Page 32 of Knot in Bloom
Levi goes completely still. “What about Monday night?”
“The kiss.” I lean forward. “I’m not here to start a fight or stake territorial claims. I’m here because we both care about the same person.”
His shoulders relax slightly. “How did you… Dean.”
I chuckle as I nod. “Look, I have feelings for her too. Strong ones. And I’m pretty sure there’s a third alpha in the mix with that architect.”
“Reid.” Levi nods. “Yeah, he’s been... attentive.”
“So here’s what I’m thinking. Instead of us fighting over her like idiots, what if we work together?” I meet his eyes. “In my experience, the best way to accomplish complex objectives is coordinated effort.”
Something shifts in his expression. Surprise, maybe. Then consideration. “You’re talking about pack dynamics.”
“I’m talking about alphas who want the same thing—for Sadie to be happy and taken care of.” I lean back. “Question is, are you open to that?”
Levi is quiet for a long moment, processing. “What about Reid?”
“He needs to be part of the conversation if we’re doing this.”
“And what exactly are we doing?”
“Coordinated courtship instead of competition.” I extend my hand. “Partners in this?”
“Partners.”
We shake on it, and something settles in my chest. Not tactical satisfaction, but the deeper contentment of finding allies who share your objectives.
“I’m taking her to dinner tomorrow,” I say. “Making my intentions clear.”
“Good. I should probably talk to her about where we stand after Monday night.”
“And Reid?”
“I’ll sound him out. See if he’s thinking along the same lines.”
I feel like something fundamental has shifted. Instead of trying to figure out who I’m supposed to be as a civilian, maybe I just need to be who I’ve always been—someone who builds teams to accomplish what matters.
And Sadie matters.
Her shop is still litwhen I stand outside. Through the window, I can see her moving between arrangements, completely absorbed. Just like when we were kids and she’d get that focused expression working on some project.
When I push through the door, the bell chimes and she looks up with surprise that melts into something warmer.
“Caleb.” Her voice carries genuine pleasure. “Twice in one week. This is becoming a habit.”
“Maybe it is.” The moment I step inside, her honeysuckle and vanilla scent hits me so hard I have to grip the doorframe. My mouth waters and something primitive in my chest purrs. “Shop smells incredible.”
She takes a deeper breath, her pupils dilating slightly as she catches my sandalwood in return. Her body’s responding whether she realizes it or not.
“New shipment from the wholesale market. Maeve’s friend came through with some beautiful late-season blooms.” She gestures toward tall vases filled with deep purple and gold flowers. “These are for the Randall anniversary party this weekend.”
“Lucky Randalls.”
She ducks her head with that shy smile. The same smile she’d give when Dean and I would actually let her tag along, only now I see her… really see her.
“How’s the adjustment going? Being back?”
“Better than expected. Turns out small-town pace suits me.”
