Page 47 of Hot Knot Summer
“Tomorrow,” I agree, already questioning my sanity.
“You won’t regret this,” River says, his grin wide and genuine.
But as the three of them stand there, their scents mingling in the night air, wrapping around me like an invisible embrace, I’m not so sure. Because despite all my conditions and barriers, I can feel myself being drawn to them. All of them.
And that terrifies me more than being homeless ever could.
Later that night, I’m packing my few belongings when there’s a soft knock at my door. Expecting one of the volunteers, I’m surprised to find all three men standing in the hallway.
“Everything okay?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious in my borrowed pajamas.
“Just wanted to check if you need anything for tomorrow,” Atlas says.
“And to give you this,” River adds, holding out a small box. “A welcome gift.”
I accept it warily. “What is it?”
“Open it,” he urges, bouncing slightly on his toes like an eager child.
Inside is a small key attached to a wooden tag carved with a crescent moon, the same design as the tattoo on my wrist.
“It’s to the cabin,” Levi explains. “Your own key. So you know you can come and go as you please.”
“How did you...” I gesture to the moon design, matching my tattoo perfectly.
“I noticed it earlier,” River admits. “I’m observant about things that matter.”
The simple statement, delivered without his usual teasing tone, catches me off guard. I look up to find all three watching me, and it makes my breath catch.
“Thank you,” I say softly, closing my fingers around the key. “This was thoughtful.”
“We want you to feel safe with us, Emma,” Atlas says, his deep voice sincere. “To know that you have control in this situation.”
“I appreciate that,” I reply, and I mean it.
There’s a moment of silence, the four of us standing there, an invisible current seeming to flow between us. Atlas inhales slightly, his pupils dilating. Levi’s posture stiffens, and River’s perpetual smile fades, replaced by something hungrier.
“We should let you rest,” Atlas states finally, his voice rougher than before. “Big day tomorrow.”
“Right,” I agree, though rest is the last thing on my mind with them standing so close.
“Goodnight, Emma,” Levi says softly.
“Sweet dreams,” River adds, his usual smile returning but with an edge I hadn’t noticed before.
They turn to leave, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Goodnight,” I manage, closing the door before I can do something stupid like ask them to stay.
I lean back against the door, heart racing, body burning up from the inside. This isn’t normal. This level of reaction to three Alphas I barely know isn’t just attraction, it’s something more primal, more fundamental.
What am I doing?
I’ve spent years carefully avoiding entanglements, protecting myself. And now I’m voluntarily moving into a remote cabin with three Alphas who make my body react like it’s been struck by lightning?
I’m either making the biggest mistake of my life or, somehow, impossibly, finding where I belong.
I’m terrified it might be both.
9
