Page 68 of Knot Your Baby

“Take it.”

“No, keep talking.”

But she’s already scooped up Rosie’s ball, launching it down the beach.

“Miller,” I answer, a grumble in my voice.

“Jeez, you’re grouchy today,” Thorne replies.

“I was having a conversation with Freya and you interrupted it.”

“About what?”

“You promise to keep this a secret?”My head tips back and I stare at the blue sky.

“Nothing. It’s fine. What do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

“I’m forewarning you. I’m considering having Freya investigated.”

“Why the hell would you do that?”

I watch Freya chase after Rosie. Her hair looks more golden than red in the sunlight. Stone snuggles against my chest, his tiny fingers curled into my shirt.

“Because…” Thorne’s voice crackles through the phone. “There’s something about her. I can’t shake it off. The way she looks at me sometimes, like she knows something I don’t.”

I stroke Stone’s dark, fine hair. “Maybe it’s because she’s your omega.”

The line goes silent. I can almost see Thorne sitting back in his leather chair, processing my words.

“Do you think that?” His voice comes out rough when he finally answers.

“What if she is, Thorne? And everything you’re doing is going to drive her away. Have you thought about that? Have you thought about how your actions might harm this pack?”

He barks out a laugh. “She’s stalked me for years. I doubt investigating her is going to change her psycho ways.”

“Don’t call her that.” My grip tightens on the phone. “You know what it was like. You were that psycho once. You went back to that restaurant where you thought you smelled your scent match for years afterward.”

“I got over it in the end.”

“And so will Freya.” I sigh, watching Freya throw the ball again for Rosie. Her laugh carries across the beach when Rosie shakes her body and covers her in sand. “She’s coming off her inhibitors. We’ll smell her actual scent soon.”

“And then you’ll realize I’m right.” Thorne’s voice holds that smug certainty I’ve come to hate lately.

“You know what, Thorne? Maybe you’re scared. Scared that the one omega who’s been right under your nose all this time might actually be yours. And instead of facing that possibility, you’d rather destroy her.” I disconnect before he can respond.

Freya walks back to me, sand clinging to her bare feet, Rosie strolling beside her, nuzzling her face against Freya’s hand.

My breath catches. She’s beautiful in the most natural way - no pretense, no facade.

“So where were we?” I ask, reaching for her free hand.

“I can’t remember.” Her eyes dance with mischief.

“Maybe we need to jump to this, then.” I pull her close, mindful of Stone sleeping against my chest, and press my lips to hers. She tastes like sunshine, salt, and strawberries.

When I pull back, her fingers drift to her lips, surprise written across her features. Then that brilliant smile breaks across her face. “You’re a nice kisser.”

“Then I’m going to do it again.”

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