Page 34 of Knot for Me
“I can ask them later today.”
“Good. Don’t forget about your nest. Do you know what you want in there?”
I glance at my suitcase. “I brought my comfy clothes, my favorite book, and my wireless speaker.”
Mom sighs. “That’s not enough. You’re not going to want to read and listen to music, dear. You need blankets. Lots of them.”
“I know, but I only had a few minutes to pack. I was panicking, okay?”
“Well, figure out if they will get you some soft blankets. Lots of pillows. Maybe a candle warmer to put somewhere near the nest.”
“Wax kink, really, Mom?”
“Oh hush, I meant to make things smell nice. You don’t want to have any bad scents around. It’ll only make the heat worse. If you don’t have the right atmosphere during your heat, you won’t be able to relax until things are fixed the way you like it. Making your nest the right way is a crucial part of preparing for your heat.”
I suck in my cheeks and flick my gaze to the closet. “Okay,” I whisper.
“You’ll be okay, Reagan. Don’t forget to send me your address, all right? This is important. You’ll need this package.”
“Do I at least get a hint as to what it is?”
“Nope.” She chuckles. “I know this isn’t the sort of life you wanted, but I’m proud of you for being so strong in your beliefs. I wish…” She trails off, emotions choking off her next words. “I love you, baby, you know that?”
She’s mentioned before how much she regrets leaving me alone with my brothers. If she had known what they were doing to me, she would have stopped it sooner. We both know the real reason I don’t want a pack is because of that and not children, but it’s easier to pretend kids are to blame. Easier to ignore every vile thing my brothers said to me. Easier to forget the whispers from asshole alphas twice my age when I hit puberty about what a good omega I’d be for a pack someday.
“Yeah, I love you too.” I swallow, blinking away tears.
“Don’t ignore me. I’m here if you need me.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I hang up and drop the phone on the bed beside me, swiping at the few stray tears that escaped my control. Someone knocks on my door, and I stiffen. Did they hear the conversation?
“Are you up?” Marco asks.
Tension drains from my shoulders. “Yeah.”
“Cool. Eat some breakfast and meet me in the gym in about an hour.”
“I didn’t agree to work out,” I grumble. Walking to the door, I move the chair and open it.
Marco is leaning his arm against the frame, wearing black joggers, a loose T-shirt, and a smile that would melt weaker hearts. “No, but we have an event soon, and we want to make sure you can take care of yourself. Did you put the chair in front of the door?”
“What kind of people do you hang out with?” I lift an eyebrow, ignoring his question.
“Not everyone is our friend, and an unmated omega is going to turn heads. You’ll be in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean someone won’t stumble upon you. I’d feel better knowing you can take care of yourself.”
Solid point. “Okay, I’ll be there.”
He smacks the doorframe and beams at me. “Atta girl. See you soon.”
* * *
MARCO
I hit the treadmill while I wait for Reagan, cranking up the speed and pounding through a mile in five minutes. Not my fastest time, but enough to work off some of my nerves. The omega shouldn’t make me a jittery mess, but knowing I can’t touch her and that she’s off limits is driving me crazy. I’ve never been good with boundaries, and she’s hilarious. She and I have this connection that makes me wish she were our omega. She easily fits in with Cory and me, laughs at my dumb jokes, and isn’t afraid to insult me.
The music I put on is blaring, but I still know the precise moment she steps foot in my domain. The air changes and shifts and drags her scent toward me. Even when she’s not turned on, her goddamn smell is delicious.
