Page 103 of Chain Me Knot

Soren pulls me closer, his quiet warmth wrapping around me again. My cheek rests against his heart, absorbing calm, steady beats that ground me to him. This here, nestled in his arms, with our bond humming gently, is exactly where I've always longed to be.

Asher stirs beside us, a low rumble vibrating in his chest as he wakes. His dark eyes open and immediately find mine, his bond igniting inside my heart. “Good morning, mate,” he says, and gods if his voice isn’t the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard.

His bond glows beside Soren’s, both equally bright, strong and steady within me. He reaches out, fingertips grazing my jaw, and tilts my face toward his. His kiss is slow, tender, and thorough. He takes his time, his careful lips showing everything he feels without words—his affection, devotion, and promise.

Phoenix groans dramatically beside us, stretching his arms above his head and giving Asher and Soren a mock glare. “Seriously? Neither of you woke me up for this kind of action? Totally unfair.”

Heat rises in my cheeks when Phoenix’s eyes fix directly on me. My heart quickens at the powerful brightness in those playful summer-blue eyes. The urge rises instantly. I want to claim my last alpha.Needto claim him, every nerve in my body thrumming with desire to create our final bond. But I also want it to be special, perfect for him like it was with Asher and Soren.

Phoenix grins, diving between Asher and Soren, pushing them aside with playful exaggeration. He captures my mouth boldly, his kiss exuberant and fullof sunshine—completely and utterly Phoenix. His strong arms surround me, pulling me into him. My body melts beneath his kiss, fingers winding up into his messy hair as I hold tight.

He breaks away, eyes bright as he chuckles against my lips. “Now this,” he murmurs with a satisfied smirk, “is the best good morning I've had in forever.”

His strong, warm body presses tight to mine, igniting my senses as our scents mingle. Need spikes through me, and Phoenix notices, his gaze darkening, but instead of leaning in again, he eases back, pressing a chaste kiss to my forehead to soothe the moment before it can erupt into something more.

“Don't worry, Tough Girl.” He traces a thumb softly along my jaw. He studies me closely, understanding clear in his expression. “I know you’ll claim me soon, too. When the time's exactly right, okay?”

I exhale slowly, gratefulness and affection swelling in my chest as I whisper, “Yes.”

He grins then, eyes sparkling. “Right now, though? I'm starving. And if I recall correctly, someone didn't get dinner last night since Soren decided to steal all your attention.”

“Hey!” Soren protests from behind Phoenix. “I thought the trade-off was more than worth it.”

I smile as I meet Soren's tender gaze. “Totally worth it.”

Soren’s mouth curves into a pleased, gentle smile. His bond glows bright inside me, mirroring my own happiness.

“Well, breakfast sounds amazing.” Phoenix draws me out of bed. “Come on, mate. Today, food. Bonding, definitely later.”

After washing up, I slip into fresh clothes and walk toward the kitchen, following the familiar scent of coffee and cinnamon. I pause beside the kitchen doorway, savoring the easy friendship between my alphas.

Asher stands at the counter, flipping pancakes onto waiting plates. Morning sun drapes over him, highlighting sleepy eyes and tousled hair. He moves with quiet confidence, entirely at ease.

Soren sits at the table, eyes focused on his open laptop. When he sees me enter the room, he glances up, pausing long enough to catch my eye and wink. My heart flutters at the small gesture, perfectly intimate.

Phoenix stands by the kitchen island, a steaming mug of coffee in hand and a welcoming grin on his face. He passes it to me, our fingers brushing. Pleasant tingles spark along my skin. The scene feels beautifully domestic. Ordinary, yet spectacular in its simplicity: sunshine spilling through the windows, the scent of freshly made pancakes, coffee in my hands, and the gentle murmur of their conversation punctuated by quiet laughter. This is what home is supposed to feel like. Real. Safe. Cozy. Brimming with gentle comfort.

I want these mornings forever. I want a life bathed in golden sunshine, laughter, and their steady scents surrounding me. I want to reach for my coffee each morning surrounded by these three alphas who’ve become my family.

More than anything, I want it without fear. No shadows, no lurking threats from Pack Carmichael or the commissioner. No dread hanging heavily over us.

But my fear has changed. It’s grown sharper, more focused. It no longer leaves me helpless or trembling. Instead, it fuels a fierce spark of defiance deep inside my chest, bright, sharp, and impossible to extinguish.

“Emma, are you sure you're ready for this? You can talk to us. If you're afraid, it's understandable; none of us would blame you,” Phoenix says.

I meet his gaze. “I know I can. I admit, I’m shaken. But this time it's different. This time I’m not just afraid—I'mangry. Angry at Pack Carmichael. Angry at the commissioner. Angry at every single alpha and beta who allowed things to get to this point. The laws, the corruption…the twisted belief that an omega's life is disposable. That we’re property, tools to trade and use up. Senator Hardwick helped push those sick laws forward, but society turned a blind eye. They're all equally accountable. Every single one of them.”

Silence hangs heavily for a heartbeat. Asher’s bond flares inside me, pride glowing steady and strong alongside Soren's.

Phoenix’s eyes spark, a slow smile spreading across his handsome face. “Damn, I like your fire, Tough Girl. And we'll take that fire and grind the rules, laws and every single asshole who hurt omegas right into the fucking dust.”

I breathe out, tension releasing at his fierce promise. I believe him. I believe all of them—I trust that together, we'll do exactly that. My throat tightens, emotion welling hot in my chest.

“I love you all,” I whisper, surprised at how easily the words come now.

Asher captures me in strong arms, his ridiculous biceps bulging as he cups my face and tilts my head up. “We love you too, Emma. More than anything.”

The bond pulses bright and true and I feel his love flow through my veins. This is everything I thought I’d never have. Soren comes next, taking me from Asher's grasp. His kiss is fierce, thorough, filled with unspoken promises that send warmth flooding through my veins.

---