Page 9 of Knot Stepping Down
The screens continue to explode with action,StarPulse’s neon jungle disappearing as Declan’s team pushes for the enemy base. I’m swept back to last summer, just after Mom and Dad’s wedding, when Declan found me moping in the living room, bored out of my mind. Dad had so many rules to keep me ‘safe’ and wouldn’t let me work so most of my time was spent at home.
Cue Declan and suddenly I had someone to focus on.
It was then that he introduced me toStarPulse.I was hilariously awful at it and didn’t have any desire to play the game but it was funwith him. That’s when I felt the spark between us, the obsession and the craving that’s grown ever since.
“Cut the goo-goo eyes,” Milo jabs me in my shoulder. “Or everyone is going to know. I won’t even have to say anything.”
He’s right so I tamper down my expression, waiting until the buzzer sounds just as one of our team explodes the enemy base.Cheers erupt through the gym, the Knotlocke team jumping out of their seats, hugging and screaming with joy.
The announcer yells about their victory, the chaos in the gym turning to an 11, a bit too much for me. I want to walk up there, have Declan pull me close and kiss me for the win but we would be scandalized for the rest of our time at the academy. And as much as I want him, I’m not ready for the whispers.
My phone buzzes and I pull it out, frowning at the text Declan just sent.
Party at Knotty Sig Theta.
I look up to see Delcan’s head tilted, his gaze focused on me, a playful pout on his face. The problem is he’s never invited me to a party before and I don’t know why he would now.
I text him back.
Why?
Suddenly, my phone is ringing and I fumble it before pressing it to my ear. I can barely hear him over everything else.
“I have a feeling I did something wrong and I didn’t mean to, Avery. I just knew that you didn’t have class early and I didn’t want to wake you. I don’t do the dating thing. I don’t know how this works but I want you near me. I kept hoping you’d walk past the practice room.”
Confusion spreads through me, desire following because I want to believe his words. “You…”
“I want you, pretty boy. So fucking bad but I didn’t know if last night was too much. I didn’t do it right, okay? Let’s have a do over. Come to the party, Avery.”
“I don’t… parties aren’t…”
“Feign sick or something so I can take you home early. Then maybe we can make up for lost time.”
That sounds like a plan I’m on board with. Someone starts jostling his shoulder and he hangs up, his gaze lingering for a few seconds before he turns to celebrate with his team.
Milo shakes me out of my stupor, twisting me toward him. “So?”
“He said sorry for being weird but he wants me at his side.”
Milo’s grin takes over his whole face. “Oh, please tell me you’re not going to turn into those disgusting couples that hang all over each other.”
I know we won’t be but that doesn’t mean I can’t tease Milo. “You’re just jealous you can’t do that with Raven.”
avery
Partiesaren’tmything.The music is too loud. The alcohol flows too easily and many, many stories come from nights like these where Omegas try things that they then regret later. Alphas get a little too much and end up being reprimanded or removed from the academy altogether.
I’m much more comfortable in my little bubble, in my dorm room or at home. But Declan wants me here and I’m hoping that I can convince him to leave sooner than later because I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing here.
Milo stays close to me for my sanity, his eyes running around the room like he’s about to follow his own bit of excitement the first chance he gets. “There!” Milo points toward the kitchen.
A few of the esports team members are near the kitchen, their black and hot pink merch standing out. Sienna’s there, hangingall over them like she’s the team mascot, her blonde hair tossing as she laughs too loud. She’s practically glued to Declan, her hand on his arm, my jealousy flaring in my chest.
“Easy, tiger,” Milo says, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “She’s trying too hard. You can clearly see on Declan’s face how uncomfortable he is. Go steal your step-bro.” Milo throws me a wink before pushing me toward the kitchen and then taking off toward his brother.
I blow out a heavy breath, my hands twisting in front of me just as Declan whispers something to Sienna and she bounds off. She clips my shoulder and I swallow nervously, not sure if I should just barge in, say hi, or ask what he told Sienna. I decide for the easiest option and just approach him, my heart in my throat, my nerves on edge, and my scent spiked dangerously sweet.
“Hi-I,” I stutter.
