Page 23 of Knot Only His

Asher continues cleaning my split lip, his touch gentle but professional. The familiar scent of antiseptic fills my nostrils, and almost—yet not quite—masking that lingering tropical perfume that followed me home.

“What did she look like?” Oliver asks, completely ignoring the fact I’m getting medical attention.

I poke my tongue out and lick over my stinging lip. “She wore a mask.”

“Blonde, redhead, brunette?” He leans forward, elbows on his knees.

I glare at him. “What does it matter? I never got to talk to her. Not properly, anyway.”

“What did she sound like?”

“Oliver, what is it with you?” Asher gives Oliver a puzzled look.

But Oliver continues, “Why were you bothered that the guy was pestering her—”

“Yeah. Isn’t that what the club is about? Quick hookups?” Asher says.

Oliver adds. “Why did you do that, though?”

“He was bad news. I sensed it.”

“Or was it the omega?” Oliver’s mouth curves into a knowing smile.

“She claimed she was an alpha.” The memory of her launching herself at the guy makes me chuckle despite my sore jaw.

“And you stepped in to protect her.” Asher’s careful movements pause as he considers that. “That’s not like you.”

“Yeah, what happened to ‘I don’t have time for an omega?” Oliver mimics my voice.

“There was just something about her.” I close my eyes, remembering turquoise eyes behind that black mask. “I couldn’t let him hurt her.”

Oliver and Asher exchange a look that speaks volumes.

“What?” I growl.

“Nothing.” Oliver grins. “Just nice to see you are actually interested in an omega for once.”

"Like I said, she claimed she was an alpha."

Oliver laughs. "That's not an alpha's perfume on you. Those pheromones are definitely from an omega. Tell me more about her."

“She said she was staying in LA, but not for long.” I touch my tender jaw. “She told the guy harassing her she was just here for aknot because her alpha boyfriend cheated. Had an East Coast accent. Boston, maybe?”

“Boston?” Oliver’s eyes light up. There’s a slight grin on his face. “What else do you remember?”

I close my eyes, trying to recall details through the haze of adrenaline and that intoxicating scent. “Her friend pulled her away after the fight. Called her—” The name floats just out of reach. “Harlow, I think—”

“Harlow!” Oliver leaps up, scrambling for his phone. His fingers fly across the screen before he thrusts it in my face. “Is this her?”

I squint at the photo, trying to match it with the masked woman from the club. The same dark waves, those gorgeous eyes. “It could be.”

“That’s my omega. Our omega. I told her once, and she laughed in my face.” Oliver’s voice trembles with excitement. “That’s Colton Sinclair’s girlfriend. She claims she’s an alpha, but she isn’t—”

“Colton Sinclair?” My head snaps up. “The New York hockey player?”

Oliver nods vigorously.

“She was definitely looking for a knot tonight.” The memory of her words makes my alpha stir again. “But even then, she insisted she was an alpha.”

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