Page 11 of Knot Only His

Harlow sits up, drawing her knees to her chest. “You’re not like other alphas. That’s why I...” She pauses, biting her lip. “Maybe that’s why I’ve always felt so comfortable with you.”

“Don’t underestimate my kindness toward you as being a weak alpha.” My heart pounds in my chest as I hold her gaze. “I held back for one reason only.”

“Because I was?” she answers. I nod, but she already knows. “I suspect it was also because you never wanted Colton to believe I was an omega while we were together.”

“I didn’t. He’d have claimed you, and you’d have let him.”

She swallows and presses her head against her knees, realizing what that meant. “Oh my God.”

I murmur under my breath. “So, where does that leave us?”

“I don’t know.” She looks at me, her expression conflicted before she glances away. “It wouldn’t be right. Colton is my ex-boyfriend, and you’re his brother. I can’t do that to him.”

The words sting, but I knew this was a possibility.

I nod slowly, trying to tamp down the disappointment. “I understand.” Not that it’ll stop me, but I need to stay calm.

An uneasy silence falls between us before she stands up and strolls to the door.

“Harlow, wait.”

“I should go,” she murmurs, holding the handle, glancing back. Her eyes shining with unshed tears.

I should let her go. We should put some distance between us before I do something I might regret.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “If only I was an omega. If only you weren’t my ex’s brother.”

I give her a sad smile. “I’m sorry too.”

With that, she steps out of the room. My heart thuds against my chest as she closes the door behind her.

Moments later, I stride after her. But as I reach the door, I lean against it, trying to process everything that just happened. And how I deal with everything.

Let her go.

Part of me wants to follow and fight for her, to convince her we’re meant to be together. But I know Harlow. She’s loyal to a fault, and the thought of hurting Colton would be enough to keep her from pursuing anything with me.

Despite how much he hurt her.

And as much as it pains me, I have to respect her decision until she is ready. I want my omega now, but not at the expense of her not wanting me.

I push off the door and head back to my bed, wondering if I’ll ever get a chance.

What if this is it? My chance with her.

Or what if she secretly knows she is an omega, and she is testing me?

Do I fight for what I want, or am I prepared to walk away?

Before I have time to think about what I’m doing, I head down the corridor and push on her bedroom door.

Harlow looks up at me, her red-rimmed eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“He deserves nothing from you,” I tell her.

“I know.” She hiccups back a sob. “Can you hold me?”

Without a word, I dash to her, pulling her into my arms.

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