Page 133 of Down Knot Out
“What concerns me most is that Sadie hasn’t called or texted. Not once. Just that one email.” Blake’s jaw tightens. “It’s not her style. I can usually get a read on my sister well before I talk to her, but she’s playing things close to the chest this time.”
Holden’s hands still in the soapy water. “You think she’s not being genuine?”
Blake shrugs, but the movement lacks his usual ease. “I don’t know. That’s what bothers me. Sadie is many things, but formal isn’t one of them. And the language in that email about ‘seeking reconciliation’ and ‘demonstrating commitment to sobriety’… That’s not how my sister talks.”
Dominic sets his empty glass on the counter. “Could be the rehab center’s influence. Sometimes recovery programs have specific language they encourage.”
“Or it could be another performance,” Blake counters, his features hardening. “She’s given plenty of those over the years.”
Chloe shifts in her seat, wincing as her body reminds her of the past three days. “Have youheard anything from your father since she left rehab?”
Blake’s laugh holds no humor. “Dad’s been radio silent since I took Quinn.”
I study my bondmate, noting the tension in his shoulders and the way his fingers tap his mug. The bond between us thrums with his anxiety, a dissonant note in our newfound harmony.
“Is there anything specific you want to hear from her?” I ask. “What would convince you her sobriety is real this time?”
“Aside from actually staying sober?” Blake stares out the window, his profile outlined by the morning light. “I want her to remember Quinn’s birthday. I want to hear her acknowledge what she did, not dance around it with recovery buzzwords.”
He swallows hard. “I want her to tell me she understands why I took Quinn. Why I couldn’t leave her there anymore.”
Holden dries his hands on a towel. “We should prepare for both outcomes. Hope without expectation.”
“Holden’s right. We plan for the best version of this visit while preparing for the worst.” My fingers move across my phone screen, opening a newdocument. “Let’s map out what we define as success or failure, and how we respond to each.”
“Success is Sadie sober. It’s her wanting to participate in Quinn’s life in a healthy way,” Dominic offers. “Failure is her showing up high. Continuing to make promises she can’t or won’t keep.”
Chloe slides off her stool to walk around to Blake’s side and burrows under his arm until he softens and holds her. “I’ll be nearby if things go sideways. We all will.”
Fierce protectiveness for our pack travels through our newly formed bond.
Blake buries his face in Chloe’s hair, his next words sounding muffled, “What if she wants to take Quinn back?”
“She can’t,” Dominic says firmly. “You have temporary custody. She’d need to petition the court, prove sobriety over time, establish stability?—”
“But eventually,” Blake cuts in, “if she stays clean long enough?—”
“Then we deal with that when it happens,” I interrupt. “Right now, we focus on tomorrow. One step at a time.”
Holden moves to stand behind Blake, hands settling on his shoulders. “Quinn is thriving here,thanks to you. All we can do is hope that Sadie will see that this is what’s best for Quinn.”
Blake’s throat works. “Yeah.”
Chloe squeezes Blake’s hand. “And if she doesn’t, we show Quinn we’re willing to fight for her.”
The bonds between us pulse in agreement, five heartbeats finding synchronicity. This is what pack means, facing threats as one and protecting our own.
“All right.” Blake straightens. “If Sadie’s really in recovery, I want to support that. For Quinn’s sake, and for hers.”
“We should also try to document conversations or interactions,” Chloe says slowly, “both positive and negative between Quinn and Sadie.”
I add to the notes in my phone. “We set boundaries and make our expectations clear. We watch for warning signs. And we protect Quinn, no matter what.”
“And if Sadie’s not ready?” Dominic asks the question we’re all thinking.
Blake’s jaw sets, determination hardening his features. “Then we send her back to whatever recovery program she came from and tell her to try again when she’s serious.”
“That’s fair,” I agree. “Compassionate but firm.”
