Page 4 of Knot Letting Go

Family. So many times over the past few weeks, I have had to face that idea. Family to me had always been manipulative, self-centered, and even dangerous. My wife’s family had ties to the mafia and were no better than my father. In fact, they’d done business together, and I was still trying to sever all ties not only our businesses but our family had to them, but they were resisting. They arranged for me to marry Giovanna, Lillianna’s mother. While Giovanna was an Omega, we weren’t compatible, but for the sake of family, we married. It was family that had gotten her killed. Giovanna, her mother, and sisters were all gunned down by her father’s rivals in reprisal for some ridiculous slight. I was only thankful Lillianna had not been there that day.

“Of course we’re family.” Quill grinned as he stepped in to hug both of the other Alphas. “You’re welcome here anytime. God knows that I need some brothers to party with while stuck in the house with an uptight boss.”

I clenched my jaw. That was Quill’s way, to make a joke of things. We were equal partners, and he knew it.

“Once we’re back from the honeymoon, we hope to see a lot of you. Family barbecues every weekend.” Levi joined the group, shaking my hand and accepting a hug from Quill. “We want to see lots of our adorable flower girl. Is Lilli coming down to say good-bye this morning?”

“Lillianna is still sleeping. She was up late last night and it’s best if she sleeps in today.” I also didn’t want my daughter upset thinking that her aunt, cousin, and new uncles were leaving. She worried too much for a five-year-old about people going away and never coming back.

Quill continued to talk with them as I moved on to say my good-byes to the mates of Callista’s friends. Despite the fact I knew Kienna could be trouble, they had all been respectful. Evenmy cousin had been well behaved, or, as more likely was the case, I didn’t know what mischief she had caused yet.

I finally made my way toward the women and stood patiently until Callista came to me. “Thank you so much, Kon. I had my dream wedding, and I’m so glad you were a part of it.”

“I’m happy it went well.” I tried not to stiffen when she hugged me. “Do you have everything you need? If you’ve forgotten anything and need it for your trip, just let us know.”

“Always the quintessential host.” She smiled. “We’ll have to get together soon after we get back.”

“Quill and your mates are already making plans for weekly barbecues.”

Callista laughed. “Always with the barbecues. Those guys know what they like.” Her expression grew more sincere. “I meant you and I. I want to get to know my oldest brother.”

“Of course. We’ll schedule something.” Part of me was pleased she wanted to spend time with me, but my internal defenses went up at the same time.

Our mother approached with Isabella in her arms. The baby cooed and reached for Callista who took her from her grandmother. “Say good-bye to your uncle Konstantin, sweetie.”

I leaned in and kissed my niece’s soft head. She looked so much like Lillianna when she was a baby. The Birk family genes ran strong in our family. She grabbed my collar and made a sound like a chirp. “Good-bye, Isabella. Have a safe journey and let your mother get some sleep.”

“I can’t believe this little angel seems to like you more than me.” Quill pushed in and nabbed the baby away from Callista. He covered her face with kisses but only got spit up on for his effort.

As Callista and Quill laughed, trying to clean him up, our mother patted me on my arm. “I’m going to head out too. Iwasn’t expecting to get up so early, but all the activity woke me. I’m not used to the manor being so full of life.”

None of us were. I would be happy when all the guests went home and the quiet returned. My mother lived in the family townhouse in Seattle, preferring city life to the more subdued existence on the estate.

“It was good to see you, Mom.” It was strange to see her free from my father’s cruel reign. She’d always disappeared into his shadow, and I don’t remember her being a part of my life growing up except as his mouthpiece when he wasn’t there. Mom had changed since his death and seemed to get along well with Callista, and more so, she had enthusiastically taken on the role as grandmother. My internal heels dug in, not trusting any of it, even though I knew I should give her a chance. She was a victim of his machinations as much as the rest of us.

“We should get together sometime…”

My mother’s voice trailed off as Quill swept in and hugged her so hard, he lifted her off her feet. “Mama! You’re going back to the city already? We’re still on for Andaluca on Tuesday, right? It’s been years since I’ve been to the restaurant.”

I left them to chat, their conversation fading behind me as I moved to say farewell to Callista’s friends. Particularly to her one friend. Every one of my senses was suddenly hyper aware of the only unclaimed Omega in the group.

Fuck, Aubrielle was beautiful. Her dark honey blonde hair hung loose this morning framing her heart shaped face. I wanted to comb my fingers through it, grab a handful, and yank her hard against me.

I was jerked out of my trance by my cousin.

“It was a fantastic party, cuz.” Kienna grinned and handed an infant back to her redheaded friend. She then threw her arms around my torso and squeezed me. I tried not to flinch.“You’ve got to come to Winnipeg some time, and I’ll show you a Canadian camel.”

A what? It sounded dirty. I lightly patted her back. “It was good to see you too, Kienna.”

“I’d hug you, too, but you know.” Nicolette smiled and nodded toward the baby. “Thank you for having us in your home.”

“You’re welcome. I’m just happy that Callista’s wedding day went so well.” My gaze slid back to the final bride’s maid. Aubrielle.

She stared everywhere but at me. Her eyes fluttered and her breathing quickened. Aubrielle had been the quietest in the group of friends, and I’d only heard a few words from her, but that angelic voice was divine. Soft, sweet, and incredibly feminine.

“Oh!” Callista hurried back to her friends and stepped in between Aubrielle and I. I almost growled at her until she slipped an arm around her friend and tugged her forward. “Kon, I have the solution to your nanny problem. Aubrielle is looking for a job, and she’s fantastic with kids.”

Aubrielle’s face flushed crimson as her mouth formed a surprised ‘o.’

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