Page 10 of Roommate Wanted (Knotty #1)

Lyall

She was ripe for us.

Her frustration perfumed the air—sweet, desperate, and ours.

Last night I watched her desperate actions, but I could tell the toy wasn't enough for her.

There was minimal relief for her.

She needed me and my knot because nothing else would take that ache away.

After senior management announced that everyone in Nia’s office would work from home due to the fish heads I’d planted, I handed in my resignation.

Since I was still in my probationary period, there was no need to work a notice.

My petty revenge against the harpy had paid off in the most unexpected way.

I finished loosening the pipe under the kitchen sink and watched the first droplet of water appear.

Once I packed up my tools, I returned to the apartment next door to see what Nia would do when she came back.

**

Ewan and Callum barely had time to finish their drinks before I shoved them out the door. Through the surveillance feed, I watched Nia wrestle with her work laptop, her frustrated sigh carrying through the thin walls as IT put her on hold.

She set up her laptop in the living room but couldn't log into the work’s network, so she called IT. While she was on the phone to them, she pottered around the kitchen, tidying up as the kettle boiled.

With her coffee made, she was about to leave when she paused. She returned to the sink and opened the cupboard below it.

The leak had been discovered.

She juggled with the phone as she knelt to position a mixing bowl to contain the leak, but the hem of her blouse rode up. My claws pierced the armrest. Two inches of bare skin and I was feral.

I’d grown to know her body language, micro expressions, and what made her content. She liked her own space, yet she was happier sharing a meal with me. I studied every angle of her body and face, memorising her features until they were seared into my mind.

When she finally got logged on, there was a knock on the door. I frowned, but it was only a deliveryman. She sat on the couch and tore open a brown box. There was a smaller box inside.

I froze when she pulled it out. Conall growled. We both watched in horror as she held a large black vibrator in her hand. She tested out the different settings before taking it into her bedroom and plugging it in to charge. The packaging went in the bin. I looked away from the screen to the wall of pictures I’d dedicated to my mate.

Oh, to be so close yet so far.

My thumb traced the photograph's curve where her neck met her shoulder—my spot. Where my teeth would finally pierce soft skin and brand her as mine.

I refused to be beaten by a piece of plastic.

**

While she worked, I showered and looked at the selection of grey sweatpants. Nia had to tear her eyes off my dick last night. I chose the light cotton pair, trying it on and moving my junk around to a favourable position. I chose a deep, royal blue-coloured t-shirt that stretched across my chest.

My hair was thoroughly combed and silky smooth. I rubbed my jaw, smoothing my fingers over the slight stubble I’d left for her. She didn't need to tell me what she found pleasing. Her eyes darkened when her pupils dilated, and her scent drenched the air, revealing all her secrets to me. My new bedroom was fully loaded and ready for any action that may occur.

My eyes snapped to the screen when Nia shut her laptop. She was done for the day, and it was time for me to return to the apartment.

Conall scratched beneath my skin. Enough preening. Make her look. Make her— “Soon,”

I growled out loudly.

“Dae yae think this isnae killing me?”

He knew how much it pained me not to be able to touch her supple flesh. The need to have her scent wrapped around me at all times. To lie next to her as she slept, ensuring she was protected at all times. Our mate didn't realise how vital her life and well-being were. Once bonded, I would wither away without my mate. She was the future many dreamt of but never achieved.

I would only knot with my mate.

Nia would be the only female to coat me with her slick.

Human, wolf or—fuck—a damn penguin. I didn’t care.

Penguin? Conall chuffed. I’m drawing the line at penguins.

You know what I meant. Some of the pack will look down on her for being a human. It is unheard of to form a bond with a human.

I felt his agreement.

She'd be the first human in the Wulver pack. The pack might splinter in two if I didn’t proceed with caution. Nia had to accept me and my pack. My parents' unmitigated support was reassuring.

Before I dragged her back home with us, I had to ensure we could bond through the mating ritual. My pack was strong, but some rogues had no honour. They lived like feral animals. There were too many uncertainties, and it made me extra cautious because Nia’s safety was paramount.