Page 38 of Knot Giving Up 2

I don’t know what’s going on, but McQuinn looks utterly and completely betrayed. He doesn’t say anything, but his gaze burns into me. Under the anger there's something else I can't quite name. It makes my stomach swoop and my heart beat a little faster. But it's gone nearly as fast as it came. Without a word, he gets up and stomps off.

Nils sighs and drops his head into his hands. “I’m sorry, Meggie.”

“Is everything alright?”

“No. Not at all. But it’s not my story to tell.”

If he’s waiting for McQuinn to tell me, he might have to wait a heck of a long time. McQuinn isn’t exactly forthcoming and especially not with me. He can be fun when we’re playing a game, or joking around as a pack, but I’ve never seen him share about something that’s upsetting him. I wish he would. I think there’s more to him than any of his pack mates know.

Part of me wants to chase after him and make him hash it out with me, but it seems like he needs some space to calm down first, and I don’t want to leave Nils. I can tell he’s just as upset as McQuinn right now.

I bump my shoulder against his. “So, you and McQuinn… when are you gonna ask him to bond you?”

“I haven’t… I mean, we’re not… is it that obvious I want to?”

I laugh at his adorable awkwardness. “It’s obvious to everyone but McQuinn.”

His sigh is even heavier than before. “He can be a little clueless sometimes.”

“I think…” I stare at the door where McQuinn just left. “I think maybe he’s just afraid.”

Nils considers this for a moment, nods, then takes my hand. “You’re good for us, Meggie.”

His praise makes me preen, but the heaviness in his tone has me trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe, if not a bond, matching temporary tattoos or something?”

Nils snorts at the idea but smiles. “That’s definitely lower stakes than bonding.”

“Friendship bracelets?” I suggest. “Make him a playlist?”

Nils shoots me a cocked eyebrow and steals a fry off my tray as I reach for my drink. “How about I make him a scrapbook or get him underwear with my face on it?”

I laugh and grab a napkin to keep the soda from coming out my nose. “Okay, but he would totally wear those!”

Nils rolls his eyes but can’t stop his own deep chuckle as I pull out my phone and look for custom undies.

21

McQuinn

“Hey, need a spotter?” Meggie is standing over me when I look up. I’ve got 250 pounds over my head and really don’t want to be distracted, but hell, she looks gorgeous. She's wearing short jean shorts and a fitted tee that shows just a touch of her toned stomach. I can’t look away, and it just makes me steaming mad at myself. Fucking blue balls.

“Like you could spot me,” I grunt, lowering the bar and glancing up again just in time to see her flinch from my harsh comment. It’s like a slap to my alpha instincts. I’m supposed to protect and care for my pack, especially our omega, and more and more, it seems like Meggie is going to become ours. Or at least, theirs. I doubt she really wants me. She’s gonna decide I’m not worth the trouble, and then she’s gonna take Nils from me. It’s like I’m seeing history repeat.

She puts her hands on her hips. “Enough. I’m tired of you being a jackass. What is your fucking problem with me?”

It’s kind of adorable when she swears like that, with her cheeks all tinged pink and those little creases in her forehead. She’s not quiet or subtle, and a few of the other athletes turn and look at us.

“Nothing to see here.” I sit up and wave away the attention, then wipe my face with my towel. “Let’s talk about this later.”

“No,” Meggie says, slightly quieter, but firm, standing her ground. Fucking woman. Why does she have to be so hot when she gets like this? “You totally ditched us during lunch today. We’re talking about this now.”

I stand up, forcing her to take a step back. “You’re in my way.”

She studies me with a look that’s too keen. Too smart for her own good.

“You don’t just mean right now, do you?”

“I mean what I said.” I brush past her and cross to a mat in the corner to stretch out. The gym is always fucking packed. Massive dudes throwing weights around and toned ladies stretching like they want to turn themselves inside out. I’m lucky there’s a mat open.

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