Page 76 of Knot For Keeps

“Do you want me to go get you our bedding?” he asked.

I nodded.

Theo stood up, scratching his stubble as he meandered out of the room. “I’ll go grab mine.”

The pair of them acquired a lot of bedding, Archer’s as well as their own. Wasting no time I had started arranging their various pillows and sheets so I would be encompassed by all their scents as I lay in my nest.

Sweet sugar. Lemon, whisky. Every scent blended together in a lovely way—but something was still missing.

“It’s still not right,” I cried as large, broken sobs escaped my chest. I hugged myself as I sat in the nest, looking around at the crumpled pillows and blankets. I turned to Gage. “I uh… I—”

“Talk to me, darling.”

“Kane,” I said simply.

Gage’s face lit up in realisation. “You want his scent as well?”

I nodded, still sobbing. “He doesn’t want me though, he rejected me.”

“No! Kane didn’t reject you, darling. He’s just dealing with his own problems right now.”

“Hedidreject me though, he isn’t here. I told him I wanted him here!” I sobbed angrily. “It doesn’t feel right without him!”

Gage and Theo shared a look, I didn’t pay too close attention to it, until Gage stepped away from the bed practically running out of the room. The loss of him made me whine loudly, but Theo filled his spot seconds later, clambering onto the bed and pulling me in close, tucking my head under his chin.

“Let’s have a cuddle, Princess. Gage’ll be back soon,” he soothed. “Do you wanna cry, cuddle or fuck?”

“Rest,” I mumbled into his naked chest. The throbbing ache wasn’t dominating my every thought at that moment so I inhaled the clean lemon and pine scent of Theo. My hands wound around his back as we laid on our sides. I sobbed gently, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

I was so hot. Theo was the only thing grounding me. If I didn't get more knots soon I would probably spontaneously combust.

A deep rumble emanated from Theo’s chest and I melted against him. It sang to my every sense, turning me into a pile of relaxed goo. Theo was purring for me, and its effect was immediate, relaxing me and lulling me into calmness.

Footsteps indicated that someone had entered my room, maybe two someones, but I was too lethargic to care.

“Lavender?” A gravelly voice spoke from the edge of the nest.

Kane.

Sitting up so fast my head span, I took in the hulking man at the edge of my nest. Gage stood behind him, arms crossed and concern evident on his face.

Kane looked like shit. I doubted he had slept a wink since my heat started. The bags under his eyes were a dark purple, and his face looked pale and slightly gaunt. It was a punch to my gut to see him in that state.

Why was he here? Did Gage force him? I didn’t want him here if it was against his will.

Theo slid off the nest and out of sight but I could still smell him, he wasn’t far away. Kane hesitated, his face more open than I had ever seen it as I reached out my hand to him. His warm leathery scent was potent and he was only on the edge of the nest. I wanted him in there with me.

“Don’t make her fucking wait,” Gage snarled from behind Kane. “If you’re in you’re in. Don’t you dare drag it out and hurt her.”

Kane nodded, clambering into the nest. “Hey, nuisance,” his voice was gravelly and breathless.

I squeaked in glee, throwing myself into his chest. He rolled onto his back so I was sprawled all over his front. “Hello,” I beamed at him before leaning down for a quick kiss. Kane’s hand flew to the back of my head, deepening it.

He tasted dark and smoky. His lips were demanding, rough but also surprisingly soft. I clawed at his clothes, demanding he take his shirt off. I wanted his skin on mine.

“Are you sure?” he asked, pulling his lips from mine, ignoring my whine of protest.

My hand snaked up to his neck, my nails digging in.

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