Page 132 of Knot Only His

Aiden nods, his expression softening as he glances at Holly. “I understand. More than you realize.”

Holly catches his look and gives him that special smile I’ve seen a thousand times - the one that says everything without words.

I squeeze Parker’s hand and nod toward Freya. “I need to talk to her for a minute.”

He kisses my temple. “Take your time.”

I pull Freya aside to a secluded corner of the garden. “So... how did your heat go?”

“It was okay. The alphas weren’t—” She leans in close, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Anyway, the first test was negative, but...” Her hand drifts to her stomach. “I feel different. So I’m doing another test in a few days.”

“I’m crossing all my fingers for you.” I take her hand and lead her back to the table as Grace and Bardot join us, settling into chairs. Grace immediately launches into stories about her twins and husbands. “Lucas and Stanton are amazing fathers. Though trying to keep up with two toddlers, and my two husbands hockey schedules is exhausting.”

I watch Freya’s face as Grace talks, catching the longing in her eyes. She wants this so badly it breaks my heart.

“How are you adjusting to being an omega, Bardot?” Freya asks.

My sister shrugs. “It’s... different. The implant’s gone, but my body’s still figuring things out. Sometimes I feel like I’m learning to be a whole new person. But it’s not happening to me like it did for Harlow.”

Jagger suddenly races over, climbing into my lap. “Mom, can I have some cake now?”

My mother’s eyes light up. “Mom? Does this mean I’m officially your grandmother?”

Jagger beams. “Yeah! And I have lots of daddies now too. And aunties and grandmas and—”

“And people who love you very much.” I wrap my arms around him.

Parker stands, tapping his glass for attention. “I’d like to say something.” His gray eyes find mine across the garden. “These past months have brought more joy than I thought possible. Our pack is complete, Jagger has the family he deserves, and—”

The garden gate creaks open.

Colton steps in with his dads.

The garden falls silent as everyone turns toward Colton.

Carver surges forward, muscles tensed, but before he can reach his brother, Colton throws his arms around him.

“I’m happy for you,” Colton says, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve been watching from afar, and this pack…gives Harlow everything I never could.”

Carver stands frozen, arms rigid at his sides.

I watch the brothers, my heart aching at the tension between them. Colton’s shoulders slump as he takes a step back from Carver.

“Tell him what you told me,” one of his dads says.

“You were always meant to be his,” Colton says, his eyes meeting mine. “I knew how Carver felt about you. I just...” He runs a hand through his hair. “I thought I caught an omega scent on you. And I jumped in before he could, thinking maybe...” He blows out a breath. "And honestly Harlow, I loved you. I loved you so much I didn't care that you were an alpha. And I'm sorry I hurt you."

My fingers find Carver’s hand, squeezing gently. His jaw remains tight, muscles clenched.

“The past is done,” I breathe. “What matters now is the future we’re building. All of us.” I turn to Carver, placing my palm against his cheek. “Can you forgive him? For me?”

Carver’s blue eyes bore into mine before flickering to his brother. His chest rises with a deep breath.

“I’ll try,” he says finally. “For you. Not for him.”

The words come out rough, but I feel the slight loosening of tension in his shoulders under my touch. It’s a start.

I step forward, placing a gentle hand on Colton’s shoulder. “Would you like a drink, Colton?”

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