Page 59 of Seen Knot Heard

“It’s okay.” She tilts her chin toward the top of the stairs. “Go take care of Quinn. I’ll see you in the morning.”

With a last glance at Chloe, he hurries past us to the second-floor landing.

“I hope Quinn doesn’t have nightmares,” Chloe whispers.

“She’s a brave little girl.” I lift her higher against my chest. “She’ll bounce back.”

Sighing, Chloe’s head droops onto my shoulder. “Sorry I keep causing so much trouble for you and your pack.”

“Nothing that’s happened is your fault.” My pulse quickens as her pheromones thicken around me. “I apologize for not greeting you at the dock. We haven’t met officially. My name is Nathaniel.”

She wiggles within my hold, and her nose brushes my throat. “Hello, Nathaniel. I’m Chloe.”

Her garden scent is intoxicating, addictive, and I draw in deep lungs full, savoring its flavor on my tongue.

I barely notice when we reach the second floor, and Holden moves ahead of us to open the discreet employees-only door, pushing it open.

As we step into the family quarters, Chloe straightens in my arms, a soft gasp of wonder escaping her lips. “It’s like going through the wardrobe.”

A chuckle rumbles from Holden’s chest, rich as melted chocolate. “Don’t follow any fauns with lanterns.”

Chloe’s giggle pops like champagne bubbles and affects me the same way, my skin buzzing. She relaxes back against myshoulder, her small hand subconsciously stroking my chest through my shirt.

My steps falter as we reach the hallway lined with bedrooms, brow furrowing with uncertainty. My Alpha urges me to take her to my room, to surround her with my scent, but I maintain enough self-control to realize that’s a bad idea.

The room we picked out for her isn’t ready, though, and I’m loath to leave her by herself tonight. With Quinn and Sprinkles in Blake’s room… My focus shifts to Holden, who patiently stands beside me, waiting for me to come to the obvious conclusion.

My jaw clenches, but what other choice do I have? Still, it should be her choice.

When I glance down at Chloe, whatever I planned to say vanishes from my mind. She really is a pretty little Omega, and the nap earlier went a long way toward erasing the shadows under her eyes.

Her rosebud lips curve upward, and belatedly, I realize I’m purring.

I cut it off and clear my throat. “Will you be okay bunking down with Holden tonight?”

She nods, her pink hair spilling over my arm like a waterfall of cotton candy. “Of course.”

The two share a warm, intimate look that speaks of what they were up to before the scare of an intruder put a halt to it. Jealousy rears its ugly head, but I shove it down. This is good for my pack, good for my bondmate.

I force my feet to move again, carrying Chloe into Holden’s room. The scent of vanilla hangs heavy in the air here, in Holden’s personal space. After tonight, though, it will hold Chloe’s floral notes, too.

Holden’s room reflects his personality, warm, inviting, and filled with the things he loves. A bookcase dominates one wall,packed with volumes on baking, computer science, and an entire shelf dedicated to Chloe’s series, penned under the pseudonym Aurora Storm. The sight of her books nestled among Holden’s possessions drives home how much she belongs here.

Reluctant to give her up, I deposit Chloe onto Holden’s bed, the mattress dipping beneath her weight. She sinks into the plush comforter with a soft sigh, her pink hair fanning out around her head. Like this, it’s all too easy to imagine her spread out before me, open and welcoming.

Stepping back, I clear my throat. “Try to get some sleep. We’ll figure out your room in the morning.”

Her delicate features soften, her eyelids drooping with exhaustion. She appears so small and vulnerable, like a fragile flower I need to protect.

“Thank you.” She yawns and stretches, one creamy, bare leg appearing as the quilts slip to the side. “For everything.”

“You’re welcome.” I force myself to turn away from the pink dimples in her knee and come face to face with Holden.

He gives my arm a sympathetic pat as he goes to join Chloe. “Look at you, ready to fall asleep on top of the covers. Move over.”

She protests, and I can’t resist one more look back, catching her T-shirt-covered ass wiggling in the air as she tries to crawl under the blanket from the top. The front of my pants tightens, and I linger for a moment more, breath held as the T-shirt slips higher.

Before it reveals too much, though, I back out of the room, easing the door shut behind me.

---