Page 112 of Knot That Difficult

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I getthrough the end of my shift, feeling marginally better after my talk with Skylar.

I’m ready to face my pack, no matter what the outcome.

I’m still scared, of course—but I’m tired of making myself sick when I don’t need to.

My inner Omega has been ignored for too long, and it’s time I made it up to her.

I untie my apron and say goodbye to Skylar, who gives me a quick wave and then returns to taking care of customers.

Tammy is supposed to give me a ride to her place today.

I’m stepping out the back door of the café when I hear a voice call my name.

“Devyn?”

Ben’s voice, clear and real, fills my ears.

I turn to him, my heart racing.

Ben’s here.

It hasn’t even been two weeks since I last saw him, but it seems like it’s been lifetimes. He’s still handsome, but his hair is mussed, and there are dark circles under his eyes—he looks like he’s been run ragged.

His skin is paler than usual, and dark stubble colors his jawline.

But he smiles when he sees me, and I drop my purse and fling myself into his arms.

I let out a sob, and he catches me as I collapse in his hold, crying.

He’shere.

My inner Omega sighs in relief and inhales his clean, subtle scent.

“Ben,” I choke out, stifling my sobs in his chest.

Our mating bond thrums around us, the unsettled feeling in my body slowly fading away.

My mate is here!

“Hey, Dev,” he says, his voice strained. “I couldn’t wait any longer. I’m sorry.”

I can’t reply. I’m too busy weeping in his hold, every pent-up emotion from the last week spilling out of me.

He came back for me.

I just continue to sob out his name, and he grips me tightly, stroking my hair.

“I’ve got you,” he whispers. “I’ve got you, baby. I’m here.”

Relief floods through me while I weep, peace seeping into my veins.

He’s not only part of my pack, but one of my best friends.

Even though it’s my own fault, I still cry like I wasn’t the one that placed the distance between us.

When I pull away to look up at him, his eyes are red-rimmed with tears.

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