Page 116 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

Even if that place came with recording devices and Alpha egos the size of continents.

Serenity stretchedher arms above her head, feeling the pleasant ache in her muscles from the morning's activities. Her golden eyes swept over the three Alphas, noticing how their gazes tracked her every movement.

"I desperately need a shower," she announced with a teasing smile, sliding off the bed with deliberate slowness. "I seem to be covered in... evidence of you all."

Darius's gray eyes darkened as he watched a bead of sweat trail down her neck. "I think I should join you. To conserve water, of course."

"How environmentally conscious of you," Lucian remarked dryly, his amber eyes gleaming with amusement. "Though I believe proper conservation requires at least three people. Basic resource management."

Ronan attempted to sit up, wincing as his injuries protested the movement. "Don't even think about it. If anyone's joining her, it should be?—"

"The one who's not currently resembling a punching bag?" Lucian suggested innocently.

Serenity bit back a laugh as she gathered her discarded clothing. These men controlled financial empires, commanded respect with a single look, yet here they were, squabbling like teenagers over shower privileges.

"You're fucking hilarious," Ronan growled, his green eyes narrowing. "Just because I took a few hits defending our territory?—"

"Our territory?" Darius raised an eyebrow, his voice cool but with an undercurrent of humor. "How generous of you to include us in your heroics, Drake."

Serenity padded toward the bathroom, the men's voices following her. She caught sight of herself in the mirror—hair tousled, lips swollen, skin flushed. She looked thoroughly claimed, and something primal inside her preened at the sight.

"I'm leaving you three to sort out your Alpha pissing contest," she called over her shoulder. "I'll be too busy enjoying hot water and actual cleanliness."

She turned on the shower, the sound of rushing water only partially drowning out the continued bickering. When she stepped back into the bedroom to grab her shampoo, she found Darius already shrugging out of his perfectly tailored suit jacket while Lucian was unbuttoning his shirt with nimble fingers.

"Oh, you can't be serious," she said, though the heat pooling in her belly suggested she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea.

"Never more serious about anything in my life," Darius replied, his voice dropping to that commanding tone that sent shivers down her spine.

Lucian's lips curved into a knowing smile. "We're merely being efficient with our morning schedule."

From the bed, Ronan let out a groan that had nothing to do with his injuries. "This is bullshit. You two are really going to leave me here while you?—"

"While we ensure Serenity is properly attended to?" Lucian finished smoothly. "I'm afraid your current condition makes you... unsuitable for the task."

Serenity rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. "I'm perfectly capable of washing myself, thank you very much."

"Capability and optimization are different matters entirely," Darius countered, stepping closer until she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

"For fuck's sake," Ronan growled from the bed. "At least leave the door open so I can watch."

"And deprive you of the anticipation?" Lucian's voice was pure silk as he approached Serenity from the other side. "Where would be the fun in that?"

The bickering continued, and Serenity threw her hands up. "I'm going to shower alone if you three can't stop arguing for five seconds."

"I'm not losing my chance because these two can't behave," Darius declared, his large hand coming to rest possessively on her lower back.

Lucian's amber eyes gleamed. "For once, I find myself in complete agreement with Castellano. Shall we, Serenity?"

Ronan let out another frustrated groan, this one ending in a pained hiss as he shifted too quickly. "This is fucking unfair. I'm injured defending our interests and this is the thanks I get?"

"Poor baby Alpha," Serenity teased, though she did feel a twinge of sympathy. "Maybe next time don't get yourself beat up."

"You three think you're so damn clever," Ronan muttered, his green eyes flashing with determination despite his prone position. "Just wait. When I'm healed up, you'll regret leaving me out. I'm gonna make sure of it."

Darius and Lucian exchanged amused glances over Serenity's head.

"I'm terrified," Darius deadpanned.

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