Page 53 of Knot Only His

"Carver is known as the ice-man, he keeps everyone at an arm’s length, but not her. He gravitated to Harlow at every event," Olivier starts. "I used to watch him. He’d lean in close when she spoke. His eyes always tracked her movements whenever she was around. Even the charity gala last year,” Oliver continues. “Colton disappeared with some sponsors, but Carver stayed with her all night.”

“And I was in New York at the time and attended his brother’s rookie draft party,” Asher adds. “She was sick, and Carver took her home instead of staying for his brother’s celebrations.”

“And now he is here.” My voice lowers as I wonder if we've missed our opportunity. "For her."

Oliver waves his hand dismissively. “Not just her. He’s here because we’re the better team.”

I shake my head, remembering countless conversations with Pierre, our owner. “Pierre’s been after Carver since he was a rookie, but he always refused to leave New York.”

“He didn’t want to leave her,” Asher says quietly. “His brother’s girlfriend.”

Oliver’s face drains of color as the implications sink in. “I thought he would never go there. Touch his brother's ex-girlfriend.” Asher and I turn to Oliver. “And he knows she's an omega. Probably, he’s the only other person who does know she’s an omega.”

“How do you know?” Asher asks Oliver.

“Remember, I told you to believe in me. When I asked you to not leave this pack. That our omega was so close. It was always her."

Asher nods.

“But Carver also knew. And he knows that I know,” Oliver says.

I scrub my hand over my stubble jaw, feeling the roughness against my palm. “And he wants her.”

Oliver smiles. “But even Carver knows she’ll need a pack.”

“I like Carver as a hockey player, but not as a pack mate,” I growl.

Oliver sighs. “Her scent is powerful to us. She inhaled you at the club so she likes how this pack smells. But what if Carver’s smell is the same to her?”

I shake my head as Asher pulls the blind to the side, peering out the window. “I’m expecting them back from lunch any minute now.”

“What the fuck!” Oliver bellows.

“Yeah, they went for lunch together. He picked her up in a Porsche.” Asher’s voice has a hint of resignation but is soon covered as the roar of an engine rattles the windows.

Carver’s sleek sports car pulls up.

“How much is he fucking signing up for?” Oliver hisses, his eyes glued to the scene unfolding outside.

Carver steps out, walks to the passenger side, and opens the door for Harlow, his movements tender and attentive as he takes her hand.

They stand together. Carver’s palms cup her cheeks as he speaks to her, and when he presses a soft kiss to her lips, there’s a collective groan from us.

Harlow nods as she turns and walks back to the office. Carver’s eyes are on her the entire time.

Harlow glances up at the window, her eyes meeting ours briefly before she looks back at Carver, and back to us.

Carver looks at where she was looking and when he sees us, he gives us a casual wave as a smug grin spreads across his face.

She’s not his. She is ours.

Taking a deep breath, I turn to Asher and Oliver. “I’m going to go talk to her.” I know I need to tread carefully, but Harlow isour omega, our missing piece.

I wish I realized how much I wanted her before now. Especially as Carver’s claim on her is undeniable.

Asher nods, his brow furrowed in concern. “Be gentle with her, Kai.”

I offer him a reassuring smile. “I know. I’ll handle this.”

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