Page 37 of Knot Alone

“Not Maggie’s hard limits, Mr. Baxter. Yours.”

“Mine?”

“Rather, the both of you.” Iris returns to the main screen. “You both listed that you are closed to the possibility of a third partner and are only here for a single heat. You are only to be contacted through the Center for heat, not for potentially forming a relationship or a pack.”

Ah. Graham frowns at me. I’m the one who insisted on such harsh language. Until yesterday, in this very office, I couldn’t imagine inviting anyone else into our marriage or our bed.

“What do you recommend?”

“Nothing.” Iris shrugs. “I am required to inform you that Ms. Page is listed as being open to a relationship, but not looking for one. I notified her that you are firm about not being open and not looking.” I stiffen and Graham involuntarily clenches my hand.

“Is she all right?” Graham asks.

“Yes. She understands.”

“She understands what?” I demand through gritted teeth.

Iris tries to soothe us with a smile. “She understands that my professional recommendation is that you all leave your paperwork just as it is. Whatever you do after this heat is your own business, including any changes you may make when your teeth get itchy.”

“And she was all right with that?” I ask, baffled.

“Yes. I told her I don’t think it wise to alter either of your parameters and open you up to a third on the paperwork because you’re both quite eligible.” Graham snorts.

“You are, Mr. Baxter. Not for the same societal reasons as Mr. Lockridge, who will have a torrent of requests the second anyone thinks he’s available, but because you are good.”

“What?” Graham blinks.

“You’re a good man, Mr. Baxter. And a good Alpha. Several caseworkers have noted in your file that we would happily employ you here as one of our professional Alphas. You are apparently a delight to pass a heat with and word has gotten around. You’re often requested.”

I snarl involuntarily, then chomp down to stop myself.

Iris grins. “Ms. Page had quite the same reaction.”

That startles us both. Maggie—our sweet Maggie—snarled at Iris?

“When I explained why it is my professional opinion to leave everything as it is for now, Ms. Page did the same. No tears. No worries. Just teeth at the thought of someone else with the two of you.” That is more than a comfort. I’m half-hard at the thought of Maggie snarling at people over us.

“So, gentlemen. Do you understand the details as I have shared them with you?” We confirm, and Iris nudges over the tablet for our signatures.

From there, Iris guides us up the elevator to Maggie’s room. She hands us two separate keys before she wishes us a good weekend with a wink and strides down the hall.

I’m irritated that I can’t scent a trace of Maggie beyond that door, but I hesitate.

I want to ask Graham one last time if he’s okay. If this is what he wants. Or if he wants to walk away.

I should ask. Graham is my husband and he deserves one last chance to back out.

But it’s Maggie behind that door.

She’s ours and the thought of leaving her in there alone and wanting fills me with a rage I can’t put into words.

“Hey.” Graham cups my cheek and pulls me into a kiss. “You ready?”

I nod vigorously.

“Then let’s go get our girl.” With a bright, hungry smile, Graham gives a sharp knock, then opens the door to the rest of our lives.

Chapter Ten

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