Page 81 of Knot Your Baby

“They’re not my pack.” The words come out sharper than intended, bitter on my tongue like too strong coffee. I know it sounds harsh, so I soften it for Miller and Zane’s sake. “You have a pack, Harlow. I’m living here because my elevator broke.”

Thorne grunts, the sound rumbling through the room like a distant thunder ready to roll in. His moss-green eyes fix on me with a strange look that makes my skin prickle and goosebumps pop over my flesh.

Harlow wriggles off Asher’s knee and scoops up my son, who is in Zane’s arms, cooing at him as she carries him to Asher. “We really need to give Jagger some siblings.”

“Can’t wait.” Asher’s eyes sparkle as he takes my son in his arms, looking at him like he so desperately wants one of his own, and then his gaze turns back to her.

My heart plunges so low it feels like it hit the floor. I want that. I want what Harlow has. Where every alpha wants something with her.

Zane winces as he tries to stretch his neck, his fingers hovering over the scarred skin over his chest.

I bite my lip. I know Zane will hate it, but Asher is a physio and he could help Zane so much. “Asher, do you know any exercises that might help with burn scars? Something I could help Zane with?”

Zane’s face darkens as he glares at me. “I don’t need any help.”

“She’s trying to care for you, Zane.” Thorne’s voice cuts in. “You should appreciate that.”

“That’s rich coming from you.” Zane’s words explode like a grenade.

My stomach twists.

I caused this tension, but it never started today. These brothers are fighting because of me, not over me. This pack is fractured, and I should pack up, take my baby and leave. Instead I force a laugh and point at Harlow’s creation on the coffee table.

“Hey, at least that cake could double as a doorstop if the baking thing doesn’t work out,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.

Harlow’s eyes narrow playfully. “Well, at least I found my alpha the traditional way. Unlike someone who had to wait for a fireman to rescue her.” She winks. I know she’s not being mean. This is her version of funny. “Though you’ve got three alphas now, you did well in the end.”

How many times—

“They’re not my pack, Harlow.” My voice comes out sharp as panic rises in my chest as I catch Thorne’s expression darkening.

My phone rings, cutting through the tension.

I don’t normally answer unknown numbers, but I’ll do anything to get out of this conversation.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Ms. Rose? This is Anne from the Downtown Omega Wellness Center.”

My stomach drops as I stare ahead for a moment, turn my back to everyone and murmur, “Yes?”

“We’ve received information suggesting you violated our terms of service regarding an illegal conception during your stay.”

The room spins for a moment. “What?”

“According to our records, you attended during your heat cycle, and we’ve been notified that led to an illegal pregnancy.”

“Who notified you?” My feet are moving as I pace around the room.

“I can’t disclose that information, Ms. Rose, but unfortunately, the incident now needs to be investigated.”

“Investigated.” I stop pacing. My life just goes from bad to worse. “I...” My eyes dart around the room, landing on Thorne, who’s watching me intently. “And then what happens?”

“We’re required to contact the alphas who attended to you during your heat. They have rights regarding paternity.”

“The alphas?” My voice cracks as I take a deep breath. “I didn’t use the wellness center. I—”

“We have your sign-in records, Ms. Rose. And the alphas who attended to you.”

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