Page 55 of Knot Your Pawn

The first night here wasn’t easy as I tried to stay away from them, but it got worse the second night. And since they started having pheromone withdrawal issues, even going outside for some fresh air has become a struggle.

As soon as I close the door behind me, I take off my old mask and put it on the pile of used masks. Once the pheromones have soaked through, it becomes a lot less useful. So, when I go back inside, I take a clean mask, prolonging the time I can be around my mates.

I take a deep breath, and a second one, letting my lungs fill fully, which immediately helps clear my head. It’s very frustrating that I’m fine with everyone’s pheromones apart from two of my mates.

Okay, two and a half. Mathew’s pheromones don’t immediately give me a bad reaction, but it does happen after a while.

Supposedly, mating and things like that are easier for Betas, not as intense, but I don’t know. How is how I react to my Omegas, but also the Alphas, any ‘easier’ than how they react to each other?

I’m not seeing it.

But then, I don’t have that much experience with pack relationships, so maybe that’s where the differences are. It might be because this is a pack and not a pair relationship. I don’t know.

And I don’t think it really matters either.

This is how this pack is and this is how I am with them, and that’s all that really matters. In all ways that are practical and important, anyway.

The door opens behind me, but apart from the sliver of mixed pheromones from inside, I don’t notice any particularly strong ones. Then, an arm slides around my waist, and as I still, Mathew lets out a soft chuckle.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to startle you. You just looked so huggable.” He leans against me more, his head on my shoulder.

I try to relax, which isn’t very easy when Mathew, the guy I’ve known to be my mate for years, is holding me. “How are you feeling?”

He lets out another chuckle. “Could be better. Being outside is not the best.” He nuzzles my neck, theatrically taking in my pheromones. “But if I stay like this, I’m fine.”

I slide one hand over the arm he’s got around my waist as I turn my head to try to look at him more. His dark eyes are warm and soft, and from this close, I manage to get a few slivers of his unique flower pheromones, wisteria.

The scent has me hard instantly, which makes him chuckle even more.

“You’re very cute. It’s good. We need more cute people in our pack. Vera being the only one is putting way too much pressure on her.” His laugh is deeper this time, and he pulls me tighter against him, letting me feel how turned on he is too.

“We should go back inside. You need everyone’s pheromones, not just mine.” I start to turn, but he keeps me trapped against the railing.

“I know. I just haven’t had you to myself enough since you got here. Let’s stay here, just a little longer.” His voice is quiet, none of that bravado from before, quiet and timid.

“Okay. Only a few more minutes.” I reach up and slide my fingers into his beautiful long hair, softly moving, rubbing.

Mathew is a strange combination of looking and acting for all intents and purposes like your stereotypical —albeit very clearly fucking dangerous— Alpha, but then he’s suddenly like any other Omega, craving touch, affection and shelter.

That duality is probably the most endearing thing about him.

Vera looks like a perfectly cute and adorable Omega, but in the blink of an eye, she can turn into a deadly creature. I saw her skills that first night, when she was playing with the Hearts guards, and she scared the hell out of me.

When I see how others react when she lets it be known that she doesn’t want something, when Mathew and Erika’s security teams treat her not just with respect but also with an edge of fear, I feel like I was right about her that very first time.

She’s such a deadly creature, and at the same time, she’s an adorable kitten.

The door opens again and a strong scent of honey pheromones spills out with the pack’s mix, my mind going weird immediately.

In a single smooth motion, Mathew puts a new mask over my face, blocking out most of Vera’s pheromones, letting me breathe easier again.

“I was wondering what was taking you so long.” Vera wriggles her way between me and the railing, Mathew pulling me back just enough to give Vera space, but not enough for me to slip away. I feel her eyes on me as she looks up, and then she moves again.

“This is the best I can do. Sorry.” Her voice is soft, almost pained.

With the way her hair blows against my arm, I realise she’s standing as much down-wind from me as possible, while still being in my arms.

The small gesture makes my chest feel warm. She tries her best, even if it might go against every single one of her Omega instincts.