Page 80 of Seen Knot Heard

Well, at least things are progressing on that end.

I grab my coat and keys. “Everyone ready?”

With murmurs of assent, we leave the house, and Nathaniel wraps a protective arm around Chloe as we step off the porch.

A cool breeze carrying the tang of salt ruffles my hair as we head down to the docks. As we near the water, seagulls soar overhead, their raucous cries breaking the silence that hangs between us.

Chloe walks with her head down and arms wrapped around herself. I ache to pull her close, to soothe the distress rolling off her in waves. But I force myself to keep a respectful distance.

Nathaniel and I exchange a concerned look.

I nudge her, trying to bring her out of her stupor. “Do you want to visit anywhere while we’re in Mosswood?”

She blinks up at me, as if coming out of a trance. “Do we have time to pop over to Oakridge? I’d like to check on my apartment. Louie said…”

Her head droops, and she tugs the folds of the oversized jacket closer. “Well, it might be gone now, but I’d like to see for myself and check on Grady’s unit.”

A protective growl rises in my chest. “Yes, we’ll head over as soon as we’re done in Mosswood.”

She steps into my side, burrowing under my arm. “Thank you.”

In an instant, my growl transforms into a purr. Nathaniel steps closer, his palm settling on her back to lend additional comfort, as if he’s done this a hundred times already.

Despite the anger over what we may find in Oakridge, warmth fills my chest at how natural this all feels. The courting contract is just a formality at this point.

Chloe is already pack.

The sun heads toward the horizon as I guide the SUV into a spot outside Chloe’s apartment building.

Things had gone better than expected at the Omega Registration Office. The clerk remembered Chloe, and we lucked out when she informed us that Chloe’s courting application was still in the queue to be reviewed, so adding us to the file wouldn’t slow things down.

Chloe studies the four-story building with apprehension as she undoes her seatbelt.

I reach over to rub the back of her neck. “Whatever you find, we’ll be here for you, okay?”

She nibbles on her bottom lip. “Thank you.”

As we climb out of the SUV, Chloe scratches at her newly freed arm. The pale, slender limb appears fragile, the skin tight and scaly. At least the break was healed so she could get the cast off.

At the entrance, Chloe punches in a code, and the door buzzes. I grasp the handle and hold it open for her to enter first.

“I’m on the top floor.” She leads us through a mail area toward an elevator.

On our way past the manager’s office, the door swings open, and the building manager emerges, arms laden with envelopes. Her weathered face warms with recognition when she spots Chloe.

“Oh, honey, I’m so glad to see you up and about! I’ve got your mail in the office.” Her curious gaze darts between Nathaniel and me. “It appears you’ve gotten yourself a couple of fine young Alphas taking care of you now.”

Chloe blinks, brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”

A puzzled frown tugs at the manager’s lips. “Well, your Alpha called a few weeks back and said you were real sick and needed treatment. Wanted me to cancel your lease and let him collect your things…”

My muscles tense, a growl building in my throat. Beside me, Nathaniel stiffens, fingers curling into a fist.

“I couldn’t let him, of course, since he’s not on the lease.” The manager’s eyes narrow as she takes in our reactions. “I’m guessing these two are here to help you move out now, though. Right? Good thing your rent’s already paid up for the month.”

Chloe shakes her head, pink hair flying. “No, no, I’m not canceling my lease right now.”

The words pierce my heart, even though my reaction is unreasonable. We’ve just started courting, and as much as I long to claim her, to sink into her softness and never let go, we’re doing things right by Chloe.

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