Page 162 of Knot Like Other Girls

"I'll dig them out tomorrow," Roman promises, and I notice he doesn't clarify either.

Bella shifts slightly, reaching for her wine glass, and I catch a brief wince cross her features. She recovers quickly, but I've been trained to notice micro-expressions, and that was definitely discomfort.

"You alright?" I ask quietly.

"Fine," she says too quickly, then reconsiders. "Just a little warm."

My gaze sharpens, looking for other signs. Her pupils are dilated more than the dim evening light would account for. The flush on her cheeks has deepened. Her scent has intensified even more, the honeyed caramel coffee notes becoming more pronounced.

She's going into heat.

Not full-blown yet, but it's coming.

I catch Roman's eye across the nest, and I know he's noticed too. His nostrils flare slightly as he scents the air, and he gives me an almost imperceptible nod.

"How about dessert?" Troy suggests, seemingly oblivious to the change in atmosphere as he reaches for the turquoise box from Soft Spot. "Beth said these ones have candied pecans."

Bella smiles but shakes her head. "Maybe in a bit."

She takes another bite of cheese and bread, but I notice her hand trembles slightly. She's trying to act normal, but it's clear she's feeling it already.

"Water?" Savva offers.

"Maybe," Bella murmurs.

Cole immediately reaches for one of the bottles Troy arranged earlier, uncapping it and passing it to her. Their hands brush during the exchange, and I see Bella's breath catch. It's not just a casual reaction. It's her body responding to alpha contact.

She takes a long drink, and I watch a droplet of water escape from the corner of her mouth, trailing down her neck to disappear beneath the collar of her shirt.

My mouth goes dry at the sight.

"Thank you," she murmurs to Cole, her voice lower than before.

I shift uncomfortably, adjusting my position in the nest. The atmosphere has changed, the energy charging with something beyond our usual banter. Even Troy seems to have caught on now, his playful expression growing sober as he watches Bella with increasing focus.

Roman clears his throat. "We should clear some of this away," he suggests, gesturing to the remains of our meal.

"No," Bella says quickly. "Not yet. Let's just... stay like this a little longer."

There's an edge of desperation in her voice that I recognize. She's fighting it, trying to maintain control for as long as possible before surrendering to the heat that clearly has her nerves on edge.

"Whatever you need," I tell her softly.

She meets my gaze, and the vulnerability in her eyes makes my chest ache. "I need you," she whispers. "All of you."

I swallow hard, trying to gulp down the lump in my throat at her words. Holy shit. We're really doing this.

"You have us," Roman assures her, his voice deeper than usual.

She nods, then winces again, pressing a hand to her lower abdomen. "I think... it's happening faster than I expected."

Troy immediately begins gathering the food containers, quick and efficient despite his usual clumsiness. "Let's get this out of the way, then."

"I'll help," Savva offers, collecting wine glasses and plates.

I start to rise, intending to assist them, but Bella's hand shoots out to grasp my wrist. "Stay," she pleads. "I need someone to stay with me."

I settle back down immediately. "I'm not going anywhere, lass."

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