Page 27 of The Librarian and Her Alphas

Gunnar’s powerful frame blocks the path to the door, his broad shoulders and chest tapering to a narrow waist. He wears only jeans and a tight black t-shirt that leaves nothing to the imagination, showing every ridge of muscle beneath.

“I didn’t know you were here,” I say, my voice breathy as my face reddens under his gaze.

His lips curve into something not quite a smile, revealing the edge of his teeth. His gaze travels over me slowly, lingering on my exposed breasts. “Did you enjoy your time with Damon and Max?”

There’s something in his tone I can’t quite decipher- not quite anger, but maybe a little jealousy that he was left out. My omega instincts flutter in confused response, unsure whether to submit or flee. I clutch the dress tighter around me, suddenly very aware of my nakedness beneath the thin fabric.

“We’re done now,” I say, suddenly aware of the pinching pain growing in my belly. It’s bearable for now, so maybe it’s time to kick the alphas out.

The storm outside is over anyway.

I step toward the door, but Gunnar doesn’t move aside.

“I said,” he says, voice dropping lower, a rumble I feel in my bones- “not so fast.”

My heart races against my ribcage, a trapped bird sensing a predator.

The omega pheromones I’ve released for hours still hang in the air, mixing with Gunnar’s potent alpha scent. Even though two knots have satisfied my heat not so long ago, something about his presence is driving me crazy once again.

“I need to get dressed,” I manage, my voice small as I try to pull the dress on.

“Why bother?” he says, taking another step closer as he chuckles darkly. "It'll just come off again. Your heat isn’t over, you know.”

I swallow hard, feeling a traitorous flicker of heat in my lower belly even as I shake my head.

“Damon and Max already?—”

“I know exactly what they did,” he cuts me off, his voice rough. “I could smell it from the other side of the building. I could hear you.” Something dangerous flickers in his eyes. “I’ve been waiting patiently. Now it’s my turn, love.”

My body responds to his words with a fresh rush of slick between my thighs. The betrayal of my biology frustrates me, even as it clouds my judgment.

“I think I’ve been satisfied enough,” I say, but my voice lacks conviction. “I’m not some toy to be used.”

Gunnar’s eyes darken. “You’re unmated, in heat, and we’re all drawn to you. What did you expect would happen when you go into heat with three unmated alphas smelling like that?”

His words aren’t accusatory—just matter-of-fact.

It’s true that I knew the risks of allowing them into the library without being truthful about my designation up front. But I never expected my heat to arrive like this when I’ve never been in heat before.

We stand in charged silence for a moment, the air between us heavy with pheromones and unspoken desire.

Then, without warning, Gunnar reaches out.

I flinch, expecting him to grab me roughly or tear away my blanket. Instead, his fingers land lightly on my bare arm, just below my shoulder, and trail downward in a feather-light touch.

The unexpected gentleness of the contact makes me giggle involuntarily.

“Stop,” I tell him, trying to sound stern but failing as another laugh escapes me.

Gunnar freezes, his expression changing from predatory to intrigued. A dark chuckle rumbles from his chest.

"Well, well. You're ticklish,” says Gunnar, his voice taking on an edge now mingled with excitement at his discovery as I groan. “Very ticklish, it seems.”

My heart, already racing from our confrontation, speeds up further. Something about the way he’s looking at me now—like he’s uncovered a weakness he can exploit—makes me feel even more vulnerable than I did before.

“I’m not,” I lie, trying to pull my arm away, but he holds it firmly.

“Liar,” he whispers, and his fingers snake up my arm again, reaching the sensitive spot near my armpit. I yelp and try to squirm away.

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