Page 43 of Knot Now Knot Ever

Horror and panic slammed into me simultaneously hearing Fawn’s question. “I would absolutely be open to that,” I blurted. “It’s not that I don’t like children or hate the thought of being a parent. I truly don’t believe I will be able to see past my own trauma to give a child the love they deserve. Look at how I reacted to meeting all of you. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that you would be the best nurturer to your children, Fawn. You ooze affection for those you care about. A child should never question their value in this world, and that starts with the mother. Somewhere along the way, in trying to protect myself, I think I lost the ability to know how to love someone.”

Fawn ran his hands down my arms until he reached my wrists. He gently lifted my hands and placed them both on the warm, soft skin of his stomach. “Trust me, Lyra, when this belly begins to swell with our child, you’ll be able to give it all the love in the world.”

“How can you know that?” I argued.

He leaned in and kissed me softly. “Because we’re going to shower you with so much love and affection, there’s no way you’ll ever forget what it feels like again. That’s a promise I will take to my grave, angel.”

I dove in for another kiss and pulled my hand free so I could grasp the back of his neck to deepen it further. Fawn slid his hands up my back, pressing my body to his so I could feel his cock harden between us. God, it would be so simple to lift the skirt of my dress and let him fuck me where I stood. I shuddered, thinking of how amazing it would feel to have him fill my needy pussy. Hell, at this point, I think I’d be happy with both of us naked, cuddling, and a full pussy keeping his cock warm as we made out.

“Okay, you two, I really don’t want to do this, but now you’re both perfuming,” Pascal announced right before an arm wrapped around my hips and yanked me back.

Dazed, it took me a second to realize Zachary had tossed Fawn over his shoulder and was walking away. “Wait, don’t leave. I promise I’ll be good,” I said, panic in my voice.

Zachary stopped and turned to face me, looking confused. “Honey bear, we’re not leaving, and no one is upset with you. The timer for the oven went off, and I brought him with me because he knows what Tanner made.”

Wow, way to look desperate and clingy there, Lyra.

“Oh…” I mumbled, my cheeks flaming with embarrassment at my overreaction.

“If there’s one thing none of us will ever get mad at you about, it’s sexy make-out sessions we get to watch,” Zachary added with a wink before setting Fawn down and giving him a playful slap on the ass. “Please make sure we aren’t burning dinner because our Omegas are simply too distracting.”

“We’re not distracting, papa bear. We’re captivating,” Fawn sassed, giving Zachary a saucy look as he wiggled his ass, bending over to open the oven. “Look at that… the casserole is done and ready to come out.”

Zachary rolled his eyes as he had to push a twerking Fawn out of the way and grabbed the potholders. “Cub, if you don’t stop fooling around, you’re gonna get yourself burned like last time.”

“Hey, how was I supposed to know the stovetop was still hot when I sat my ass on it?” Fawn demanded indignantly.

“Hence why we have the rule you can’t be in the kitchen alone,” Tanner yelled from the living room, chuckling and shaking his head.

The distraction of watching these men who’d become my pack had me forgetting all about my blunder. Normally, I would have left the room and stewed over how I’d made an idiot out of myself. This is typically when the memories of my mother’s criticism would echo in my ears. Be better, be smarter, be a woman your fathers would be proud of. Yet standing here with Pascal at my back, holding me, the negative thoughts were silent.

“Would you mind helping me set the table?” Pascal asked.

I nodded, offering him a smile. “I’d be happy to.”

Soon, we were all seated in a rather comfortable dining room with plush gray chairs and a large, sturdy wooden table. Black and white photos of various cities hung on one wall, while the other mainly featured windows that faced the patio garden. Most people made their dining rooms a more formal atmosphere, but this stuck true to Zachary’s description of their modern-cozy theme.

Eli took my plate and started to scoop out the casserole but paused. “Lyra, are you allergic to anything? Food or otherwise?”

“No food allergies, but I do have some mild seasonal allergies,” I shared. “Although I’m not sure if I’ll have the same issue since moving. I’ve never lived anywhere but Rockton, so things might be better for me here.”

“Let’s hope you’re not like me,” Fawn grumbled. “Fall is terrible for me. I get all puffy and snotty, thanks to the ragweed. It’s not a cute look, and sometimes I have to put off working for a week or two. Thankfully, I found a routine that helps without having to take meds that turn me into a zombie.”

My plate was finally returned to me filled with delicious-smelling food. How they managed to whip up such a feast so quickly was impressive. The conversation drifted off as everyone dug into the meal, and it looked like I wasn’t the only one who’d been rather hungry. The guys started talking about what their plans were for the weekend while I simply enjoyed us all being together.

“So, angel, what time should I pick you up for our spa day tomorrow?” Fawn asked.

I’d almost forgotten that we’d made plans for the weekend. “You tell me. Do we have reservations already?”

Fawn grinned, a mischievous glint in his gaze. “I have so much to teach you, my sweet baby angel. You and I are going to Oasis for the full-treatment experience. All you need to do is tell them what time you’re showing up two days in advance, and they take care of the rest. You have to be a member or accompanied by a member to use their services, which should help put our overprotective Alphas at ease so we can be on our own.” The last part he directed toward the Alphas in question, making me almost snort out my water at their reactions.

“If you want it just to be the two of you, then you have to use my car service. I need to know someone I trust will be looking after you two. They are also going to wait for you at the spa in case anything should happen,” Eli informed us, his tone making it known this wasn’t a request.

“Works for me,” Fawn agreed with a shrug, then turned his attention back to me. “Are you still up for going back to your apartment for pizza, popcorn, and movies?”

“Definitely,” I assured him with a smile. “I’m rather interested to see what movies you picked for us to watch.”

“You’re just gonna have to wait to find out, but I promise they will be life-changing,” Fawn teased, causing me to laugh.