Page 13 of Knot Falling in Love
Isn’t this what I’ve always wanted? Haven’t I had so many fantasies where he would climb up the bleachers and declare his love for me in front of the entire student body?
The difference is that we aren’t in high school anymore.
Elijah’s phone buzzes, he rolls his eyes, digging it out of his pocket, then I notice Hannah’s name in the text notifications.
“What is it?”
He laughs under his breath, flippingthe screen in my direction, “Speak of the devil.”
Hannah
Could you do me the biggest favor and pick up Alexis’s cake from Grim’s? Thanks! Love youuuuu~
Chapter Seven
Elijah
The bond is already all that I can think of, and it’s been less than 20 hours. My wolf is howling to claim her, to sink my teeth into her neck and mark her as my own—the sensation is nearly overwhelming. It’s my fault she’s still trying to run, even though she’s taken every opportunity to blame herself for what happened over the last 18 years.
I’m not innocent.
Waking up alone this morning reminded me of the day Hannah had told that she had left. I was working mornings at the shop, stilldeciding if I wanted to go into the air force. Apprenticing with Axel and Rodd was great, but I didn’t see it as a solid career path yet, since I needed a formal education if I was going to open my own shop one day.
I remember I was pissed off about one thing or another when I went home for family dinner. Hannah was there helping our dad while Jake was hovering like he always did. I asked where Maisie was since she usually came over on Saturdays because her father worked weekends.
Hannah delivered the news as if someone had died, my chest felt hollowed out. Empty. I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye. Apparently, she noticed my distress and said, “Leave it alone.”
So I did, but I know I should have reached out. It made me realize how much I had taken her for granted. Part of me always expected her to come home to Ghostlight Falls, at least for the holidays, but after her father moved away, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. It’s the reason I decided to join up.
Perhaps I have always been running too, in my own way.
“You should really eat something.” I say.
We’re standing in front of Grim’s Bakery waiting for Phil, the new blonde pastry chef, to return from the back since we caught her in the middle of restocking the front case. Maisie is practically hovering, eyeing the assortment of pastries set out on the small trays still warm from the oven.
“I’m fine.” She lies, folding her arms across her stomach.
“I told you that I’d make you breakfast, this is the next best thing.”
Just then, Phil returns from the back, cleaning her hands on a washcloth, “Sorry about that. What can I get you two this afternoon?”
“We’re here to pick up Alexis’s birthday cake.” I pull my phone out, swiping it open to my messages and the photo Hannah took of the receipt, setting it on top of the tempered glass display case.
Phil looks at the photo, then at the both of us and smiles, “I’ll get that for you right away.”
As I’m grabbing my phone, it buzzes, Axel & Rodd flashing on the screen.
“Hannah again?” Maisie asks, lookingover.
“It’s work.” I debate taking it, but I know Mike doesn’t call me out of the blue unless he needs help. He’s still a kid, a quick learner fresh out of high school and taking online mechanical engineering courses at night. I see way too much of myself in him, so it’s been interesting to say the least.
“You should answer it.” She says with a nod.
“You’re right, I’ll be right back.” I press the green button the moment I step outside, lifting the phone to my ear, “What’s up?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, Eli. I didn’t know who to call, there isn’t a phone number listed on the account for the Camry.” Mike says, his voice just a little louder than the torch wrench going off in the back.
“What’s the damage?” I fold my arm across my chest, watching the cars drive by.
