Page 102 of Knot in Bloom
Before he can respond, footsteps on the stairs announce the arrival of the others. Caleb appears first, his presence immediately filling the doorway, followed by Reid who’s fully dressed and carrying what looks like coffee.
“How is she?” Caleb asks, though I can feel through the bond that he already knows I’m perfectly content.
“I’m right here,” I say with a laugh. “And I’m wonderful. Better than wonderful.”
“Good,” he says, settling in the nest to stroke my hair. “You look happy.”
Reid settles on the other side, offering me coffee. “The bonds feel natural already, don’t they? Like they were always supposed to be there.”
“Exactly like that,” I agree, taking the coffee gratefully. “I never knew I was missing something until I found it.”
Caleb’s expression turns sheepish. “Sorry about all the security checking. It’s instinctive. My omega was claimed and now my brain won’t shut up about potential threats.”
“Your omega,” I repeat softly, testing the words. They send warmth spiraling through me.
“That’s what I am now. Yours.”
“Ours,” Reid corrects gently. “And the protective instincts will settle in a few days.”
They dress me carefully, each piece of clothing chosen with deliberate intent. Reid’s soft cashmere sweater that smells like bergamot. Levi’s worn jeans that hang loose on my smaller frame but carry his coffee-and-books scent in every fiber.
Caleb’s thick wool socks that come up to my knees and surround my feet with his clean, masculine scent.
The simple act of being dressed in their clothes feels incredibly intimate now that we’re bonded. More than intimate—like being claimed all over again.
I can feel their satisfaction through the pack bonds as they surround me with their scents.
“You know,” I say, looking down at my ensemble, “I look like I raided a donation bin. Very chic homeless person aesthetic.”
“You look like ours,” Reid corrects, but there’s amusement in his voice. “Though I admit the styling could use work.”
“Hey,” Levi protests. “My jeans are perfectly respectable.”
“On you, maybe. On her, they’re practically falling off.”
“That’s the point,” Caleb says with a grin. “Easy access.”
I swat at him, but I’m laughing. “You’re terrible.”
“You smell like ours,” Caleb observes with deep satisfaction.
“You smell like home,” I whisper, and feel their collective response through the bonds—warm, possessive, utterly devoted.
When they mention showing me the house, excitement bubbles up in my chest.
“I can’t wait to see it,” I say eagerly as we head downstairs. “Our house. I still can’t believe this is real.”
Reid grins at my enthusiasm. “Wait until you see what we planned for you.”
The house tour is everything I dreamed it would be and more. I can feel their emotions as they show me each room—Reid’s pride in the design, Caleb’s satisfaction at the security features, Levi’s quiet happiness at the library space he helped plan.
It’s perfect.
“The kitchen.” Reid leads me into a space that makes my heart soar. White marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island big enough for three people to cook together. “When I saw this place, I knew it was perfect for us. Holiday dinners, pack gatherings, whatever you want.”
I run my hand along the marble countertop, grinning. “This is gorgeous. Though I should probably warn you I’m terrible at cooking.”
“That’s what we’re for,” Caleb says with a chuckle. “We’ll teach you. Or just cook for you forever. Either works.”
