Page 73 of Knot Like Other Girls

"It wasn't," I protest, a bit more firmly this time. "He was stressed out, so we went to the park to cool off. That's all."

Skye's eyebrows shoot up. "Okay, back up. You're going to need to explain that one. Because you know how I feel about alphas who need to 'cool off.'"

So I do. I tell her about finding Cole in the alley, about patching him up afterward. As I talk, I can't help but notice the way Skye's expression changes. She's looking at me like she's seeing me for the first time.

"What?" I ask, self-conscious under her scrutiny.

"Nothing," she says, but her tone tells me it's definitely not nothing. "It's just... the way you talk about him. About all of them, really. I've never heard you sound like this before."

I fidget with the lid of my latte cup, not sure how to respond. "They're just... they're good guys, Skye. They've been through so much, and they still manage to be kind and protective and..."

"Sexy as hell?" Skye supplies with a grin.

I laugh, feeling some of the tightness ease from my shoulders. "Yeah, that too."

Skye's expression turns serious again. "Can I ask you something? And I want you to be honest with me, okay?"

I nod, a bit wary of what's coming.

"Do you have feelings for them?"

The question hits me like a punch to the gut. I open my mouth to deny it, to laugh it off, but the words stick in my throat.

Because the truth is, I don't know.

What I feel for the Vanguard Pack is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It's not just attraction, though God knows they're all unfairly gorgeous. It's deeper than that. A connection that feels almost... fated.

"I... I don't know," I admit finally. "It's all so confusing. I mean, I'm engaged. Or almost engaged. I shouldn't be having these feelings."

Skye reaches across the table to take my hand. "Bella, honey, listen to me. You don't owe Braxley anything. You didn't ask to be in a relationship with him. I get that these alphas aren't 'normal,' but nothing about this situation is normal."

I shake my head, feeling overwhelmed. "It's not that simple. And it isn't about normalcy, it's just…" I trail off, losing my train of thought. I'm not even sure what I was about to say before I got lost.

It's just what? My family who doesn't even like me half the time? Obligations and expectations?

"No," Skye agrees. "It's not simple. But nothing worth having ever is." She squeezes my hand. "Just... promise me you'll think about it, okay? Really think about what you want, not what everyone else wants for you."

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I promise."

We sit in companionable silence for a moment, both lost in our own thoughts. Then Skye's eyes light up with that mischievous glint I know all too well.

"So," she says, a grin spreading across her face. "Tell me more about Cole. I couldn't find any pictures of him online other than one ancient one from when he was in basic training. What's his deal?"

I hesitate, not sure how much to share. Cole's past isn't mine to tell, but I also know Skye won't let this go. "He... was injured," I say carefully. "I don't really know how, but I know he was in the military like the rest of the Vanguard Pack. He has some pretty severe scarring."

Skye's expression softens. "Oh, shit. Is that why I couldn't find any recent pictures?"

I nod. "Yeah, he avoids cameras like the plague. The scars are just part of it. He's been through a lot, I think. More than any of the others, maybe."

Skye leans in, her eyes alight with interest. "But he made you that duck. That's got to mean something, right?"

I sigh, glancing down at the wooden carving that's still cradled in my hands. The lines of the feathers ground me as I rub the pad of my thumb over them. "I don't know. Maybe. It's hard to tell with Cole. One minute he's opening up, and the next he's shutting down completely."

Just then, Savva walks past our table for what must be the third time in the last fifteen minutes. His eyes scan the coffee shop with laser focus, but I catch the way his gaze lingers on me for just a fraction of a second longer than necessary.

"Girl," Skye says, fanning herself dramatically, "if you don't want these alphas, I will gladly take them off your hands. Especially Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Sophisticated over there."

I can't help but laugh at her antics. "Skye!"

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