Page 8 of Knot Happening

She kicks off her sneakers, tucking the socks into them next, and then tries on several heels before settling on a single pair.

Trev: Delivered.

Declan: Thank you.

I stuff my phone in my pocket as Tatum heads for the check-out.

I have to wonder what makes her feel so different to my Alpha instincts. She's not. Not really.

She’s beautiful. Alluring. Magnetic.

I can’t deny I’m drawn in. The longer I watch her, the stronger that realization becomes.

She ignited instincts I’ve spent a long time ignoring.

I need to find a way to get closer. I could follow her. That would be something my twin would do.

I’m not that guy.

I don’t follow unsuspecting Omegas.

“Yes?” I answer my phone, the ringtone telling me who’s calling without needing to look.

“That fucker knows our code and somehow escaped a locked fucking cage, right before hacking the cameras! I’m heading to the pawn shop for old school cameras!” my twin snarls, and through the bond, I can feel our younger brother's amusement.

“I’ll be in later. Have something to do first.” I hang up because the slippery Omega that's been tormenting us isn’t a priority of mine at the moment. Kodiak is obsessed. He’ll handle it, of that, there are no doubts.

Ignoring my instincts is something I’ve never put much effort into when it comes to Omegas, but this nagging, aggressiveneedto know her won’t release me.

So I give in.

Fuck.

What is it about Tatum that’s so easily gotten under my skin?

That's when I notice the bracelet my mother gave me is gone.

That sneaky little–

I’m almost thankful. At least now I have a reason to give into my instincts.

To follow her.

To catch her.

Chapter Five

Tatum

Once outside, I search the parking lot for Declan, so I can at least thank him, but I never spot the tricky Alpha. It’s for the best. I did steal from the man.

I nibble my bottom lip as I pull the shiny metal out of my pocket and get a closer look. There is a tarnished edge to the braided design. It’s clearly not brand new. He’s probably been wearing it for years. There’s a wiggle of guilt in my chest at the thought that it might have been special to him.

Now I feel like I have to text him. See if I can figure out how important the bracelet is. Maybe even give it back.

I don’t often consider how special an item is or isn’t to someone when I take things. I usually take stuff that looks new. Never rings. Or even stuff that looks like it wasn’t expensive. I would have taken the watch, if he’d leaned into me from his other side.

I clip it around my wrist and decide to wear it home. If I have to give it back, I should at least enjoy it while I can.

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