Page 155 of Knot So Social

I nod, the words threatening to choke me.

“Nice work,” Joel says, voice still thick from sleep. “Smells so good.”

He’s right, but I’m conscious I’m covered in a crust of fear sweat and busting for the toilet.

“Um, is it okay if . . . can dinner wait for twenty minutes? I kinda need a shower.” I ask, holding my breath. What if they get mad about the delay?

“No problem.” Jeremy grabs a dish cloth and lays it over some bowls. “We can throw things back in the oven if they need warming.”

“Whatever the madam wishes,” Jeremy confirms, winking at me.

Heat flares in my cheeks. Each alpha treats me a little differently, but all with a special care that makes me feel like the only omega on earth. Well, to them, maybe I am.

“Thanks,” I whisper, dropping my head.

No one got mad or told me to hurry, or said I’m selfish for holding the pack up.

I smile all through my shower and slip into a dress, not caring if it rides up and shows my scars. When I hurry back to the kitchen, my three alphas wait at the bench. I pull up short.

Mine.

The strength of the possessive desire makes my breath hitch.

Alessandro spots me first and he turns, face lighting up. In three long strides he’s at my side, offering his hand.

“Where do you like to sit?” he asks, waving at the table.

Not where I’m told to sit. Giving me first choice. Pressure stings behind my eyes.

“I’ll take the head of the table,” I declare, a thrill running through me when no one objects.

Joel pulls out the chair for me and takes the seat to one side, while Alessandro slips into the other. Jeremy sits down beside his brother. When I look over to check he’s okay with that, he grins and purses his lips in a kiss. I smile. He understands. He was the first to be mine and we both know it, but he’s not the sort of man that needs to flail about with the knowledge.

They’re all content just to be around me, without demanding more. It’s a new experience for me.

The potatoes waft an herby scent that makes my mouth water. I point, even though the bowl’s within reach. “Is it okay if I have some of those?”

“Absolutely.” Jeremy says, waving at the bowl. “Everything here is for you to eat, so you don’t even need to ask. Plus, it's all food from your pantry.”

“Here,” Joel says, digging a spoon in. “Can I serve you some?”

I nod, my chest squeezing tight.

He adds broccolini and mushrooms, but when he offers me the tomatoes, I cautiously shake my head. “No thanks.”

I manage to bite back the words if that’s okay.

Joel doesn’t insist, simply hands the dish over to Alessandro and carries on. I stare at the tomatoes for a long second, warmth flushing through me.

When I glance around looking for the sour cream, I notice it’s not on the table. Well, adding dressings can be offensive to the chef so I dig my fork into a potato and cut it in half with the knife.

Alessandro touches his hand over mine.

I flinch, dropping my fork. Did I do something wrong?

“Cara mia?” he murmurs. “Did you want something else?”

Shit, did he notice me looking around. “Oh, no, it’s fine.” I smile brightly, hoping the others don’t notice. “Everything here is wonderful.”