Page 16 of Knot Stepping Down
I do know. Every time we’re together, he rubs himself all over me, gathering my scent up for himself. It’s not really a secret that we’re together and despite the rumors, most people really don’t care. It’s only Sienna being a jealous fuck that is the problem.
Milo waves and dashes off down the hallway, Avery gesturing to the men’s bathroom. I follow behind him, waiting until the door closes to bring him into my chest. He sags against me, grinning when his eyes meet mine. “Hey, Alpha.”
“Hey, pretty boy. Miss me?”
“Terribly.”
I can tell that it’s not entirely a joke, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. His fingers dig into my shirt a little rougher than usual, the slight tremble to his lips telling me he’s not all that put together. “Aw, babe. Why didn’t you say something? I could tell you had a hard time getting to sleep.”
“Because I didn’t… it’s your game today and I…” Tears run down his cheeks as he clings to me, my heart breaking for him.
I felt the same way when Mom first dismissed me, when I thought there was still something I could do to garner her favor. With Henry, though, I know he’ll come around. Sooner than Avery thinks because I texted that man that even if he doesn’t approve of our relationship, severing his relationship with his son was uncalled for.
He didn’t respond to my message and I don’t expect him to but if he has any love for Avery, he’ll show up for him.
“You are always allowed to tell me what’s going on, Avery.Always. I’ve got a little time before the game and I’ve been given permission to fuck off for a little. What do you want to do?”
Avery hesitates before managing a small smile. “Can we go back to my nest and you just hold me? No fucking or anything. I just…”
“Always.Whatever you need.”
We walk back to my dorm in silence, side by side but not touching, Avery unable to get into his nest quick enough when we arrive. Before I’m even able to even get my shoes off, he’s tugging me down into his pillows so that I’m hovering over him, blocking out the rest of the world.
“I’m going to crush you, Avery,” I muse, looking down to see the top of his head. “Are you sure this is okay?”
His curls bob up and down before he pulls me down further so that all of my weight is resting on him. “Just like this.”
I don’t understand it but I stay like that anyway, holding my breath as he clears his throat. “Would you ever want kids?”
I have absolutely no idea where this is going but try to stay relaxed so he doesn’t start channeling my emotions. “Um, I haven’t really thought about it. Eventually. Why?” My mind starts working in overdrive, thinking of everything that’s happened over the last several days, dread settling in the pit of my stomach. “Are you pregnant, Avery?” I lift up just enough to see him trying to cower into my chest, his fingers shaking as he pulls me back down.
“No-o. But I thought I was. The heat symptoms went away a little bit but I was still uncomfortable so I took a test. The nurse said I’m definitely in preheat so I’m not pregnant but I… for a moment…”
The image of little mini versions of us running around floods my head and I have to will my cock to stay where it is. Holy fuck, yes I want that. “Avery, I want all of you. Whatever comes next,regardlessof what it is. Babies or heats or something else.”
He lets out a happy little sigh before settling again as if all he needed was that confirmation.
“Do you want a baby, Avery?”
“Yes,” he murmurs. “Eventually. With you,yes.”
A chuckle rumbles through my chest as I lean back down to cover him, content to have him beneath me, his cute little snores permeating the nest moments later. As long as he’s happy, I am and that’s all that matters, championship be damned.
avery
Thegymisbuzzingbut I definitely think 90% of the energy flowing through the room is coming from me. Spending the afternoon and part of the evening wrapped up in my nest with Declan was exactly what I needed to calm my nerves. Add in the several kisses and the moment I conned him into knotting me one more time and everything isperfect.
Declan is going to win and then I’m going to tell him I love him.
It’s too soon. I know that but I also know that he’s mine and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Milo jabs me in my side, grinning over at me. “Feeling better? You’ve got that glow again.” I narrowly miss his shoulder as he dodges. “Don’t hit me! Just making sure my best friend is doingalright. I’m going to take that as a yes. Ready to cheer on your man?”
I nod. “Yeah, they’re going to win again. I can feel it.”
“Of course, they are. How are you doing… with everything else?”
I thought I would be doing worse. I thought the whispers might bother me but they are kind of nonexistent. Sienna keeps trying to start something but we’reKnotlocke Academy. We’re known for our scandalous auctions. Stepbrothers dating really isn’t the highlight of anyone’s day.
