Page 60 of Love Me Knot, Part One (Knotty Omegas #1)

DAPHNE

“You hate it.”

The first thing I did after leaving Pack Parker was get rid of my old clothes, but I pulled one of the last few items I kept for today.

The sheath is itchy and confining, so different from my normal, soft style that it feels like a relic of a past life.

It’s also the third outfit Nate’s frowned at from where he perches on the bed.

Even after things settled with the pack, he didn’t go home. I’ve been cushioned by his body as I fall asleep, yet he hasn’t pushed things since we went gokarting.

I want you for more than sex, kitten.

I appreciate him taking things slow for my sake, but omegas aren’t made for delayed gratification. How the fuck am I supposed to relax when his big hand palms my belly, or he presses his hips against my ass so all I feel is the hardness of him so close to where I want it?

Trick question, I can’t.

I’m so horny, I’ve had to start wear scent-wicking panties around the house because being around a compatible alpha is fucking with my body. I’m a slick fountain even when Nate’s done nothing but smell delicious.

Though, I will admit, it’s not the lack of sex putting me on edge today.

Dez and Connor can’t make it to court because of a client issue.

I get that they’re busy, but I want all the alphas courting me close at hand.

Besides, Nate is more than enough on his own.

The man’s so into me it’s ridiculous. Every time I remember, it makes me giddy.

Except right now, when he’s taking too long to say something.

“You hate it,” I repeat.

He’s all apologies when he finally answers. “It’s not that you look bad, you just don’t look like yourself. Where’s the lace? Where’s the tulle? You always look so dreamy, kitten. This is too stuffy.”

Nate’s right, this isn’t me. The demure cut and low hem of the dress are supposed to show the judge that I’m a confident, independent businesswoman, but I prefer blouses that display the bras I’m wearing, satin dresses that hug every inch of me, skirts that flash a lot of thigh and garters.

Sasha told me to wear what I want, but I’m scared my normal, romantic style is too out there for court. That my exes will use it as a mark against me.

Nate’s expression clears. “Yep. We’re changing.”

He brushes past me, the contact making me vibrate. His big body looks ridiculous surrounded by frills and lace, but he seems at ease. After looking at everything in the closet, he pulls out a hanger, nodding to himself as he hands it over. “This.”

The sleeveless dress cuts close to my body with a slit up the thigh for easier movement.

Under it, a shirt with the prettiest, flowy sleeves in a less saturated maroon adds some dimension and detail.

The effect is a monochromatic look that sets off my hair and the slight gold undertones of my skin.

Paired with the thigh high socks and boots I’ve already picked out, it’s comfortable and pretty.

Nate leaves with my shoes and I strip, deciding impulsively that if this alpha won’t make the first move, I will. Grabbing a dark pink satin lingerie set, I connect the garters to the socks. It might be a little much, but I feel so much better now. Like I’m the real me .

After a brush of lipgloss to touch up my makeup, I still feel something’s missing. Maybe I need to bring a token of my alphas with me.

As if they know I’m thinking of them, my phone vibrates.

Dez

Good luck today, Daph. Hope we see you later.

Connor

Give ‘em hell. Pretty sure they deserve it.

What does it say that just knowing these alphas are wishing me luck makes me feel so much better? I’m still smiling when a separate text pops up.

Connor

It’s not the best time, but I’d like to take you out this weekend. I know we’re both busy, so it’s okay if it doesn’t work with your schedule. I’d be fine working in the same space. Just want to spend time with you however I can get it.

Me

I can be free.

Connor

Perfect.

We’ll sort things out later. Thinking about you.

The urge to make a declaration of my own, however small it is, comes over me and I know exactly what I need.

It takes some digging, but eventually I find the collar chain I impulse ordered and pin it on.

The gears are subtle and cute, a nod to the men who’ve taken over my life, my bed, and my brain space in all the best ways.

With the addition, I feel beautiful and powerful. Exactly what I need to face Pack Parker.

The moment he sees me, Nate’s eyes warm. It’s affection and appreciation mixed with some serious heat. I wish we could just stay home. I haven’t explored this alpha nearly enough yet.

“You look incredible,” he rasps, not taking his eyes off me.

Do I give him a twirl? Abso-fucking-lutely, I do. “You don’t think it’s too much for court?”

“I think anyone who judges you on how you look is a cunt. Wear what you want, kitten. I’ll be there to put them in their place. Now, sit.”

I do, and Nate kneels in front of me, sliding his hands up my legs in a torturously slow pace.

“You look positively edible, Daph.” With a wicked smirk, he snaps the garter against my skin, expression darkening when I moan. “Fuck. You have to stop. We don’t have time for me to have you like I want.”

“You haven’t had me at all,” I pout and heat flashes across his face.

“Have I left you needy?” he asks, carefully tracing fingers along my leg.

“Maybe.”

Nate kisses the hollow of my ankle before slipping the soft boots on and zipping them up. With another kiss on the inside of my calf, he settles on his knees. Gaze razing over my body, heating me from just a look, he takes in the outfit again. As soon as he sees the chain, everything comes alive.

The space separating us vanishes as Nate presses between my legs, stretching my thighs and the skirt wide. His finger trails along the chain at my neck. I can’t look away as he tugs, a gentle pull that I have to follow, leaving me breathless and far too close. “Are you wearing this for our pack?”

He says it like me joining them is a foregone conclusion. This alpha is so fucking sure of me, it leaves no room for doubt.

“Maybe.”

When our lips touch, I can’t hold back the noise of relief. Nate doesn’t push it further, rumbling with a purr that steals the rest of my nerves even as he pulls away. Those fingers yank the chain again and my breath stalls. “What if I’m not ready for more?”

I don’t know why I say it when I’m desperate to have my way with him. Maybe it’s a test to see how he’ll react. Another way to prove this alpha is nothing like the rest.

He proves me right, kissing me softly before pulling away. “Better tell me now, then. I’ve been dreaming of fucking you again, so be clear about your boundaries or I’ll have you on your back the second we’re done with this shitshow.”

“No, I don’t want you to go slow anymore.”

His scent warms, sticky summer heat and all the freedom it brings. Nate’s lips caress my cheek, mindful of my makeup. “I’m going to be so good to you.”

“Promises, promises,” I taunt.

“Don’t worry, baby. When we get home, I’ll show you just how much I love keeping them.”

The lust dies a sad death as soon as we get in the car.

“I’m coming in,” Nate says again when he puts the car in park near the courthouse.

“No, you aren’t. I’m not sure if it will change things with the actual case, but having a new alpha in the room will make my exes go even harder on me. If I have a chance of saving Nymph, I need you to stay outside.”

Preferably in the car where he won’t meet my mother.

After learning firsthand how wonderful Mama B is, I can’t in good conscience allow Pack Morgan around Lorelai. Either she’ll unhinge her jaw and eat them, or they’ll end up in jail for losing their shit on her. Watching her lie on the stand stole any faith that she’ll follow the rules.

Nate growls. We’ve had this argument four times since I told the pack about my hearing. Dez and Connor finally gave up, but he can’t let it go, protective instincts flaring hot.

He could bark at me, force me to bring him in regardless, but he doesn’t. Instead, Nate settles in his seat, seething but resigned. “Please text me as soon as you’re done so I can walk you to the car. I don’t want them cornering you.”

It’s a concession I can live with, knowing I’ll wait until Pack Parker’s gone before I go anywhere. Leaning over the center console, I wrap a hand around the back of Nate’s neck and haul him to me for a kiss that’s just this side of indecent.

“Thank you,” I whisper, taking his mouth again.

“Don’t thank me yet. I’m not guaranteeing I won’t lose my shit on them later.”

I don’t care if he does. trusting my limits right now means everything.

Sasha shows up and there’s a tense meeting between the alphas. Since she’s the one who reviewed the pre-bond, my lawyer is aware I’m courting a new pack, but I worried she’d be upset. Instead, she gives me the broadest grin. “He’s perfect for you.”

I feel Nate’s smugness the entire way up the stairs.

Inside the courtroom, I’m not surprised to find my mother fawning all over Pack Parker.

My father is another story. Outside his own deposition where he lied about my exes’ abuse, he hasn’t stepped foot in Pacifica in years.

Yet, he glares at me from the other side of the aisle.

I’m almost shocked the bastard flew in from another state just to sit through this inane hearing.

“You look ridiculous,” Mother hisses as we pass her.

“Don’t speak to my client,” Sasha snaps.

She squeezes my wrist, careful to keep her touch to the fabric while helping me to my chair.

The whole time she keeps her body between Pack Parker and I, but even with her hiding me, I feel their glares, taste their putrid scents on my tongue.

There’s something strange about their smell, but I think it’s because I hate them a little more every day.

The bailiff calls our case, and we stand as a very annoyed Judge Harris arrives. “What do we have today, counselors?”