Page 103 of Knot Happening

"Not emergency," Marcus corrects, pouring a third cup. "Planning session."

"For tomorrow." Felix settles onto another stool, instantly more alert. "Our omega's first heat with us."

"Exactly. I want to make sure we're prepared for everything."

"What kind of everything?" I ask, though I can guess where Marcus's mind is going.

"Logistics. Nest-building supplies. Food preparation. Temperature control. Making sure Belle has everything she needs to feel comfortable."

"You made a list, didn't you?" Felix observes with amusement.

Marcus pulls out his phone, scrolls to what is clearly a very detailed list. "Seventeen items. Cross-referenced by priority and timeline."

"Of course you did." I shake my head, but I'm not surprised. "Read it."

"Nest-building materials. We need more blankets, pillows. Soft textures that will hold our scents properly."

"Already handled," Felix says. "I ordered everything yesterday. Premium materials, optimal comfort specifications."

"Food preparation. High-protein snacks, hydration options, easy-to-digest meals for when she's too distracted to focus on eating."

"I can handle that," I offer. "Military rations taught me to think about nutrition under stress."

"Temperature control. Her room needs to be exactly the right temperature. Too hot and she'll be uncomfortable. Too cold and she won't want to leave the nest."

"HVAC system is already optimized," Felix says. "Individual room controls, backup heating if needed."

Marcus continues down his list. Security measures. Privacy considerations. Communication protocols if she needs anything. Backup plans for potential complications.

"Marcus," I interrupt gently. "You're overthinking this."

"Am I? Because this is important, Theo. This is the moment that determines whether Belle feels safe and loved during her most vulnerable time, or whether we fuck it up and damage her trust in us forever."

The intensity in his voice reveals the real concern. Marcus isn't worried about logistics. He's worried about being worthy of Belle's trust.

"She already trusts us," Felix points out. "Belle chose to share her heat with us. She could have managed it alone like she has for years, but she chose us."

"Because she loves us," I add. "And we love her. Everything else is just details."

Marcus is quiet for a moment, processing this. "I just want to be perfect for her."

"Marcus," Felix says gently, "you don't have to be perfect. You just have to be you. The alpha who showed her what passionate commitment looks like. Who made her feel safe enough to consider sharing her life with us."

"Besides," I add, "Belle doesn't want perfect. She wants real. Authentic. The same qualities that made her fall in love with us in the first place."

"You're right." Marcus sets down his coffee cup with obvious decision. "I'm overthinking this."

"Little bit," Felix agrees with a grin.

"So what do we actually need to focus on?" Marcus asks.

"Being present," I say immediately. "Available for whatever she needs, when she needs it."

"Following her lead," Felix adds. "Let Belle tell us what she wants, how she wants the bonding to happen."

"And making sure she knows she's completely safe with us," Marcus finishes.

"Exactly."

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