Page 53 of Love Me Knot, Part One (Knotty Omegas #1)

“You’re here!” She squeals, rushing for my side of the car and I’m out, pulling her into my arms before her feet can touch the pavement. There’s absolutely nothing in the world that feels better than holding her. Touching her.

She’s here. She’s mine.

Nose buried in Daphne’s hair, I suck in a breath then another of her sweet scent, determined to never go this long without it. It’s like I’m finally taking oxygen after being underwater.

“Holy fuck, I missed you so much,” Daph whines, nearly crawling up my body until she’s wrapped tight around me.

I swear, this woman is healing me with every second we’re together. Sometimes it feels like we’re connected, our minds and bodies on the same trajectory and I fucking love it.

“I missed you too. Sorry it took so long. I was working out with my sister.”

Daph pulls away, eyes lingering on my arms. “You spend a lot of time at the gym?”

“A bit.” And I’ll spend every day working out if she keeps looking at me like that. My cock aches at the way her tongue darts out to wet her bottom lip. I want that mouth on me again so fucking bad.

Pulling her into my side, I guide us to the pack house.

We could go to her place, but she hasn’t invited me over yet and I want her in our space.

Want her scent touching absolutely everything.

It’s not until we get to the door that I realize this may not be a good idea.

The last time Daphne was here, things went bad.

“Is this okay, or would you rather go somewhere else? “I ask carefully.

She chews her bottom lip. “Is it just us?”

My fucking heart. I palm her cheek, running my thumb over her soft skin. “Yeah, Daph. Just us.”

“Then, yes.”

Door unlocked, she barely moves inside. Her omega instincts are fighting her, telling her this isn’t a safe place to be. That she needs to run, hide, find shelter. I could kill Connor for that alone.

Our home should feel like comfort and peace for our omega, not a fucking minefield. My own instincts flare, aching to fix this for her. To make Daphne see that she’s not in danger here. Not her heart, not her head, not her body.

But this isn’t my battle. Daphne has to choose this, choose us, on her own.

Finally, after the longest minute of my life, she takes a deep breath and steps into the main space. The relief is so strong, I have to touch her. Have to kiss those perfectly wild curls as I hold her close. “Proud of you.”

“I’m trying.” Her smile’s wobbly but sure.

“You’re amazing, Daph.”

After grabbing two bottles of water, I steer us to the living room couch and flop down before snatching her hip and yanking.

With the cutest little shriek, Daphne succumbs to the cushions, snuggling into my side.

Seeing her there, looking like she was meant to be mine makes my chest feel like it’s going to explode.

Despite the uncertainty of the situation, she’s seeking me out.

Finding peace in my arms . I don’t know what I did to have this woman dropped in my lap, but I won’t give her a second to regret it.

We sip our drinks, reacclimating to each other’s bodies and scents quietly. There’s no need for words with Daphne. No need for small talk.

Yet when she asks, “When did you start working out?” I can’t help but answer.

Whatever part of me she wants to know, I’ll give it to her and one day, I hope she trusts me enough with her own secrets.

“I was a scrawny kid growing up. Even after I presented, I wasn’t very big.

Marisol’s always done it and one day, she brought me to the gym with her.

Said if I wanted to feel more confident in my body, I needed to see how strong it could be.

The second I realized I could be my own hero, I was hooked.

“We were already close, but she’s older than me by almost five years and this gave us a chance to get to know each other as people, not just siblings. I don’t take the gym as seriously as she does, but keeping my body moving is good for my mood and my brain.”

“I’m not a gym person.” Daphne plays with my shirt, her fingers trailing over my stomach to leave fire in their wake. “I like yoga sometimes or those dance videos I can do in my living room, but that’s it. Will that be a problem?”

“Not at all. I want you exactly how you are, Daphne Barnes. You don’t need to change a thing.”

Smoothing her hair out of her face, my lips press to her forehead and we both grin as she wiggles happily. Her scent sweetening as she gets so close it’s like she’s trying to find her way under my skin.

Since we’re being honest, I decide to ask what I want to know. “Are things okay with Connor now?”

“Yes.”

“But?” I don’t want to push, but if this is something I can fix for her, I will.

Daphne sighs, tipping her head, eyes darting away. “Why didn’t you come see me? Nate literally broke into my place, but you were nowhere to be found.”

The dejection in her voice trips something deep inside me, like I can feel it in my body. This isn’t about Connor at all, it’s about me.

“I texted.” Daphne’s face shuts down and I clutch her tighter, feeling she’s disappearing right in front of me. “I wanted to call you every day, but I worried I’d be intruding or overwhelm you.”

Daphne swallows hard, hesitating. “I needed you.”

If someone wanted to punch me in the face, I’d let them do it. Hell, I’d let them break my arm. Daphne’s disappointment sits like a stone in my chest. I fucked up.

My voice is hoarse as I struggle against a wave of regret. “I’m so sorry, Daph. If I knew you wanted me, I would’ve been there.”

“I should’ve called.” She looks down at her fingers twisting in my shirt. “I think I was scared you’d tell me I was overreacting.”

“Never.” It comes out so fiercely, we both startle. “I know I said it before, but you didn’t deserve what happened that night. Beyond that, your feelings matter. You matter, Daphne.”

I’ll say it every day until she believes me.

She snuggles in. “So, you’ll be around more? Because I like having you close, Dez Morgan.” The sincerity in her voice makes every part of me ache and I already know I won’t be able to stay away if I tried. Not when it nearly killed me last time.

“Yeah, Daph. I’ll be here.”

Those blue eyes shine with gratitude, and I feel the rift between us mending, but I’ll never forget letting her down again .