Page 84 of Knot My Only Fan

“None of it matters because I’m seeing Stanton now.” My voice raises an octave or two in defiance.

“You’re being a bratty omega, Grace,” he says my real name with extra emphasis. “And I want you to keep seeing Stanton.”

“You do,” I whisper.

My heart plummets as I realize I’m being rejected once again.

He sighs. “I want you. I want you more than I can ever tell you, but it’s not safe for you to be in my life. And for that reason, I can’t be. Not yet.”

My mouth, eyes and face drop and I look at the floor and tears fall from my eyes like a dam.

“Look at me, Grace,” he says softly.

Slowly, I shake my head from side to side. “I can’t.”

“Grace, I’m giving you my b-blessing..” His voice chokes with a stammer. “To see Stanton. He’s a good man. He’ll be good for you.”

I lift my face to look at him. His eyes are red and I’m sure I see a tear, just before he disconnects and sends me a five thousand dollar tip with a message.

I’m sorry.

I turn off my account and throw myself on my bed.

Chapter 27

Stanton

I never expected Lucas to sit me down after our fight and divulge every detail about Grace. I certainly never expected for him to give me his blessing to date her.

I’m uncertain about his intentions because he shut down any further discussion when I asked why he was doing it, unwilling to discuss it any further.

Yes, there’s a part of me that thinks he’s up to something, given the way he always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else.

It’s possible that he’s testing me. Wondering how long I can go before I mess up, because I know he thinks I will.

But the moment he handed his omega to me on a silver platter, it was Lucas who messed up because I’m already outside the café where Grace works, and from today she’s going to realize she’s mine.

I’ve held back out of courtesy for Lucas, hoping he saw what I did. But his father can rule his life, but he’s not ruling mine. Pack mate or not. From today, my omega comes first.

As I push on the door, it creaks just before the bell chimes above my head.

A woman with long, dark hair tied in a high ponytail stands at the counter, her lips curved up into a friendly smile. She tilts her head to the side, her eyes narrow before she turns to glance into the kitchen area to the other side of her.

She knows me. I hope it’s because Grace told her who I was to her and not because I play hockey or worse, my misdemeanors on nights out.

As I make my way across the crowded café to her, my nose is greeted with the intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm sugary pastries.

At the counter, I give her my best smile and say, “Can I speak to Grace, please?”

“I want to know what your intentions are first,” she says, leaning over her counter, narrowing her eyes as she waits.

I swallow. Nobody normally refuses me. “Sorry?”

“I’m her best friend and I want to know why you’re suddenly interested in her.”

She stands up straight, her arms folding across her chest in a defensive stance. Her eyes remain narrowed as she stares at me, examining my every move with a critical gaze.

Caught off guard by her directness. “I… I have something for her.” I place a bag on the counter and clear my throat, still shocked by her boldness. “And I’m not suddenly interested in her. We’ve only just met, and now I have met her, nobody is going to stop me from being with her.”

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