Page 75 of Knot Just Their Nanny
“Can I stay? Just for a bit?” Henry’s voice is low, a touch of uncertainty threading through his usual confidence.
“Yeah, of course,” I murmur. “Join me?” The idea of having him nearby is comforting in ways I’m only just starting to understand. He doesn’t wait for another invitation; he easesdown beside me in my nest, his body a strong line of warmth against my side.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice laced with genuine concern. He knows how close I am to my heat, and the tension that comes with it is almost tangible.
“Yeah, just tired,” I admit, fighting off a yawn with little success. “It’s been a long day.”
He nods in understanding, then his eyes soften even more, if that’s possible. “That it has. Sleep now, sweetheart. I’ll see to Mia when she wakes.”
“Could you be more perfect?” I mutter as sleep is beckoning me.
“Only for you.” He kisses the top of my head.
I smile, feeling the tension bleed out of my body.
With him by my side, I feel a sense of calm wash over me, easing my worries about the impending heat that awaits us.
Henry’s hand continues its gentle caress until I’m teetering on the edge of sleep, his steady breathing syncing with mine.
“What about you, though?” I mumble, half-asleep. “Don’t you need to rest, too?”
“I will,” he whispers back, “but right now, I’ve got you.”
Chapter 41
Benjamin
Once inside my room, I flop onto the bed and stare up at the ceiling. There’s a part of me that’s terrified about the heat. Not because of what it means physically—that part is basic instinct, something we alphas are born ready for—but because of what it represents emotionally. Zara needs someone she can trust implicitly, someone who’ll be there for her every step of the way without fucking it up.
I mean it with everything I’ve got that I’m going to be there for her, and she accepted my offer, so this is a good thing. Nicole is behind me, and Zara is in front of me. A whole world of possibilities is just waiting to happen.
Knowing I can be this for Zara and Mia, and even for myself, has a sort of peace settling over me. This is right. It’s perfect, and I know now that Nicole was a means to an end for me. She gave me Mia, which brought Zara into my life. It’s funny how fate works, but I truly believe this was fate at play—from the very beginning.
Turning over, I sigh—a slow release of breath that takes all the anger and pain away with it and leaves me restful. It’s been a long time since I went to sleep properly without being draggedunder by sheer exhaustion, unable to sleep because of the pain and needing to be there for Mia.
Making a mental note to ring my mum tomorrow to see if she will have Mia for a couple of days when Zara’s heat hits full-on, I think that’s best. It breaks my heart to have to part with her for a couple of days, but three alphas in rut with an omega in heat is no place for a baby.
Settling deeper into my pillows, I let my mind stray further. It’s been a hell of a ride these past few months, but as I shut my eyes, the last thing I think about is Zara’s smile, the way her entire face lights up when she’s genuinely happy. It’s a beautiful sight, and one that I need to see more often.
Sleep comes easier than usual tonight. Maybe it’s because, for the first time in a long time, I feel like things are finally clicking into place.
But whatever it is, I drift off with the promise of tomorrow tingling in my veins—a future where Zara’s scent fills my senses, not just during her heat but every day after that.
A future.
As dreams start to weave through my consciousness, they’re full of laughter, the warmth of bodies nestled close, and the sweet tang of satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
It’s a new day tomorrow—a day closer to Zara’s heat and all the challenges that come with it. But for tonight, at least, everything is perfect in its place.
***
When I wake up, it feels like I’ve slept for a week and am groggy with it. I’m in the exact same position I was when I fell asleep. Rubbing my hand over my face, I realise a soft knock at the door woke me.
“Yeah,” I call out groggily, getting up and going to the door.
It’s Henry and Liam.
“We need to talk,” Henry says, fixing me with a glare that catches me off guard.
