Page 44 of Knot Your Baby

I laugh. “Why would I?”

“Because they’re ugly.” He says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

My heart breaks a little. This gorgeous, brave man thinks a few scars make him ugly? “I’ve got ginger hair, I’m too curvy, and too tall to be an omega. That’s ugly. I don’t fit the perfect omega expectation.”

“You’re perfect.”

“I’m not, but I accept it.” I touch his neck and say, “But there’s nothing ugly about you. And these are your reminder that you lived.”

He nods. “I never thought of it like that.”

It’s getting too serious for my liking. “Anyway, it’s not like an alpha like you would ever look at me…like that. Even if my scent soothes you.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re attracted to me. Physically, I mean.”

His eyes darken, and he takes a step closer. “But I do like you.”

My heart stutters. “You’re just saying that because you like my armchair.”

“Blanket,” he corrects me. He cradles Stone closer to his chest. “And I’m saying it because you’re beautiful, but also because you make me feel whole again.”

“Oh.” The word comes out breathy, and I hate how vulnerable I sound.

He looks down at Stone, then back at me. “But I’ve never...”

“Never what?”

“Been with anyone.” His cheeks flush. “What omega would want this?” He gestures to his neck.

I burst out laughing before I slap my hand over my mouth when his mouth turns down. “No, no! I’m not laughing at you. It’s just...have you seen yourself? My God, you’re beautiful. The scars don’t take away from that fact. Yes, I’m sure your hair is bleached blond to detract from them, but you should be proud of your battle wounds.”

“What about these?” He pulls the collar down to show me the puckered skin over his chest.

“More scars that don’t change you—” I pause as his words sink in. “Wait, did you say you’re a virgin?”

He swallows hard and nods, then quickly changes the subject. “How’s the bakery situation?”

“Still waiting on the insurance company.” I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. “They’re taking their sweet time.”

“I can get my pack mate to look into it.”

“Your pack mate?”

“My brother is my pack mate.” He shifts Stone to his other arm. “I thought I told you.”

“I don’t know. Maybe you did. Baby brain and all that.” I smile.

He returns my smile and walks toward my bedroom. “He’s asleep. I’ll rest him.”

I watch Zane as he carries Stone back to my room. My heart melts at how tender he is with him. A warm glow spreads through me at the sight.

A warm sensation also settles between my thighs, and it’s pretty wet.

You can’t be thinking about sex right now, Stone is only ten days old.

I grab the lotion from the side table to soothe my sore nipples before I have to nurse again.

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