Page 105 of Knot So Fast
"She's not going to allow that," Luke groans, and I can hear the frustration in his voice - not at the suggestion, but at what he perceives as the impossibility of it.
"Why not?" Lachlan challenges. "Auren's an open book regardless if she remembers or not. She's not the jealous type when it comes to pack dynamics."
Luke doesn't respond, but I can imagine him processing this information, weighing it against everything he thinks he knows about me.
"Think about it," Lachlan continues, his voice taking on a strategic quality. "Dex, Caspian, and I don't give a damn what you two do. We're straight as boards, so you two can be explorative with Auren but none of us are interested in that particular dynamic. Lucius is a selfish fucker so his opinion doesn't matter anyway."
The casual acceptance in his tone is surprising. Most Alphas would be territorial about their pack dynamics, especially when it comes to their Omega. But Lachlan's talking about it like it's a tactical advantage, another piece on his racing strategy board.
There's rustling, movement, then Luke's voice comes out smaller, more vulnerable.
"Lucius isn't gonna commit, is he?"
Lachlan's sigh is heavy with years of disappointment.
"It's his greatest weakness."
"But it's not yours?"
The laugh that follows is sad enough to make my chest ache even in my semi-conscious state.
"It was until Auren," Lachlan admits quietly. "Only got stronger when she became off-limits. I'm not playing around this time. If Lucius wants to fuck anyone under the sun, he can, but then he can't have Auren."
The possessiveness in his voice sends shivers through me despite my immobilized state.
This is Alpha declaring boundaries, establishing pack law.
"We're going to have to tell her," he continues, his voice thoughtful now. "She needs to learn about each of us all overagain. We know everything about her, but she knows nothing about us. We can't box her in with expectations based on memories she doesn't have."
"So if she wants to fuck him," Luke says slowly, "it's fine until she knows he's not going to be in the pack?"
"Pretty much," Lachlan confirms. "But we remind her to make sure he provides STD tests. He's not going to be freaky and bring our Omega anything."
Our Omega.
The words echo in my mind, sending goosebumps across my skin even in this floating state.
The casual possessiveness, the matter-of-fact way he says it, like it's already decided, already true.
"This is like starting over," Lachlan says, and I can hear him moving closer to the bed. "Like the first time, only now we're about to tackle the biggest racing competition in the world, and be in front of the public eye. We just have to take things at her pace."
"That includes me?" Luke asks, vulnerability creeping back into his voice.
"If Auren's fine with you being a romantic potential, then fine. I have no issues with you, Luke. Even if you are a cockblocker."
"Fuck off," Luke mutters, but there's warmth in it now, acceptance.
Lachlan chuckles, and then I feel the bed shift and sense the shadow behind my eyelids as he leans over me. His lips press against mine, soft and quick but lingering enough to make my heart skip. The kiss is different from Luke's practical one - this is pure tenderness, promise and possession wrapped in gentle pressure.
"My Sugar and Spice," he whispers against my lips, his breath warm and sweet. "Get well soon, baby."
The endearment wraps around me like a blanket, pulling me deeper into sleep even as my mind tries to hold onto consciousness. His encouragement seems designed to invite rest, to give me permission to stop fighting the exhaustion.
As I drift away, one thought crystallizes through the haze:when I wake up, I'll officially be the Omega of Wolfe's pack.
Not just for show or to complete this competitive strike for the world to see, but because they genuinely want me as theirs…
I guess I’m really going to be starting anew…from scratch.
