Page 52 of Knot Only His

Chapter 13

Parker

I stare at Harlow’s office door, my knuckles white as I clench my fist. The pack’s voices echo in my head—their arguments for why I should be the one to approach her about this.

“She responds best to you,” Asher had said. “And Jagger adores her.”

My nephew. Everything I do is for him and now Social Services are pushing for a “proper family environment.” A legal pack structure would solve that problem instantly.

It helps that Jagger lights up around her, making her the obvious candidate. But asking her to pretend to be part of our pack? To essentially lie? My stomach churns at the thought that her answer lies on me.

I raise my fist to knock, hesitating as doubt creeps in.

What if she says no?

What if this ruins the easy rapport we’ve built?

What if—

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Asher’s name flashes across the screen. I take three quick steps away from her door before answering.

“What is it?”

“You need to come to the clinic. Now.” Asher’s voice carries that edge of urgency I’ve learned never to ignore.

“I was about to—”

“Now, Parker.”

I glance back at Harlow’s door, torn between duties. But Asher’s tone leaves no room for argument.

“On my way.” I stride down the hallway, my shoes pounding against the polished floor.

The conversation with Harlow will have to wait.

I push through the clinic doors, finding Asher pacing with his phone pressed to his ear. His usual calm demeanor is gone and replaced by tense shoulders and a furrowed brow.

“Just get here, Olly. Now.” He ends the call and rakes his fingers through his hair.

“What’s the issue?” I lean against the table, crossing my arms. Something about his energy sets my teeth on edge.

Asher stays by the window, his back to me. The early afternoon sun casts his shadow long across the floor. “Did you know Carver Sinclair is here in Los Angeles?”

“I know Pierre is talking to him.” I keep my voice neutral, though my gut tightens at the name.

He turns, his face grim. “I’ve heard from good authority that he’s playing for us next season. That he is on the verge of signing.”

“Okay. He's a brilliant player. ” I draw the words out, waiting for the other shoe to drop. There has to be more to this emergency than a potential new player.

The door swings open and Oliver strides in, his practice gear still on. “What’s the emergency?”

“Carver Sinclair—” Asher starts, but Oliver cuts him off with a sharp gesture.

I watch Asher raise his hand, silencing whatever Oliver was about to say. “He came here for her.”

“Harlow,” I murmur, my mind racing. “But he’s her ex’s brother.”

Asher’s laugh holds no humor. “Think about it. You said it yourself. You know he wanted her. And remember all those team parties? While Colton was working the room, who was always by her side?”

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