Page 22 of Lion's Crossing

“Don’t be.” I made my way inside the small space and glanced around for a cloth. When I found one, I wet it then kneeled in front of him to wipe his neck and face. “Are you okay? Is there anything I can get you?”

He shook his head. “I’m just not feeling well. Could be a stomach bug.”

“You sure?” I brushed some strands of hair from his forehead. “There’s no other reason?”

He sighed. “Your sister told you, didn’t she?”

I nodded.

Closing the toilet lid, Knox rose and sat on it. “I haven’t taken the test yet. I don’t know for sure. But I don’t want you to feel obligated to be with me if I am. I can figure out a way to raise the child on my own.”

“Knox.” With my fingers under his chin, I tipped his head up to look at me. “I am here for you either way. I was serious when I said I can’t stop thinking about you.”

He chewed his bottom lip as he let out a shaky breath. “Give me a minute. I need to clean up.”

With a nod, I left the bathroom and waited outside. I didn’t want to go back to face his parents without him.

When Knox came out, I held my arms open for him, and he shuffled into me, leaning against my chest. I held him close, enjoying the big whiff of vanilla and raspberries, a scent I would never get tired of.

“You’re sure?” He nudged his glasses as he glanced up at me, his eyes revealing all his hopes and fears.

I leaned closer and kissed the top of his head. “Absolutely. It hurt when you told me to leave you at the train station. I’ve wanted to call you ever since, but I didn’t know what to say. When my sister told me about the pregnancy test, I knew I had to come see you no matter how we left things. I couldn’t let you think you were on your own.”

“But that doesn’t mean we need to be mated.” He pulled away and stared at the floor. “I really don’t want you to feel obligated. I know you have all your fans and your career.”

“Oh, Knox.” I held him close again. “If only you could hear my lion right now. He’s insisting that you’re my fated mate, and that I can’t let you go again.”

He glanced up at me, his eyes wide. “Fated? You really think so?”

I nodded. “Do you not feel it?”

He shrugged. “I feel something. I don’t know what it is exactly, because usually I just feel repulsed by all the alphas around here.”

I chuckled. “I guess I understand that. So, will you give me a chance?”

He smiled for the first time since he’d arrived at his parents. “Yes. But can you take me home? I’m still not feeling great, and I really should take that test. So we know for sure.”

“I can do that.” I held out my hand, hoping he would take it before we walked back into the dining room. “Though I still want to mark you no matter what the test says.”

Grasping my hand, he nudged my side. “You do, do you? How soon?”

I grinned. “Tonight, if you’re up for it.”

We held hands as we walked into the dining room, and I heard Knox’s dad squeal.

“I’m going to take your son home. He’s not feeling well, and I think he needs some rest.”

“Oh no.” Knox’s dad came rushing to his side and placed a hand on his forehead. “Are you okay? If you want to go upstairs to your old room, I’ll take care of you.”

Mr. Anderson stood and gently pulled his mate back. “Let him be. I think Linc can take care of him. It will be good for the both of them.” He winked at me then nodded.

I don’t know how much he knew or had heard, but he seemed to understand more than his mate.

After stepping out into the cool air, I reached for Knox’s hand and walked him to his apartment, anxious to be alone with him again.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Knox

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