Page 21 of Knight With Benefits

“She’s become a regular here. David introduced us. I’m going to be doing some work for her on the place next door.”

My voice was gruffer than I’d meant it to be, but it was the best I could manage. My bear wanted to snarl at the other alpha, assert our dominance and claim on the female, but doing so would raise more questions.

Plus, I had no right. Gwyn had been clear in her aversion to alphas, and she seemed protective of her independence.

“That old diner? She’s trying to get that open again?”

I lifted one shoulder, trying to show less interest than I had in the project. If it all came together the way she’d described it would be a great place for the community, but discussing that with Sebastian felt wrong.

“She’s scaling it back to more of a café. The place is gutted and needs a lot of work, but we should be able to get it taken care of.”

“Are you—”

“Leave it.”

Sebastian’s eyes widened when I cut him off, but my bear wasn’t happy discussing Gwyn after the anxiety I’d dealt with all day. My nails had already turned black, extending to sharp points that dug into my palms as I clenched my fists. Besides the hints of slick I’d caught in her scent, my interest seemed to be one sided, and I couldn’t handle having to defend not pursuing her. Until I knew where we stood, I didn’t want to be questioned.

“Oh-kay! Some of the guys were talking about going on an extended ride, maybe out to Blue Ridge, and staying for a few days. I don’t think Brooke will be up for going due to the morning sickness, so you wouldn’t have to worry about watching the shop if you want to go.”

I hadn’t even heard the rest of what he’d said, everything freezing on the wordsmorning sickness. Sebastian was grinning like a fool, knowing what he’d done, but despite the breath I sucked in, I couldn’t catch Brooke’s scent amidst the others to confirm.

“Is she?”

My heart was fluttering as if I was the one responsible when Sebastian dipped his chin. I’d always had a soft spot for babies and young children, but after the things that had happened in my past, I’d sworn never to have any of my own. I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the anxiety it would bring.

I clapped a hand to Sebastian’s back, congratulating him even as my mind scrambled to figure out what his news would mean for the club. We weren’t as structured as other MCs, but he was the equivalent of our Prez. He’d cut back on the time he spent with the Knights once Brooke came into his life, and none of us held it against him, but a baby would change things even more.

“Man, I wasn’t sure you had it in you. I guess at least one of your swimmers stopped chasing its tail long enough to figure out what it was supposed to be doing.”

Sebastian laughed, punching me in the shoulder.

“There is nothing wrong with my swimmers, we were just waiting until the shop was settled. You’re the first we’ve told besides Mom.”

Momwas Mrs. Frost. Brooke’s mother had become somewhat of a mother to the whole club once Brooke and Sebastian became a thing.

My chest tightened knowing they’d honored me with the news. I met Brooke’s eyes, her smile showing she knew Sebastian had told me, and I choked up as I turned back to my friend.

“You know I’ll protect them with my life. Anything you need.”

Family was everything, and I wouldn’t hesitate to lay down my miserable existence for them. For any of the Knights. They’d seen me through some dark times, and they all deserved any happiness they could find.

“I know. Hopefully it never comes to that.”

I knew worry sat in the back of his mind almost as much as it did mine, but I didn’t want him to linger on it. It was time for celebration.

“David! We need shots and another pitcher! Sebastian’s swimmers finally made it!”

Brooke’s cheeks went bright red as Charity’s jaw dropped, but it took the other guys a bit longer to figure it out. The hungry look Danger shot his omega said it wouldn’t be long before we were celebrating again if he had any say in it, and congratulations tumbled over each other when the others caught up, the whole table happy for our leader and his mate.

“Of course you had to steal my thunder,” Sebastian muttered, shaking his head but grinning to show he wasn’t upset. I probably should have asked before announcing it to everyone, but good news was too hard to come by, and the club would have found out eventually anyway.

“How did he know first? I thought I was your friend!”

Charity mock pouted at Brooke who wrapped her in a hug.

“I was about to tell you, if someone hadn’t blabbed toeveryone!”

Brooke’s glare was pitiful, her smile ruining it, so I stuck my tongue out at her and shrugged it off. My bear was distracted enough to relax, and I used the good news to keep myself centered in the present, enjoying the night until I made it back to my empty den, to go to sleep alone.

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