Page 69 of Knot Only His

“No…” But my body makes this involuntary shudder, and I’m not sure anymore of who I am. “And it felt amazing. Like I was floating on a cloud and at that moment, only Carver and I existed.”

She gives me a knowing smile and I’m expecting her to say something profound, but she says, “I’ll get those cookies.”

An hour later, I slide into Coach Parker’s sleek black Mercedes, the leather cool against my bare legs.

Palm trees sway against a perfect blue sky on the drive from downtown to his home.

“Beautiful up here,” I say, as the car winds through the hills, offering glimpses of the sprawling city below and the mansions dotting the landscape. “You’re near to where Carver lives.”

His hands tighten on the steering wheel. “How’s that situation going?”

“Complicated.” I shift in my seat.

“How so?”

“I was dating his brother, Colton.”

“I know.”

“Oh. Yeah.”

“What happened with Colton?” he asks. “And Carver?”

I’m done sugar coating Colton’s betrayal, and say, “He cheated on me with an omega. And I slept with Carver for revenge but...” I trail off, breathing in deeply.

A familiar scent of coconut and pineapple fills the car, making my head spin. I inhale again, side eyeing Kai.

“But?”

“It became more.” I rub my nipple through my shirt, the metal bar seems to be sending sharp pains through my breast.

“You okay?” His gray eyes flick to my chest, then back to the road.

“Think my piercing might be infected. Probably need to take it out for a few days.” The throbbing intensifies, and I squirm in my seat.

The scent grows stronger in the enclosed space. My mind flashes to Club Midnight, to masked faces and the hand that pushed me behind him to stop the alpha from hurting me.

“That night in Club Midnight?” The words slip out before I can stop them.

He looks at me sharply. “How did you recognize me?”

My throat goes dry. I can’t tell him it’s his scent and that it has sharpened as we sit so close and in such a small space. “I don’t know. But I want to say thank you.”

The air between us crackles with tension as we climb higher into the hills. “You’re welcome. And thank you for this.”

My heart pounds against my ribs as I think about what I have to do. “What exactly should I do when the social worker arrives?”

“Just be yourself.” Kai keeps his eyes on the winding road. “Though I might need to show you some affection. Put my arm around you, kiss your cheek. Make it look real.”

“Okay.” The word comes out breathy. I clear my throat. “And Jagger? Won’t he give the game away that this is all pretend?”

“He won’t.” Kai’s voice stays steady, certain. “The pack coached him while we were in Vegas. He understands what’s at stake.”

My fingers twist in my lap. “What does he think is happening?”

The car slows as we approach a traffic light. Kai turns to face me, his gray eyes intense. “He thinks you’re going to be his mommy. That we’re binding as a pack.”

My throat suddenly dries and I swallow hard. The implications hit me hard. This sweet little boy believes I’m staying, that I’m becoming part of their family. The weight of his expectations settles heavily in my chest.

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