Knot the One They Want (Claimverse Book 1)

I wake slowly, my body aching in the most delicious way. I have no idea what time it is, but it’s dark outside the windows and the bed is bathed in the silvery glow of moonlight through the slats, illuminating the gloriously muscular bodies of the three alphas draped around me.

The soft, plush materials of our nest cradle me, a cocoon of comfort and safety. Cole’s still inside me, though I can feel his knot has gone down. As I stir, he carefully pulls out, both of us groaning at the loss of contact.

‘How are you feeling, angel?’ Cole murmurs, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead.

‘Good,’ I breathe, stretching languidly. ‘But still… um… needy.’ My heat’s far from over, the ache between my thighs already building again. I inhale deeply, savoring the mingled scents of my alphas that permeate our nest. It’s intoxicating, a heady mixture that makes my head spin and my core throb with renewed need.

It feels right. Or bodies tangled up in each other, our scents mingled.

Cole chuckles, his hand sliding down my body to cup my pussy. I gasp as his fingers brush my sensitive flesh, arching into his touch. ‘I think we can help with that,’ he says, nodding toward Lake and Asher, who are stirring on either side of us.

Lake’s eyes flutter open, darkening instantly as he takes in my flushed skin and the scent of my arousal. ‘Evie,’ he growls, voice rough with sleep and desire. ‘You need us?’

I nod, not trusting my voice. The hunger in his gaze makes me shiver with anticipation, a fresh wave of slick coating my thighs. Lake inhales deeply, his nostrils flaring as he catches my scent.

‘Fuck, baby girl,’ he groans. ‘You smell divine.’

Asher props himself up on one elbow, his tousled hair falling into his eyes. ‘Our sweet omega,’ he purrs, leaning in to capture my lips in a searing kiss. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, tasting, claiming. When he pulls back, I’m breathless, my lips tingling from the intensity of his kiss.

‘Please,’ I whimper, reaching for him. ‘I need you. Both of you. All of you.’

I don’t just want them to complete their marks, I want them to complete me. Us.

Deep down, I know it’s not going to be complete unless and until it’s Damien, too, but that might never happen, so I push the thought aside and try to focus on what I have right now. On the three of them.

Lake growls, his hands sliding up my thighs. ‘We’ve got you, baby girl. Let us take care of you. We’ll give you everything you need.’

They move as one, repositioning me so I’m straddling Lake’s lap. His cock presses against my entrance, hot and hard. I sink down onto him with a gasp, relishing the stretch and fullness.

‘That’s it,’ Lake groans, his hands gripping my hips. ‘Take me deep, sweetheart. You’re so perfect, so tight and wet for us.’

I roll my hips, grinding against him as Asher kneels behind me. His hands cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples. I lean back against his chest, my head falling onto his shoulder. The dual stimulation sends even more sparks shooting through me.

‘So beautiful,’ Asher murmurs, his lips trailing along my neck. ‘Our perfect omega. Look at you, taking Lake so well. You were made for this, weren’t you? Made for us.’

Cole watches from beside us, his eyes dark with lust. ‘She is perfect, isn’t she?’ he agrees, reaching out to stroke my cheek. ‘Look at how well she takes Lake’s cock. Our gorgeous, insatiable little omega.’

I flush at his words, a mixture of embarrassment and arousal coursing through me. Lake thrusts up, hitting a spot deep inside that makes me cry out. It’s almost too much, overwhelming in its intensity.

‘That’s it, baby,’ Lake encourages. ‘Let us hear you. Don’t hold back. We want to hear every beautiful sound.’

Asher’s hand slides down my soft curves, his fingers finding my clit. He rubs slow circles, building the pressure as Lake continues to thrust into me. The combination of sensations is maddening, pushing me higher and higher.

‘Oh god,’ I moan, my hips bucking. ‘Please, I need… I need…’

‘What do you need, sweetheart?’ Asher asks, his voice low and seductive in my ear. ‘Tell us. We’ll give you anything you want. Anything at all.’

‘More,’ I gasp, my body trembling with need. ‘I need more. All of you. Your knots. Please, I can’t… I need…’

Lake groans, his pace increasing. ‘Fuck, Evie. You beg so prettily for us, baby girl.’

‘I love it,’ Cole says with a grin, his hand joining Asher’s between my legs. ‘Our omega is so hungry for our knots, isn’t she?’

Asher chuckles, his fingers never ceasing their torturous circles. ‘I think we can arrange that. Would you like that, baby? Both me and Lake inside you at once?’

The thought sends a fresh wave of arousal through me. I nod frantically, beyond words at this point. Asher shifts behind me, and I feel the blunt head of his cock pressing against my entrance where Lake is already buried. My breath catches in my throat, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness flooding through me.

‘Is this okay?’ Asher asks softly, ever attentive to my needs. ‘We don’t have to if you’re not ready. We can wait.’

I shake my head, pushing back against him. ‘No, please. I want to feel you both. I need it. Need you.’

Slowly, carefully, Asher pushes inside, too. The stretch is intense, bordering on painful, but the fullness is exquisite. I pant, adjusting to the sensation of having both of them inside me. The nest seems to cradle us even more, providing support and comfort as we join together.

‘Breathe, baby,’ Cole murmurs, stroking my hair. ‘That’s it. You’re doing so well. You’re amazing, taking both of them like this. Our perfect, beautiful omega.’

Once I’ve relaxed, Asher and Lake begin to move. They find a rhythm, one pushing in as the other pulls out. The dual stimulation is overwhelming, fire building rapidly in my core. I feel like I’m floating, lost in a sea of sensation.

‘Oh fuck,’ I cry out, my body trembling. ‘It’s so much. So good. Please, don’t stop.’

‘We’ve got you, Evie,’ Lake reassures me, his hands caressing my sides. There’s a look of pure adoration in his gaze as I ride them both, like he can’t believe it’s real.

That makes two of us.

Cole leans in, capturing my lips in a fierce kiss. ‘That’s our girl,’ he says against my mouth. ‘Taking both of them so beautifully. You’re incredible, you know that? So perfect for us.’

His praise sends a thrill through me, and I clench around Lake and Asher. They groan in unison, their thrusts becoming more erratic as they move inside me. It’s all building to a fever pitch, my entire body thrumming with need.

‘Evie,’ Asher pants, his grip on my hips tightening. ‘I’m close. Can I… can we knot you? Both of us?’

I nod frantically, beyond words at this point. It’s all-consuming, every nerve ending alight with sensation. ‘Yes,’ I manage to gasp. ‘Please, knot me. Both of you. I need it. Need to feel you.’

I need them to complete their marks.

Lake growls, his eyes flashing with alpha dominance. ‘Fuck, baby. You sure you can take us both? It might be too much.’

I shake my head, determination flooding through me. ‘I can take it. I want it. Please, alphas. Give me your knots.’

Lake’s gaze darkens even more and he leans in, brushing his lips against mine. ‘I know something that’ll help, then.’ He begins to purr, a sound building deep in my chest, and it makes every inch of me feel warm and tingly, like sinking into a hot tub on a cold winter day.

I feel similar vibrations against my back and I realize Asher is purring, too. He leans in close, his tongue flicking against my earlobe before he growls, ‘Relax.’

It’s an alpha bark, a command that ricochets through me. My entire body relaxes, right on cue, and it feels like my limbs turn to jelly. If it wasn’t for them holding me up, being impaled on both alphas, I would collapse right there. But I’m perfectly cradled between them, safe and supported.

It’s just enough to help me take them.

Asher’s knot begins to swell first, catching on my rim with each thrust. The added pressure is intense, pushing me closer to the edge. Lake follows soon after, his knot expanding inside me. The stretch is almost painful, but in the most delicious way.

‘Come for us, Evie,’ Cole urges, his hand snaking between my legs to rub my clit. ‘Let go, baby girl. Show us how good we make you feel.’

His touch is the final push I need. I shatter with a scream, my body convulsing as wave after wave crashes over me. It’s more intense than anything I’ve ever experienced, colors bursting behind my eyelids as I’m swept away by the force of my orgasm.

Lake and Asher follow, their releases triggering a second, smaller orgasm that leaves me gasping and trembling. As they spill inside me, I feel their marks on my neck pulse. A warmth spreads through me, soothing the lingering ache of the incomplete bonds. It’s like puzzle pieces clicking into place, our connection solidifying and deepening.

We collapse in a tangle of limbs, all of us panting and sweaty. I’m sandwiched between Lake and Asher, their knots keeping us locked together. Cole stretches out beside us, his hand resting on my thigh, grounding me.

‘How do you feel, sweetheart?’ Lake asks softly, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I take a moment to assess, reveling in the feeling of completeness that washes over me. The physical satisfaction is obvious, but there’s something else. A sense of rightness, of belonging. The wounds from their initial rejection, both emotional and physical, seem to be healing, knitting back together stronger than before.

‘Whole,’ I whisper, tears pricking at my eyes. ‘I feel whole. Complete. Like we were always supposed to be this way.’

Asher nuzzles into my neck, his lips brushing over his mark. ‘You’re ours, Evie. Forever.’

‘We’re sorry it took us so long to get here,’ Lake adds, his voice thick with emotion. “And for all the pain we caused you. But we promise, we’ll spend the rest of our lives making it up to you.’

Cole squeezes my hand, his eyes shining. ‘You’re everything to us, Evie. Our heart, our home. We’re never letting you go.’

I bask in their affection, feeling truly cherished for the first time. As we lie there, connected in the most intimate way, I reflect on our journey. From the pain and rejection of those first weeks to this moment of perfect unity.

‘We love you,’ Lake murmurs. Those three little words are a shock, but they feel like one last piece of the puzzle slotting in. ‘So much.’

‘We do,’ Asher whispers against my throat, pressing a kiss there. ‘More than anything.’

Cole purrs low in agreement, leaning in to nuzzle me. ‘Always.’

We stay like that, my alphas murmuring soft words of love and reassurance, holding me until Asher and Lake’s knots go down. They slip out of me carefully, and I whimper at the loss, suddenly feeling empty and bereft.

‘Shh,’ Cole soothes, gathering me into his arms. ‘We’ve got you. We’re not going anywhere.’

‘How do you feel about a bath?’ Lake asks, running his hand over my stomach. ‘I’m sure you’re sore.’

I nod eagerly, reminded I’m also covered in their come and my own slick. Asher carefully lifts me into his arms and carries me into the bathtub. As I sink into the water, Lake joins us, and I hear sheets rustling out in the bedroom. Cole is probably cleaning up.

I should be embarrassed by how vulnerable I am right now, but as Lake and Asher join me in the massive tub, I can only feel at ease.

The warm water envelops me, soothing my aching muscles. I lean back against Asher’s chest, his strong arms wrapped around my waist. Lake sits across from us, his legs tangled with mine beneath the water’s surface. The scent of lavender and vanilla bath salts wafts through the air, calming my frayed nerves.

‘Close your eyes, sweetheart,’ Asher murmurs, his breath tickling my ear. I obey, letting my head fall back onto his shoulder. His fingers card through my hair, gently working out the tangles. ‘Let us take care of you.’

Water cascades over my head, warm and comforting. Lake’s hands join Asher’s, massaging shampoo into my scalp. Their touch is reverent, worshipful. I’ve never felt so cherished, so adored. A soft moan escapes my lips as their fingers work their magic, melting away the tension I didn’t even realize I was holding.

‘That feel good, baby girl?’ Lake asks, his voice low and tender.

I hum in agreement, too blissed out to form words. The gentle scrape of nails against my scalp sends shivers down my spine, goosebumps rising on my skin despite the warm water.

‘You’re so beautiful like this,’ Asher whispers, pressing a kiss to my temple. ‘Relaxed, trusting. It’s an honor to care for you, Evie.’

My chest tightens at his words, a lump forming in my throat. Yet a small part of me still can’t quite believe it’s real. That they truly want me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Lake cups my cheek, tilting my face towards him. ‘Hey,’ he says softly. ‘Where’d you go just now?’

I blink, realizing my eyes have filled with tears. ‘I just… it’s overwhelming. In a good way,’ I hurry to add. ‘I never thought I’d have this. That anyone would want me like this.’

Asher’s arms tighten around me. ‘Oh, angel,’ he breathes. ‘How could anyone not want you?’

‘Let us in and we’ll prove it,’ Lake agrees, leaning in to brush his lips against mine.

It takes me a moment to realize what he’s getting at. The bonds that overwhelmed me on our mating night. The ones that turned their incomplete marks angry and infected.

I’ve been shutting them out for so long. Even now, surrounded by their warmth and the object of their care, it feels like a risk.

But I realize it’s one worth taking. Slowly, I let my walls down, little by little. I let myself feel their emotions. Feel their love for me, and I gasp softly as their marks hum on my neck. As I realize they’re more than mere words.

‘See?’ Lake asks softly, leaning in to brush his lips against mine again. ‘It’s the truth, baby girl.”

I lean into him, pressing my lips against his. Asher leans forward, nuzzling his own mark on my neck.

Fuck, I needed this. Needed them. More than I ever realized.

‘Lean back a bit, sweetheart,’ Asher instructs. I comply, and he begins to work conditioner through my hair, his fingers massaging my scalp. Lake’s hands find my shoulders, working out the knots of tension.

I float in a haze, surrounded by my alphas’ love and care. Their hands roam my body, not with sexual intent this time, but with a reverence that brings fresh tears to my eyes. They worship every inch of me, from the curve of my neck to the arch of my foot.

‘Our beautiful omega,’ Lake sighs, working out a particularly stubborn knot in my shoulder.

Asher hums in agreement, his fingers combing through my now-silky hair. ‘We’re the luckiest alphas in the world.’

Their praise washes over me, sinking into my skin like the warm water. For the first time, I start to believe it. To believe that I’m worthy of this love, this devotion. That maybe I’m as perfect for them as they are for me.

As the water begins to cool, Lake reaches for a fluffy towel. ‘Come on, Evie,’ he says softly. ‘Let’s get you dried off and back to bed. I bet Cole’s finished with the nest.’

They help me out of the tub, each taking turns patting me dry with the softest towels I’ve ever felt. Asher wraps me in a plush robe, while Lake gently combs out my hair. Sure enough, Cole has refitted the bed in fresh, clean linens and there’s a cup of steaming tea sitting on the bedside table.

‘To help you sleep,’ he explains, pressing the warm ceramic into my hands.

As I sip the soothing liquid, I’m struck by the care in every gesture. The way they anticipate my needs, the gentleness in their touch. It’s more than just physical attraction or the drive to mate. This is love, pure and simple.

As we settle into the nest, I’m surrounded by their warmth, their scents mingling with mine.

Safe, cherished, complete.

Asher strokes my hair, pressing soft kisses to my face. ‘We don’t deserve you,’ he says softly as I begin to drift off. ‘But we’re so grateful you chose us. Gave us this chance to get you through your heat.’

‘Hopefully beyond that,’ Lake chimes in.

I smile drowsily, my eyes still shut. ‘We’ll see,’ I tease. No harm in keeping them guessing a little, but deep down, I know I’m not going to have the willpower to let this be the last time I fall asleep wrapped up in their arms. It’s too perfect, too good to resist.

This is where I belong. With these men who worship me like I’m the most precious thing in their world.

My heat still simmers beneath my skin, but for now, I’m content to bask in their attention. I know when the next wave hits, they’ll be there to see me through it. To love me, to care for me, to give me everything I need and more.

‘Rest now, sweetheart,’ Asher murmurs, pulling the blankets over us. The soft materials of our nest envelop us, a physical manifestation of the love and security I feel.

I snuggle into their embrace, surrounded by their warmth and scent. As I drift off, I feel a sense of peace I’ve never known before.

The wounds on my soul are healing.