Page 38 of Knot Just A Fan

“What’s she like?” I say softly, clenching down on the burn in my gut. I feel like vomit’s on its way.

“I’ve only met her twice, believe it or not. Social butterfly. It’s why her marketing business is a success, because she knows someone in every corner of Edinburgh and beyond. She’s good at schmoozing. She wants to stay in Gray’s good graces. But she’s made bare minimum effort. All that’s kept them together is the promise they made each other—it’s suited her because it’s allowed her to focus on her stuff in her own world, knowing she has this place to land whenever she feels like it—IF she feels like it. And honestly, I can’t think she ever will.”

He pauses. “It’s not my place to say, and I trust you not to repeat this to Grayson. But it would be one thing if they both agreed on a date to start a family, to live together. But I feel like she’s done nothing but take advantage of the situation.The pack’s job is to protect, and they’re happy for their Omega to lead her own life. But they’d like to lead their lives together. Not in utterly separate worlds.”

“And Gray,” he continues. “Well, I don’t know for sure. Something must’ve happened to start him down this path but I’ve heard him say many times that he refuses to be what the media expects.”

I know what that means. He doesn’t want to be seen as womanizing, anI can get anyone I want so I will-type star. He wants to be one of the good ones. One of the committed ones.

Or, he’s really in love with her. And now he’s scented me, and feels torn. Either way, it’s fucked.

“Well, packs and matching and all of that—fuck all that noise. I want nothing to do with it. But on your behalf, Brie, I would go to any length to support you. If you had your own career that took you away, you would always come back. You would not play them like she is.”

Ash looks at Cami with interest, and maybe, a hint of scorn. “You’re an Omega, too.”

She looks him up and down like she’s never seen him before. “Ofcourse.And you’re an Alpha without a pack. We have that in common. You clearly aren’t interested in any of this nonsense either.”

Bythis nonsenseI know she means commitments. Not just packs. But I keep my trap shut.

Ash doesn’t change expression though, just looks mildly curious. “I didn’t say that. I just choose to focus on my work, and haven’t met any other Alpha I can bear to think about sharing a woman with.”

I snort and Cami starts her silent laugh that always cracks me up. After a minute of gasping for air, she leans over and slaps my arm. “This guy—he’s a trip,” she says finally.

After she calms down and we go silent, slight indignation on Ash’s high cheekbones, Cami continues, more soberly. “For you, you’ve had such a torch for this dude since day one.” She gestures to Ash. “I think it’s all out in the open now, at least, between us and you.” She turns back to me. “That was you scenting him, even through the haze of suppressant and whatever might be in your system. It’s not just physiological, or our biology professor lied to us. Grayson’s your mate—he,andEnzo,andRonan, if they intend to stay together. They’re pieces of the puzzle you’ve never been able to put together, because your system has been messed with. It meant you felt more about him in your gut, in your heart, in your head, than just through your scent.”

“Maybe,” I say slowly. “If I see them together, and they’re happy, I’ll finally get it. I’ll finally move on.”

Ash looks up suddenly, eyes darting between mine and Cami’s. “See who? The pack with Willow?”

I nod.

“Like, your closure. Huh. Could be,” Cami comments.

“The only way to do that is to be at one of those two shows,” I say quietly.

Cami’s eyes widen, then a sly smile fills her full lips. “Are yousureyou’re not just floating that idea so you can start some shit? ‘Cuz I would! Ha!”

“No. He is off-limits. I always believed they lived separate lives and didn’t seem to be on course to reunite anytime soon. Well, she’s clearly making an effort. Maybe I instigated that. But if that’s what he wants, I can’t continue to want someone who doesn’t want me. I need to get over him, and maybe this is a way.”

“But what if Gray seesyou?” Ash says. “I’d have to explain about my coming here. Then I’ll look like I’m choosing sides.”

Cami snorts. “Oh, just worried about yourself then, huh? My friend William S. had something to say about that. ‘False face must hide what the false heart doth know.’” She clucks her tongue. “MacBeth.”

“No!” Ash says, hands up. “I am not fucking MacBeth!”

“I should hope not,” Cami says.

“I just—well?—”

“Don’t want to caught in the middle? Well, you’re here, aren’t you?Wedidn’t send out a party invite,” she snaps.

Ash slams his mouth shut.

“You’re not choosing sides, though. I’m askingyouif this is possible.”

He sighs. “If they saw you there, you’d be forcing them to choose between their commitment and your scent.”

Cami looks at Ash under her long lashes, shaking her head in a,poor little idiot, way. “That’s how packs work, my bro. They follow the leader. And the leader is determined to stick it out with his childhood love. That’s a choice. Not the right one, because no one is more amazing than my best friend here. Andbesides, they already have to choose, whether they ever see her again or not!”

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