Page 31 of Knot Your Baby

“Your outlets need covers,” he says. “And these lower cabinets need locks.”

“I’ve already bought them.” I yawn. “Just haven’t installed anything yet. But as Stone is brand new, I doubt he’ll need them installed anytime soon.”

Stone’s cry pierces the air. I lift him to my breast, and he latches on instantly. My eyes drift closed as he feeds.

“Beautiful,” Zane whispers.

I peek at him through heavy lids. He’s watching us with such tenderness my heart aches.

“You need to sleep.” He scoops us both up, my head resting against his chest. Stone still settled against mine. “Which room is yours?”

“Left door.” My words slur with exhaustion.

The mattress dips as he settles me on the nest, then slides in behind me. His legs envelop mine, one arm behind his head, the other draped protectively over Stone and me.

“You can sleep now, Freya,” he purrs. “I’ve got you both.”

“You’re staying?”

“If you’re okay with it, I’ll stay until he’s fed, then I’ll bathe him, change him and place him in his crib. That should give you a few hours before he wakes again.”

My omega hums with contentment, surrounded by his warmth and scent. Stone’s tiny snuffles grow quieter as he drifts off.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

“For what?”

“For being there for me. For being here. For making everything feel right.”

His purring deepens, and I let the rhythmic vibrations lull me under. For the first time in years, I feel completely safe.I shouldn’t. Yes, he’s a fireman, but he could also be an axe murderer. But I doubt it.

I haven’t told him, but I love his scent.

I hope he loves mine too, but alphas like Zane never fall for omegas like me. So, I’ll enjoy the moment for as long as it lasts.

Still, my insecurity doesn’t stop me from nestling deeper into Zane’s warmth. And with Stone’s tiny weight against my chest, my life feels a little like perfect.

I inhale the scent that wraps around me.

Not only my baby’s fresh scent, which makes my heart squeeze, but also Zane’s. He smells like he’s been in a bed of strawberries all day. I inhale, trying to smell the lime and tequila that’s in my omega scent.

Would he stay if we were scent matched?

Or am I fooling myself?

Don’t get used to this, I tell myself.He’s just being kind because he’s a good person. A wonderful alpha who will make some lucky omega so happy someday.

The thought stings more than it should. We’ve known each other for what? Less than twelve hours. Yet it feels like he’s always been here, like this spot behind me was made for him to hold me.

Stone makes a little snuffling sound in his sleep. I trace his tiny features with my finger. His button nose, those long dark lashes, the curve of his cheek. “He’s absolutely perfect. Thank you, Zane,” I whisper again, fighting to keep my eyes open. “For everything. For being such an amazing person.”

His chest rumbles against my back. “Freya...”

“I mean it. Your omega is going to be the luckiest person in the world.” My voice catches. “I hope you find her soon.”

He presses a kiss to my hair, his lips lingering. “Sleep now, little baker.”

The endearment makes my heart flutter. As darkness creeps in around the edges of my vision, I can’t stop the words that slip out.

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