Page 35 of Knot That Difficult

Truthfully, I do feel a bit better.

I’ve never voiced my concerns regarding Devyn finding a pack with anyone before. I’m just surprised I received words of encouragement fromRiverof all people.

I always try to be strong for Devyn since she has her own worries and guilt with all of this.

The last thing she should concern herself with ismystruggles.

I resume my work in silence, pulling up files of unsolved burglaries and petty thefts.

“Thanks,” I mutter after an hour or so of us working in silence.

He doesn’t reply, nor do I expect him to.

Still, my spirits are lifted.

* * *

When I arriveat our apartment, Devyn is asleep on the couch, wrapped in a heavy throw blanket. She’s curled into a tiny ball, making herself as small as possible. The television plays a rerun of her favorite baking reality show competition.

I frown. I know it’s an old habit she’s trying to break. Apparently, she used to sleep like this growing up in the group foster home. There was never enough space in the rooms, and she’s used to making herself as small as possible.

There is always enough space for Devyn now.

I’ve made sure of it.

Her breathing is even and deep, and it almost pains me to interrupt her sleep, but our bed is much more inviting than the couch.

I slowly move her to her side, unwrap her from the blanket, and then scoop her into my arms. She murmurs in her sleep, tucking her head against my chest as she sighs contentedly.

This close, I can smell her. Maybe not as strong as an Alpha could, but I can still scent her faintly.

Vanilla and brown sugar.

Sweet, but not too potent.

Just perfect.

I carry her to the bedroom, deposit her gently on her side of the bed, then cover her with the blanket I gifted her on our anniversary. Her blonde curls fan out around her, creating a light halo on her pillow.

She could have any man she wants.

Any Alpha.

But Devyn chose me, and that means something.

There’s no reason for me to be insecure.

We’re a team. She’s mine, and I’m hers.

No matter what happens next, I’ll be by her side.

I strip into my boxers, then join her in bed, pulling a thick comforter over both of us. I turn onto my side to face her, listening to her gentle breathing until I succumb to sleep.

Her date is tomorrow, and I’ll be damned if I get in the way of her finding her pack.

7

DEVYN

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