Page 61 of Knot Only His

“Yeah? And Carver?” The name slips from my lips before I can stop myself.

Her face reddens further, those captivating eyes meeting mine with a mix of shock and something deeper—maybe fear or recognition. Maybe I got too close to the truth.

“What do you mean?” Her voice is low now, edged with uncertainty.

“Just wondering how far that situation goes,” I reply lightly, but there’s tension hanging between us.

“It’s...” She shifts on her feet, arms folding defensively across her chest. “It was just…complicated.”

“You don’t seem complicated,” I counter softly. “Just…real.”

“I’m not.” A smile creeps back onto her face as she studies me like I’m some kind of puzzle she wants to solve. “Complicated, that is.”

Around us, the atmosphere thickens with words I want to ask her, answers I’m sure she’ll skate around.

“Good, so is that a date?” Asher interrupts.

“Fine,” she relents finally, breathless excitement slipping into her tone. “But if Freya gets too wild, it’s on you. She might bring a cake.”

“Cake. I’m already in love with her. Deal.”

She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

For now, I’ll let Harlow think what she wants. I’ll do anything to spend more time with her, even if it means we have to spend time with an omega who wants a pack.

When all my pack wants is the omega hidden in plain sight.

Later that night, I open the door for Harlow, holding out my hand for her to take. She hesitates for a moment, those beautiful eyes darting to my face.

Goosebumps ripple across my skin as she slides her palm against mine and I feel an electric spark at our touch.

She’s wearing wide-legged trousers and a bandeau top in a vibrant lime green that emphasizes her dark hair and the turquoise-green in her eyes.

Gorgeous doesn’t quite capture it; she’s like a fresh breath of spring, bursting with life in this summer heat.

Freya tumbles out of the backseat and glances around as if the world outside could swallow her whole, which is a stark contrast to the constant chatter that filled the car on the journey here.

Freya’s cute though—freckles dance across her nose—but tonight’s outfit leaves much to be desired: bibbed jeans and mismatched boots ill-suited for a night out in a cocktail bar.

“Ready to dazzle?” Freya nudges Harlow with a grin, and I can’t help but smile at their camaraderie.

Harlow hugs her tightly. “I’ll be right by your side all night.”

They make their way toward the entrance, and I follow closely behind. The warmth between them settles something deep inside me.

Inside, Parker and Asher wave from a booth in the corner. Harlow flashes a meek smile at Parker before sliding into the seat next to him.

“Glad you made it!” Parker grins, his presence calm yet, as always, commanding.

Asher leans back with that trademark ease of his. “Kai here is a man of few words.”

Harlow cocks her head at Coach, intrigued. “Is that your first name?”

“It is,” Parker replies, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Interesting,” she says playfully.

He chuckles softly. “Most just call me Coach or Parker.”

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