Page 121 of Knot a Thief

“I know, sweetheart. Let’s meet her.”

I glance down the boardwalk, and my breath catches in my throat. There she is. Ava. The sight of her sends a rush of emotions through me, and you’d think I was the one who was bonded to her.

Ava smiles at me in the distance. My heart crashes against my chest, its rhythm matching the waves lapping against the boats.

She drops her purse, and Max picks it up as Ava rushes toward Lily with open arms. The world seems to slow down, every detail etched in vivid clarity.

The way the lowering sunlight catches Ava's dark hair, the sound of her bare feet on the wooden planks, and the joy radiating from her face.

I run with Lily, not wanting her to slip into the water, only letting go when Ava catches her in her arms. The scent of Ava’s omega perfume mingles with the salty air as she twirls Lily around. Their laughter is so perfect it warms my soul.

When Ava stops, her eyes meet mine, and the world falls away.

“I’m sorry,” I choke.

She shakes her head. “Don’t. You have nothing to be sorry for. I hurt you.”

I shake my head. “I love you,” I whisper, the words floating on the sea breeze.

She smiles. “I love you too.” And it’s all I need to know.

“Why are you crying, Mommy?” Lily whispers, her small hand reaching up to touch Ava’s cheek.

“These are happy tears, baby girl. I’m just so happy to see you. To see everyone.”

“Daddy told me I’m going to be a big sister.”

Ava glances at me, a look of sorrow crossing her face. It’s fleeting, but I catch it, and it sends a pang through my heart.

I stroke Lily’s back and say, “You are, Lily. Hopefully, you’ll be the big sister to lots of brothers and sisters.”

Ava takes a deep breath and mouths, “Thank you.”

Max catches up to us. He doesn’t hesitate and holds out his hand. I shake it.

“Welcome to the pack,” he says and laughs. “She’ll need you. Someone to bring calmness when everyone else goes crazy.”

“I hope I’m needed for more than that,” I reply.

“We’re all equal, Seb. Only when she is in heat will the dynamics change, but I promise you’ll be more involved in the next one.”

I don’t want to spoil anything and nod. I know deep down Ava will need her alphas more than me, but sometimes she’ll need me, her beta, more than them.

Maybe it will be equal, but different.

Silas joins us. His hand reaches out to take Ava’s.

“I’m so sorry, Silas,” she murmurs. “I never knew what you did for me.”

“Don’t Ava. It’s in the past.”

“No, I’m also sorry for not getting to know you. I’m sorry for feeling you, but ignoring it.” She glances at me and I realize how much she fought against her emotions when on the island. “And I’m sorry for leaving Lily upset. I promise to never hurt her again.”

Lily kisses Ava’s cheek. “Seb gave me ice-cream. He’s nice.”

Ava smiles at me. “He’s very nice, Lily.”

“Will Seb be my Daddy, like Daddy Max?”

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