Page 106 of In Knots

“Hey!” I protest, but the others laugh.

“You’ve got to keep yourself a little more under control, Omega,” Buzz growls, “if you don’t want me pushing you up against that tree and rutting you right here and now.”

I’m not sure I’d find that such a terrible idea, but I remember Huge’s warning about keeping a low profile.

When we finish our food, the alphas lie out in the shade and I spend some time taking photos of the pub, the landscape and the men sprawled out around me. Then I snuggle up between my pack, watching the odd car or bike pass on the road. Behind us, I can hear the buzz of bees looping among the wildflowers in the meadow and the air is thick with the aroma of ripening apples and blackberries.

A car with the sunroof down glides past and I follow its progress with my eyes.

“Do you miss your car, baby?”

“No, but I miss driving.”

“You do?”

I nod.

“Then we’re going to teach you how to ride a bike.”

“Really?” I’m sure my eyes must brighten and I can’t help sitting upright.

“For sure. There’s nothing like riding a bike.” He rests his palms on my hips and nibbles my ear. “Well, almost nothing!”

Then before I know it, they’re pulling me into the car park and I’m seated on Cam’s bike, all four of them issuing me instructions at once.

I think back to a few months ago when the prospect of doing something like riding a motorbike would have seemed terrifying. Now all I feel is a shot of adrenaline streaming through my veins.

“Hey, hey,” I say, raising my voice so they can hear me. “One at a time.”

They are all quiet and then Cam speaks, “Can you ride a bicycle, little one?”

“Yes, and a horse,” I tell him.

“It’s similar. To a pushbike, not a horse. Just turn the throttle and away you go. The brakes are the same, and the accelerator is here.” He snaps down my visor. “Good to go.”

At first, I’m a little wobbly, but soon I get the hang of it. Then I’m soaring.

Soaring and happy.

This is what freedom tastes like. Men who won’t try to confine me, who will support and encourage me, and who want me to fly as high and as far as I please.

---