Knot a Good Idea (Bittersweet Omegas #4)

Chapter 23

23

APRIL

Staying with them for the next week is a dream.

Skylar insists I treat it like a vacation, and I do.

I even have a session with Sandy, who encourages me to allow myself to be cherished.

And also to challenge the idea that I’m a broken person.

The only thing is that the pack has to work.

They run a billion-dollar company, so of course they’re busy at their office.

Which gives me a lot of time to myself, and a lot of time locked in my own head.

After I was rescued, I spent a significant amount of time in the hospital, healing from severe dehydration. I was in a medically induced coma, and after I woke up, I had to regain my strength.

And once I went back to work, I never stopped.

There was always something else to do. A new spreadsheet to make, a better way to organize our inventory. Another local coffee roaster to create business ties with.

And since Skylar was so busy with her own pack, I threw myself into the café.

It’s a big deal to take a few shifts off just to see Donovan, Hunter, and Liam.

But now I’ll be off work for a significant amount of time.

Now, there’s no need for me to be busy, which means my inner Omega has decided it’s time to nest after months of neglect.

And holy shit, do I nest.

My first full day at the house, I tear apart the massive closet in my room. I collect all the blankets, piling them on the plush mattress. I find fluffy pillows in the linen closet down the hallway, which I throw onto the bed as well.

Skylar used to make fun of me for my nests. Mine have never been extravagant like hers—in her perfect world, she would have nothing but cashmere blankets and silk sheets.

That’s not practical. Cotton works just fine.

But the packhouse has every option possible for me.

Soon, my bed is layered with soft, thick materials, along with Hunter’s jacket.

I also find a sweatshirt belonging to Donovan and a sweater of Liam’s in the game room.

They all go on the bed.

By the time my nest is done, my skin burns, and arousal floods my core. I take a double dose of suppressants, but it’s obvious that my Heat will arrive while I’m staying with them.

Thankfully, this scenario was drafted up in the contract.

In the case of my Heat or their Ruts, I am under no obligation to engage with them. I even have the option to opt-out of any social events.

I could spend my Heat alone in this room, doped up on suppressants and sleeping pills.

It would be absolutely miserable, but I’ve done it before.

I even tried going to work one day before my Heat was over, and Skylar almost beat the shit out of me.

But, Heats have always been a nuisance. They can be enjoyable, and I’ve had exes that have helped me through them, but I’ve never actually preferred them.

They’re a waste of time.

But now?

The pack has provided me with more than enough materials for a proper nest, and I can’t help but feel excited.

I know Hunter and Liam would be happy to help me through my Heat, but I’m not sure Donovan would.

But the thought of all three of them taking me at the same time…

I let out a tiny gasp as my cunt spasms.

I shake my head and groan.

I need to get a grip .

If I don’t find something productive to do, I’m going to lose my mind.

When I enter the kitchen, I eye the sleek double ovens.

Then I open the pantry, looking for the one ingredient that would make my idea possible.

And there, sitting on the middle shelf, I see it.

Bags of almond flour.

Baking is methodical.

If you don’t follow the exact measurements, the product is ruined.

With the incorrect temperature, an otherwise perfect cookie turns to sludge or a burnt mess.

Precision is necessary.

I don’t even realize how much time has passed in the kitchen until I hear the front door open, and two different voices laugh.

Hunter and Liam are back.

I smile to myself as I finish piping buttercream between two almond flour discs, a warmth spreading through my veins.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Hunter purr, stepping into the kitchen. His eyes widen when he sees what I’m doing. “Oh, shit!”

“You want some?” I ask him, nodding toward a plate on the island. “They’re macarons.”

“Hell yeah I do,” he heads over to me and presses a kiss to my head. “I want you more, though,” he murmurs in my ear.

The buttercream spurts out of the piping bag I’m holding and onto the counter.

He laughs.

“Just shut up and try the cookies,” I mutter, my face flaming.

Liam enters the kitchen next, greeting me with a warm smile. “Hi, April,” he says. “You look lovely today.”

Almond flour stains my shirt, and my fingers are dyed with food coloring, but it’s still sweet to hear.

Hunter snorts, and Liam glares at him.

“She does,” he argues.

“You’re just a sap. That’s all,” Hunter says, before picking up a pink macaron. “I’ve never had this flavor before.”

“That one is strawberry. It’s one of our most popular ones at the café,” I explain.

Hunter takes a bite as Liam stands next to me, watching me form the macarons.

“Can I help?” he asks softly. I nod as Hunter lets out a literal growl at tasting the macaron.

“You made this?” Hunter asks, his golden eyes wide in disbelief.

I can’t help but laugh at him. “Yes,” I say. “You guys had all the ingredients in your kitchen. Most people don’t have almond flour on hand.”

“Oh,” Liam says. “That’s because Donovan made sure to have everything stocked for you before you came. He researched everything you might need.”

My heart flutters. “He did ?”

“Yeah,” Hunter replies. “There’s like, ten different fucking flours in there. And what the fuck is arrowroot powder?”

Liam points at the mixer I’m using. “I also made sure he ordered that for you. I know you love baking, and we didn’t have anything like that.”

I smile at him, and his eyes fall to my lips. His eucalyptus scent swirls around me while Hunter glares at us.

“They didn’t let me in on it,” he grumbles. “But at least I ordered the fucking eggs.”

“Jealousy isn’t a good look on you, Hunter,” Liam says easily, standing behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist. I raise my eyebrows at his boldness, but Hunter only looks entertained.

“I have nothing to be jealous about,” he purrs, winking at me. “Right, babe?”

With Liam holding me and Hunter eating my cookies, this almost feels like I’m in a real relationship with them.

I could have this.

Hunter already knows about what happened to me, and Liam would understand if I told him.

Donovan knows, too.

And they all still accept me.

They shouldn’t have to , a voice whispers inside me as Liam presses a kiss to my ear. This could be easier for them if you weren’t around.

“Hey,” Liam whispers. “Are you okay?”

I nod, keeping the smile on my face. “Of course.”

This isn’t real. They just need you for the wedding, and then they’re done with you.

Hunter meets my eyes, stopping mid bite on another macaron. “Baby?”

They’ll find another Kelly.

I grip the edge of the kitchen island, leaning over slightly to breathe.

Shit, not now…

But panic surges through me before I can stop it.

“Sorry,” I choke out. “Just give me a moment.”

Liam steps away from me, and I want to cry at the loss of contact. “April, what can I do? What do you need?” he sounds slightly panicked himself, his scent intensifying.

“I can’t do this,” I breathe, the air leaving my lungs in a whoosh.

None of this is real.

They’re not my Alphas.

“ April .”

Hunter’s low voice snaps me out of my stupor, and I look at him, my breathing ragged. “How many macarons have you baked today?”

“I—what?”

“How many are on the plate?”

I frown. “Why are you asking?—”

“ Count .”

I stare at the plate of colorful macarons, counting in my head.

“Seventeen.”

“How many of each color?”

I let out another breath, but stand up straighter, no longer leaning against the island. “Three red, ten green, four pink.”

Liam reaches out and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “How many macaron flavors can you name?” His voice is soft and tentative, his eyes kind.

Then, I realize what they’re doing.

Sandy has had me do it before in sessions.

Counting, color naming, reciting facts…they’re grounding exercises.

Liam must know how to use them, and because of that, I’m sure Hunter does, too.

“Strawberry,” I whisper as Liam gives me a tentative smile. “Blueberry, pistachio, chocolate…”

“Oh, shit, you can make chocolate ones of these?!” Hunter asks, much too excitedly. I can’t help but laugh, and Liam’s smile grows.

“Mint chip, mocha, raspberry…”

I rattle off flavors until the panic gradually subsides. I eventually stand straighter and let out deep exhales.

“There you go,” Hunter murmurs. “Good girl.”

Liam watches me carefully, and I turn to him, facing away from the counter.

“Fresh air helps me, too,” he says quietly. “We could go outside if you want.”

“Only if we take these, though.” Hunter swipes the plate of cookies, and I raise an eyebrow.

“I should grab a sweater,” I insist. “And clean up first.”

Hunter scoffs. “Fuck that. We’ll clean up later. Also, you don’t need a sweater. I’m as warm as a furnace. Remember? That’s what you said last time.”

I catch Liam furrowing his brow.

“So, your plan is to what?” I step back from the counter and look between him and Liam. “We just go outside and have a big cuddle fest?”

Hunter shrugs. “Why the fuck not?”

“Only if you want to,” Liam says gently. “I mean…I think Hunter has a pretty good idea.”

His earnestness breaks the last of my resolve.

“Let’s go, then,” I say with a smile.

Liam takes my hand while Hunter follows with the cookies.

By the time we’re in the backyard and under the gazebo, my worries have dissipated. I take the space in between Hunter and Liam, laying my head on Liam’s chest and stretching out so my legs are on Hunter’s lap. He idly plays with my foot, running a hand up and down the arch, causing delicious tingles to race through me.

The night air is crisp and chilly, but my body is overheated.

Hunter’s hand is warm and so is Liam’s chest.

Once Liam begins to purr, I close my eyes, breathing deeply.

“There you go,” he whispers, brushing hair from my face. “We’ve got you.”

“You don’t have to take care of me,” I murmur.

Hunter scoffs and playfully grabs my pinkie toe. “It’s not a question anymore, baby. I have to. We both have to.”

“Mm-hmm,” Liam agrees. “It’s my honor, April.”

“ I wanted to ask you to move in with us permanently, but Liam said that was too possessive,” Hunter adds.

“The contract,” I grumble, half asleep.

“We can change it. Rip it up,” Hunter replies as I snuggle in Liam’s hold.

“Donovan would be mad,” I hum.

“He’s always mad. It would be nothing new.”

“Hunter,” Liam warns. “ Stop .”

“I’m just saying, rules are meant to be broken, and…”

The voices trail off, and I’m lulled to sleep by Liam’s deep, soothing purr.

I catch bits and pieces of their hushed conversation, but they mix into my dreams and I’m not sure what is real.

“We could just ask her. She might say yes.”

“It’s too soon for that. Donovan won’t even tell her how he feels.”

“It’s the first time he’s said the word ‘mate’, he doesn’t throw that word around ? —"

“What are you doing out here?”

A low voice startles me awake. Donovan’s scent is everywhere, mixing with Liam and Hunter’s. I look up to meet his icy eyes, which slightly soften when he sees me.

“Cuddling,” Hunter replies easily, as Donovan frowns at him. “You should try it once in a while. You know, human interaction.”

I stretch and yawn, sitting up straight and moving my legs from Hunter’s lap. The sunset is gone and replaced by the night sky, bright stars flickering above.

“Shit, how long was I out?” I gasp, running my hands through my hair to smooth it out. “I need to clean up. I left eggs out; the whole counter is mess?—”

“It’s taken care of,” Donovan says easily. “You should rest.”

“I can at least?—”

“It’s one in the morning.”

I blink. “Oh.”

Donovan raises an eyebrow. “Oh,” he repeats. He glares at Liam and Hunter. “You should have put her to bed instead of let her pass out outside.”

I glare at him, groggy from sleep. “I’m not a child.”

He looks me up and down. “You certainly aren’t. But you don’t deserve to wake up with a sore neck because these two couldn’t bother to make sure you were resting properly.”

“Don’t be jealous just because you weren’t here,” Hunter snaps. “Not all of us are married to their work.”

I could swear I catch a flicker of hurt in Donovan’s eyes, but it’s gone as soon as I notice it.

Still. The barb affected him.

“I know the feeling,” I tell him. “Work is my life. It keeps me going. And you’re right; my neck is a little sore. I should go to sleep.”

His light blue eyes slightly widen. “I could walk you to your room, if you like,” he says softly.

Hunter snorts, and I shoot him a look.

“Sure. I haven’t seen you all day,” I say to Donovan.

And he smells so delicious that I’ll use any reason to stay near him.

Liam and Hunter together smell delicious. They’re spicy and earthy.

But Donovan’s scent has always been different. I wouldn’t say better , but it’s the one I notice immediately when all three of them are together.

The thought of him walking me to my room sends shivers down my spine. I’ll be alone with him, breathing in his scent…

I stand and stretch my arms. “Goodnight, guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Liam looks up at me from the gazebo bench and smiles. “Sleep well, April.”

“Dream of me, babe,” Hunter adds.

Donovan scoffs and rolls his eyes. I move to stand at his side, and he places his hand at the small of my waist, leading me back inside.

As soon as we’re through the sliding glass door, I turn to face him. “Hey. Do you normally work that much?”

He shrugs. “It’s what I’m used to. There was not much before…”

His voice trails off, but I know what he means to say.

Before you.

“Hunter and Liam always find something to do,” he admits quietly. “I just usually stay behind at the office.”

“That’s how I’ve been at the café. Skylar has her pack, and our friend Devyn hangs out with her, mostly.”

I’ve been a shit friend.

Skylar’s been through trauma as well, but I’ve shut down and been defensive every time she tries to bring it up.

But it’s because she came out better from it.

I didn’t.

Why would she want to remain friends with someone that can’t even deal with their own issues?

And poor Devyn is so kind and supportive that it’s easy to snap at her.

I need to be better for both of them.

We head into the kitchen, which is now spotless.

“I appreciate you cleaning up,” I say. “You know I could have done all that.”

“And you know it’s not your job to do everything. You were sleeping when I came home. I was happy to do it.”

Home.

The word sits heavy in my gut.

This will never be my home.

We’re playing house for a few weeks until their exes’ wedding.

Still, I can’t help but imagine Skylar and myself in the kitchen, making batch after batch of cookies.

We would sit in the theater room with Devyn and watch baking reality shows.

I could teach her how to master the trifle using their fancy equipment.

Skylar could bring her pack over. River and Landon would play board games with Liam and Hunter, while Donovan and Vincent could sulk in a corner together.

And my mom…

My mom would be happy to see her daughter happy.

“April.” Donovan’s low voice snaps me out of the fantasy, and I look up at him. “Is everything okay?”

I think about his question.

“Sometimes,” I admit quietly.

He nods, as if he understands my cryptic answer.

We continue walking, his hand still resting on my back, and he leads me up the stairs. We walk in silence until I reach the bedroom, and I flick on the light, my nest fully on display.

Donovan sees it as we stand in the doorway, and the slightest amount of color flushes his face.

Is he blushing ?

I love when I see the tiny, secret parts of himself he tries to hide.

He quickly moves his attention from my bed, as if he didn’t want me to catch him staring at my nest.

But I’m unashamed. I proudly display it.

He flexes his jaw, his lips pulled into a hard line, and his scent intensifies.

He smells like the ocean, like an overcast sky with the slightest hint of salt and citrus.

“I’m not good at this,” he whispers, his eyes falling to my lips.

“Good at what?”

“Anything, really, when it comes to you.”

“You’re good at cleaning up the kitchen after I dirty it.”

He scoffs and the corner of his lip quirks slightly. “That, I guess.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I hardly know how to interact with you half the time. I can’t tell if I’m pissing you off or making you happy.”

He frowns. “Everyone has that problem with me. You hardly piss me off.”

“Well, good.” I yawn, looking at my nest longingly. Donovan’s scent is starting to affect me too much. If he stays here any longer, I might try to do something irrational, like jump him.

“Liam sometimes comes to me when he’s having a hard time,” he says softly. “If you ever want to…talk…I would happily listen.”

I look at him curiously.

“I have no expectations,” he admits. “I expect nothing from you in return. But if you ever want someone to just listen to you, I can be that person.”

He looks terrified .

Donovan, the cold, grumpy pack leader, looks unsure for once.

Donovan, the arrogant, helicopter flying, ridiculously rich tech genius stands in front of me, shy and vulnerable.

My inner Omega is flattered, and I stand on tiptoe to kiss him.

It’s chaste and soft, and he stiffens in response, not expecting it.

When I step away, his lips are pulled into a thin line, and his brow is furrowed in confusion.

Oh, no.

Did I misinterpret things?

I take a deep breath. “Did you not want?—”

But he pushes me against the wall next to the doorway and suddenly, he’s everywhere.

He growls as he kisses me, his hands roughly squeezing around my waist until I’m frozen in his hold while he devours me. He keeps me in place, licking into my mouth thoroughly, his scent and minty breath washing over me.

Donovan kisses like it’s the last time he’ll see me. Like he only has a minute left on this earth, and he’s chosen to spend it tasting me.

When he finally pulls away, my cunt is throbbing, and my knees are shaky. I gasp for air, looking at him in shock.

“You,” he breathes, “have invaded my thoughts. I try to distract myself with work. I try to distract myself with fucking anything , but it all comes back to you .” Another kiss, this time to my neck, causing me to yelp. “You’re all I can think about. Why are you doing this to me?”

I’m dumbfounded by his words. “I’m not doing anything?—”

He bites me, hard, right next to my mating gland.

“You make me fucking crazy,” he hisses, as I claw at his hair. “You make me fucking irrational. I’m playing stupid cat board games because of you .”

I half laugh, half groan as he sucks an angry bruise into my neck. “That’s not—my fault?—”

“Like hell it’s not. Everything is your fault.”

I don’t know whether to be offended or delighted.

But judging by the way wetness floods my panties, I’m elated.

I don’t even bother asking. I show him what I want by pushing him away and pulling my shirt over my head and tossing it onto the floor in the hallway.

I’m clad only in my soft cotton bra that unhooks in the front, sheer enough that my hard nipples are visible through the fabric.

“Fuck,” he hisses, his hands running up either side of my waist. “ Fuck .”

When he cups my breasts in his hands, I tilt my head back and moan.

“They’re sensitive,” I gasp out. He plays with them mercilessly, squeezing and groping them just like Hunter did when he fucked them.

When his fingertips finally circle over my nipple, I jerk at the sensation. Watching me carefully, he caresses each nipple gently, pressure building inside my cunt as he does.

“They are sensitive,” he murmurs in approval. “I’ve been thinking about these since I first saw you. I tried not to. But then you wore that dress, at the gala...and I came in the shower thinking about you that night.”

I blink my eyes open in surprise and flattery.

He’s wanted me since then?

The thought of Donovan with his hand wrapped around his cock, popping his knot at the thought of my chest…

I reach over his hands to unhook my bra, baring my breasts to him.

He’s on his knees in a moment, his head level with my stomach.

To see this powerful man kneel before me, still in his white button-up shirt and expensive slacks, is almost enough to make me lose my balance.

One hand is on my breast, and his mouth is on the other.

He sucks my nipple harshly, the hallway filling with the sounds of my moans as he plays with the sensitive peak. I hold his head with my hands, pushing his mouth onto me and tugging at his hair.

He growls into my skin and tugs my nipple roughly, pressure building in my cunt.

It isn’t until I sag against the wall and wetness soaks my sweatpants that I realize I orgasmed.

Donovan continues sucking, moving his attention to my other breast, assaulting my chest with his tongue and fingers.

I scream so loud I’m sure Hunter and Liam hear it, even if they’re still outside.

I drown in Donovan’s scent and touch until I’m an incoherent, babbling mess.

Until I’m sitting on the floor, my back to the wall, barely staying upright.

Donovan pulls my half naked form into his arms, lifting me off the floor and carrying me bridal style to my nest, depositing me on it gently.

When I finally catch my breath and open my eyes, he’s adjusting his shirt and slacks.

He presses a final kiss to my forehead, and I breathe in his scent again, drowning in his ocean.

“Sleep well,” he whispers. Then, he turns off the light and leaves the bedroom, keeping the door open.

I want to ask him to stay, but I fall asleep before I can utter the words.