Page 28 of Knotting the Cowboys

But movement only makes it worse, fabric sliding against sensitized skin, every nerve ending suddenly awake and cataloging their presence. This is what I was afraid of—not them, but my own body's betrayal.

The Omega need to submit to Alphas who've proven themselves, to bare my throat and offer everything to the ones who saved me.

"You're safe here," River says, and I realize he's noticed my distress. Of course he has—they all have, probably scenting the unwanted arousal mixing with my fear and confusion. "Whatever you're feeling, it's normal. Omega stress responses after trauma can be…intense."

Intense…

If only it was “just” that and not our chemical makeup making us horny and needy to be satisfied the moment an Alpha gives us the time of day.

Let alone four sexy Alphas who reveal they’ve been yearning your return in an act of duty.

Clinical words that do nothing to ease the way my body clenches when Cole shifts position, or how my breath catches when Austin leans close to check on Luna.

Four Alphas surrounding me with gentle strength, and my designation screaming to submit, to thank them properly, to?—

"I should go," I say abruptly, starting to stand. "This is—I can't?—"

"You can." Cole's voice carries just enough Alpha authority to make me freeze, though he's not using a Ccommand. "You're exhausted, overwhelmed, and processing trauma. Your body's going to react. We know that. We're not going to take advantage."

That’s good…I guess.

I try to ignore the obvious disappointment forming in the depths of my core that’s desperate for “that”.

Trying to even recall the last time I’d had proper care in the lovely Omega department of sexual interactions only makes me want to laugh pitifully at what I dare call a sex-life.

Some Omega I am.

"We're not those kinds of Alphas," Mavi adds, and there's steel in his voice. "Whatever Blake did, however he made you feel about your designation—that's not happening here."

But that's the problem.

They're good Alphas, honorable ones, and my body knows it.

Every protective instinct they display makes the Omega in me purr louder, want harder.

I'm wet between my thighs, empty and aching, and they can probably smell it.

The humiliation burns almost as hot as the need.

"It's the rescue bond," Austin explains gently, ever the medical professional. "When an Omega's saved from death by Alphas, especially multiple Alphas, there's often an intense bodily response. Your body wants to bond with your saviors as a survival mechanism."

Right…

Of course there's a term for it.

A reasoning for my inappropriate response has a clinical name.

But knowing why doesn't make it easier to sit here, surrounded by their scents and strength, my body singing submission songs I don't want to hear.

Luna breaks the tension by throwing her sippy cup at Cole's head with surprising accuracy.

Oops.

He catches it easily, raising an eyebrow at her.

"See?" he says, almost smiling. "Luna's the only one you need to worry about. She's got opinions and she's not afraid to enforce them."

It's enough to ease the moment, to let me sink back into the chair despite every instinct screaming.

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