Knot Happening Again (Claimverse Book 2)
Knot Happening Again: Chapter 33

My fingers dance over the ivory keys, coaxing out a melody softer than my usual fare. It’s different, yeah, but I can’t deny the inspiration that’s been hitting me lately. The notes flow, gentle yet insistent, telling a story I’m not sure I fully understand yet.

A scent tickles my nose—ocean breeze. Ophelia. I turn my head, catching her standing in the doorway, her blue eyes wide as she watches me play.

‘Sorry,’ she says, a blush creeping up her pale cheeks. ‘I heard music and got curious.’

I’m on my feet before she can retreat, my hand wrapping around her wrist. ‘Not so fast, princess.’ I tug her into the room, kicking the door shut behind her. ‘I never mind an interruption when it’s coming from you. Could use a break anyway.’

She stumbles a bit as I pull her toward the keyboard bench, but I steady her, sitting down and pulling her onto my lap. She tenses for a moment before relaxing against me.

‘Ever played?’ I ask, reaching around her to rest my hands on the keys.

She shakes her head. ‘Never had the chance.’

‘Time for your first lesson then.’ I guide her hands to the keys, showing her where to place her fingers. Her skin is soft under mine, and I can’t help but breathe in her scent. It’s intoxicating, filling my lungs and making my head spin.

‘Like this?’ she asks, pressing down gently.

‘Perfect,’ I murmur, my lips close to her ear. She shivers, and I have to bite back a growl. Focus, Troy.

I guide her through a simple melody, our fingers moving together over the keys. She picks it up quickly, a natural talent shining through. As we play, I can’t help but think about how she’s become my muse. This softer side of my music, it’s all her.

After a few minutes, she leans back against my chest, tilting her head to look up at me. ‘This is nice,’ she says softly.

‘Yeah,’ I agree, meeting her gaze. There’s something in her eyes, a vulnerability that makes my alpha instincts roar to protect her. But there’s also a strength there, a fire that refuses to be extinguished.

I notice her scent shift slightly, anxiety seeping in. ‘What’s wrong?’

She bites her lip, hesitating before speaking. ‘Leon’s coming over later.’

Ah. That explains it. I keep my face neutral, even as I feel a surge of possessiveness. ‘And how do you feel about that?’

Ophelia sighs, her fingers idly tracing patterns on the keys. ‘I don’t know. I mean, I don’t want to separate him from your pack. But I’m not sure how this is all going to work.’

I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. ‘Hey, you don’t have to figure it all out right now. Just take it one day at a time. And if it gets to be too much, you tell us, okay?’

She nods, but I can still sense her unease.

‘Besides,’ I add, a mischievous grin spreading across my face, ‘I can always beat him up if you want.’

That startles a laugh out of her. ‘You? A musician beating up an MMA fighter?’

I shrug, feigning nonchalance. ‘I never said I wouldn’t get my ass kicked. But it’d be worth it.’

She rolls her eyes, but I can see the smile tugging at her lips. ‘Your heroics are appreciated, but I think I’ll pass. For now.’

‘Fair enough,’ I concede. ‘How about a distraction instead?’

Ophelia raises an eyebrow. ‘Oh? What kind of distraction did you have in mind?’

I lean in close, my breath ghosting over her ear. ‘Well, the piano isn’t the only thing I’m good at playing with my fingers.’

Her breath hitches, and I can smell the spike of arousal in her scent. ‘Is that so?’

‘Mhmm,’ I hum, my hand sliding down her thigh. ‘Want me to show you?’

She nods, her eyes dark with desire. ‘Please.’

That’s all the invitation I need. I spin her around on my lap so she’s straddling me, her chest pressed against mine. My lips replace hers in a heated kiss, tongue sweeping into her mouth as my hands roam her body.

Ophelia moans into the kiss, her fingers tangling in my hair. I growl low in my throat, the sound seeming to spur her on. She grinds down against me, and I can feel the heat of her through our clothes.

I break the kiss, trailing my lips down her neck. ‘Fuck, you smell so good,’ I mutter against her skin. ‘I didn’t think an omega out of heat was supposed to be capable of making me lose my fucking mind.’

‘Troy,’ she whimpers, tilting her head to give me better access.

My hands replace the hem of her shirt, sliding underneath to caress the silky soft skin of her stomach. She shivers at my touch, her scent growing stronger with each passing second.

I pull back just enough to look at her face. Her cheeks are flushed, lips swollen from our kisses. She’s breathtaking.

I waste no time, my hand sliding down to cup her through her jeans. She gasps, hips bucking into my touch. I can feel the heat of her even through the denim, and it takes all my self-control not to rip her clothes off right then and there.

Instead, I take my time, teasing her through the fabric. Her breathing grows heavier, little whimpers escaping her lips as I work her up.

‘Troy,’ she pants, ‘please.’

‘Please what, princess?’ I ask, nipping at her earlobe.

‘More,’ she begs. ‘I need more.’

I smirk against her skin. ‘As you wish.’

My fingers make quick work of the button on her jeans, sliding the zipper down slowly. I can smell her arousal, the scent making my mouth water. I slip my hand inside her panties, groaning when I feel how wet she is.

‘Fuck, Ophelia,’ I growl. ‘You’re soaked.’

She whimpers, burying her face in my neck. ‘It’s your fault,’ she mumbles.

I chuckle, my fingers replaceing her clit and circling it gently. ‘Oh? How so?’

Her hips jerk at my touch, a moan escaping her. ‘You… ah… you and your stupid sexy fingers.’

I increase the pressure, enjoying the way she squirms in my lap. ‘These stupid sexy fingers?’

‘Yes,’ she gasps. ‘Oh god, Troy…’

I slip a finger inside her, groaning at how tight and hot she feels. ‘You feel amazing, princess. So fucking perfect.’

Ophelia clings to me, her nails digging into my shoulders as I work her. I add a second finger, curling them to hit that spot inside her that makes her see stars. Her walls clench around me, and I know she’s close.

‘That’s it,’ I murmur, my thumb replaceing her clit again. ‘Come for me, Ophelia. Let me feel you.’

She cries out, her body tensing as her orgasm washes over her. I work her through it, only slowing when she collapses against me, trembling.

I can’t get enough of her. Ophelia’s still trembling from her orgasm, but I’m not done. Not even close.

I stand, scooping her up in my arms. She lets out a surprised squeak, her arms wrapping around my neck. ‘Troy, what⁠—’

I silence her with a kiss, rough and demanding. Her lips part for me, and I swallow her moan as I deposit her on the piano’s keyboard.

The discordant clang of keys fills the air as I set her down on the instrument. Ophelia gasps, her eyes wide as she looks up at me. ‘What are you doing?’

I don’t answer. Instead, I grab the waistband of her jeans and yank. The sound of tearing fabric mixes with the lingering notes from the piano. Her panties follow suit, leaving her bare from the waist down.

‘Troy!’ she exclaims, a mix of shock and arousal in her voice.

I drop to my knees in front of her, pushing her thighs apart. The sight of her spread out on my piano, gripping the edges for balance, makes my mouth water. ‘Fuck, princess. You look good enough to eat.’

Her cheeks flush, but she doesn’t try to close her legs. ‘Then what are you waiting for?’

A growl rumbles in my chest at her challenge. I lean in, inhaling deeply. Her scent is intoxicating, drawing me in like a siren’s call. I can’t resist any longer.

My tongue darts out, licking a long stripe up her slit. Ophelia cries out, her hips jerking. The movement causes more keys to sound, creating a chaotic melody that perfectly matches the frenzied desire coursing through my veins.

I dive in, my tongue exploring every inch of her. She tastes even better than she smells, and I can’t get enough. I lap at her entrance, gathering her wetness before moving up to circle her clit.

Ophelia’s moans fill the air, punctuated by the random notes from the piano as she shifts and squirms under my ministrations. Her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer. I groan against her, the vibrations making her gasp.

‘Troy,’ she whimpers, her hips rocking against my face. ‘Oh god, that feels amazing.’

I double down, alternating between broad strokes with my tongue and focused attention on her clit. Her thighs tremble on either side of my head, and I can tell she’s getting close. I slip two fingers inside her, curling them to hit that spot that makes her see stars.

Ophelia cries out, her back arching off the piano keys. The discordant notes mix with her moans, creating a symphony of pleasure that drives me wild. I pump my fingers in and out, matching the rhythm of my tongue on her clit.

‘Fuck, Troy,’ she pants, her voice high and breathy. ‘I’m so close. Please don’t stop.’

I have no intention of stopping. I’d spend the whole day buried in her pussy if I could. I suck her clit between my lips, flicking it with my tongue as I curl my fingers inside her. Ophelia’s hips buck wildly, her moans growing louder and more desperate.

‘Troy,’ she gasps, her walls clenching around my fingers. ‘Oh god, I’m gonna⁠—’

I hum against her, the vibrations pushing her over the edge. She comes with a cry, her back arching as pleasure washes over her. I work her through it, not letting up until she pushes weakly at my head.

I pull back, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand as I look up at her. Ophelia’s a vision, sprawled out on my piano, chest heaving as she catches her breath.

She’s never looked more beautiful.

‘Fuck,’ I breathe, standing up. My cock strains against my jeans, begging for attention. ‘You’re incredible, you know that?’

Ophelia laughs breathlessly, pushing herself up on her elbows. ‘You’re not so bad yourself.’

I lean down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. She moans, tasting herself on my tongue. When we break apart, I rest my forehead against hers.

‘I think this might be my new favorite instrument,’ I murmur, running my hands along her thighs.

She raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. ‘Oh? And here I thought you were partial to your guitar.’

I grin, nipping at her bottom lip. ‘I mean, the guitar’s great, but can I do this with it?’

My hands slide up to her waist, lifting her slightly and pulling her to the edge of the piano. She gasps as I grind against her, the rough denim of my jeans rubbing against her oversensitive flesh.

‘Point taken,’ she breathes, her legs wrapping around my waist.

I reach between us, fumbling with the button of my jeans. Ophelia’s hands join mine, helping me undo the zipper. Together, we push my jeans and boxers down just enough to free my aching cock.

I line myself up with her entrance, the head of my cock sliding through her wetness. We both groan at the sensation. I lock eyes with her, silently asking for permission.

Ophelia nods, her hands gripping my shoulders. ‘Please, Troy. I need you.’

That’s all I need to hear. I push into her slowly, savoring the feeling of her tight heat enveloping me. We both moan as I bottom out, our hips flush against each other.

I give her a moment to adjust, peppering kisses along her jaw and neck. When she starts to squirm impatiently, I pull back, only to thrust back in hard.

The force of it causes more keys to sound, creating a backdrop of random notes to our lovemaking. It’s chaotic and perfect, just like us.

I set a steady rhythm, each thrust punctuated by the piano’s protest. Ophelia meets me move for move, her nails digging into my shoulders as she clings to me.

‘Fuck, Ophelia,’ I groan, burying my face in her neck. ‘You feel so good. So fucking perfect.’

She whimpers, tilting her head to give me better access. ‘You too. God, Troy, don’t stop.’

As if I’d ever want to. I pick up the pace, my hips slamming into hers. The piano rocks with our movements, the cacophony of notes growing louder.

Fuck, she feels so good. Every time I thrust inside her, I feel her tight, hot walls crushing me. The friction is delicious, and I can’t think a single thought that doesn’t revolve around her.

Then again, that’s getting hard lately even when I’m not buried knot-deep in her.

‘You want my knot, princess?’ I pant, thrusting faster. I can feel her close again, even though she’s not in heat.

‘Yes,’ she moans, throwing her head back. ‘Fuck, yes, Troy, please⁠—’

She doesn’t even have the chance to finish before my knot slips in and the tightness becomes almost unbearable since she’s not in heat. My vision goes white for a second as I bottom out inside her and she freezes, our eyes meeting. For a split second, we share an unspoken understanding. Something that goes beyond words.

If I had to try, though… it’s the realization that she’s mine.

I already knew that. From the moment we met her at Temporary Bonds, if I’m being honest with myself. And I knew Ophelia belonged with us, as a pack, but this… this is our moment. Just her and me. And I never want it to end.

Ophelia’s moans rise in pitch, and I can feel her walls starting to flutter around me. I slip a hand between us, replaceing her clit and rubbing tight circles.

‘Come for me again, princess,’ I growl in her ear. ‘I want you to come all over my cock with my knot buried inside you, stretching that tight little cunt to the brink.’

My words push her over the edge. She comes with a cry of my name, her body tensing as pleasure courses through her, nails digging into my shoulders. The sight and feel of her orgasm trigger my own, and I follow her over the edge with a low, rumbling purr. She’s purring, too, a softer, trilling sound that vibrates against my chest as our bodies press so close together that I lose track of where she ends and I begin.

Fuck, that sound is the sweetest music I’ve ever heard.

We cling to each other as we come down from our high, both of us panting heavily. The room falls silent, the piano finally at rest.

After a moment, Ophelia starts to giggle. I pull back to look at her, raising an eyebrow in question.

‘Sorry,’ she says, still laughing. ‘I just… I don’t think I’ll ever be able to hear you play again without thinking about this.’

I grin, pressing a kiss to her forehead. ‘Good. That was my plan all along. Behavioral conditioning. All I’ll have to do is press a few keys and you’ll be wet and ready for my knot.’

She rolls her eyes, but there’s a softness in her laughter that makes my heart skip a beat.

Ophelia’s laughter is infectious, and I can’t help but join in. There’s something so freeing about this moment, tangled up with her on my piano, both of us sweaty and sated. I lean in to capture her lips in a soft kiss, savoring the taste of her.

A throat clears behind us, and I freeze. Fuck. I turn my head, careful not to jostle Ophelia too much since we’re still tied together, and see Leon standing awkwardly in the doorway.

His face is a mix of emotions—shock, embarrassment, and yeah, there’s definitely some jealousy there. His jaw is clenched tight, and I can see the muscle ticking in his jaw.

‘Uh, sorry to interrupt,’ he says, his voice strained. ‘Mace asked me to let you know dinner’s ready.’

Ophelia buries her face in my chest, her cheeks flaming red. I can feel the heat of her blush against my skin, but I just smirk at Leon. No way in hell am I going to act ashamed.

‘Thanks for the heads up,’ I drawl, not bothering to move or cover us up. ‘Does anyone in this house knock?’

Leon’s eyes narrow slightly. ‘The door would have to be shut for us to knock,’ he retorts, gesturing to the wide-open doorway.

Fair point. I shrug, unrepentant. ‘We’ll be down once my knot goes down,’ I say casually, as if we’re discussing the weather and not the fact that I’m currently knotted inside his ex.

Leon’s nostrils flare, and I can see him fighting for control. Even he has enough sense to know he has no right to bitch about this, but alpha instincts are alpha instincts. ‘Right,’ he grits out. ‘I’ll let Mace and the others know you’ll be… delayed.’

He turns on his heel and stalks off, his footsteps heavy on the stairs. I wait until I hear him reach the bottom before I let out a low chuckle.

Ophelia lifts her head, her eyes wide. ‘Oh my god,’ she whispers. ‘That was mortifying.’

I brush a strand of hair out of her face, grinning. ‘Nah, it was hilarious. Did you see his face?’

Her face grows even redder. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was…’

‘Jealous?’ I offer. ‘He is.’ When I see the incredulous look she’s giving me, I add, ‘Trust me, I know him. And other alphas, for that matter.’

‘He’s not jealous,’ she mumbles. ‘He’s the one who left, remember?’

‘Never said he wasn’t a dumbass,’ I say, cupping her cheek and turning her head back toward me. ‘But the entire time I’ve known Leon, he’s been kicking himself for something. At least now, it makes sense. I finally know what it was.’

Her eyes widen slightly before she looks away. ‘It doesn’t change the past.’

‘Of course not,’ I agree. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should ever forgive him. But if it were me, I’d enjoy watching him suffer and let me assure you, princess, he’s suffering.’

She purses those full, pink lips. ‘I’m not with you guys to get back at Leon.’

‘Oh, I know that,’ I say, capturing her lips. ‘But no reason it can’t be a bonus.’

She gives a soft laugh without breaking the kiss. ‘We should probably untangle and go downstairs.’

‘Yeah,’ I say with a reluctant sigh of agreement. ‘I could stay tangled up with you like this all night.’

‘Well, the night is young,’ she murmurs against my lips. ‘And I’m not going anywhere.’

‘You’d better not,’ I say, giving her hips a gentle squeeze as I pull out, enjoying the sight of my seed trickling down those luscious thighs. ‘We’ve got you right where we want you.’