Page 107 of Knot a Thief

“That’s really quick.”

“Tell me about it.”

I smile. “I’ll go. I’ll bring Seb with me.”

Ella shrieks. “He can join my pack while they pretend to not follow us.”

I chuckle as Ella tilts her head to one side. “Your scent is back.”

“Yeah. I’ll tell you about that another time.” I glance at Walker as he walks back into the room, and ask Ella, “Do you mind if I talk to Walker.” She’s my sister, but I still have to be respectful around her and her pack.

“Of course, Ava. I trust you with my life. You know that?”

I squeeze her hand. “I do. And me with you.”

A few minutes later, I find myself alone with Walker on the terrace. The sound of waves crashing against the beach fills the silence between us.

“So,” I begin hesitantly, making sure not to admit I read his emails, “tell me about your brother Max. Has he … has he been in contact with you at all?”

“He has.” Walker takes a deep breath. “Actually, there’s something you should know. Max calls Ella often to talk about you.”

My heart skips a beat. “What? Since when?”

“Since he saw the footage of Ella getting the award and you being on camera.”

I feel like the ground has shifted beneath my feet. All this time, I thought I was hidden, but Max knew where I was? In Monaco. In Majorca. He always knew, and so did Ella.

“That was ages ago. Why didn’t anyone tell me?” I ask in a raspy whisper.

“Ella knew you had something good with Seb and didn’t want to spoil it, and,” Walker places a gentle hand on my shoulder, “Max didn’t want it to sway your opinion. He wanted you on your own terms when you were ready.”

“That’s rich.” I burst out laughing. “He tricked me into taking a job. He did something that caused my heat to start. And despite escaping his island, he found me when I was in my heat and he and Silas—”

“Silas St. James?” Walker asks, surprised.

“Yes, why?”

“Max told me years ago that he knew Silas was his pack. Max was a loner until that day, and happy to not have a pack. And as Silas was married and Max wasn’t interested in his omega, he never pursued their pack, but they were always friends.”

I lean against the railing, trying to process this information. “His wife died.”

Walker nods his head. “I heard.”

“Max and Silas, are they a couple?” I ask, surprised I’d never worked it out.

“Emotionally, yes, they’ve always been close, but …” Walker chuckles. “Physically no. Just like I’m not in a relationship with Gabe and Jake, but we rally around each other like family. Max and Silas have always been family.”

“And Lily.”

“You met her?” Walker asks gently. “I haven’t seen her since she was a baby. Max is her godparent.”

I nod my head with watery eyes. “She’s a perfect little girl.” Clearing my throat as I look out at the darkening ocean, I ask, “What else don’t I know?”

Walker sighs. “I thought he rejected you years ago, but I’ve had a conversation with him and he told me everything.”

“What’s everything?”

“You really should have that conversation with Max.”

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