Page 26 of Knot Gonna Lie

“Why would I be?” Her tone was light, almost amused. “Your scents are already blended with one another’s—saturated with trust, affection, time. That kind of bond deserves respect.”

She gave a small, sheepish smile and wrinkled her nose—not in disgust, but with quiet honesty.

“I’m not looking to come between what’s already been built. Whoever joins my pack…I want that connection to grow naturally. Unmated. Uncomplicated.” Her gaze softened as it swept across them. “It’s hard enough stepping into an existing clan. I need packmates who chooseme, just as I’ll choose them—and who’ll stay loyal to that choice.”

“But where are the others?” Tobias asked, shifting in his seat to peer behind me. “I don’t see my brother or anyone else with you.”

“They’ve been sent to pack Elara’s belongings while I give her a proper tour and introduce her to you four.”

“You mean she’s already moving in?” Sylas asked, mouth dropping open in shock. “What happened to the courting stage?”

“There is no courting stage,” I replied firmly. “Elara wanted only me—”

“Your alpha is the only one worthy of marking me,” Elara interjected with regal certainty. “I’d rather skip formalities and stop delaying the inevitable. He came. I chose him, and soon he’ll mark me, forever binding me to both him and this clan.”

“Have you shown her the nest room?” Maia asked, cheeks darkening with a blush. “I made sure to freshen it in preparation, hoping you’d return with an omega.”

“Thank you.” Elara nodded toward the female engineer with genuine warmth. “How thoughtful of you to do such a thing.”

I hadn’t missed how she squeezed her thighs together, as if trying to hide mounting arousal from everyone present. Drawing a deep breath, I could taste her growing need saturating the air, thickening with each passing moment.

A purr rumbled through my chest as instinct demanded I comfort her rising desire. Wrapping an arm around her waist,I pulled her close and guided her head to rest against my chest while nodding to my crew.

“Now, if you’ll excuse us, I believe we have urgent matters to attend.” I turned her toward the hallway leading to both my private cabin and her nest room. With introductions complete, it was time to take my omega away and claim her properly. “Stella, you’re in charge. When the others arrive, have them place her belongings in my quarters temporarily. We’ll gather whatever’s left tomorrow before we leave.”

“Why Stella?” Tobias demanded with wounded pride.

“Because she isn’t afraid to stab someone if they try interrupting us.” Elara flinched in my arms. Leading her away, I leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Don’t worry. No one would be foolish enough to attempt it.”

“You heard the boss. I’m in charge now.”

We walked in comfortable silence down the hallway as I watched Elara absorb the decorations adorning our walls.

“Do you have any questions?”

“What are those?”

She glanced over her shoulder, jerking her head toward the vid-frames displaying short recordings of exotic plants from locations throughout the galaxy.

“Those are the plants we use at Coco Pharma,” I replied with genuine pride. “To maintain our competitive edge, we ensure quality products delivered punctually. We take pride in treating our botanical sources properly and avoiding contamination of local ecosystems.”

“That sounds…incredible.”

“It’s quite remarkable when I pause to consider it,” I said, then hesitated—just for a breath. “But I can’t claim all the credit. I wouldn’t be here without my brother’s contributions.”

A flicker of guilt twisted low in my gut. I’d used his ID to enter the Den, and now I stood here reaping the rewards of a risk he didn’t even know I’d taken. I masked it with a smile.

“And he wouldn’t be here without yours,” she corrected, firm with conviction. “I’ve heard about the Coco Pharma brothers and the exceptional quality of your products.”

“Really?”

“Of course.” She covered her mouth, muffling delighted laughter. “How else are station residents supposed to maintain their appearance when they can’t leave? They demand your products specifically.”

“Well, once we’re behind these doors, you’ll become part of the Coco Pharma legacy yourself.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

ELARA