Page 35 of Knot My Luck

Then he sniffs.

Panic lances through me like a lightning strike. My entire body locks up, fight-or-flight instincts screaming at me tomove.

I know that look.

Iknowwhat’s about to happen if I don’t act.

If I let him get any closer.

So I do the only thing I can.

I run.

I rip myself from his grasp so fast it shocks him, my breath coming in sharp, panicked gasps as I dart backward through the dancers.

“Devlin—”

I don’t wait to hear the rest. I shove past a couple twirling too close, nearly trip over the edge of the dance floor, and bolt for the nearest exit.

I hear footsteps behind me.

Too fast.

Too strong.

I push harder, bursting into the cool night air, my lungs burning, my scent spilling out in waves I can’t control anymore.

I don’t stop.

I can’t.

Because I know if they catch me, I won’t be running anymore.

SEVEN

Cathal

As I watch Devlin disappear into the night, her scent – a potent mix of heat and fear that’s sending my alpha into overdrive – lingers in the air. My heart races, and without thinking, I sprint after her.

Before I can get far, a hand grabs my shoulder, yanking me back. I whirl around to face Lorcan and Tadhg, their faces etched with frustration.

“Why the hell were you dancing with her?” Lorcan snaps.

I shrug off his grip, glaring. “Because I wanted to. Got a problem with that?”

Tadhg steps between us, his expression tense. “Cathal, this isn’t the time?—”

“Back off,” I growl. “She’s my scent match. My mate.”

They exchange a weary look.

“We know,” Lorcan mutters.

I freeze, confusion and anger boiling over. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

Lorcan sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I met her on St. Patrick’s Day. We…connected. I didn’t know who she was.”

Rage blinds me, and before I can think, my fist connects with his jaw. He stumbles back, clutching his face.

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