Page 43 of Knot Mine

Each holiday season I went back to Hartshaw so I could be paraded around endless parties and shown off like an expensive trinket. When I was younger, we used to spend Christmas Eve watching movies and making popcorn garlands. It was the only holiday tradition we’ve ever really had, but as soon as I was old enough to join them at their fancy soirées and parties, that all stopped.

“Well, if you’re sure. Clarice is home over the holidays too, hopefully you can catch up. I know it’s been a few years since you’ve seen each other.”

Slamming my hand down on the patio rail, I watch as some of the snow drops off and lands on the floor with a soft splat.

“Stop. Papa, it’s not going to happen.” I don’t know what this thing between Shiloh and I was, but I was even more determined than before to let it play out. Last night had just cemented whatmy instincts were telling me. There was something between us. Something tangible.

He huffs quietly, “You never know.”

“I think I do.” Even if he wasn’t my Mate, I was going to see this through. I wanted to know what this was, who he was to me because every fiber of my being thought he was mine.

“What’s that mean?” Confusion is clear in his words and for a moment I feel guilty for worrying them both. For waking them this early to ramble for the entire conversation and not clarify anything.

“I’ll explain it later.”

“Zale…I don’t know what’s going on, but we’re glad you called us.” There’s a tenderness there, and for a moment, I’m glad they picked up.

My father grumbles quietly, “Can I go back to bed now?”

After ending the conversation, I sneak back into the living room where Shiloh is still asleep. The room smells like us now, lingering hints of smoky sweetness, with weed thrown in clinging to the quilts. Crawling back besides him, I try not to jostle or wake him. Was this what an omega nest was like? He’s surrounded himself with all the pillows and blankets, and enclosed by the coffee table and sofa, it’s almost like a cozy little pocket of space.

As if he can tell I’m near, he pulls me closer to him, mumbling against my neck, sending shivers through my body. My cock twitches as he plants a lazy kiss near my collarbone. His skin isn’t just flushed from sleep anymore, it’s burning up as his hands wander under my vest and his fingers drag over my skin. Was he sick?

Shifting, I try to get a better look at him. His brows are furrowed as he squirms, hooking a leg over mine. There’s a low whining noise, and I realize he’s hard, pressing against me in his sleep.

Was he always like this? Who else had seen him soft and sleepy? I ignore the twinge of jealousy unfurling in the back of my mind.

“Shhhh, baby. I’m here,” I whisper against his forehead, before placing a kiss there.

“Zale,” he breathes with his eyes barely cracked open. He rocks his hip against my leg, seeking release with a whimper.

I never thought someone whispering my name could be my undoing, but I was wrong. With my forefinger and my thumb, I tilt his chin upwards and press my lips lightly over his.

As I pull away, I’m not expecting the hand in my hair, yanking me back to his mouth. Shiloh kisses me like a man possessed, his tongue unrelenting and uncompromising as he takes what he wants from me. The taste of caramel on his tongue makes me moan. Shiloh gives himself entirely to the kiss, making my toes curl as he keeps me held in place, taking what he needs.

Another whimper, makes the alpha in me need to take back control and take care of what’s mine.

“Let me take care of you,” I begged against his lips.Let me love you.

Shiloh nods, looking at me with hooded eyes. Rolling him gently onto his back, I kick off my sweatpants and slide his shorts down his legs.

For a moment I just drink in the sight of him, laying in his little nest of quilts with his legs open and his T-shirt rucked up until I can see a nipple peeking out. His body is lithe and smooth, with what feels like miles of soft skin. His cock is slick, and dripping, with a flushed pink tip that’s begging to be touched.

Reaching out, I wrap my hand around him, giving him a slow tug. He whines, thrusting his hips upwards. He’s gorgeous. How had I not seen it sooner?

Placing a kiss on his knee, I slot myself between his spread legs, loving the way his arms come around my neck, pulling me in for another kiss. I wanted to live here, between his legs, pressed up against his warmth.

Careful not to put my weight on his smaller frame, I rest on my forearms, rolling my hips downwards with just enough friction to make us both groan and my cock glides against his.

Sex had always been something I could take or leave, and there were occasions where it would take me a while to orgasm, if I even did. But with Shiloh, a few minutes of intense eye contact and a little frotting had me ready to spill everything. Goddess, what was wrong with me? It was like his gaze went straight to my cock. Silent. Stubborn. Desperate. Possessive. Heated.Mine.

Fuck, he was perfection beneath me. Tilting his head back, he exposes the long, smooth column of his neck to me and without thinking I place my teeth over his creamy flesh. I barely apply any pressure, but the promise of it is enough to have him covering us both in hot cum. Another thrust and I’m right behind him.

As I try to pull away, and get us cleaned up, he tightens his grip.

“No, stay.”

“Let me clean you.”

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