Page 54 of Knot My Only Fan

She does nothing for me, but that’s my father’s problem, not mine, when he realizes his plan didn’t work.

But I’ll be kind. I treat her like a princess for the night, because I’m not a monster and I want my father to know I tried.

And tonight is a great opportunity for Raine to forget about me once and for all.

“Are you ready?” I ask, when the chauffeur opens the door outside the grand room of the hotel. “It shouldn’t be too painful. Since the new owner, Aiden Ramsay, met Holly, he’s become an avid fundraiser. And tonight Holly has organized a dinner and auction to raise funds for a number of children’s hospitals.” This is one of the fancier fund raisers where everyone pays a fortune for a meal and gets to sit with one of the team.

“I already know about it. My father told me about it. I’m looking forward to it.” Raine’s voice is sickly sweet, as is the smile she follows it with. “My father is pleased you’re finally coming around to the idea of us.”

I think of everything I agreed with my father, but I’m not giving her anything more. “I’m happy to see if we’re compatible.”

“Oh,” she whispers. “I thought...”

“I’m sure you don’t want to spend your life with someone who doesn’t want you, and I feel the same way,” I say, holding out my arm for her to take. “Let’s see how tonight goes.”

We walk into the main foyer, where the cameraman makes us stand in front of the charity backdrop and takes some photos for the events pages and the press.

“Smile,” the cameraman says.

Her blue eyes meet mine for a moment, before she turns to the camera, her lips turn into a wide grin, then she turns to me and links my arm. “I want you. I’ve wanted you for three years. Ever since we first met.”

I close my eyes and internally groan.

It’s almost like I can smell Scarlett in the air when I say, “No, you won’t. Because when you meet a scent matched alpha, you’ll leave me.” My words are harsh, but it’s because I hate that Scarlett never admitted my scent was the same one I could smell on her.

“I like your smell,” Raine says.

“Like... That’s not enough. You need to want to swim in it. You need to want to change your life and do things you never thought you ever would, because that person is all you ever want.” I pause a beat, trying to steady my emotions, something I’ve found so hard to do lately. “And damn the consequences.”

“Oh!”

“Exactly. My scent, or any alpha’s scent, isn’t enough. You’re an omega Raine. You’re special. Find your alpha, or let him find you. Don’t let your father determine your happiness.”

She smiles, but it isn’t real. Her eyes don’t shine like they did when I turned up in the car. “Take me through my next heat. You might look at me differently.”

Fuck!

“I won’t...”

“Lucas. Where the fuck have you been?” Stanton yells. He’s a hell of a lot happier today standing with Jenson and Colton as they drink bourbon near the bar.

I take hold of Raine’s hand and walk to my teammates. “I’ll give you what I promised, but nothing after tonight.”

She sighs.

“And who is your lovely lady?” Jenson asks. Smiling from me to Raine. “Everyone has a date except me. Even Stanton and Carver brought someone.”

Stanton talks as my nose twitches in the air. It’s like her smell follows me everywhere.

“What’s her name?” I ask Stanton. “Your date?”

“Grace,” he says, staring at me, and I’m sure there’s a smirk lifting on his lips. “And she is Colton’s… Girlfriend’s... Sister.” He emphasizes every damn word like he wants it embedded in my brain. “And she’s fucking gorgeous, funny, and I’m in love.” He laughs, but there’s something he’s omitting—I can tell. “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”

“Leave her alone,” Colton grunts. “She’s too good for your dirty dick. Anyway, I’m trying to get her and Carver together. But Carver wants nothing to do with anyone that I suggest. Harlow had to twist his arm to bring her sister, Bardot.”

“Just so everyone knows, I’ve cleaned up my act.” Stanton’s face looks like he is about to erupt. “Stop saying I’m a fuck boy, if she hears it.”

“She only has to read all about you on social media, and she’ll soon find out what you are,” Colton says.

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