Page 80 of Love Me Knot, Part One (Knotty Omegas #1)

DAPHNE

The edges of my nails chip beneath my teeth as River, pulls the camera away from her face. The photographer I use for Nymph is tall, lean and has major RBF as she glares down at the camera. “Can we adjust the bra?”

“I have big tits, Riv. They’re never going to be perky.” The model, Cress, drapes her arms under said tits, amplifying them and her words.

River rolls her eyes at her girlfriend. “This isn’t about how big or perky they are, babe. You’re flashing nip.”

Cress looks down, surprised and a little disgruntled. “Oops.”

She looks incredible. Deep brown skin and natural coils popping against the vibrant purple and blue bustier set she’s in. We dusted her with the faintest hint of glitter so she sparkles like a galaxy, a perfect companion to her star themed wheelchair.

The flagship collection for Nymph’s storefront is designed to be adaptive. Linings are a lightweight, soft fabric, so there’s no rubbing or chafing even if the design is intricate. The customer chooses the closures they prefer, from strings to buttons to magnets and where they’ll sit on the body.

It was absolute hell figuring out how to manufacture everything, but we finally landed on blanks people can purchase with free customization by the dedicated, in-store sewing team. Bespoke lingerie with a quick turnaround.

In seconds, the top is fixed and I’m back to chewing my nails so I don’t spend the entire day vacillating between squealing and hyperventilating into a paper bag.

After the mayhem with part two of the storefront renovations and the stalled hunt for Taylorson and the contract, this photoshoot feels like a treat.

Part of that is the men who’ve really ramped up their support.

Nightly dinners have become my favorite part of the day, even if Connor slips into his home office after for a few more hours of work.

I’ve invited him to my place for cuddles, but he hasn’t made it yet.

We’re both so busy and it’s not like we don’t see each other.

Okay, fine. I hate it, but it’s not like I’m being neglected. Dez and Nate sleep in my nest every night, which does a lot to settle my nerves. Especially when one or both fucks me to sleep. I’ve never been so well-rested or relaxed. In fact, this morning, Nate did this thing with tongue and…

Lacey nudges my shoulder, pulling me out of my head with a pointed cough.

Mel’s covering a shift for a coworker with laryngitis, and Kai has a standing appointment every month that Maverick takes her to, so they couldn’t make it, but Lace has been running around for hours, taking things off my plate so I can actually enjoy today.

I couldn’t love her more. Except for right now.

“Quit mindfucking your alphas,” she hisses.

Whoops. There’s definitely a small cloud of perfume around us. Grabbing the descenter, I discreetly spritz it. Don’t want the models thinking I’m getting horny because of them. Don’t get me wrong, they’re gorgeous, but that’s so unprofessional. And skeezy. Very skeezy.

When I have the Lacey stamp of approval, she shoots me a sly grin. “Are you ready for later?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m gonna kick their asses.”

I’ve been nearly shaking with excitement since Connor asked me to come over for game night.

It’s the first pack date night since gokarting and he even promised to be completely phone free the whole time.

Does it bother me that that’s something he even needs to point out?

Yeah, but I understand busy seasons all too well.

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

Because if I think about it too hard, I’ll wonder why he’s on his phone all the time, yet he barely interacts with me.

Or how he only actually unglues the device from his hand if we’re on a date with his brothers.

How on the list of his priorities, I’m falling lower and lower.

Lacey gives me the gentlest smile. “Proud of you, Daph.”

I laugh, trying to ignore how much it means to hear her say that. “It’s just games.”

“You’re being brave and taking a chance, babe. That’s everything.”

My eyes prick and panic immediately wells .

Does she know how anxious Connor’s absence makes me?

Does she know that while my heart rests firmly with Dez and Nate, I’m still unsettled around their pack lead?

It’s not that Connor’s a bad person, he’s just not here .

I still know so little about him and it doesn’t seem like he’s interested in getting to know me, either.

What happens if he decides he can’t handle an omega with as much baggage as me?

Will he force his packmates to choose? I know Nate said they’d pick me, but that was when Connor was being an asshole.

If he genuinely doesn’t feel a connection between us, will they try to find someone who suits all three alphas?

Or will he force me to watch as he courts someone else to bring into the pack?

I’d do it to keep the others, but it would devastate me.

Breathe, Daph. Nothing’s happening. It’s just your anxiety spiking.

It’s been like this a lot lately. The closer I get to Nate and Dez, the more worry about Connor creep in. It’s obvious my system isn’t comfortable with the pack lead missing, but I don’t know what to do about it.

Lace grabs my hand, squeezing enough to distract me from the wave of confusing thoughts ready to drown me. “Daph?”

Fuck. Get it together. Work now, breakdown later.

I can’t allow myself to fall apart, so I throw her a sunny smile and pretend everything’s okay. “You have to stop with the mushy gushy or I’m going to cry.”

She squeezes me in that perfect way that feels confined and helps my system relax. “You know I’m here if you need me.”

“I do and it means a lot.”

We hug, watching River finish Cress’s portion of the shoot before heading to check the progress on the next models.

Jeron’s nearly done, his makeup flawless and subtle compared to the pale pink briefs leaving little to the imagination.

His partner, Dolly Barton, sits next to him, already made up in drag.

Her blonde hair is curled to the heavens, body wrapped in a sheer teddy that matches her boyfriend.

Their chemistry is through the roof, and I already know the photos are going to be hot.

In fact, it’s giving me ideas. Could I get Dez and Nate into a photoshoot like this with me?

Lacey elbows me again as there’s a quiet knock on the door. “Seriously? Smell your damn flowers and think PG thoughts while I hand out the coffees.” She shoves a bouquet in my hand and walks away muttering under her breath.

This one’s larger than the roses we found in the room this morning from our friends. The little envelope taunts me from between the heavy blue hydrangeas and I pull it out, grinning when at the three cards shoved inside.

So proud of you, little muse. Your dreams are coming true because you’re doing the work. -Dez.

Can’t wait to see you tonight so I can hear all about your day. You amaze me. -Nate

I hope today is everything you want it to be. Always thinking of you. -Connor

Absolutely giddy, I lean in and snap a picture for them. The moment they found out about the shoot, they asked if they could run errands or get coffee orders, but I’ve always run a closed set out of respect for my models. Still, the offer meant so much.

Me

They’re beautiful, thank you.

Connor

Not as beautiful as you.

Dez

Agreed. Wish we were there to help.

Nate

Come home so I can kiss your face.

Dez

You’re not my type.

My phone keeps buzzing, lifting my mood until I’m laughing.

Nate

That’s so fucking rude.

Connor

You aren’t even home, Nate.

Nate

*Sends a picture of him in my bed this morning*

I could be in ten minutes flat.

Connor

Leave Daph alone and get back to work.

Nate

You’re not the boss of me.

Dez

Actually, he kind of is.

Me

I have to go, anyway. Can’t wait for tonight.

Connor

Me either, angel. Promise I’ll be home on time.

I really like it when they call it that. Home. As if their place is mine, too. Our nest, our home, our life.

I’d like even more if I could believe what Connor says. I’m trying, but the lack of connection makes it hard. Still, I psych myself up.

He’ll come home on time and after a few hours together, everything will feel better. You’ll see.

Lacey comes back, handing me a lavender latte while sipping her own peach tea. The first hit of foam is so good, I groan. “This is amazing.”

“Does that mean you’re ready for bad news?” We grin, because something always goes wrong at these shoots. “The last model cancelled. She’s in the hospital with appendicitis.”

Shit. “We need to send her flowers.”

“Already done.”

My mind whirls, racing through options and solutions. Models we can call as backups, how long it’ll take. None of it looks good. “I’ll cut the last piece, since there isn’t enough time to get another model here before River needs to go.”

I’ll be disappointed, but it won’t be the first time something didn’t make the cut. Won’t be the last, either.

“Nope.” Lacey’s smile gets downright mischievous. “You’re taking the slot.”

“Absolutely not.”

“You’re the closest to the model’s body type, and it really is too late for anything else. I’d do it myself, but it won’t work.”

True. Lacey’s plus size and the model’s closer to midsize like me. In fact, I tried on the set yesterday because they couldn’t come in for the final fitting and I needed to make sure nothing was catching or uncomfortable.

The more I think about it, the more I waver. It really would be a shame if the set didn’t get photographed. “Fuck, fine. I’ll do it.”

“That’s my girl.” Lacey shoves me in the makeup chair, winking in the mirror. “Drink your latte. This is going to be a blast.”

By the time makeup and hair are done, I look nothing like myself. My hair’s twisted and fluffed within an inch of its life, flowers and butterflies twined in the curls. The makeup is a subtle smokey eye and nude, wet lip. Everything’s messy. I look like I just crawled out from between my alphas.

Beneath a sheer robe, I’m modeling a floral lace bra, thong and garter belt, all in shades of blue so similar to the hydrangeas the pack sent that I almost believe it’s fate.

The elegant straps at the back and sides are all royal blue and made to comfortably come on and off the body with ease.

A front clasp carefully hidden beneath an appliqué mixes style and function.

The thong’s straps sit high on my hips, showing an ungodly amount of thigh and the full curve of my stomach and hips.

Lacey snaps a few pictures before messaging them all to my phone. “In case you want to send them to your guys so they’re riled up for tonight. You can thank me after they rail you to the sun and back.”

The photos all have my robe gaping open, giving a peek of lace and skin without showing everything.

Any unease I felt about modeling disappears when I see how raw and sexy I look.

A year ago, I would’ve been so self-conscious.

Scared I looked too out there, too far from the perfect omega my alphas wanted.

Now, I feel more like me than I ever have.

My favorite pic gets sent to the Pack Morgan group chat and it’s barely landed before the chat explodes.

Nate

Hot as fuck, kitten. Can’t wait to see you.

Connor

I’ve never popped a boner in a client meeting before, but here I am.

Dez

Politely requesting you wear that to game night.

Nate

Solid strategy if you do. You’ll win every round.

Connor

I think we’ll be the real winners.

My face heats and my stomach flips with the sweetest little oh my god they like me tumble.

Lacey drops her head onto my shoulder, reading the chat and singsonging, “Someone’s getting laid tonight.”

“Hell yeah, I am.”

She laughs, brushing a kiss to my cheek carefully, so she doesn’t alter the makeup. “Good for you, babe. Now get that ass off the chair. We’ve got work to do.”