Page 85 of Knot My Only Fan

“I will if you’re planning on hurting her. I’ve read the articles on you. I’ve seen your many conquests.”

I hesitate, unsure if she’s already put Grace off me. “There’ll be nobody else for me. I never looked to find an omega during any of those conquests.” I put the last word in air quotes. “And I know you’re looking out for your friend, but…” I lean forward and make eye contact with her. “She’s mine. My omega and I’m not giving her up for anyone, including you.”

“Good!”

“Sorry?”

“Good. I want someone who is going to fight for her. She needs to know not all alphas are bad. She’s been a little upset because…” She shakes her head and stops talking. “It’s not my place to tell her story.”

“She’s upset?” I need to see her. My alpha is clawing to get out and make her feel at ease. “Where is she?”

“Don’t worry…” Her friend rolls her eyes. “It’s already turned to anger.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Sienna, Grace’s best friend. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Stanton Adams.”

“I know who you are,” she says. “Grace is important to me. So just so you know upfront, I won’t let anyone hurt her,” she says firmly, her gaze unwavering. “If you do, you’ll regret it.”

I want to laugh at this strange beta. Instead, I study her for a moment, impressed by her protectiveness of her best friend. “I understand, and I promise I have no intention of ever hurting her. Quite the opposite.”

She smiles, her expression softens before she turns her back to me and shouts, “Grace, you have a visitor.”

I never thought she’d have a personal bodyguard.

Grace steps out of the café, her eyes widening in surprise as she locks onto me standing there. I can see the confusion in her gaze.

I offer her a small smile as she walks towards me slowly. There’s a slight tremble in her hands.

“Hey, Grace,” I say softly, my heart pounding in my chest.

A flicker of surprise passes through Grace’s eyes before she composes herself. “Stanton, this is unexpected.”

“Really? Why?”

“I spoke to Lucas.” Her voice chokes, like it’s hard for her to tell me her words. “He doesn’t want me.” Her eyes lower to glance at the hand on her tummy before she looks at me with watery eyes.

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I hate how sad she looks. How he made her feel.

“I want to talk to you about something.” Taking a deep breath, I reach out to cup her face in my hands, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.

Her eyes don’t move from mine as she waits.

“I know this might be sudden, but I care about you, Grace. More than you know.”

Her eyes widen in surprise as she locks onto me standing there. “You don’t have to do this anymore, Stanton. He’ll never want me or the baby.”

“I want you,” I blurt.

“Oh,” she mutters in surprise.

I offer her a small smile. I never felt so nervous in my life. I’ve never once doubted that a woman wouldn’t want me. And now I stand in front of the only woman I’ve ever wanted… ever needed… and I’m not sure that she wants or needs me in return.

“And I want the baby growing inside you. I want you both. It’s not fake.” I blow out a breath. “It never was. Not for me, anyway.”

“It’s not?”

“No.”

The bell chimes above the door again. I turn around to see who entered the café, and watch as two elderly ladies take a seat.

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