Page 30 of Hot Knot Summer
“And this will be your room while you’re with us,”Atlas continues as we approach. It’s the best room in the station.
She stands in the doorway, taking in the surprisingly spacious accommodation. There’s a comfortable queen bed with actual decent linens, a private bathroom, a small desk, and even a little sitting area with a reading lamp. Homey, by firehouse standards.
“This is... way nicer than I expected,” she says. She turns to Atlas. “I really appreciate this. You didn’t have to do all this.”
“We take care of our own in Whispering Grove,” Atlas replies, his deep voice rumbling in that way that even makes me want to stand at attention sometimes.
I can’t help myself. “What the chief means is, we don’t often get beautiful Omegas gracing our humble station, so we’re pulling out all the stops.”
“River Graham,” I introduce myself, stepping forward with my hand extended and my most winning smile in place. “Wildfire specialist and second-in-command around here. The pleasure is absolutely mine.”
Her hand feels small in mine, but there’s surprising strength in her grip. Up close, her scent hits me like a sucker punch—old books and honey and something warm that coils around my senses like a vice. Something primal in me wants to bury my face in her neck and breathe her in until I’m drunk on it.
“Emma,” she replies, a slight flush coloringher cheeks. “Though I guess you already know that from last night.”
I hold her hand a beat longer than strictly necessary. “I mostly saw you from a distance while this big guy played hero.” I jerk my thumb toward Atlas, who doesn’t quite manage to hide his eye roll.
“You’re the one who kept the neighbor’s tree from catching fire and spreading to the rest of the block,” she counters, surprising me with her observation. “I noticed.”
“She’s observant,” I say to my packmates, impressed.
“I’m Levi Wolfe, fire prevention and structural engineering specialist.”
Emma takes his offered hand, and I don’t miss how Levi’s nostrils flare subtly as they touch. The corner of her mouth quirks up, suggesting she didn’t miss it either.
“Nice to meet you,” she says, and there’s a slight crack in her composure as she takes in all three of us standing there. Can’t blame her—three Alphas in close quarters is a lot for anyone, let alone an Omega who’s been through what Atlas told us she has.
“Do you all live here?” she asks, gesturing around the station.
“Might as well, considering how much time we spend here,” Atlas replies. “But no, we have a place just outside town, in the woods.”
“Kitchen’s fully stocked,” Levi states, gesturing down the hall. “Dining area is communal. We usuallyeat dinner together around seven when we’re not on a call. You’re welcome to join us or eat in your room if you prefer.”
“We won’t bite,” I add with a wink. “Unless specifically requested.”
“River,” Atlas growls.
I throw up my hands in surrender, though I don’t miss the way Emma’s pulse jumps in her throat. Interesting.
“Ignore him,” Levi advises her. “We all do.”
“Wound me, why don’t you,” I clutch my heart dramatically.
A small laugh escapes Emma, and it’s like music, slightly husky and genuine. “It’s kind of amazing how well you play off each other. How long have you been a pack?”
“Five years officially,” Atlas answers. “Though we worked together for a while before that.”
“It’s nice,” she says, and there’s a wistfulness in her tone that tugs at something deep in my chest. “Having people who just... get you. Who fit with you.”
The observation is unexpected, and for a moment, none of us seem to know how to respond. There’s a heaviness in the air suddenly.
“It is,” Levi adds finally.
“Actually…” Atlas glances at his watch, breaking the moment. “I have to make some calls. Emma, get settled in. Anything you need, these two can help you. Or if they’re being pains in the ass, which is likely, any of the other crew members can assist.”
“Actually,”—Levi glances at a notification on his sleek watch—“I have that video conference with the county board about the new fire prevention protocols in five minutes.”
“Guess that leaves me as your welcoming committee,” I say to Emma, unable to keep the pleasure from my voice. “Lucky you.”
