Page 72 of Knot Like Other Girls

I hug her back just as fiercely, realizing how touch-starved I've been. Braxley isn't exactly the cuddly type, and the alphas...

Well, that's complicated.

As we pull apart, Skye's eyes widen as she takes in my escort. She practically chokes on the latte she just took a sip of. "Holy shit," she whispers to me, her eyes darting between Troy, Liam, and Savva. "My stalking did not do them justice."

I can't help but laugh at her expression. It's a mix of awe and unbridled lust. "Down, girl," I tease. "They're here to protect us, not to be ogled."

"Speak for yourself," Skye mutters, her eyes fixed on Savva as he approaches the counter to order. Even I have to admit, he manages to make ordering a simple espresso look like a scene from an art film. His long fingers gesture gracefully as he speaks to the barista, his voice a melodious rumble.

Troy, never one to miss an opportunity, catches Skye staring and throws her a playful wink. I watch in amusement as my usually unflappable friend blushes furiously, nearly knocking over her latte in her flustered state.

As I order my own latte and we settle into our seats, I can't help but notice the way Liam prowls the perimeter of the coffee shop. He looks like a tattooed warrior god, all rippling muscles and intense focus. More than one patron nearly walks into a table, too distracted by his presence to watch where they're going.

"So," Skye says, leaning in close once she's recovered from her initial shock. "Spill. What's really going on? You look... different."

I blink, surprised by her observation. "Different how?"

She studies me for a moment, her head tilted to the side. "I don't know. You're carrying yourself differently. There's a sparkin your eyes that wasn't there before. But you also seem... tense. Like you're ready to bolt at any second."

I let out a shaky breath. Leave it to Skye to see right through me. "That obvious, huh?"

She reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. "Only to someone who knows you as well as I do. Now come on, tell me everything."

So I do. Over lattes—and Skye's not-so-subtle ogling of the alphas—I fill her in on everything that's happened. The behind-the-scenes details of the assassination attempt in Spain, the threats from Heather, my growing doubts about marrying Braxley. And, because I can never hide anything from Skye, my confusion and guilt over how close I'm getting to the Vanguard Pack.

Skye, being Skye, doesn't hold back her opinions. "Okay, let me get this straight," she says, her voice low but intense. "You've got a psycho ex of Braxley's trying to kill you, a fiancé who cares more about his follower count than your safety, and five smoking hot alphas who are literally willing to die to protect you. And you're confused about what to do?"

I wince at her blunt assessment. "It's not that simple, Skye."

"Isn't it?" she challenges. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks pretty damn clear. Braxley is a self-absorbed asshat who cares more about his followers than your safety. These guys?" She jerks her thumb toward Troy, who's pretending to be very interested in the pastry display. "They actually seem to give a shit about you."

I can't argue with her logic, but still, I hesitate. "But my family?—"

"Fuck your family," Skye interrupts, her eyes flashing. "I'm sorry, Bella, but they don't get to pimp you out to the highest bidder just because they can't manage their own finances."

Her words hit me like a slap, but I know she's right. I've known it for a while now, but hearing it said out loud makes it impossible to ignore.

"Tell me about them," Skye says, her voice softer now. "The alphas. What are they really like?"

I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "They're... amazing. Complicated in their own ways, but amazing." I tell her about my training sessions with Liam, how he's teaching me to defend myself. How Troy always knows how to make me laugh, even on my darkest days. How Savva can make even the most mundane task look elegant.

"And what about the other two who are stuck on Braxleysitting duty?" Skye prompts. "Roman and... Cole, right?"

I nod, a strange warmth spreading through my chest at the mention of their names. "Roman is the Vanguard Pack's leader. He's intense, always so focused on keeping everyone safe. But there are moments when I see this softness in him, this vulnerability he tries so hard to hide."

"And Cole?" Skye asks, leaning in closer.

I hesitate, not sure how to describe the enigma that is Cole. "He's... probably the most complicated," I say finally, trying to come up with a way to describe him without betraying his privacy. "He keeps to himself most of the time. Doesn't talk much. I thought he hated me. But he carved me this." I pull the wooden duck out of my purse, where I've been carrying it like a talisman.

Skye's eyes widen as she takes in the intricate details of the carving. "Holy shit, Bella. It's beautiful." She looks up at me, a knowing glint in her eye. "He made this for you?"

I nod, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "Yeah. At that park I love."

She waggles her eyebrows at me. "You went to that romantic little park with a Vanguard alpha?"

"It wasn't like that," I mumble.

"Sure," she says in a clearly disbelieving tone.

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