Page 29 of The Knot Before Christmas

The fact is, biology fucked us all really good. And as much as I tell myself this all means nothing, it’s not going to be easy. Not at all.

Chapter 8

Nova

This is probably one of the most awkward breakfasts I’ve ever had.

Everyone is quiet, the tension so thick you can cut it with a butter knife.

Ian sits there, a massive grin on his face as he eats his eggs without a word. Will is shooting daggers at him, which seems to just please Ian more. And Nick is watching the two of them with annoyance.

Apart from Nick filling Ian in on whatever business they have, no one has said anything since we sat down.

After I showered, I changed into some of my own clothes. Thank God, someone left my bag in my room. I was so damn happy to have it, I almost cried.

Of course, my phone wasn’t in there. One of these bastards must have it.

“Any chance I could get my phone back?” I ask, looking up from my plate.

“No,” Nick grunts, shoving a spoonful of eggs into his mouth.

“So not only do you kidnap me, you steal from me too?” I huff, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms.

Nick’s fork pauses in front of his mouth, and he blinks at me. “Joyrider, we literally rob malls for a living. And you’re surprised I’m refusing to give your phone back?”

My cheeks heat in embarrassment. Now that I think about it, my question sounded stupid.

“What's the big deal? Do you think I’m going to call the cops or something? I probably wouldn’t get service up here anyways.”

“You're not going to find out, because you're not getting your phone back,” Nick says. “Do you think I’m stupid?”

“Do you want me to answer that question?” I challenge, raising a brow.

He glowers at me.

“Whatever,” I mutter. “So, what's your pack name anyways? If we’re going to be stuck here together, we may as well get to know each other.”

Nick snorts. “So what? You can get a bunch of information on us to use against us later on?”

“Oh my God.” I sigh. “I’m just trying to make small talk. Relax, dude.”

“Noel,” Ian says. “Our pack name is Pack Noel.”

I blink a few times before bursting out into laughter. “So let me get this straight...you dress up as Santa and his elves to steal from malls at Christmas, your name is Nick,” I point to Nick. “ Your scents are all smells that are found in Christmas baked goods, and your pack name is Noel? That's too funny.”

“Glad we fucking amuse you,” Nick snarls.

“Next thing you're going to tell me is that one of your birthdays is Christmas day.” I grin, ignoring his shitty attitude.”

They all pause, turning to look at Will.

“No way!” I snort. “You were born on Christmas?” I ask, eyes wide.

He clears his throat, sitting up in his chair. “Christmas Eve.”

“Huh.” I nod. “Must have sucked growing up for birthday parties. I get it, my birthday is around Easter. Mom used to just give me Easter candy and say that was good enough.” I shrug, taking a bite of my food.

“My birthday is on Valentine's day,” Ian adds in. “Nick’s is Halloween.”

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