Page 33 of Pack Down Bad

I don’t even realize I’m moving until I’m suddenly standing practically on top of her, leaning over to place my hands on either side of the chair’s armrests. Caging her in as I stare down at her with all the want I’ve been trying to restrain.

Need is coursing through my veins. I grip the chair so tightly that my fingers are turning white from the effort I’m forced to use to keep from moving my hands to touch her.

“Knox,” she whispers, her eyes wide, sensing something deeper than just attraction stirring between us.

“I’m trying to control myself, Belle. I don’t want to hurt you,” I say through a snarl.

Fuck.Of all the times to happen, a rut when our omega has just regained her memories isn’t ideal.

There’s never a good time for a rut, but the possibility is especially worrisome for an unbonded alpha with a scent-matched omega. The likelihood of my letting the haze take over and trying to bite Belle, my desperation to claim her potentially taking over, is too great a risk.

She tries to reach out toward my chest, but I jerk upright and take a step back out of her reach.

“This isn’t a good idea,” I tell her apologetically. I don’t think she knows what she’s reaching for right now by reaching for me.

Belle doesn’t seem to care.

She stands up and puts her hands on her hips haughtily. The return of her memories seems to have brought her a newfound confidence. She’s no longer the timid omega who let me hide away from our connection.

“Whatever you’re scared of, you could at least give me the respect of letting me decide whether or not I want to chance it.”

“Not a rut, Belle. It’s not safe.”

Belle’s pupils expand when she realizes exactly why I’m holding back. I would touch her the way we both want if only I thought I could control myself.

The warning should be enough to get her to back off and let me walk away.

Not with my omega.

Instead, she pounces at me. I barely manage to catch her in my arms before she falls, a growl vibrating from deep within my chest.

Belle’s ability to trust me–even though I’ve borderline shunned her since her arrival–helps me hang on to the little bit of sanity that I have left.

She cups my jaw, brushing her thumbs along the lines of my cheekbones. “You don’t have to keep holding yourself back. Not for me. You’re fighting how much you want me because you want to keep me safe, I get that, but I would rather see you give in to your alpha. Show me the way you want me.”

Her voice is unafraid, excited even.

I stare deeply into her eyes as her legs wrap tightly around my waist. “I want you so fucking bad it hurts.”

My knot is swollen, my teeth ache to sink into her skin, and I’m close to giving in to every urge.

“Stop fighting what you need.” Belle gently presses her lips to mine.

That’s the final green light I need.

With a guttural snarl, my mouth crashes against hers.

Finally.

Belle is my omega. Mine.

Her scent seeps through my skin and into my bones, making her arousal clear. Using my grip on her hips, I move her lower against my body and drag her core over my knot.

“Oh, fuck,” she gasps. “You feel so big.”

I repeat the action, wanting to leave no doubts about what I’m going to give her.

“Belle, my alpha is going to fully take over soon. Are you sure you’re ready for this?” I’ll die if she says anything but yes.

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