Page 115 of Knot So Fast
Lachlan's surprise is evident, his eyes widening slightly. "You agree with me?"
I study his face, seeing not just the Alpha or the champion, but the man who's been waiting for me for a year. Who saved my life. Who stepped back when my parents demanded it. Who's been patient and protective and present even when I couldn't remember him.
"Sometimes I think about how it must be," I say softly. "To live a year watching me love another when you truly do care about me. That must have been its own kind of hell."
He doesn't say anything, but his hand tightens on my waist, and I can feel the emotion he's holding back. The pain of watching from afar, of knowing what we had and seeing me unable to remember, of watching his twin brother take what should have been his—ours.
The moment is broken by the hostess approaching, her professional smile in place.
"Would you like the bill?"
"Yes, card," Lachlan says immediately, pulling out a black American Express and placing it on the table with the kind of casual wealth that still makes me blink.
I stand, suddenly needing a moment to myself to process everything we've discussed. "I'll go use the washroom real quick before we go."
His smirk returns, playful now.
"Don't take too long or I'll come after you."
I laugh, unable to resist one last tease.
"You took six minutes and twenty-eight seconds when you went, but who's counting?"
His smile widens into something that makes heat pool in my belly despite our serious conversation.
He gives me a wink that's pure sin and promise, and I have to force myself to walk away before I do something inappropriate for such a public venue.
As I make my way to the washroom, I think about what I've just agreed to. A pack. A commitment. A future that's uncertain but full of possibility. Stepping away from Lucius and toward something that might be healthier, even if it's scarier because it requires real trust, real vulnerability.
The marble washroom is as excessive as expected, and I take a moment to look at myself in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed from wine and conversation, my lips slightly swollen from kisses, my eyes bright with something that might be hope.
I look alive. Really alive, not just existing.
And for the first time since I woke up in that hospital, I'm excited to see what comes next.
Even if it's complicated. Even if it's dangerous. Even if it means letting go of the toxic safety of what I know for the uncertain promise of what could be.
I splash some cold water on my face, touch up my lipstick, and prepare to go back to the man who's waiting for me. Who's been waiting for me for longer than I can remember.
Time to sign those contracts and make this official. Time to stop being a passenger and start driving toward whatever future we're going to create together.
I take one last look in the mirror, square my shoulders, and head back to where Lachlan is waiting.
He's already standing when I return, the bill settled, his hand extended toward me.
I take it without hesitation, threading our fingers together, and he pulls me close enough to whisper in my ear.
"Ready for what comes next?"
I squeeze his hand and give him my most challenging smile.
"I was born ready. The question is, can you keep up?"
He laughs, the sound rich and warm, and we head toward the elevator that will take us back down to reality.
But for once, reality doesn't feel like a cage.
It feels like the starting line.
