Page 114 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

The tension built between them, a living thing with its own heartbeat. Serenity's movements became more frantic, chasing the rising tide of pleasure. Lucian's breathing grew ragged, his polished veneer cracking to reveal the primal Alpha beneath.

"I'm close," Ronan warned, his grip tightening on her hips.

Lucian's amber eyes locked with hers. "Let go, Serenity," he commanded softly. "We've got you."

Something in his words—the unexpected tenderness—pushed her over the edge. She cried out around him as waves of pleasure crashed through her body. Ronan followed immediately, his powerful body tensing beneath her.

With a strangled groan, Lucian reached his climax moments later, his expression uncharacteristically unguarded. For a brief, startling moment, Serenity glimpsed the man behind the billionaire's mask—vulnerable, human, and breathtakingly beautiful.

They collapsed together in a tangle of limbs, breathless and sated. Lucian sprawled elegantly beside them, one arm thrown over his eyes, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Ronan kept a protective arm around Serenity's waist, his face buried in her hair.

The silence that followed wasn't awkward but companionable, filled with the sound of their gradually slowing breaths.

"Well," Serenity finally said, unable to keep the satisfaction from her voice, "I think we've found at least one activity where you two can cooperate."

Ronan snorted against her neck. "Don't get used to it."

"For once," Lucian murmured, his eyes still closed, "I might agree with Drake. This was... unexpected."

"The great Lucian Blackthorn at a loss for words?" Serenity teased, reaching over to trace a finger along his collarbone. "I should mark this day on my calendar."

He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "You continually surprise me, Serenity Vale. Not many people can claim that distinction."

"Is that what this was about? Solving the puzzle that is me?" She kept her tone light, but a hint of her natural guardedness crept back in.

Ronan tightened his hold on her. "For me, it wasn't about that." His voice was uncharacteristically sincere.

"No?" She turned to look at him, struck by the intensity in his green eyes.

"No," he confirmed simply.

Lucian propped himself up on one elbow, studying them both with that analytical gaze of his. But instead of the calculated remark she expected, he surprised her.

"Sometimes, Serenity, even men like us need moments of peace." He reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "You've given us that, however briefly."

She didn't know how to respond to such honesty from either of them. These weren't the ruthless Alphas she'd come to know—or at least, not only that. In this moment, in the aftermath of shared pleasure, they were simply men.

"Don't look so alarmed," Lucian teased, his usual charm returning. "We'll be back to threatening each other's lives by lunchtime, I'm sure."

That broke the tension, making both Serenity and Ronan laugh.

"Count on it," Ronan agreed, wincing slightly as the movement jostled his injuries.

Serenity settled between them, allowing herself to enjoy this fragile truce. Tomorrow would bring new dangers and complications—her inheritance, her enemies, the complex web of alliances and betrayals that made up their world.

But for now, in this room with morning sunlight painting gold across their skin, she was content to breathe.

Serenity collapsed back against the pillows, sweat cooling on her skin as she caught her breath. The masculine scents of thetwo Alphas mingled with her own omega fragrance, creating an intoxicating cocktail that filled the room.

"Well," Lucian said, breaking the comfortable silence with a smug grin, "I think we can all agree I won that round."

Ronan snorted, wincing as the movement pulled at his injured ribs. "In what fucking universe?"

"The one where she came hardest with me," Lucian replied, his tone deliberately casual as he stretched like a satisfied cat.

Serenity rolled her eyes. "Are you two seriously keeping score right now?"

"Always," they answered in unison, then glared at each other.

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