Page 59 of Knot Happening

Tatum

I’m being followed. I don’t know how I know, but I just do. There’s a fucking shadow hovering over me everywhere I go. This mall is filled with shoppers minding their business, and I’m only here because there’s a bookstore attached to it, but I swear, someone is following me.

I get good at ignoring the feeling, until I’m between the stacks in the bookstore, and I catch sight of the potential stalker.

“Fancy seeing you here,” I say as I cross my arms over my chest.

“Fuck.”

The glare I’m shooting Kodiak could melt glaciers. “Explain.”

He shifts on his feet, looking around us at the stacks of books on the tables. “I’m here for…Bridgerton. Colin and Penelope’s story.”

I glare harder as he picks up the book closest to him and holds it up so I can see it as if that's enough proof.

“Name one other character from that series without looking at the other covers.”

“John.”

“Nope.”

I don’t actually know if there’s a John in the books. Probably, possibly. It’s a common enough name, and I’m sure that was his thought. He grins. “Fine, you caught me. I’m here to seduce you in the romance section. Let me eat you out between the shelves.”

“Ha. No.”

If he sees the bright red colors my cheeks just turned, he doesn’t call me out on it as I return to my perusal of the fancy hardbacks.

“Oh, come on, it’d be so much fun.”

“You’re following me and based on the way my instincts have been going wild for the last hour, I’d guess you’ve been doing so since the moment I left my apartment and headed for the bus stop. Last night, you and your little freaking brother busted in on my lap dance, killing any chance I’d make tips for all my suffering, thanks very much.”

“You signaled for help, Little Omega.”

“I don’t like your tone, or your proximity.”

He chuckles, because the way my skin prickles as his breath fans across my neck, as well as the tightening of my nipples and spike of my scent, all suggest that every word was a damn dirty lie. “Yes you do.”

“Why are you following me? Does it have to do with that guy from last night?”

“No. I started following you the day we met outside the elevator. Though the Gio incident didn’t help the psychotic voice in my head telling me to lock you in my Winnebago.”

“Sir. Please back away from me. I will call for security.”

He snorts at the serious look I’m aiming for, and I giggle. None of the things he just said should have been enduring. And yet, my stupid Omega heart is fluttering away in my chest. “Let me keep you company.”

“After you confessed to being my stalker?”

I pause for a long moment, taking a long hard look at myself internally. I know I told Hayden he needs therapy, and that remains true, but I should probably call someone about my own mental state. Particularly when I agree to his offer.

“Yeah, alright. I’m just shopping for some books for my mom. The nurses at ABO Care were telling me how it’s one of the first activities they try to set a routine for. They have books, but Mom would have to share those, and this way I can pick out ones she might enjoy most.”

I walk back and forth, clutching my empty basket, as Kodiak steps up beside me, staring at the shelves like they hold the answers to unlocking Moms happiness. He obviously knows about the type of care the facility she’s at provides, because he doesn’t press for more information. The question that's been bugging me finally bubbles out.

“So, why were you there? At ABO Care, I mean.”

“Well, my brothers and I help Omegas in need from time to time. Some of them require long term care after they…deal with what they’ve dealt with.”

Vague, but I don’t call him on it.

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