Page 103 of Knot So Fast
That's when I notice them - flowers scattered across the floor near the doorway, white roses and purple blooms that look like they've been dropped in haste.Or anger.My stomach twists with something that isn't quite nausea.
"Why are there flowers on the floor?" I ask, though I already have a hunch. The arrangement screams Lucius - romantic gesture turned casualty of whatever went down while I was unconscious. He not necessarily the romantic type, but despite his chaotic lifestyle, there’s always been a few instances where he shows up when it really matters, which usually involves flowers when I achieve something important to me. "Let me guess - the twins had a moment?"
I can't even remember if Lachlan and Lucius get along.
The amnesia is still winning that particular battle, leaving me with impressions rather than memories. But the idea of them fighting, really fighting, leaves me unsettled in ways I don't want to examine too closely.
Before I can elaborate on that thought, Luke's fingers are under my chin, tilting my face up with surprising gentleness.
Then his lips are on mine, and my brain short-circuits completely.
The kiss is electric and practical in equal measure. I feel the cool water flowing from his mouth to mine, the pills following in a way that should be clinical but isn't. Not when his lips are this soft, not when I can taste the faint hint of mint on his breath, not when the gesture is so unexpectedly intimate it makes my chest ache.
I swallow obediently, the pills going down easier than they ever would on their own.
When he pulls back, we're both breathing a little harder than the situation warrants.
The thing about Luke is complicated.
He's the overprotective bestie every girl thinks she wants as a boyfriend until she realizes what that actually means. With Luke in the equation, my sex life would be non-existent -no Alpha would get within ten feet of me without his approval.Hell, I can barely manage to have Lucius over when Luke's on his business trips, and even then I swear he watches the security cameras like a hawk, ready to come racing back at the first sign of trouble.
Though, I bet if Kieran wanted his way, I bet he’d cave…
"Your eyes are crossed," he says, frowning at me with medical concern.
I blink deliberately, trying to focus.
"They're not. I'm just making sure you're not a twin too. This day has been full of surprises."
He sighs, but there's fondness in it.
"You're seeing two of me, aren't you?"
"Maybe," I admit with a smirk that probably looks more dopey than seductive. "But I like the view."
"And down you go," he says, groaning as he helps me lie back against the pillows. His hands are careful, professional, but there's something else there too - a tenderness that makes me want to curl into him and never leave.
I giggle weakly, the sound embarrassingly girlish.
"I'm just overwhelmed. It's not like I'm going into heat or anything. I saw the Omega doctor three days ago, just like my parents demand every month. Clean bill of health, no heat indicators, nothing."
Luke hums thoughtfully, adjusting the cloth on my forehead with practiced efficiency.
"That's probably true, but when you have five Alphas in one room after an overstimulating afternoon, then add in championship racing adrenaline and..." he pauses delicately, "activities with an Alpha, anything can trigger your omega pheromones. Your body doesn't always follow the calendar."
I huff, not wanting to admit he might have a point.
"You're not wrong, but I'm not acknowledging you're right either."
"Whatever gets you to stop talking and rest," he says, but there's no real heat in it.
"Whatever," I mutter back, letting my eyes drift closed. The exhaustion is pulling at me now, heavy and insistent. "Just... make sure they know I'm fine, okay? I don't want them worrying about me. I'm fine."
"I'll tell them," Luke promises, his voice already sounding distant. "They can visit one by one if you're still awake."
"Hmm, maybe," I mumble, already struggling to hold onto consciousness. The bed is too comfortable, the medication starting to work its magic on the pounding in my skull. "Don't want them worrying..."
Whatever Luke says in response is lost as I drift away, floating in that space between waking and sleeping where everything feels soft and safe and exactly where I'm supposed to be.
