Page 89 of Seen Knot Heard

Blake unloads my heavy suitcase and tosses me the pillow. Nathaniel takes the heavy shopping bags Kyle had added to our load. As we step up to the porch, Kyle beeps the horn on the cart and zips back down the path toward his cabin by the water.

When we step into the cabin, the warm scent of vanilla cake envelops us. Holden emerges from the kitchen, his golden-brown curls disheveled and a streak of flour on his cheek. Despite the late hour, he’s been stress-baking again.

He wrings a dish towel between his hands. “Welcome home. Quinn’s already asleep, and Dominic is doing the dishes.”

“Thanks for holding down the fort. Sorry we didn’t get back in time for dinner.” Nathaniel sets the bags on the dining table and peeks inside. “Security cameras? I thought we were going to have a company set up our system.”

“I saw someone earlier.” Holden’s eyes dart to the French doors that lead out to the porch. “A figure on the path outside the kitchen. Fresh footprints leading toward the Phase Two site.”

A chill runs down my spine. I had begun to believe the person I saw outside my suite was a figment of my imagination. But if Holden also saw someone…

“Are you sure it wasn’t one of the construction staff?” Nathaniel asks.

Holden shakes his head. “I called Emily to verify. She did a headcount, and everyone was accounted for.”

Blake’s jaw tightens, his long hair falling loose from its bun as he runs a hand through it. “This isn’t good. We need to be on high alert.”

While they discuss potential security measures, guilt washes over me. I’ve brought this danger to their doorstep, to this pack that’s shown me nothing but kindness. I bow my head, my pink hair falling forward to screen my face and hide the tears threatening to spill.

A gentle hand on my shoulder startles me, and my head lifts to meet Nathaniel’s dark brown eyes. “We’re in this together. Don’t blame yourself.”

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

Blake studies the darkness just outside the spill of light cast by the Homestead. “It’s too dark to install the temporary cameras tonight.”

My heart sinks, and I wrap my arms around myself, wishing I was wearing one of my comforting onesies to hide in. “So we’re completely vulnerable?”

“Not completely, but we’re exposed.” Blake runs a hand through his loose hair, his muscular arms flexing with the movement. “We need to take immediate action.”

He paces, his long legs taking him across the room and back. “I propose we rotate a night patrol. At least until we can get those cameras up and running.”

“Agreed.” Nathaniel’s finger traces the silver ring on his right hand. “We can’t afford to take any chances. Blake, you should camp out with Quinn tonight.”

Blake nods in agreement. “Sprinkles can sleep in there, too.”

Holden steps forward. “I can take the first shift. Not like I’ll be sleeping anytime soon.”

As they discuss the logistics, my guilt grows heavier, settling in my chest like a lead weight. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t come here?—”

Blake steps to my side in an instant, his large hand engulfing mine. “Don’t even think about finishing that sentence. You’re pack now, and we protect our own.”

The reminder that we’re officially courting, that we’ll form a bond when my Heat comes, spreads warmth through me. I’m so lucky to have found these Alphas, and I won’t let anything bad happen to them.

“Come on.” Blake grabs the handle of my suitcase. “Let’s bring your stuff upstairs while they figure out a schedule for tonight.”

Blake’s hand settles warmly on my back as he guides me up the stairs, my suitcase rolling behind us. The knotted wooden banister slides beneath my hand, the wood warm.

Everything about this cabin was designed to feel like it has existed for generations, a home to welcome guests. But despite the cozy atmosphere, I can’t shake the unease clinging to me.

We reach the second floor, and Blake leads me into the family quarters and to my room.

He sets my suitcase beside the bed before turning to face me, his golden-brown eyes searching mine. “Are you going to be all right?”

I bite my lip, looking away as the sting of tears threatens again. “I just… seeing Louie again…” My throat tightens with emotion. “It brought back so many memories. The anger, the fear, the helplessness. And now, someone on the island…”

A tear escapes, trailing down my cheek, and Blake reaches out to wipe it away with his thumb. “I can’t imagine what you went through with him, but you’re safe now. I won’t let him hurt you again.”

“I know.” I lean into his touch, the smoked applewood and cider of his pheromones offering comfort. “It’s just hard not to think that I’m putting everyone in danger by being here.”

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