Page 143 of Tangled in Knots

She sounds surprised and incredibly happy with my thoughts. I want to hold onto it, unused to seeing Adira content. I also need to control my baser instincts, because my cock insists we can make her feel more of that.

I don’t want to rush her. I wish I was more sexually assured, and knew the right and wrong things to do. Instead, I’ll have to follow her lead.

Realizing the classroom is already beginning to clear out, I pack my things into my bag and stand. Adira zips her now full bag as well, and gets out of her chair to follow me.

“Are you going home after school or with Pack Kelly?” I ask her. It’s easier to talk in a semi code than speak plainly while we’re at school. We don’t want anyone to know where she’s really living, and it’s seriously no one’s business.

I’m already beginning to see some jealous looks from other omegas in Adira’s direction while I’m with her, which is ridiculous. She works hard for everything she has, and anything else they may be jealous of, will never be theirs anyway.

“Ah, neither,” she says hesitantly. “I had a really odd encounter at work yesterday.”

“Go on,” I drawl, linking my fingers in hers. I want to touch her at all times. I’m not forgiven, and I know it, but the gift of being able to be near her is enough for now.

I can’t crash through her barriers. Adira won’t appreciate it, and it would do more harm than good.

“I accidentally had a phone call with Cian Sullivan,” she announces, pulling her ear muffs up to keep her ears warm.

The name sounds familiar, but I don’t know the Minnesota families well enough to know who she’s talking about. Fuck it, I’m going to phone a friend on this.

Me:

Who is Cian Sullivan?

The bubbles begin almost immediately in our pack chat for three different people, the responses coming quickly.

Jed:

That’s Aisling’s father, and a major player in the mafia scene here in Minnesota. Why?

Kane:

People talk about him in hushed voices I find. He was at the charity event, and snubbed Jed when we went to speak to him.

Morris:

Old mafia family. He tends to move quietly but intentionally. Your brother thinks he could help smooth the path for the families to accept us. As Kane said, it’s been slow going.

“Why?” I ask simply, putting my phone in my back pocket. I can answer their questions once I have all the information.

Adira smirks as she gives me a sidelong glance. “That wasn’t slick at all, Alpha,” she murmurs. “He wants me to have dinner with him. I accepted.”

“Cian is too old for you,” I say immediately, enjoying the giggle she gifts me. I’m not blind, there are a lot of alphas both men and women, who are looking at us while we walk to her next class.

Adira’s wearing a burgundy and white dress under a black coat and heavy knit stockings. Her brown curls bounce under her ear muffs, and her cheeks are rosy from the cold air.

She’s an absolute vision, and it’s clear to me that I’m not the only one who sees it.

“I can assure you that’s not why he wants to see me,” Adira says. Her body presses against me in her mirth, and I love the easy way she forgets herself. “One of Aisling’s pack members came to see me regarding something else, and he suggested I speak to Cian. Aisling’s father wants to see if, um, he should help you with the other families.”

“Are you being nice to us?” I ask in gaping awe.

“I’m always nice,” she says in a huff.

Laughing at her antics, I shake my head. “This is a big deal, baby.”

“The only way to deal with your father is to ensure you have the proper support,” she says, lowering her voice as I open the door to her next building. “I may as well help if I can.”

Moving her away from the steady stream of people going in and out of the building, I press her against the wall.

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