Page 141 of Down Knot Out
We follow Blake through the front door of the Homestead, Sprinkles trotting at Quinn’s side.
Holden appears in the archway to the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel. Quinn runs to him without a word, latching onto the hem of his sweater, glancing between her mother and the rest of us.
Dominic steps up beside me, while Nathaniel moves to stand beside Blake, leaving no member of our pack alone or without support.
Mrs. Reynolds enters last, a calm presence at Sadie’s back. I haven’t met her before, but the quiet strength in her posture tracks with everything Blake’s told me about the years she has spent caring for his sister and Quinn.
Sadie hesitates just inside, hugging her elbows as she takes in the open layout of the room. With shaky fingers, she tugs the beanie from her head, revealing dark roots that match Blake’s brown locks. She stuffs the hat into the pocket of her loose jacket before slipping it off.
No one moves, and the silence stretches as she shifts her weight and stares at the floor, uncertain.
I step forward first, crossing to her with my hand out. “Hi, Sadie. My name’s Chloe. Welcome to the Homestead.”
Her cool, dry palm slides against mine. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”
Her head tilts slightly as she takes in my pink hair, then the Marks peeking above my collar.
“Can I hang up your jacket for you?” I gesture to the garment she clutches with both hands.
“Yes, thank you.” When she passes it over, I catch a hint of apple from her, and my heart clenches at how much it reminds me of Blake.
As I turn to the coatrack by the door, Blake clears his throat. “You remember Nat.”
Sadie turns toward the blond Alpha. “Good to see you again, Nathaniel.”
He dips his chin in greeting. “You’re looking well.”
“And you might recognize Dominic.” Blakegestures to the slender man. “From some of the networking parties you used to go to.”
Blake’s features harden at the words, and a ripple of anger comes through our bond, though it’s not directed at our bondmate.
Dominic steps forward to shake Sadie’s hand. “I believe our paths crossed a few times, though I was relegated to the younger social circles at the time.”
Sadie’s brow furrows as she studies his handsome face. “The Sterling, right?”
“Only in name now.” He winks at her before stepping back to wrap an arm around my waist.
“And this is Holden.” Blake extends a hand to him, and he comes forward with Quinn still clinging to his side. “He’s the one who made the delicious lunch you’ll be enjoying.”
Sadie bobs her head at him. “Nice to meet you.”
Blake moves forward, a hand at the small of his sister’s back. “Let’s sit down.”
We all settle in the sitting area in front of the fireplace, with Mrs. Reynolds taking a seat at one of the small side tables, separate, but close enough if Sadie needs her.
Quinn stays close to Holden, wedged in between his body and the arm of the sofa.
Sadie gives her daughter a strained smile. “Areyou enjoying living here, Quinn? Do you miss the city?”
Quinn tugs at a loose thread on her sock, not answering.
Blake settles on the arm of Sadie’s chair, his bulk crowding the space. “We’re glad you could make it up to the island.”
“The boat ride was fun.” Sadie clears her throat. “We spotted some seals swimming alongside us for a bit.”
Quinn’s head lifts a fraction. “Uncle Kyle showed me where they sleep on the rocks.”
The silence stretches between them, broken only by the tick of the grandfather clock in the corner.
