Page 59 of Knot Like Other Girls

I can't stop thinking about the wooden duck he carved for me. Such a small thing, but the detail, the care he put into it—it shows a side of him I don't think many people get to see. An artist's soul in a warrior's body.

He doesn't hate me.

The realization settles warm in my chest. He's just... wounded. Closed off. Hurt too many times to trust easily.

"What's that?"

Braxley's voice makes me jump. I didn't hear him come into the kitchen, too lost in my thoughts. He's staring at the wooden duck I left on the counter while cleaning up the first aid supplies.

"Oh, yeah, Cole made it for me. He's?—"

"That scarred freak made this?" Braxley picks up the carving with two fingers like it might bite him. "It's so... rustic. Definitelynot on brand. I could just buy you a better one if you like ducks so much."

Something hot and fierce flares in my chest. "Don't call him that," I snap, surprising myself with the fury in my voice. "And give it back. It's mine."

Braxley raises his eyebrows at me. "Or what?"

"Hey now." Liam's voice cuts through the tension like a knife. He materializes between us, seemingly out of nowhere. "Let's all take a step back, yeah?"

I become aware of the others then, hovering at the edges of the kitchen like wolves waiting to strike. Roman's eyes are hard, fixed on Braxley. Troy's usual easy smile is nowhere to be seen. Savva looks ready to vault over the counter at a moment's notice.

No sign of Cole, but I can feel his presence somewhere all the same.

I know, logically, that Braxley would never actually hurt me. If nothing else, he's too concerned about his image for that. But right now, with his alpha pheromones flooding the kitchen and his face twisted in anger, I'm not so sure.

"This is none of your business," Braxley snaps at Liam.

"Actually, it is." Liam's voice is calm, but there's steel underneath. "Your safety is our business. Both of you."

The air is already charged with anger and alpha pheromones. Not just from Braxley anymore, but from all of them. The Vanguard Pack's usually muted scents are stronger now, sharp with protective aggression.

Braxley's eyes dart between them, his bravado faltering as he seems to finally register just how many large, dangerous alphas are staring him down. His throat bobs as he swallows hard.

"Whatever," he mutters, practically throwing the wooden duck back onto the counter. "Keep your little... craft project. I have a video to film anyway."

I snatch up Cole's carving before Braxley can change his mind, cradling it protectively against my chest. My hands are still shaking, but it's from anger, not fear.

Braxley storms off toward his content creation room, but not before shooting me a look that's equal parts wounded and furious.

Like somehow I'm the one who embarrassed him.

The moment he's gone, some of the awkwardness bleeds out of the room. The alphas' scents settle back to their usual muted state, though I notice they're still watching me carefully.

"You alright there, lass?" Liam asks, his voice gentler than it was a moment ago. Then again, I'm not Braxley.

I nod, not trusting my voice yet. My heart is still racing, adrenaline coursing through my system with nowhere to go. I've never stood up to Braxley like that before. To any alpha, really. The rush of it leaves me feeling shaky and almost nauseated.

"Here, sit down before you fall down," Troy says, pulling out one of the kitchen chairs.

I sink into it gratefully, still clutching Cole's carving. The smooth wood is warm against my palms.

"I've never..." I start, then stop, swallowing hard. "I don't usually..."

"Stand up for yourself?" Savva supplies quietly.

I nod again, staring down at the wooden duck. The detail work is incredible—each tiny feather lovingly carved, the curve of the neck so graceful. How could anyone look at this and see anything but beauty?

When I look up, Liam is watching me with an odd expression. Like he's working something out in his head. Finally, he seems to come to a decision.

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