Page 30 of Tied in Knots
“Yes,” she giggles. “I mean with me.”
I breathe out in relief. “Okay, maybe.”
She gives me a secretive smile. “What Sebastian said about being faithful…why would any of you do that? You didn’t owe me anything. Still don’t.”
“You have no idea the impact you have had on this pack, Strawberries.” I inhale slowly and fall back to her pillows, stuffing one under my head. “Even during the rut, none of us took an omega to our beds. Not even Ben.”
“Not even Ben,” she repeats slowly, picking at the cover. “Does that mean he sleeps around a lot?”
“Used to,” I point out firmly. “He has been strangely withdrawn the last few weeks. Not himself. I think abstinence has taken its toll on him.” I say this out loud because I feel like I can tell her anything. I know I should mention Gertie, I’m just waiting for the opener.
“You’re making me feel guilty.”
“Don’t, and sorry, I don’t mean to. Just answering your question.”
She nods. “What about you?”
“What about me?”Tell her. Tell her now, you idiot.
“Has it taken its toll on you too?”
I shake my head. “This is going to sound, I dunno…” I shrug.
Faith looks up at me. “What? I said before that you don’t owe me anything.”
“I—,”
“Xander! Faith is meant to be resting,” Ben snaps as he re-enters the room before I can spill the sex doll beans.
I see Faith eye him up, probably wondering how many women he’s shagged.
“It’s okay,” she says.
He gives her a soft look which is in sharp contrast to the scathing glare he gave me. “He can come back later.”
He holds his hand out for me to take so he can help me up. I have no choice. I take it and he hauls me to my feet.
“I’ll see you later,” I whisper, my heart already hurting from being forced away from her. She brings me a peace that I’ve never known and will likely crave now until I see her again. I scowl at Ben as he escorts me out of the room and as soon as the door closes behind us, I turn on him.
“She wanted me there. You had no right to remove me like I’m some kind of nuisance.”
“Please just leave her to rest for now. She is going to need all her strength when her heat comes. This is her first time. She doesn’t know what it’s going to be like.”
“Oh,” I say, and my anger deflates. I get why he’s being so protective now. “You could’ve just told me that before.”
“I’ve told you now,” he says and stalks off, his shoulders tense, his back straight.
Narrowing my eyes, I watch him go back to his bedroom. Something is definitely up with him and whatever it is, isn’t doing him any favours.
He’d better hope that it doesn’t hurt Faith in any way, or he will have me to deal with. “I’m watching you,” I growl and slide down the door to wait until I can see Faith again. Iwilltell her about Gertie, and I will also get her to tell me more about this arsehole who hurt her and tried to sell her. There isn’t a chance in hell he will take another breath once I find him.
ChapterEighteen
Benjamin
I can feel Xander’s eyes on me as I storm off down the hallway. Opening my bedroom door, I enter and close it behind me with a lot less vigour than I wanted to. But I didn’t want to disturb Faith. She needs her rest. I rub my hands over my face and then slip into the bathroom to glare at my appearance.
I’m a mess.
