Page 44 of Knot a Chance in Hell

“What else do you do, Nicolette? We could always use another nurse at the clinic.”

A small wave of guilt went through me. I wished that I was a nurse to help out. I shook my head. “No, unfortunately. My passion has always been dancing. All types. Ballet, jazz, tap.”

“Really?” Katherine’s face brightened. “I have two daughters who have wanted to be ballerinas since they were little. June is twelve now, and Cindy ten, and they watch those YouTube videos to learn, but it’s not like the real thing. I would love to give them lessons as a Christmas present. I would pay you generously for your time.”

I bounced on my toes and nearly squealed. “I was actually thinking about starting a dance school here. To be able to share my passion with the next generation would be amazing. Once I have a space to teach, I would happily teach your girls.”

She rounded her desk and took out a card to scribble a number on it. “This is my personal number. And there’s my address as well. I live just a block away from here. I can suggest a few spaces where you can find space until you have your own place, and I can help get you in. The school and the church would be excellent spots.” Her excitement had her bobbing too. “There are a few old warehouses which aren’t used anymore. With the proper team to renovate one,” she gave me a wink. “You could have a fantastic dance studio close to the school.”

I laughed at her wink. I had no doubt the guys would be happy to help build a dance studio. My mind was already dreaming of how I wanted it to look. I pocketed her card and grinned. “Thank you so much. This will give me a lot to do over the winter to keep me busy.”

“Keeping busy through the long winter is the best way to beat those seasonal blahs. And yes, that’s a technical term.” Katherine chuckled. “My cure is usually going to Aruba in February.”

“I love Aruba. I’ve spent a lot of time at Eagle Beach and Manchebo Beach.”

“Manchebo is where we go. We stay at the resort and soak up the sun.” Katherine sighed wistfully. “This year, the girls want to learn to snorkel.”

“It’s so fun.” Maybe I could convince the guys to go somewhere tropical mid-winter. Picturing them in tight swim shorts emerging from the sea was a very pleasant thought. “I should get back to the room now or else there won’t be any food left. Thank you again. You’ve been really helpful.”

Katherine smiled. “It’s my pleasure. Any outlet for my girls to be creative and get out all their energy is welcome.” She then shooed me. “Go on and get back to your men. Remember what I said. It’ll all work out, I’m sure.”

I said goodbye and hurried back down the hall. It was quiet, and I hoped that it was a good thing. All of them were eating as they watched the morning news and turned to me as I entered the room.

“All good?” Kodiak asked between mouthfuls of sausage.

“Yeah. Doctor Berg is really nice. She gave me some good advice, and,” I grinned and clasped my hands together. “She’s going to help me get started teaching dance here in town. She mentioned that the school might let me use some space until I could get a studio up and running, and suggested a few places for it.”

“One of the old warehouses across from the fishery would be easy to convert,” Silas said thoughtfully. It was as if he read my mind, but more so, it assured me that Katherine’s advice wassound. “The mayor’s been wanting to do something with those buildings.”

“Red cedar would be a brilliant color for the flooring,” Ezekiel added.

“We could cut down a few trees when we’re back out in a few days.” Kodiak bobbed his head.

While I greatly appreciated their enthusiasm to help me get a studio started, there was no way I was letting them go back to the forest any time soon. I went over and made sure Kodiak was tucked in and his pillows fluffed. “You aren’t going back out any time soon. Six weeks. That’s what the doctor ordered, and I’m going to keep you honest.” I then eyed Ezekiel. “You shouldn’t be going out for a while either. And Silas,” I finally turned to him. “Don’t you dare go out by yourself. It’s dangerous enough with the three of you.”

The Alphas chuckled, all smiles at me taking charge. I couldn’t help but feel my spirits rise. They felt like a pack again. This could really work. Katherine said to be honest, and when we all were home together, I would sit them down to have the conversation. Right now, I was going to bask in the feeling of togetherness, even though they were smirking at me being bossy.

“We have to go back out. There’s a contract deadline we need to meet.” Kodiak tried to keep his face neutral, but there was no hiding his humor. “You can’t keep us at home.”

I put my hands on my hips, overplaying my outrage. “You will not go back out. You’ll stay in bed and heal or I’ll force you to stay.”

He tugged me toward him with a snicker. “I’m going to enjoy seeing you try.”

Batting away his hands, I huffed and unwound my scarf, holding it up threateningly. “I will tie you to the bed.”

Kodiak laughed again and then suddenly stopped. He sat with a hiss and brushed my hair back from my neck. His eyes went from merry to furious in a second. “What the fuck is this?”

Oh shit. My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn’t get any words out with my voice lodged in my throat. This isn’t the way I wanted to tell him or Ezekiel. I didn’t even think when I took off my scarf….

“Don’t you talk to her that way.” Silas was at my side, hand on my hip, and glaring at Kodiak.

My stomach twisted and I thought I might vomit with the smothering tension. We’d been laughing just a minute ago. The peace and unity in the pack shattered.

“Did you claim her?” Ezekiel was on his feet, breakfast dropped on the floor and forgotten. His chest heaved with each breath as he pushed it out between clenched teeth.

“Yeah, I claimed her. What the fuck are you going to do about it?” Silas snarled, urging me with a firm hand to stand to the side.

“Guys, let’s calm down.” My voice shook with my soft words, but it didn’t seem any of them heard me.

---