Page 26 of Knot Dead Yet

“He can ask me directly.” Kienna snapped and folded her arms. “I’m no one’s docile pet Omega, and I can speak for myself.” She tilted her head and glared at Casimir. “I’m not a wine drinker nor am I going to take anything from a vampire who’s schmoozing my father.”

I loved the power in her. I’d seen it the previous night, but she shined with it now. It made me proud that she stood up for herself. Made me fucking hard too.

Yet there was something else in her glare. A fire that was more than anger. Casimir’s eyes had dilated as well. What the fuck was between them?

“A vampire. My dear, you have such an imagination.” Birk chuckled and patted Kienna’s leg as Casimir took his seat. “Gentlemen, this is my daughter, Kienna. She’s never been shy with speaking her mind. She would have also made an excellent left or right winger.” He flashed a grin at the cousins. “We played hockey together when she was little, and she was very clever and wily with a stick in hand.”

Damn. A beautiful and strong Omega who liked hockey. My cock hardened further.

Kienna’s anger softened a bit at that. Her father had shared that memory with great fondness. It was clear he loved his daughter. So why didn’t she want to stay here with him?

Ewan made some comment about how he’d like to have Kienna on the team opposite of him rather than Alderic, and the cousins playfully jabbed at one another. There was laughter, butthe weight of the tension around the table hadn’t eased. Not for Kienna or us Alphas.

While I could smell the savory rich meat cooking from the kitchen, it was Kienna’s growing scent that was making it difficult for me to concentrate on the conversation. The sweetness with a spicy musk made me hyper aware of her every move, her every breath.

A server took our drink and food orders after delivering shrimp and oysters along with cheese bread as appetizers. Birk was sparing no expense, but Kienna wasn’t having any of it. After trying to get her father’s attention again and failing, she went back to her phone. Her features were pulled tight and she squirmed in her chair every now and then.

“Mr. Birk.” Casimir cleared his throat, getting the man’s attention. “I’d like to talk to you regarding—”

I’d been sitting back enough from the table to see Kienna kick him in the shin.

Casimir gave a slight wince and shook his leg. He opened his mouth to continue speaking, and she stood to glare at him.

Was Casimir seriously going to talk to Birk about courting Kienna right now? It had infuriated me when he said he was compatible with her and was going to ask permission from Birk, but I’d pushed that out of my mind as we rushed to find Kienna.

None of us should be dating anyone at the moment, and certainly not the owner’s daughter. We were about to start the semi-finals, and Chicago would be harder to beat than whoever we faced in the play-offs. That’s where our heads needed to be.

“Kienna?” Birk turned to look at her with concern.

“I can’t…” Kienna wrapped her arms around herself. Every movement she made seemed torn, like she might snarl or burst into tears. “I’m sorry. I’m just not feeling well. I’m going to get a rideshare back to the hotel.”

My heart thumped hard. Was she in pain with her heat? Did she need me?

“If you’re sure…” Birk started to stand, but Kienna motioned for him to stay where he was.

I stood at the same time Casimir did. Tiergan and Maddox were fast on their feet too. I swallowed a growl at the other Alphas.

“Yes, I’m sure. Remember, we need to talk later.” Kienna went around the table and when she passed by Casimir, she hissed under her breath. “Don’t you dare.”

Casimir lifted a hand. If he touched her, I would bash his face in. She had warned him. Whatever was going on between them, she had made her stance clear.

His hand dropped and he gripped the back of his chair.

The server returned with drinks, and I nodded to Tiergan and Maddox to sit. Casimir wasn’t in my pack, but I gave him the same look. If he wanted to fight me over it, too fucking bad. I was going after Kienna myself.

“If you pardon me for a minute.” I excused myself from the table and walked the opposite way Kienna had left. She’d taken the long way around. I took the most direct route to the entrance and was outside waiting for her by the time she got there.

Kienna’s pace stuttered and paused, and she blinked with surprise. “What are you doing?”

A hundred emotions crossed her face. She was barely holding on. There were faint freckles on her flushed cheeks, and I bent a little closer wanting to kiss every single one.

“I need to know you’re okay.”

“I’m not okay, but that’s not any of your business.” Kienna walked toward the sidewalk, but I nabbed her arm and tugged her with me behind the cedar bushes in the front of the restaurant. She squawked in protest but her body leaned intomine. Oh, the heat radiating off her and her delicious scent… Fuck.

I took her trembling hands into mine. “Whatever is going on, know that I’m here for you. The pack is here for you. You don’t have to deal with anything alone. Let me help you.” I knew the value of having a pack. They supported you in every way, and that was clearly what she needed. She was fighting so hard on her own, but I would battle all her monsters if she let me. “Tell me what’s going on between you and your father.”

Her lovely features crinkled and she looked away. “It doesn’t matter.”

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