Page 71 of Knot Like Other Girls

A surprised laugh escapes me. "Are you calling Roman stupid?"

The corner of Cole's mouth twitches in what might be the ghost of a smile. "Roman's a lot of things, but stupid isn't one of them. He's scared too. He just hides it better."

I turn to look at him fully, struck by the raw honesty in his voice. He glances away, down at his hands, as if his knuckles are suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. "How do you do it?" I ask. "How do you keep going when you're terrified?"

He's quiet for a long moment, and I start to think he's not going to answer. But then he says, "You acknowledge the fear. You let yourself feel it. And then you use it."

"Use it?" I echo, not quite understanding.

He nods. "Fear can paralyze you if you let it. Or it can sharpen your senses, make you more aware. More alive." His eyes meet mine, intense and unblinking. "Fear means you have something to lose. Something worth fighting for."

His words resonate deep in my chest. I think about my family, about the life I thought I wanted. And then I think about the Vanguard Pack. About the way they make me feel seen and valued in a way I never have before.

"I don't want to lose this," I whisper, not even sure what 'this' is exactly. This newfound strength? This sense of possibility? This connection I feel with five alphas I barely know?

And yet I feel like I've known them my entire life.

Cole's hand twitches, like he wants to reach out and touch me. But he holds himself back, his jaw clenching. "Then don't," he says simply. "Fight for it."

I nod, feeling something settle in my chest. A resolve I didn't know I possessed. "I will," I promise, as much to myself as to him.

We sit there in companionable silence for a while and I find myself studying his profile, tracing the lines of scar tissue I can see from this angle. I want to ask him about them, about the story behind his white hair and haunted eyes. But I know he's not ready to share that yet.

Maybe someday.

"I should go," Cole says abruptly, pushing himself to his feet. "Patrol to run."

I nod, trying to ignore the pang of disappointment I feel at his departure. "Of course. Thank you, Cole. For everything."

He pauses, looking back at me. His harsh features soften. "You're going to be okay, Bella," he says softly. "I promise."

And then he's gone, melting back into the shadows like he was never there. But the warmth of his presence lingers, chasing away some of the fear that's been gnawing at my insides.

The rest is going to be up to me, though.

I'm tired of being a pawn in someone else's game. Tired of letting fear and obligation dictate my choices.

It's time to start fighting for what I want.

Even if I'm not entirely sure what that is yet.

CHAPTER 22

BELLA

It's been a full day since I learned about Heather's threats, and the knowledge sits like a lead weight in my stomach. Every shadow, every unexpected noise makes me jump. I find myself constantly looking over my shoulder, wondering if today will be the day she tries again.

But today, I push those dark thoughts aside.

Because today, I finally get to see Skye.

My best friend braved LA traffic just to have coffee with me. The fact that she was willing to do that means more than I can say. It's been far too long since I've seen a friendly face that doesn't come with a pile of complications and existential panic.

As I walk into the quiet coffee shop, flanked by Troy, Liam, and Savva, I can't help but smile. They're trying so hard to be inconspicuous, but it's a lost cause. Their massive frames and intense presence draw curious stares from other patrons. Especially Savva, who looks like he just stepped out of a GQ photoshoot in his perfectly tailored suit.

I spot Skye immediately. Her purple-tipped hair stands out, even here. When she sees me, her face lights up, and she practically leaps out of her chair to engulf me in a hug.

"Oh my God, Bella!" she squeals, squeezing me tight. "I've missed you so much!"

---