Page 26 of Knot a Chance in Hell

I wasn’t so confident of that. “Well, I don’t know which one I’m the best match with. That’s going to take time…”

“And so it will.” He kept sweeping and then glanced at me, pausing. “You worried that I might be angry if you pick Ezekiel over Kodiak?” He shrugged and shook his head. “I did arrange this all for Kodiak, but all those boys are like my own. If you settle on Ezekiel, I’d be glad for you two.”

That was a relief to know. “Thank you, but…” I wiped my hands on my jeans, still nervous about talking to him aboutthis. “I’m more worried about the pack as a whole. What will happen if I pick one? Will the other leave? Silas is already saying he’s leaving and surveying spots to build his own cabin. I know they’re like brothers. I don’t want to be the reason the pack breaks up.”

“Silas still giving you shit over there?” Savva grunted when I nodded. “He’s a stubborn ass, but if he is dumb enough to walk away from his pack, then that’s not on you. That’s his choice.”

I mostly agreed with that, even if my heart wasn’t listening. “But what about Kodiak and Ezekiel? If I choose one, the other is going to be hurt. I don’t want them to fight over me. Things are already rocky, and I only think they haven’t thrown punches because they’re both more furious with Silas.”

Savva snorted and brushed out a pile of debris out through the door. “If they threw a couple of punches, things would settle down.” I couldn’t hide my shocked expression. He waved it off. “It’s the way we Alphas got to work things out sometimes. I don’t expect females to understand.”

I definitely did not want them to have a physical fight. That was a line I didn’t think they’d be able to heal. I fiddled with the pot shards, my heart thumping with my anxiety. “What can you tell me about them as a pack? Is there anything I can do to make this easier on them?”

He leaned on the broom and scratched at his whiskery chin. “These boys have been today since before they could talk. Silas’ parents died young enough that he can’t remember them, and Ezekiel’s when he was six. I stuffed them all together in one room, treating the other two just like I treated Kodiak. Grief and the woods bonded them.”

My God. I wanted to hug them all. Each of them experienced loss at such a young age. No wonder they were so close.

And my presence was ruining that. Guilt tightened around my heart, squeezing painfully.

“There’s nothing to be done about it, girl.” Savva shook his head and propped the broom up against the wall. “Alphas can’t help themselves when the right Omega comes round. When Silas—” He cut himself off, clenching his jaw. “That’s his story to tell. But the other boys supported him in whatever he wanted.”

I knew Silas had issues with females, but what exactly did happen? Why did he hate me so much?

“This time, a pretty Omega comes along, and two of them are compatible with you. None of them are supporting the others. It’ll be good for the one you choose, but it’s likely going to wreck the pack.” Savva heaved a sad sigh and turned to me with a matter-of-fact expression. “It is what it is. Don’t worry for yourself. Kodiak and Ezekiel will treat you right either one you pick. Just don’t drag it out for too long.” He stepped out the door and swept down his coat. “Now let’s go get cleaned up and have a bite to eat.”

Savva brushed off the conversation as easily as he rid himself of dust. I couldn’t get my feet to move. Everything in me was twisted and heavy.

No. It couldn’t be that way. I wasn’t going to let the pack be destroyed because of me.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN – Kodiak

Watching Nicolette laugh with Ezekiel in the kitchen made me want to tear him in two. Her gorgeous eyes shining, her lovely cheeks flushing when he touches her. That all should be with me.Mine, mine, mine!

Each day only got worse. The drive to chase away any other Alpha and claim her had gained strength. Because she had been so exhausted by her episode in the woods, I reined in those instincts and treated her with gentleness and patience. Dad said it could take a week for her to heal, but she fucking seemed to have enough energy to dance around the kitchen with Ezekiel as they tidied up from dinner tonight.

Silas hadn’t come home with us today. When we docked the boat, he went right into town to the pub. I never saw him at home with a drink in hand, but no doubt he was hiding it. Another time, another day, I’d kick his ass and save him from himself. But the way he treated Nicolette, he could damn well drink himself dead.

Fuck, she could move. Dancing she really came alive. Sinfully graceful.

My cock pushed at my jeans, barely able to be contained. My vision narrowed and focused solely on her. Hot blood raced through my veins.Mine.

Nicolette spun with the dish towel held high in the air. She whipped it down and around, swaying her hips like an exotic belly dancer. She squealed with laughter as Atka tried to nab the cloth out of her hand.

Ezekiel was laughing so hard, he leaned against the counter for support. His gaze never left her.

Yeah, she cuddled with me on the couch and laughed at shows. I’ve taught her things, and she’s ever the attentivestudent. Dad gets along with her, and she even said they were cleaning up the greenhouse this afternoon. I never thought my father would get around to it. She’s everything I’ve ever needed, and I couldn’t stand even thinking that she might choose Ezekiel over me.

Damn me all to hell, he was good to her. He’s had a few casual girlfriends, but I’d never seen him look at a female like he looked at Nicolette. He was as far gone as I was, and that drove me even more bonkers.

She raced around the room with the husky chasing her, jumping over a chair as if it were a tiny pebble in her way. Her boobs bounced, hinting at hard nipples under her sweater. The way her leggings hugged her sweet ass was perfect.

Then suddenly she hopped on the couch beside me and hid behind me. Her hands rested on my shoulders as she giggled. “Save me, save me!”

Her touch was like a spark to dry and explosive tinder. I was off the couch and throwing her over my shoulder before I even realized what I was doing. She let out a small shriek, still laughing as if this were part of the game.

I swiftly marched down the hall. With each step, the demand to make her mine rang clearer.

“Kodiak?” Nicolette tried to wiggle free, but I held her firm.

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