Page 87 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

"And see if he hangs himself," Ronan finished, looking impressed.

"Exactly."

The conversation continued, strategies forming and dissolving as they worked through the complexities of securing Serenity's position. Through it all, she remained acutely aware of the power dynamics at play—not just between herself and the alphas, but between the three men themselves.

Darius, with his meticulous planning and strategic mindset, clearly saw himself as the voice of reason. Lucian, charming and calculated, moved like a chess master seeing five moves ahead. And Ronan... Ronan was raw power and instinct, a force of nature barely contained in human form.

Each brought something essential to the table. Each represented a different type of strength she needed. And each, she suspected, had their own agenda where she was concerned.

As for what she wanted from them beyond protection and resources... that was becoming increasingly complicated. Serenity caught herself studying Ronan's hands as he gestured during a heated discussion with Darius—strong, scarred, capable of both violence and, she imagined, surprising gentleness. She quickly averted her gaze when he caught her looking, but the knowing smirk on his face suggested he hadn't missed her interest.

This is dangerous territory,she thought.Being attracted to one alpha is bad enough. Being drawn to three...

She pushed the thought away. This arrangement was about survival, about reclaiming her birthright. Nothing more.

"You're quiet," Lucian observed, breaking into her thoughts. "Having second thoughts about our arrangement?"

"No," Serenity replied. "Just processing. It's been a long day."

"She needs rest," Darius stated, ever practical. "We all do. There's time to finalize details tomorrow."

Ronan stretched, the movement highlighting the powerful muscles beneath his shirt. "Not a bad idea. Some decisions are better made after a good night's sleep."

The underlying meaning in his words wasn't lost on Serenity. All three alphas were giving her space—time to adjust to their overwhelming presence.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "For everything today. I know this arrangement wasn't what any of you had planned."

"Plans change," Lucian said smoothly. "That's the nature of business."

"And life," Ronan added, his green eyes fixing on hers with that penetrating gaze that seemed to strip away her defenses.

Serenity shifted in her seat, suddenly aware of how the evening's tension had drained her. "I think I'll take that advice about rest. It's been..." she paused, searching for a word that could encompass the day's revelations, the upheaval of her life, the unexpected alliance with three alphas who simultaneously threatened and protected her autonomy. "...overwhelming."

Darius stood first, always the gentleman. "I'll show you to your quarters."

"Actually," Lucian interjected, setting his empty glass on the coffee table with deliberate care, "before you retire, there's something we should discuss."

Serenity tensed, her guard instantly rising. "What now?"

"You haven't been in a proper pack before, have you?" Lucian asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.

The question caught her off guard. "No. My mother and I lived outside traditional pack structures after we left my father. She thought it would be safer."

"And it probably was," Ronan acknowledged, "but it means you've missed certain... protections."

Darius cleared his throat. "What Ronan is trying to say is that scent-marking is important, especially for an omega in your position."

Heat crept up Serenity's neck. "I'm familiar with the concept."

"Theoretically, perhaps," Lucian said. "But have you ever had a nest?"

The word alone sent an involuntary shiver through her. A nest—the private sanctuary where omegas retreated during vulnerable times, surrounded by the comforting scents of their pack members. It was an intimate concept, one her mother had mentioned but never fully explained.

"No," she admitted, hating how the single syllable revealed yet another way she was unprepared for this world she'd been thrust into.

"You should have one," Darius said firmly. "Especially here."

Ronan nodded, surprising her with his seriousness. "Even if things don't work out between us long-term, having our scents around you provides a layer of protection."

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