Page 41 of Knot Sharing the Ice

Chapter

Fourteen

EMBER

Iwake to the sensation of being watched.

My eyes flutter open, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the windows. Four pairs of eyes stare back at me, a mix of concern and adoration in their gazes.

It should be creepy, waking up to four huge alphas hovering over me like this.

But somehow, it's... endearing?

"Enjoying the show?" I croak, my voice still rough from sleep.

And, well, other activities.

They have the grace to look sheepish, but there's an undercurrent of tension in the air.

Something's off.

"How are you feeling?" Adder asks, his tone careful, measured.

I take a moment to assess.

The burning need that's consumed me for the past day—days?—has faded to a dull warmth. My body aches in places I didn't know could ache, but it's a good kind of soreness.

Like after an intense workout.

"Better," I admit. "I think... I think my heat's over. Or mostly over, at least."

They exchange glances, a silent conversation passing between them. It's Mason who finally breaks the silence.

"Ember," he starts, then hesitates. "We were wondering if... well, if anything's changed. For you. About us."

Oh.

The weight of the question settles over me like a heavy blanket.

Has anything changed?

Everything'schanged.

I'm not the same person I was when I walked into this ice rink, annoyed at having to share my practice time with a bunch of cocky hockey players.

But am I ready to admit that?

To them?

To myself?

"I..." I trail off, unsure how to put my jumbled thoughts into words. "I don't know. I mean, yes, things have changed, but I'm not sure..."

"It's okay," Carter interjects softly. "You don't have to have all the answers right now."

I nod, grateful for the out. "I know I don't want to have nothing to do with you after this," I say slowly, choosing my words carefully. "But I'm not sure I'm ready to just... dive in, either. I need time. To process all of this. I never intended to find an alpha. Let alone an entire pack."

"We can give you time," Jayce says, and the sincerity in his voice surprises me. "Whatever you need, Ember. We're not going anywhere."

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