Page 48 of Knot Like Other Girls

And worse, I'm outmatched.

Because as much as I hate to admit it, Bella's presence is already calming me down. The rage that's been my constant companion is receding, replaced by something I'm not ready to name.

With a defeated growl, I push off from the wall and stalk out of the alley, their eyes boring into my back the whole time. I don't need to look back at them to feel them.

Troy's wary looks.

Savva's calculating stare.

And worst of all, Bella's concerned gaze.

I keep my head down, my scarred side turned away from her. She doesn't need to see more of the monster than she already has.

But her scent… fuck, her scent.

It wraps around me like a goddamn blanket, soothing the jagged edges of my soul. For the first time in years, I feel something other than anger and self-loathing.

And that terrifies me more than anything.

Because shit like that can fuck you over in ways that even fire and shrapnel can't touch.

CHAPTER 15

BELLA

The walk back to the penthouse feels like it's taking forever. Cole stalks ahead of us, his shoulders hunched, radiating chaotic energy with every step. Savva and Troy flank him like wary sheepdogs, ready to intervene if he decides to bolt again.

I just trail behind, feeling utterly useless and increasingly worried.

What happened to Cole? What could have possibly broken him so thoroughly that he'd rather punch walls and his own packmate than face... what?

Us?

Me?

The thought sends a pang through my chest. I barely know this man, this alpha. But seeing him in pain affects me more than I care to admit. Maybe it's because I recognize something in him. A kindred spirit, someone else who feels trapped and out of place in this glittering, superficial world.

As we near the penthouse, a sudden urge grips me. I can't let this end here. Can't let Cole retreat back into himself without at least trying to help. Before I can second-guess myself, I speak up.

"Wait," I say, my voice sounding small even to my own ears. The alphas turn to look at me, surprise clear on their faces. I swallow hard and continue, speaking up. "Maybe... maybe we don't have to go back just yet?"

Cole's one visible eye narrows, suspicion replacing the blank mask he's been wearing. "What do you mean?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I know a place. A park, not far from here. It's beautiful, and usually pretty empty this time of day. There's a lake with ducks and..." I trail off, suddenly feeling stupid.

What am I thinking?

These are trained soldiers.

Not a group of friends out for a picnic.

But to my surprise, Savva and Troy exchange a look that seems hopeful.

"That sounds nice, doesn't it, Cole?" Troy says, his tone carefully light. "A bit of fresh air might do us all some good."

Cole's jaw clenches, and for a moment, I think he's going to refuse. But then he gives a stiff nod and mutters to me, almost under his breath, "If it'll make you happy." Then he glances at Troy and Savva and adds, "And if it'll make you two assholes leave me the fuck alone for once."

The relief that washes over me is so intense it's almost dizzying. I offer Cole a small smile, which he doesn't return, but he doesn't scowl either.

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