Page 39 of Love Me Knot, Part One (Knotty Omegas #1)

DAPHNE

I wake to Nate wrapped around me, face pillowed on my breasts and mouth open. Sleep was hardly restful, but every time I woke, he was there stroking my arms, petting my hair. No matter how many times it happened, he handled me with so much kindness, my throat went tight.

I worried I’d regret letting him stay over. Now, I’m not sure how I would’ve managed alone.

Carefully grabbing my phone so I don’t wake him, I stroke his hair and dive into my notifications. I’m unsurprised to find a litany of texts from my friends asking how my new neighbor situation is going. The guilt of keeping secrets weighs on me with every supportive and inappropriate message.

They still have no idea what happened with Pack Parker or how it’ll affect them. I know we need to talk soon, but I can’t do it right now. I’m not ready, especially after last night’s shitshow.

Thankfully, I don’t have to. Not when there’s a gorgeous alpha blowing up my phone.

Dez

Connor was so fucking wrong for how he treated you and I’m so sorry our night was ruined.

I hope Nate’s taking care of you. I wish I was there too.

To be clear, the only reason I’m not at your door is because I don’t want to overwhelm you, but I’m here if you need to talk or if you just need me.

Then he sends a picture. A full page of sketches, his hand still clutching the pencil. Nate and I laughing as we eat dinner. Dez talking to me on our porch. Connor staring at me like he’s not sure I’m real.

I look away from that one.

These must’ve taken all night. My fingers ache to touch the pages, to smell Dez’s warm scent all over the fibers. Something soft and squishy builds behind my chest.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to express how much it means that this alpha knew I was hurting, and instead of forcing his way in here, he gave me something to make me happy again.

He offered himself at my discretion despite instinct demanding otherwise.

Not that I’m mad at Nate, but I don’t think I’d have reacted well to two alphas in my nest last night.

I ache to talk to Dez, to give him a chance even as my uncertainty about this pack steals my thoughts. So, I reply, pleased when he answers immediately. Like he was waiting.

Me

Thank you. The sketches are beautiful.

Dez

You’re beautiful.

The page is in your mailbox.

I want to respect your boundaries. Just know, I’m here when you’re ready.

Swoon.

We talk for a bit more before signing off. Without the distraction, I’m forced to confront the last unread text. The one that takes all the affection swirling through me and sinks it to the bottom of the sea.

Connor

Can we talk?

Just seeing his name on my screen throws my instincts into a fit. Anger, pain, fear, sadness, humiliation. For all their faults, Pack Parker taught me one valuable lesson.

Never be with a man who puts you down to make himself feel taller. Never set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm.

I’m not stupid. There’s something in Connor’s past that pushed him to act the way he did. I’m just not sure it matters. If he can treat me like that when we barely know each other, who’s to say he’ll be any different once we do?

With a little squeal, my phone goes flying to the end of the bed. Nate grumbles, brow creased as he pulls me closer without waking. Like he knows I need the touch.

How can this man be in the same pack as Connor?

Where can our future when I want to put the pack lead through a woodchipper? Because having Nate with me, getting another glimpse of what it could be like to have a partner who cares, healed something I’ve been ignoring. Reincarnated this desire I squashed and destroyed over years of mistreatment.

I want Nate and Dez. I feel safe with them in a way I never have before, a way that has me debating courtship when I said I’d never do it again. But they’re a package deal. Wanting them means taking Connor too, for all his wishy-washy ways.

Can I accept that he’s a flawed human and move forward, as friends or something else, or do I let this fuckup taint the possibility of a relationship that I can actually see lasting?

My fears about courtship mingle with this new stress until my insides are so chaotic, I can’t decide if screaming or puking is the best option. When my alarm goes off, it’s a blessing even as Nate squirms and groans about it being too early.

Everything’s too fresh to unpack, but there’s more than enough at Nymph to keep me busy. I don’t need to give Connor Morgan any more of my time.

After a standoff in my kitchen that includes both stern alpha voice and puppy eyes, I allow Nate to drive me to Nymph. His instincts are restless, positive I’m going to run again.

Is it terrible that I kind of like how possessive he is?

Probably, but whatever.

Before we leave, I snatch Dez’s sketch from the mailbox and keep it close, huffing the page like a maniac but it makes me feel better. Calmer and more balanced than I did last night. Maybe I’ll actually be productive today.

After refusing to let Nate inside, I hand over a spare key for my place in case he isn’t ready to go home yet. You’d think I give him a fucking engagement ring with how bright he smiles. Adorable.

Hours later, I’m neck deep in plaster and dirt, sketches tucked in a pocket, when I see three beautiful omegas and one stoic beta standing outside my door with matching expressions and…

“What the fuck?” Flipping the lock, I usher them inside, warily eyeing Mellie.

High-waisted grey shorts and a cropped t-shirt sit comfortably on her curvy, petite frame, her flame-ombre hair tied up in messy space buns. Freshly done nails wrap around the handle of a bedazzled sledgehammer slung over her shoulder.

“Who gave you a weapon?” I ask.

She grins, smacking a scarlet kiss to my cheek as she passes. “Had it in my apartment. It’s even personalized.”

Weirdly enough, it doesn’t make me feel better.

Lacey comes in next, attempting her best boa constrictor impression. Her jumpsuit is gorgeous, pink daisy print showing off her curves. “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve been dying to hear how your heat went.”

“She’s not the only one.” Kai runs her gaze over me, and I fight the urge to shift when they catch on puffy cheeks and swollen eyes. “You’ve been awfully hard to reach lately.”

” Suspiciously hard,” Maverick agrees.

Our beta friend stands at the back with dark swooping hair, and a pastry bag that has my attention. He watches Kai like she’s in the world’s prettiest lingerie instead of sweats and a sports bra. My chest pangs with jealousy I immediately smother.

He hands Kai the absolutely revolting green juice she insists on drinking constantly before slipping me a bag that smells like butter, chocolate and life itself. “Buckle up, butterfly. We’re kidnapping you.”

I don’t know what’s going on, but this croissant is amazing . My mouth is so full, I can barely talk, and I regret nothing. “Sorry, why am I being abducted?”

Mellie snatches half the pastry from my hand like a fucking seagull and stares me down as she eats it. “We decided we’re not letting you dodge our calls anymore. Your heat was a good excuse, but it’s over now. Get your bag. We’re going to cause mischief.”

I’ve known her long enough to be absolutely terrified. This excursion could be anything from egging my exes’ house to straight up arson. I motion to the shop, still munching on my treat. “I’ve got so much to do here. Seriously, another time.”

Kai looks around at the bare walls and messy floors. The renovation crew just finished opening up the area that’s going to house a select few sex toy brands I’ve already scouted, but they didn’t exactly clean up after.

“Looks good,” she says. “Whatever else you need done, we’ll help with. Later. ”

I grapple for one last excuse to get them out of here. I don’t want to explain about the pack or Connor or my exes. Don’t want to disappoint the friends that have been so good to me.

Kai stares me down, arms crossed and energy thrumming. “Get in the car, Daphne, or I’ll put you there myself.”

I’m stubborn, but even I know when I’ve been beat. Shoulders slumped, I march outside and into the SUV like I’m heading to my own funeral.

Fifteen minutes later, we pull up to the last place I’m expecting. “A rage room?”

Lacey slips out of the car. “Seems like you have something on your chest. Might as well do some damage while you spill.”

“Hurry up! I want to get the good room.” Mellie shouts, dragging her sledgehammer as she walks past.

“Is she allowed to bring that?” I ask Maverick.

“Would you tell her no?”

Fair.

After signing a ridiculous number of waivers and slipping the attendant a fifty so Mellie can bring her hammer, we suit up and head to a room.

It’s practically half a warehouse and full of random stuff.

Old televisions, glasses and clocks litter every surface and inch of space.

A car sits to my right, beat to shit though the windows are still intact.

Someone’s even thrown a toaster, denting the wall.

It’s absolute mayhem.

“You’ve got an hour. If you want more time, you’ll have to extend.”

“We’ll let you know.” Kai stares the attendant down until they leave.

When we’re alone, Mellie props a hand on the hip of her protective coveralls. “You have three choices, babe. Get your rage on, spill about your heat, or tell us how the court date went.”

I’d rather eat nails than pick the last two. “Give me the sledgehammer.”

She snorts, waving to the back wall and an assortment of tools. “Get your own.”

While I choose my weapon, she climbs on a counter nearby and starts whaling on it. Lacey, who’s looking a little green, picks up a hammer and delicately destroys a tv. She doesn’t seem to enjoy it, but her face lights up when she tosses a plate to the ground, watching it shatter.