment his hands touch me, electricity sizzles across my skin. His scent engulfs me—cedar and rain. I want to bury my face against his neck and never leave.

"You're in heat," Roman tells me, his voice tight with restraint. He's holding me, but I can feel how rigid his body is, how carefully he's controlling himself. "A full heat."

"I think I need stronger suppressants," I mumble.

"The suppressants aren't going to work this time," Roman says. His golden-hazel eyes are nearly black, pupils dilated so wide they've almost swallowed the color.

Liam steps forward, his voice rough. "He’s right. They won't help for long, lass. Not now. You're under extreme stress, and you're trapped with—" He cuts himself off, jaw clenching.

"With what?" I ask warily, even as another wave of heat crashes over me. I'm burning from the inside out, my body demanding something I don't fully understand.

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