Page 52 of Knot Like Other Girls

I should probably be nervous. After all, I barely know this alpha, and he hasn't exactly been the friendliest. But strangely, I don't feel afraid at all. Maybe it's because I've seen the gentleness in Cole, hidden beneath his gruff exterior. Or maybe it's because some crazy part of me recognizes him as safe.

Whatever the reason, I find myself more curious than anything else. What has he been doing with that knife all this time?

As if in answer to my unspoken question, Cole turns toward me. His expression is unreadable as always, but there's a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. Like I make him nervous even though I'm just an omega.

For the first time, I notice his eyebrow is bleeding. The scarred one on the side he's kept turned away from me. Is that from his fight with Troy?

"You're bleeding," I say. "Cole?—"

"I'm fine," he says gruffly, thrusting something toward me. "Here."

I blink, surprised, and hold out my hand. Cole drops a small object into my palm, his rough fingers brushing against mine for the briefest moment. Even that fleeting touch sends a shiver down my spine.

I look down at what he's given me and gasp softly. It's a duck, carved from wood with exquisite detail. Every feather is perfectly rendered, the curve of its neck so lifelike I half expect it to move.

"Wow," I breathe, running my finger over the smooth surface. "Did you make this? Just now?"

He shrugs, looking uncomfortable. "It's nothing. Just something to pass the time."

But it's not nothing. Not to me.

This tiny wooden duck represents more than just a way to kill time. It's a gift, freely given, when I'm so used to everything in my life coming with strings attached.

And it's an answer to the question I thought he left unanswered. He's an artist. That's what he does in his spare time.

Another thing we have in common.

I cradle the duck carefully in my hands. "Thank you," I say, looking up at Cole with a smile I hope conveys even a fraction of what I'm feeling. "It's beautiful. I love it."

Cole just stares at me, and for a moment, I think he might say something else. But then he gives a short nod and turns away, moving to put some distance between us.

I watch him go, the wooden duck warm in my hands. Around me, Troy and Savva are still bickering good-naturedly, the sun is setting in a blaze of orange and pink, and the lake laps gently at the shore.

It's perfect.

As we all start heading back toward the penthouse, I realize with startling clarity that I don't want this moment to end. This moment in this peaceful bubble where I feel more like myself than I have in a long, long time.

I want to stay here forever.

CHAPTER 16

ROMAN

Ipace the length of Braxley's obscenely large living room, my jaw clenched so tight I can feel a headache building at my temples. It's been over an hour since Bella, Cole, Troy, and Savva left, and with each passing minute, my anxiety ratchets up another notch.

They should be back by now.

What if something's happened?

What if Cole lost control again?

I shake my head, trying to dislodge the spiraling thoughts. They're fine. They have to be. Troy and Savva are more than capable of handling any situation that might arise.

And Bella...

Our scent match. The omega we're supposed to protect, not fall for.

Fuck.

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