Page 101 of Knot my Alphas

I look around for a cart and finally find two that have been shoved in a lone corner. Wheeling them both out, I head back into the kitchen.

“I still can’t believe you cooked all this food,” I say, staring at the dishes crowding the counter as well as the table in the corner.

“Well, you helped,” she says with a smile and places a gorgeous upside-down pineapple cake on the cart. Swirls of whipped cream and sugared cherries decorate the top.

“I should take a picture of it,” I say, grabbing my phone.

“Is that really necessary?”

“Of course, it is! I took photos of everything you cooked today.”

Surprise flickers through her blue eyes. “Why?”

“This is our very first time hanging out together,” I say. “I had to capture every moment of it.”

A chuckle escapes her, followed by a sigh.

“Are you okay?” I ask, putting my phone away.

She nods. “I’ve almost forgotten what it is like to hang out with another woman who isn’t trying to stab me in the back.”

“What? Who’d dare to hurt you?”

“I’m so glad you never went to a stupid omega academy,” she mutters.

I chuckle. “Now, you’re being strange,” I say. “I know nothing about being an omega. Wouldn’t you rather your sons had a mate who knew what was expected of her?”

“Omega academies treat everything as a competition,” she says in a grim tone. “They compete for the best alphas and the best packs. There’s no love or affection in the way they choose their alphas. Everything’s a matter of status and power.”

“My sister’s school is like that,” I say, finally understanding what she means. “But, not all omegas are the same. Delilah’s very hardworking but she wants an alpha who’ll always be there for her. She values family and pack life more than money and status.”

“You’re talking about the same sister who abandoned you?”

“Maybe she didn’t have a choice but to follow her parents,” I say as a familiar pang rises in my heart.

Caroline moves forward and folds her arms around me. “You’re such a special lady,” she says, hugging me warmly. “Keep being yourself. You don’t have to change to fit into a certain mold that our society has created for omegas.”

I step away and stare at her.

Caroline’s eyes shimmer with sincerity. “You can talk to me about anything,” she says, grabbing my hand and squeezing. “I’m here for you, sweetheart.”

“Thanks,” I say as warmth washes over me. “My first heat is supposed to hit me any day now. I’d want all the advice you can give me to go through it without completely losing my head.”

“Oh, you’ll lose your head, all right,” she says, snorting. She laughs at my stricken expression. “But, don’t worry. I’ll help you set up the perfect nest and make sure my sons take care of all your needs.”

My cheeks heat up at once. The only thing an alpha needs to do during an omega’s heat is to keep pleasuring her over and over again.

“Hey,” Julian’s voice sounds from the doorway.

“Are you hungry already?” I ask, turning toward him.

“Mhmm,” he mutters, coming inside the kitchen. “I was wondering what smells so good.” He comes to a stop beside the cake. “A pineapple cake!” he gushes. “Yes! I was hoping you’d make one for me!”

He nearly jumps on Caroline, hugging her tightly. “Thanks so much!”

Caroline slaps his hand the moment he reaches for the cake. “I spent the last half an hour decorating that thing. Don’t you dare ruin the icing before it’s been on the table for everyone to see.”

Julian frowns as he massages his hand. “I thought you made it for me.”

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