Page 78 of Knot in Bloom
My suppressants aren’t working.
Oh, they’re in my system—I can feel the artificial dampening that’s supposed to keep my omega biology in check. But sitting this close to Reid, breathing in his expensive cologne mixed with his natural alpha scent, my body responds like I’m not medicated at all. Slick gathers between my thighs, my nipples tighten against my bra, and every breath fills my lungs with his intoxicating presence.
This shouldn’t be happening. Not with daily suppressants. Not unless something fundamental has changed.
“You look thoughtful,” Reid observes, refilling my water glass with the kind of attentiveness that makes me feel cherished.
“Just processing. The festival, everything that’s happening.” I take a careful breath, trying to center myself, but it only makes me more aware of how his scent affects me. “Sometimes I feel like I’m in over my head.”
“You’re not.” His certainty makes me look up, find him watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse quicken. “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, doing exactly what you were meant to do.”
“Even when I’m making it up as I go along?”
“Especially then.” His smile turns warm, almost fond. “Confidence comes from competence, but courage comes from acting even when you’re scared. You have both.”
The compliment hits deeper than it should, and I realize I’m staring at his mouth when he speaks. Wondering what he tastes like, how his lips would feel against mine. The thought sends fresh heat through me that has nothing to do with the warm food and everything to do with the alpha sitting across from me.
This is getting dangerous. Being around three interested alphas while my suppressants fail is like walking a tightrope over an open flame. Sooner or later, I’m going to fall.
Maybe I want to fall.
The thought startles me with its clarity. For three years I’ve been taking suppressants religiously, maintaining careful control over my omega biology. But what if my body’s trying to tell me something? What if the reason they’re not working is because I’ve found something worth falling for?
“Sadie?” Reid’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. “You okay?”
“Fine. Just...” I set down my fork, trying to find words for what I’m feeling. “Do you ever wonder if we fight things that are supposed to be natural?”
His expression grows more thoughtful. “What kind of things?”
“Biology. Instincts. The way our bodies respond to certain people.” I can’t believe I’m having this conversation, but something about Reid’s steady presence makes honesty feel safe. “What happens when the suppressants stop working?”
Understanding dawns in his green eyes, and his natural scent grows richer in response. “Are they stopping?”
“I think so.” The admission feels huge, vulnerable. “I think being around all of you is overriding the artificial suppression.”
“And how do you feel about that?”
The simple question cuts through everything I’ve been overthinking. How do I feel about my body responding naturally to three alphas who want to take care of me?
“Scared,” I admit. “But also... excited. Like maybe I’ve been fighting something beautiful instead of protecting myself from something dangerous.”
Reid’s hand covers mine across the table, warm and steady. “What would happen if you stopped holding back?”
“I don’t know.” But even as I say it, I realize that’s not entirely true. I do know, at least partially. I’d let myself feel everything I’ve been trying to control. I’d admit that what’s happening between us—between all of us—means more than I’ve been willing to acknowledge.
The thought should terrify me. Instead, sitting here with Reid’s warm scent wrapping around me and Levi’s mark still tender on my throat, it feels like coming home.
“I keep thinking about how natural this feels,” I say softly. “You, Levi, Caleb. How you all just... fit together. How there’s no jealousy or competition.”
Reid’s thumb traces over my knuckles. “You like that we get along.”
“I love it.” The admission comes out more breathless than intended. “I love watching you three work together. I love that Levi can talk to you about books and you actually listen. I love that Caleb trusts your judgment on festival logistics.”
“And what do you love about me?” he asks quietly, his voice dropping to that rough tone that makes my core clench.
Heat floods my cheeks, but I don’t look away. “I love how you make me feel seen. Important. Like my dreams matter as much as your business deals.”
His pupils dilate at my words, and his scent deepens with something possessive and hungry. “They matter more.”
