Page 81 of Knot Made to Break: Part Two

“Okay. I’d love that!”

I’d barely stepped into the quad between buildings when a blur of dark hair and sass crashed into me, wrapping me in a hug so fierce I nearly lost my balance.

“It’s about time!” Julia pulled back, eyes sparkling, wearing that familiar smirk on her face that reminded me so much of Tommy’s. “I was starting to think they were going to keep you locked in that penthouse forever!”

A laugh bubbled up before I could stop it. Julia was all spark and fire, and her confident energy was refreshing.

“They’ve had their reasons,” I teased, purposely tilting my neck this way and that to show off my new bond marks.

“I’m going to pretend your bonding was all very chaste—because otherwise, ew—but holy shit! I’m happy my brothers finally had the good sense to lock you down.”

“Uh, hello? I’m standing right here,” Marco groused, his tone dripping with mock offense.

Julia just waved a hand at him without even glancing in his direction. “Irrelevant.”

I chortled, then tried to smother it, but was unable to keep the dreamy smile off my face.

“That good, huh?” Julia winked while Marco sighed exasperatedly.

Marco groaned dramatically. “Jules…”

“What?! I’m not asking for details, trust me.” She gave a mock shiver, like that would be the worst thing in the world to have to suffer through hearing about. “I’ll pass on the play-by-play, thanks. All I’m saying is your mate has a particular glow about her. She looks happy—and that makesmehappy.”

“I am,” I said quietly, warmth threading through every syllable. I felt their agreement ripple across the bond. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”

“You have seen the amount of laundry these heathens produce, right? They haven’t brainwashed you?”

“Hey—” Marco started to protest.

“Trust me,” I said, my voice light and effervescent, “the benefits of having four mates far outweigh the piles of dirty clothes. Besides, I don’t mind doing laundry. It’s kind of soothing. And if it ever gets to be too much, that’s what laundry services are for.”

Her grin softened. “I knew I liked you. Sweet, stunning,andsmart. No wonder my brothers are completely stupid for you.”

Blushing, I shook my head, trying to redirect the attention off of myself. “Please. Have you seen yourself?”

Her dark hair hung in glossy waves past her shoulders, and her brown eyes—so like Dimitri’s—sparkled with intelligence and humor. She was gorgeous in that effortless, confident way that made me a little envious, dressed in a fitted burgundy sweater and dark jeans that hugged her curves. It was obvious that Julia was the total package. But as was her way, she dismissed my praise with a wave of her hand.

Unfortunately, she wouldn’t let me off the hook that easily. “Woman, we’re talking about you here.”

“Kit’s too damn modest for her own good,” Marco muttered, arching a brow at me to challenge his next point. “Acts like being adored by four Alphas is just some happy accident.”

“Itis,” I protested softly, but Julia just smirked.

“Oh please. Scent matches are never happy accidents. They’re the universe flipping your whole damn life upside down and daring you not to fall in love.”

“Impossible. What’s not to love?” Marco flexed dramatically, showcasing his masculine prowess.

I rolled my eyes, even as my cheeks went hot—because,damn.

“Careful,” Julia warned him, a wicked glint in her eye. “Don’t make me start telling embarrassing stories. You know I’ve got a lifetime of material to work with.”

Marco narrowed his eyes. “You wouldn’t.”

She smirked. “How long have you known me?”

He opened his mouth like he might argue—but then his expression shifted. Softened.

“I’ve missed you, Jules.”

---