Page 166 of Knot By Design
Wren beams. “Caleb made deliveries this morning. And Beau helped rearrange the cooler.”
“It looks incredible,” I say, emotion pressing tight behind my ribs. “Thank you. Both of you.”
Simon smiles, already backing toward the door. “This is all Beau and Levi, I can promise you that. I was only supposed to bring my girl a bagel. I’ve got to get to the hospital.”
I step closer. “Thank you. For checking on me. For everything.”
He opens his arms, and I walk straight into the hug, his coat cool against my cheek, his hand solid between my shoulder blades. It’s comforting in a way that feels safe and familiar.
“Anytime,” he murmurs. “Call me if you need anything.”
I laugh as he lets me go and walks over to Wren. She giggles as he lowers her head to kiss her.
I keep myself busy admiring all the displays. Maisie would absolutely love how bright this place looks.
I’m surprised that despite how great of a week I’ve had, I still miss her.
When Simon leaves, the bell jingles softly, and Wren turns to me with eyes full of questions.
“Did we arrange them okay? I wasn’t sure if all roses need to be put in water. I had to Google a lot of this stuff. Your job is a lot harder than mine, I can tell you that.”
I hold up a hand. “Babe, sit. Please. Rest your feet.”
She huffs but does it, settling carefully onto the stool. “Fine. But only because you asked.”
I glance toward the back. “Where’s Pancake?”
She laughs. “Left him at home. He was extra grumpy this morning and bit Beau’s shoelace.”
I smile, warmth spreading through me. “This is perfect. You did everything so well. I can’t believe you handled all of this. I owe you so much.”
She tilts her head, studying me. “You are freaking glowing.”
I laugh, covering my face for half a second. “Am not.”
“You absolutely are. And that’s all the thanks I need. I like that my girl was thoroughly taken care of.”
I drop my hands. “Are you going into heat?”
She laughs, throwing her hands up. “Can’t a girl just like talking about sex?”
I cock an eyebrow at her and laugh when her cheeks actually turn pink. “Wren!”
“Fine. Fine. I’m just a little hormonal, so you know, it takes a toll. And you were just telling me about how three Alphas were fucking you into the mattress. It was bound to have an effect on me. Fuck, I miss sex.”
That makes me pause. “Babe, are you not getting laid?”
She presses her palms to her cheeks. “I am. I am. I mean, they’re great, and it’s all so amazing, but given this,” she points at her belly, “it’s a lot harder to be folded like a pretzel. I really miss when they would choke and knot me and all that. Now they worry about hurting me or the baby.”
“They love you.”
She smiles. “And I love them, and don’t get me wrong, I am getting laid. I just… I miss being in heat. It’s weird, but it’s kind of like a drug, you know? You get what I mean.”
“Euphoric!” I say simply.
“Exactly. After I’ve had this baby, and I have the go-ahead for all that, I’m thinking I might just stop with the suppressants once and for all. Let nature take its course. We were all scared of what it would mean to be hot and bothered and unclaimed.” She touches the visible bite marks on the side of her neck. “But now I just want to give in to my Omega nature.”
She’s being serious about this. “Wow, Wren, I had no idea you were thinking about all of this.”
