Page 111 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

A dangerous growl rumbled in his chest. "Careful, little Vale. Even wounded, I'm still an Alpha."

"Yes," she agreed, shifting to sit on the edge of the bed. "And I'm still an Omega who just patched you up and fed you breakfast. I think that earns me certain... privileges."

Something flickered in Ronan's expression—surprise, intrigue, desire. Alphas weren't accustomed to Omegas taking control, especially one as dominant as Ronan Drake. The social order dictated submission, but Serenity had never played by anyone's rules but her own.

"What kind of privileges did you have in mind?" His voice had dropped an octave, husky with interest.

Serenity placed her hand on his bare chest, feeling his heartbeat quicken beneath her palm. "The kind where you stay perfectly still and let me do whatever I want."

A harsh laugh escaped him. "That's not how this works, sweetheart."

"Isn't it?" She leaned forward, her hair falling like a curtain around them as her lips hovered near his. "Consider it therapeutic. Doctor's orders."

"You're not a doctor," he growled, but his eyes had darkened with desire.

"I'm the closest thing you've got right now." She pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth, deliberately avoiding his lips. "Unless you'd prefer I call someone else?"

His hand shot up, tangling in her hair. "Don't you dare."

Serenity smiled against his skin. "Then be a good patient and lie back."

To her surprise, Ronan relaxed against the pillows, though tension still coiled in his powerful frame. She could sense his Alpha instincts fighting against the surrender of control, but curiosity—and desire—won out.

"This is a dangerous game you're playing," he warned as she began trailing kisses down his neck, careful to avoid his injuries.

"I've never been afraid of danger." Her teeth grazed his collarbone, and she felt the shudder that passed through him. "In fact, I find I rather enjoy it."

Her hands moved down his torso, tracing the defined muscles of his abdomen. Every touch was deliberate, assertive but gentle. When her fingers reached the waistband of his boxer briefs, his breath hitched.

"Serenity—" His warning was cut short as her hand slipped beneath the fabric.

"Shh," she murmured against his skin. "Let me take care of you."

His body responded instantly to her touch, hard and eager despite his injuries. There was power in this, she realized—not the brutal dominance that Alphas wielded, but something more subtle and equally potent.

"Fuck," Ronan hissed as she stroked him slowly. His hips bucked involuntarily.

"Stay still," she commanded softly. "Your ribs need to heal."

A strangled laugh escaped him. "You're killing me, Vale."

"I'm saving you from yourself." She moved down his body, positioning herself between his legs. Looking up, she held his gaze as she lowered her head. "Consider this dessert."

The groan that tore from Ronan's throat as her mouth replaced her hand sent a rush of satisfaction through her. His fingers twisted in the sheets, knuckles white with restraint.

"Christ, that mouth," he growled, his green eyes blazing as he watched her.

Serenity took her time, savoring the control, the power of reducing this dangerous Alpha to desperate groans and ragged breathing. When his hand moved to her hair, she allowed it, feeling his fingers tangle in the strands without pushing or pulling—a silent acknowledgment of her dominance in this moment.

"Never thought I'd see the day," came a smooth, cultured voice from the doorway. "Ronan Drake, at someone else's mercy."

Serenity paused, looking up to find Lucian Blackthorn leaning against the doorframe, amber eyes glittering with amusement and unmistakable heat.

"Get the fuck out, Blackthorn," Ronan snarled, though there was little real venom in his tone.

Lucian's smile was all predatory charm as he closed the door behind him and advanced into the room. "And miss the show? I think not." His gaze swept over Serenity, appreciation evident in his expression. "It seems our Omega has decided to take matters into her own hands... or mouth, as it were."

Instead of embarrassment, Serenity felt a thrill run through her. The presence of another Alpha should have intimidated her, yet she found herself intrigued by the shifting dynamic.

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