Page 31 of A Heart in Knots

Skye’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“But,” I began firmly. “You have to tell Crux and Severen before you go any further with Rowan. You don’t even know if he wants to be part of our pack. Or your alpha, or part of any pack at all. And the guys are going to be very reluctant.”

“Or, they mightnotbe possessive, like you weren’t,“ Skye pointed out.

“I wouldn’t count on it. Especially Crux.”

Skye let out a breath. “I know, I know.”

We walked in silence, Skye running her fingers under her scarf and across the neckline of her dress, and over the scar. “Can I at least wait until after my check up tomorrow? I don’t want the added stress. Please?”

I nodded. “I think that’s a good idea. You just focus on the appointment. Then we’ll think about expanding the pack. One thing at a time.”

Chapter 20

SKYE

Ihatedthefactthat I had become so comfortable with bi-weekly heart biopsies, but it was routine by now, and I had no choice in the matter anyway. At least they weren’t daily anymore. Being extra careful of the fresh bandages on the right side of my neck from where they inserted the probe to my heart, I shrugged my blouse onto my shoulders and began fastening the buttons, starting at the bottom. Catching sight of my reflection in the bathroom’s full length mirror, I paused. I couldn’t look away from my ugly pink scar that seemed to divide my body lengthwise.

On the surface, I was lucky. I was blessed with a new, strong heart, and the doctors were telling me that the scar was healing beautifully. That was true. There was no puckering, ordog-earing, or raised flesh. Just a single, almost ruler-straight line with little insect-like footprints where the staples had been tacked in. The bug-prints were already practically white.

And yet.

I would never have said I had the perfect body, I was as self-conscious and critical as anyone else, but now I felt… damaged, somehow. Second-hand. Like my warranty had been used up and I was past my prime.

Fingers flicking as quick as they could, I did up the blouse and tied the scarf around my neck. I made sure it was loose so it wouldn’t irritate the bandage, yet hide it all the same.

On the bathroom wall was a corkboard with all sorts of fliers and business cards tacked to it. I browsed the collection just for something to distract me from my melancholy. I paused when I saw a small poster for an Omega Support Group at the local library. I pulled my phone from my purse and snapped a photo. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to talk to someone else. Maybe I’d even make a friend or two. At the very least it would get me out of the house and into the city I had so looked forward to living in.

I left the bathroom, parts of my body still a little numb from the localized anesthesia. Phone still in hand, I texted the group chat.

All done.

Halo

I’ll pick you up in an hour. Love you.

OK. I’ll get lunch in the cafeteria. See you soon.

After two months, I knew Caduceus Hospital like the back of my hand, and even knew some staff, doctors, and nurses by firstnames. Navigating to the hospital restaurant was second nature at this point. And it was Friday, which meant it was chicken strips day.

Was I in the mood for chicken strips? Not really.

I walked into the restaurant, debating what I should buy. Maybe a nice sandwich on a bagel bun. Or some french fries. I should do the smart, healthy thing and get a salad. With a sigh, I pulled my phone out again.

If I order a chicken Caesar salad, what will I get for being a good girl?

Crux

Whatever you want, bluebird.

Halo

Quality time. You. Me. That warming massage oil you like.

Dots from Severen. Then they disappeared.

My shoulders sagged.

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