Page 85 of Knot Made to Break: Part One

thirty-two

KITANIA

The silenceon the ride home had been deafening, a stark contrast to the upheaval Dimitri had created when he barged into his sister’s room while we were painting our nails. Without so much as a word, he’d scooped me up and carried me out, his brothers hot on his heels as he’d headed for the car.

Something was bothering him, which felt akin to stating the obvious, given everything that had happened. But this seemed like somethingmore.

Silent and broody, he’d vanished into his office without so much as a backward glance the moment we’d stepped into the penthouse.

We weren’t bonded, and yet, I could feel his simmering, disquieted energy from here.

The urge to comfort my Alpha became an incessant itch living just under my skin. I wanted to know what was wrong—besides the fact that they’d lost the Valentinos trail. To be honest, it didn’t surprise me. Those bastards were smart enoughto know they’d incurred the full wrath of the Cristenellos with that damn note. I had no doubt they’d scurried back to their territory like the rats they were.

Still, my stomach twisted at the thought of them out there, free to haunt me for another day, and I knew my Alphas weren’t faring any better.

I paced outside Dimitri’s office door, stuck in indecision. It was clear Dimitri wanted to be alone, but that itch to care for him was growing. The need to see him almost drove me out of my skin.

Picking nervously at my cuticles, I debated what to do. Maybe if I had a reason to interrupt him, it wouldn’t feel like such an intrusion.

I couldn’t go in there empty-handed.

Hurrying back down the hall, I headed for the kitchen and nearly collided with Marco.

“Whoa there, Angel.” He steadied me with a hand on my waist. His touch sent a zap of electricity through me, heat spreading hot and fast. I wasn’t prepared for the strength of the reaction. It seemed the longer I stayed with my mates, the more attuned my body was to theirs. “You okay?”

I nodded, not trusting my voice. Marco’s brow furrowed as he studied me, his blue eyes intense. Without a word, he reached for a crystal tumbler, added a fancy ball of ice, and poured a generous measure of amber liquid overtop.

“Bring him this,” Marco suggested, pressing the glass into my hand. “It’ll help.”

Gratitude washed over me. I popped up on my toes, brushing a soft kiss against his stubbled cheek. “Thank you,” I whispered.

A low growl built in his chest, his fingers tightening on my hip for a moment before he released me. “Go on,” he murmured, “before I decide to be selfish and change my mind. He needs you more.”

I clutched the whiskey like a lifeline and made my way back to Dimitri’s office, Marco’s words on repeat.

He needs you…

But did he? Did any of them truly need me, or was I simply making their lives more complicated?

My hand shook as I raised it to knock on the office door. With a deep breath, I steeled myself, fighting to be strong.

For them.

For myself.

I rapped my knuckles against the wood, my heart thundering like a herd of wild horses. Without waiting for a response, I turned the handle and slipped inside.

The sight that greeted me made my breath catch. Dimitri sat at his massive desk, broad shoulders hunched, hands buried in his dark hair. He looked... defeated. It was jarring to see the usually composed Alpha so vulnerable.

As I shut the door behind me, his head slowly lifted. His intense brown eyes locked onto mine, and I felt pinned in place.

“I hope it’s okay that I’m here,” I said softly, a small wisp of sound. Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Dimitri’s expression softened, the harsh lines of his face smoothing out. “You’re always welcome in my office, Kitten.” That promise was a wave of reassurance.

I crossed the room, and the scent of sandalwood and honey grew stronger as I approached. It infiltrated everything, the large desk, the bookshelves, the couch…me. It seeped below my skin until it branded itself on my very soul.

I set the tumbler on his desk, condensation already beading on the glass. Without overthinking it, I climbed into Dimitri’s lap, curling up against his broad chest. His arms immediately encircled me, and I felt some of the tension drain from his body.

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