Knot the One They Want (Claimverse Book 1)

My cheeks still burn with humiliation as I step back, allowing the alphas entry to my plush sanctuary. Lake’s sheepish grin and Cole’s piercing gaze only add to my embarrassment.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the vanity mirror and groan inwardly. My hair is a mess, my face flushed, and my robe barely contains my heated body.

I notice Lake’s eyes widening as he takes in the sight and I inwardly curse myself for not looking more presentable. But the heat coiling inside me makes it hard to focus on anything beyond the immediate need for release. And if I’m being honest, the ravenous hunger in their eyes makes it clear they don’t mind the sight of me being a little disheveled.

Stepping further into the room, Cole’s gaze falls on something on the bed and my heart stops. In my haste to answer the door, I’d forgotten about the knotted dildo. It’s still lying there, a silent, bright purple witness to my desperate attempt at relief.

Cole picks it up, turning it over in his hand with a curious expression. ‘You pick this up for yourself when you got those renovation gifts?’ he asks, his eyes glinting with amusement.

My face burns even hotter and I bite my lip. ‘Something like that,’ I mumble, avoiding his gaze. ‘An omega’s gotta do what an omega’s gotta do.’

Especially when she can’t count on the alphas around her to tend to her needs properly.

Then, to my utter shock and embarrassment, Cole brings the toy to his nose, inhaling deeply. My eyes widen in shock as he licks the remaining juices off it slowly, a wicked smile spreading across his face like he’s savoring the taste.

‘We can definitely do better than this, angel.’

My heart is pounding in my chest, a mix of mortification and something else. Something darker, more primal. A spark of anger flares within me as I realize he’s marking his territory. Making it clear that he, along with his bond brothers, are the only ones who should be bringing me pleasure.

I snatch the toy from his hand, my cheeks flaming. ‘That’s not yours.’

Cole snakes an arm around my waist and snatches me to him so I can feel the rock hard heat of his erection through his slacks, pressing up against my stomach. He’s so much taller, so much bigger in every way. They all are. His palm is warm through the thin material of my robe, his touch possessive and sure.

‘Much rather taste you straight from the source, angel.’ His voice is a low, rough murmur, and I shiver as his breath fans my skin.

I’m keenly aware of the others moving closer, encircling us like predators closing in on their prey. Their eyes shine with dark promises, and my breath quickens as their hands tangle in my hair, holding me in place as their fingers trail down my body, mapping every curve.

I’ve been blocking out the bonds that were overwhelming on our mating night, and devastating after their rejection, but for the first time, I have the urge to let them in. And even when I open that door just a tiny crack, the wave of desire and affection that comes through erases any doubt that they meant what they said about how they never wanted to reject me in the first place.

At least the three of them.

Their hunger is palpable, and it mirrors the fierce ache building inside me. It’s a heady sensation, knowing they want me just as much as I want them.

Maybe even need me.

Lake’s touch is gentle as he skims his fingers along my jaw, tipping my face up to his. ‘You’re so beautiful, Evie,’ he whispers, his eyes searching mine as if he’s trying to convey a deeper message. ‘And so brave, opening yourself up to us like this.’

Again.

He doesn’t say it, but the word lingers, an unspoken understanding between us. I presented myself to them once before, and they humiliated me. Left me untouched and rejected.

I must be insane to do this again.

Cole’s thumb brushes over my lower lip, his gaze fixed on the pad of his thumb as if memorizing the shape and softness. ‘We won’t disappoint you again. I promise.’

I want to believe him. I want to trust that they won’t break my heart again. But a tiny seed of uncertainty remains, buried deep within me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Asher digs his hand into my curls. ‘We’ll take care of you. Just relax and let us give you everything you need and more.’

My breath hitches as their hands roam lower, igniting trails of fire across my skin, divesting me of my robe. My heart flutters as I stand before them, naked and exposed once again, but this time, they’re the ones doing the unwrapping and there’s no mistaking their approval in the way their eyes and hands rake over me. Like they can’t get enough, occasionally clawing at each other in their haste to explore my body.

‘So soft,’ Lake purrs against my ear before his tongue flicks against my earlobe, making me shiver. Igniting an erogenous zone I didn’t know I had.

‘So warm,’ Cole agrees, his tongue running along my bottom lip before he pulls it between his teeth, scraping against the sharp canines.

‘So beautiful,’ Asher murmurs, his hand skating up my thigh, digging into the soft, supple flesh in a way that makes my knees buckle. Fortunately, they’re all surrounding me, their hands keeping me supported and upright. I sink back against Lake’s body, feeling his firm chest against my back. He’s the least physically imposing out of the four of them, but still huge, even for an alpha. Larger than life.

Being surrounded by them is overwhelming, but not in a bad way.

Not at all.

Lake sweeps me up into his strong arms, cradling me against his broad chest like I weigh nothing at all. The casual display of strength sends a thrill through me, even as his gentle touch soothes my frayed nerves. I loop my arms around his neck, savoring the solid warmth of his body and the clean, masculine scent of his skin.

He carries me to the bed and lays me down with exquisite care, arranging me in the center of the plush, cozy nest these alphas built for me. The soft blankets and pillows cocoon me, Lake’s tender ministrations making me feel cherished and protected. Adored.

Lake cradles my head in his large hand, his fingers threading into my hair as he guides me to rest against the pillow. The silken caress sends tingles across my scalp. I look up at him, my heart fluttering at the open affection shining in his warm honey eyes.

‘My sweet Evie,’ he murmurs, his voice like crushed velvet against my senses. ‘You have no idea how beautiful you are.’

Before I can respond, he dips his head and brushes his lips against mine in a gossamer kiss, so light it’s barely there. The merest whisper of a touch, yet it resonates through me, down to my very soul.

I want to pull him closer, to deepen the connection, but he’s already drawing back. I make a soft noise of protest, my lips tingling, already missing his touch. Lake chuckles, the sound a low, soothing rumble in his chest.

‘Patience, sweetheart,’ he says with a crooked grin. ‘We’ve got all the time in the world.’

As he pulls away, the mattress dips and shifts as the others join us on the bed. Cole and Asher settle on either side of me while Lake stretches out near my feet. I’m surrounded on all sides by powerful alpha males, their presence both thrilling and comforting. Grounding me even as my mind spins with heat-fueled madness.

Cole props himself up on one elbow, his free hand coming to rest on my stomach. The heat of his touch seeps through my skin, igniting a slow burn low in my belly. He traces idle patterns on my skin, his eyes never leaving mine.

‘We’re going to take such good care of you, angel,’ he promises, his voice a dark, honeyed drawl that sends shivers down my spine. ‘Worship those sweet curves the way they deserve.’

On my other side, Asher makes a low, approving noise in his throat. He cups my face in his palm, his thumb stroking over the arch of my cheekbone. The calluses on his fingers rasp against my skin, a delicious contrast to his surprisingly gentle touch.

‘You have no idea how long we’ve wanted this,’ he says softly, his hazel eyes glowing with sincerity. ‘How much we’ve craved you.’

Emotion swells in my chest, threatening to overwhelm me. I blink back the sudden sting of tears, my heart too full for words.

Part of me is still terrified that it’s all a dream, that I’ll wake up cold and alone, aching for a connection I can never truly have. But I’m so desperate for it, I don’t care. If it is a dream, I’ll enjoy it for as long as it lasts.

My lungs constrict as I dare to inhale, dragging oxygen into my burning lungs. Being surrounded by these alphas, their heated stares raking over my exposed body, it’s exhilarating. Consuming.

Lake’s fingers glide along my skin with a feathery touch, a stark contrast to the ravenous look in his eyes. He brushes my hair away from my neck, baring my skin, and leans down, his warm breath ghosting over the sensitive spot below my ear. My breath catches as his lips press a feathery kiss there, sending a shiver through me.

‘You’re exquisite,’ he whispers, his lips moving against my skin, sending sparks dancing along every nerve ending. ‘And you’re ours.’

He straightens, his eyes locking with mine, burning with an intensity that steals my breath. Slowly, he lowers himself, hovering over me, his shoulders bracketing my head. His fingers tangle in my hair, and he tugs gently, baring my neck in a possessive move that sends a rush of heat through me, making the coolness of the collar more noticeable in contrast. His lips graze my sensitive skin, placing soft, tantalizing kisses along my throat.

I arch my neck, granting him better access, a silent plea for more. His hands tighten in my hair, holding me in place as he continues his slow assault, his lips moving lower, toward the pulse beating frantically in my neck.

‘Lake,’ I breathe, my voice little more than a strangled whisper. I’m not sure what I’m asking for, but he seems to understand. He lifts his head, his eyes searching mine, his thumb brushing my swollen lower lip.

‘We’re going to give you what you need,’ he promises, his voice a silken murmur. ‘But first, I want to taste you.’

My breath hitches as he gently pushes my legs apart, a movement that sends a rush of heat through me. I’m keenly aware of the other alphas’ eyes on us, as they seem to be waiting for Lake to make the first move.

As if sensing my hesitation, Cole growls low in his throat, the sound vibrating against my side where he lies, his arms tightening around me possessively.

‘Relax, angel,’ he says, his warm breath fanning my ear. ‘He won’t hurt you. Just feel.’

Lake kisses the sensitive skin on the inside of my thigh, right where my pulse is throbbing. My body jolts at the contact, and I bite my lip to muffle a whimper. The sound seems to spur him on, and he nuzzles deeper, his lips leaving a trail of fire as he moves higher. His fingers gently part my folds, baring me open to his hungry gaze. I can feel the heat of his breath now, fanning the wetness between my legs.

Then, without warning, he closes his mouth over my center, his tongue delving deep. My hips buck off the bed, a strangled cry escaping my throat as a lightning bolt shoots through me. He holds me firmly in place, his strong hands anchoring me to the mattress as he feasts, his tongue swirling and flicking with expertise. My body bows, a moan ripping from my throat as the pressure builds.

Lake devours me hungrily, his fingers digging into my thighs as if he’s afraid I’ll try to escape. But I’m not going anywhere. I’m mesmerized by the ecstasy coiling tighter and tighter inside me, my senses overwhelmed by the feel of his mouth on me, the sound of his muffled groans, and the heady scent of my arousal filling the air.

‘Arch your back for him, angel.’ Cole’s voice is low, but it’s an alpha’s command. I oblige, the chance to obey satisfying an omega impulse buried deep within me, my spine curving as Lake suckles at my core, sending ribbons of heat spiraling through me. Asher strokes my hair, nuzzling my throat, and being touched by the three of them at once is dizzying.

My chest rises and falls, the sheet a balmy cocoon, as Lake’s tongue teases and tastes, sparking sensations that shoot straight to my nipples, making them ache and pebble. I can’t help but moan, the sound caught between a sob and a plea.

I’m laid bare, utterly vulnerable, splayed out before them. The cool metal of the collar around my neck feels like a brand, marking me as theirs. Their eyes, heavy-lidded with hunger, rake over my body, drinking in my display.

Cole’s hand skims up my waist, his touch searing, as he leans over, capturing one nipple between his thumb and forefinger. He strokes slowly, his gaze fixed on my face, watching my reactions with intense focus. His touch is firm but careful, aware of my sensitivity. He teases with purpose, each flick of his thumb sending shocks straight to my core where Lake is relentless in his attention.

Asher hovers above, a vision of grace, his eyes lit up with desire as they dart between his bond brothers and me. In a swift movement, he covers my mouth with his own, swallowing my moans with a kiss, hungrily diverting my attention from Cole. His tongue slides against mine, hot and urgent, a stark contrast to the slow burn Cole and Lake are subjecting my body to. His hand joins Cole’s, gliding up my torso to cup my other breast. His thumb and fingers pinch and tug, coaxing every nerve ending to life.

With each sweep of Lake’s tongue, every skillful stroke of his mouth, my hips lift from the bed, seeking more. My body coils tighter, a bonfire raging in my veins, yearning for release. I squirm, but Cole and Asher hold me down, not allowing me to escape the onslaught. Their hands brand me, staking their claim, and their whispered words of encouragement spur me on, fanning the flames higher. I’m helpless, ensnared by them, but I don’t want to escape.

I can’t take it anymore. It feels too good. But Lake’s hands pin my hips down and his tongue delves into me even more ruthlessly, lapping at the waves of my orgasm.

Then, just as I’m sure I’m going to pass out, Lake relents, kissing a path up my body until his lips find mine. I taste myself on his mouth, a heady aroma that blends with the musk of his arousal. My tongue tangles with his, my hunger matching his as I plunge into the kiss, seeking the connection that makes my soul sing.

He breaks away and I whimper at the loss, my hands clutching at his arms, needing to hold onto something solid as the world spins.

‘Shh, sweetheart,’ Lake whispers, his voice hoarse as he nuzzles my neck, placing soft kisses along my jaw. ‘We’re just getting started.’

I whimper again, only this time, it’s a plea for more. Lake chuckles, the vibrations rippling through me, and then his mouth closes over one tight bud, sucking gently. My hands tangle in his hair, holding him to me, wanting to keep him there, relishing in the feel of his soft hair between my fingers.

Cole’s fingers dance down my torso, mapping the contours of my body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. His hand keeps drifting, over my stomach and down to the soft patch of curls guarding the heat Lake just explored with his mouth. Cole dips two fingers into me, deep into the well of my arousal, and I’m almost embarrassed by how wet I am for them. At least until he brings his fingers to his lips and sucks them dry, his eyes fluttering closed and a low growl rumbling from his throat as he tastes me.

‘She’s sweet, isn’t she?’ Lake pants, his eyes hooded with lust.

His brother nods, still cleaning off his fingers like he doesn’t want to waste a single drop.

Asher resumes his assault on my mouth, his tongue dueling with mine as his hands roam possessively across my body. Their touches overlap, blending and contrasting, each man offering his own brand of ecstasy.

The scent of their arousal fills the room, mingling with the sweet aroma of my growing need. My body is alive, every nerve ending awakened, my skin buzzing, awaiting the next touch, the next kiss, the next breathless moment.

Then, just as I’m about to shatter, Lake eases back, his eyes burning with molten desire. ‘Not yet, angel,’ he murmurs, his thumb brushing my lip. ‘We’re going to take you higher.’

I whimper, torn between frustration and want. But they know what they’re doing. Each tormenting touch is designed to push me further, to build a crescendo that will utterly wreck me.

And I’m theirs to command.

My breath hitches as Cole’s powerful hands grip my hips, rolling me onto my stomach. The mattress dips as he settles behind me, his warmth enveloping me. I feel his hard length pressing against my thigh, and I bite my lip, my body trembling.

I’m not even sure when he freed himself, but I see Asher and Lake stripping out of their clothes, revealing their sculpted torsos and lean, powerful forms. My mouth waters, hungering to taste them. They’re so perfect, like classical statues, and they couldn’t be hotter if they were literally custom designed to my preferences.

Asher’s fingers tangle in my hair, gently pulling my head back. His lips brush my ear, sending shivers down my spine. ‘Relax, sweetheart,’ he whispers, his voice low and soothing. ‘We’ve got you.’

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest as I feel Cole’s fingers teasing my entrance. He spreads my slick around my pussy, up over my oversensitive clit, and then spreads me open, positioning the massive head of his cock against my entrance. He slides in slowly, inch by inch, giving me time to adjust to his size. I gasp as he fills me, my body stretching to accommodate him.

Then, I feel it. The round metal bead at the base of his crown on the underside. A gasp escapes me, and a low chuckle rumbles from Cole.

‘You feel that, angel?’ Cole asks, rubbing his callused hand in slow, smooth circles around my right hip.

Lake gives a knowing smirk, his honey eyes lighting with inner flame as he cups my cheek in his palm. ‘Be a good girl and take him deeper. You’ll love the way it feels against your spot.’

His words make my skin flush and my heart flutter, but my inner walls clamp down on Cole in anticipation of what he’s promised. I never even fathomed an alpha would have a piercing there, but the thought is more enticing than I want to admit.

Asher stretches out on my left side and kisses me, swallowing my whimpers as Cole slowly, teasingly, sinks into me from behind.

I clench around him, inviting him to go deeper, and his breath hitches. I can feel his restraint, his alpha nature craves to dominate, to mark, but he holds back. I whimper again, a plea for more, and he slowly pulls out, the bead dragging along my sensitive flesh. Then, with a slow, firm thrust, he pushes back into me. This time, he doesn’t stop until I feel him fully seat himself inside me. Everything but the knot.

‘So tight,’ he growls, his voice rough with desire. His fingers dig into my hips as he sets a slow, relentless rhythm. My breath catches as he pulls out again, that bead of metal sending sparks through me. My body bows, a boneless offering, as he thrusts back into me, his pace increasing.

Asher moves to stand in front of me, presenting himself for my mouth. I take in the sight of his long, thick shaft, and the knot weighing it down at the base. Fuck, he’s huge, the reddened tip swollen and slick with precome. I don’t hesitate, taking him in with eager lips, suckling as he begins to move with Cole’s rhythm. Cole grunts with each hard thrust, his hips slapping against my backside. I moan around Asher’s cock, vibrating against him as the bed rocks with the force of Cole’s movements.

Lake, ever the observant one, notices my shoulders tensing from this new position. With gentle hands, he grabs my hips, easing me up so that I’m resting on all fours. Cole pulls out, his shaft glistening with my slickness, then pushes back in with a growl, enjoying the new angle. I can feel him even deeper now, that bead of metal sending shocks through my core.

‘Good girl,’ Lake says, stroking my spine. ‘Now, relax so you can take his knot.’

As gentle as his words are, they’re laced with the authority of an alpha command and the tension in my body seems to unwind in an automatic response. Yielding to my alpha’s command strokes that familiar chord of satisfaction within me and as Cole drives deeper, the swell of his knot stretching me so close to slipping in, I feel warm and tingly all over.

The rhythm of their bodies sets a primal beat, a cadence that matches the wild tempo of my heart. Lake’s praise washes over me like a warm current, his encouragement a gentle wash against the tide of my insecurities. His hands keep stroking my spine, a soothing touch that grounds me even as it all spirals higher.

‘You’re doing so good. Take him, baby. Take them both.’ Lake’s voice, thick with desire, washes over me.

I relax into the sensations, surrendering to their guidance. I feel Cole’s hands on my hips, holding me steady as he moves within me, his breath hot against my back. His restraint is a tangible force, and I know he’s holding himself back, giving me time to prepare for his knot.

Lake’s lips brush my ear, his warm breath tickling my skin. ‘Take Asher deeper, too, sweetheart. Open those pretty lips wider and suck him in.’ His words send a fresh wave of heat through me, and I obey, taking Asher’s length further into my mouth, hollowing my cheeks and sucking gently.

Asher’s fingers tighten in my hair, his hips instinctively bucking forward as he seeks more of my mouth. I relax my throat, letting him slide deeper, my gaze fixed on him as I take him in. His eyes are closed, his expression one of utter bliss, and a rush of possessiveness washes over me. I want to own this look, to be the only one who can elicit it from him.

Cole pulls out slowly, then thrusts back into me, his pace increasing. This time, I can feel the swell of his knot bumping up against me with every thrust. The bead of his piercing drives into my spot again, sparking bursts that have my walls clenching around him. My body reacts instinctively, and I moan around Asher, the vibrations humming through him.

‘That’s it, baby,’ Lake murmurs, his hands caressing my hips, thumbs stroking the sensitive curve of my rear. ‘You’re doing so good. You’ve taken everything but Cole’s knot now. Think you can take that, too?’

All I can do is whimper desperately around Asher’s cock.

Lake’s soft words pour honey on the fire in my veins, stoking the flames higher as he guides me to surrender. I nod, my breath coming in short gasps as I prepare to take one of them into the most intimate part of myself. I know once they breach that final barrier, there’s no going back. Once I’m knotted by each of them, the mating mark will be complete.

I wasn’t sure this is what I still wanted.

No, that’s not true. I wasn’t sure I was going to allow myself to want it, but feeling them like this, knowing their desire for me is real and not just a fragile dream I’ll never actually be able to feel or touch… it eases those doubts.

It stokes the longing until I want this even more than I did on my mating night.

‘That’s our girl,’ Lake murmurs, his fingers tender as they brush my hair back, exposing the column of my throat. He looks up at Cole, his eyes darkening. ‘She’s ready for your knot.’

‘That’s it, angel. Let me in.’ Cole’s voice is a raspy growl, his fingers digging into my hips as he urges his length further into me. I’m stretched to my limit, filled to the core, and yet I find myself wanting more. Wanting all of him.

The pressure builds as Cole’s knot pushes past my entrance, my body yielding to him inch by exquisite inch. I feel the swell of his knot, a firm fullness that has my inner walls trembling. As the widest part of him slides in, I let out a whimper. It’s not pain I feel. It’s a sensation beyond pleasure, as if something fundamental has shifted within me, marking this moment as life-changing.

I feel it. I feel his mark on my neck, not even realizing there was still a dull ache there, until it subsides. Until I feel the broken bond between us knitting together, growing stronger, putting back together pieces of me I thought were long shattered.

Cole’s breath is hot on my back, his gentle whispers urging me on. ‘That’s it, angel, take it. Take my knot.’ His voice is hoarse with need, and his hands dig into my hips, guiding me. I feel his hunger, his longing, and a tenderness that surprises me.

Emotions crash over me. A turbulent mix of Cole’s feelings that are now irrevocably tied to mine. It’s overwhelming, this raw connection, but not the way it was the night they bit me. I can’t tell where he ends and I begin. His devotion washes over me, a wave of adoration and protection. I feel cherished, truly cherished, in a way I never have before. I never imagined such a profound sense of being wanted, needed, and completely accepted.

He stills, fully embedded within me, and his fingers thread through mine, lacing our hands together as he holds me tight. ‘Mine,’ he growls, claiming me, and his words send a thrill through me. His tongue laves along his mark, soothing, making me shiver. I feel it tingle, almost like it’s glowing.

Then, with a sharp cry, he pulses inside me, his release scalding and possessive. My inner walls clench around him, milking him, and he groans my name, his voice rough with awe. It’s a powerful feeling, knowing I affect him so deeply. I can taste his affection, thick and heady, as his seed spills inside me. I feel it mingling with my essence, our mating bond fusing us together, and a sense of completion washes over me.

Asher, still in my mouth, begins to move again, his eyes burning with intensity as he gazes down at me. He mouths something, his words lost as his shaft glides between my lips, and I realize he’s saying my name. He’s whispering it like a prayer, like a mantra, his fingers tightening in my hair as he seeks his own release.

I’ve always dreamed of being wanted this way, of being the object of such raw, unrestrained desire. But it’s more than that. It’s knowing I’m wanted for me, not just my body, but for my very essence. I never would have believed it if I hadn’t felt it through Cole’s bond, and there’s still so much more to come. So much more to heal, but…

As Asher surges against me, his eyes shut and his head falls back, and I feel his warmth on my tongue. He shudders, his fingers gently untangling from my hair, and I swallow, cherishing the taste of him.

Asher spills into my mouth, and I swallow, reveling in the taste of him. My body convulses, a wave rippling through me as Cole’s knot still pulses inside me. I’m overwhelmed by the sensation of being so utterly and completely claimed. Our bodies move as one, hands and lips everywhere. The room spins, and I’m drowning in a sea of sensation, each man marking me with his touch.

My cries are muffled against Asher as I peak again, my inner walls fluttering around Cole. I’m vaguely aware of Lake’s hands on me, caressing, exploring as Asher’s cock finally slips out of my mouth, but my mind is clouded, lost in the blur of satisfaction. I feel Cole’s heartbeat against my back, his knot still embedded within me, a constant reminder of his possession. His fingers thread through mine, holding me tight, as if he fears I might disappear.

I’m not sure how long we stay like this, locked in our passionate embrace. Eventually, the world comes back into focus, and I realize we’re all panting, our hearts pounding in unison. Lake kisses me tenderly, his lips soft and soothing. ‘You’re incredible, sweetheart,’ he murmurs, his fingers brushing the hair from my face. ‘Absolutely incredible.’

I blush, a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the afterglow. ‘I—I wanted to touch you too,’ I confess, my eyes flitting to his gorgeous form and his thick cock, still untouched. I realize with a gasp that he also has a piercing, but his is on the top.

Figures they would match.

Lake chuckles, his eyes sparkling with affection. ‘Tonight is all about you, angel. I just wanted to worship at your altar. There’s plenty of time for me to have my fill while you’re in heat.’ His words send a shiver down my spine, equal parts excitement and nervousness.

Asher nuzzles my neck, placing soft kisses along my shoulder. ‘Rest now, sweetheart,’ he whispers, his voice laced with concern. ‘You’re still recovering. And there’s plenty more to come.’

I nod, suddenly feeling boneless and sated.

For now.

Curling up in their embrace, I feel safe and cherished for the first time in my life. Drifting off, I know tomorrow I’ll be sore and my body marked by their possession, but somehow, I can’t find a reason to complain.