Page 98 of Knot my Alphas

My face burns as the gorgeous omega woman wraps her arms around me and pulls me into a hug. The fragrance of crisp green apples wafts into my nostrils, suddenly making me crave apple pie.

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” Caroline says, smiling warmly at me.

“Me too,” I say as my nervousness melts away.

“How have you been, sweetheart?” she asks, her smile faltering. “It must’ve been scary during the attack. I couldn’t believe what happened when I heard the news the first time.”

“I’m fine,” I say, glancing toward Julian and her sons. “They protected me. I would probably be dead and lost without them.”

Caroline doesn’t know about the part where Callahan kidnapped. Either way, it’s the truth that without my mates, I’d still be living a tortured life as Callahan’s prisoner.”

“It’s their job to protect their mate,” Caroline says.

“I don’t want them to get hurt because of me,” I say in a small voice as the memory of Julian’s broken, unmoving body flashes through my mind. “I won’t be able to bear it if anything happens to them.”

“I understand, sweetheart,” Caroline says in a gentle voice and draws me into another hug. “It’s hard enough to worry aboutonemate. And you’ve got four of these thugs to look out for.”

A snort escapes me.

“Did you just callmea thug?” Julian quips. “I’m your sweetest darling.”

Damon slings an arm around Julian’s neck. “You’re the biggest thug among us.”

Julian retaliates by lightly biting Damon’s cheek.

I swallow as a familiar fluttery feeling descends into my belly. Why is it so hot to simply watch them?

It’s a second before I feel the weight of a gaze.

Caroline is looking at directly me.

Shit! She’s noticed, my mind whispers, sounding alarm bells in my head. She’s going to know I’m a total perv who enjoys watching her sons flirt with Julian.

“Why’s everyone gathered in here?” A deep voice rumbles through the kitchen.

Gerald has appeared in the doorway. He looks all around the room, his gaze finally falling on me.

“Is no one going to introduce me to her?” he asks, frowning.

Caleb immediately moves to my side. “Dad, this is Iris, our mate.”

“Hello,” I say, struggling not to blink as the intimidating alpha gives me his whole attention.

Moving forward, Gerald reaches out to shake my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Iris.”

I nod and take his hand. His hold is surprisingly gentle as he shakes my hand. “Same here,” I say, looking up at him.

Gerald is as tall as Raiden and Damon, but he shares the same silvery eyes as Caleb. He has an imposing presence, fitting of the patriarch of our Solveig Pack.

“There’s barely any space to move in here!” Caroline huffs. “How am I supposed to be cooking?”

Gerald gestures toward his sons. “Your mother needs her space. Come along, boys.”

“Is it okay if I stay?” I say in a low voice. “I can help you with peeling and chopping.”

“Oh, you would do that?” Caroline says, looking pleasantly surprised.

I nod. “As long as you don’t mind.”

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