Page 48 of Her Knotty Alphas

She's cut off by Archie running back down the stairs and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "We'll be right back." He gives me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Banana. My soothing beta-juju will make sure your pack is left in one piece."

After I give him a shaky nod, he rushes out the door, and Cady gathers me up in her arms again. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know." I try my best to stifle the omega whine trying to climb up my throat, and Cady just clutches me harder. "I'm so upset with them. Were theypurposelytrying to keep him from me?"

"I'm not sure," Cady says softly. "And I know you don't want to hear it, but I'll tell you again: I don't think things happened the way you were led to believe. If they were trying to keep him a secret…I'm sure it's just because they wanted to find out what really happened all those years ago."

I pull back, scowling. "You're supposed to be on my side."

"I am on your side," Cady sighs, running a hand through her hair, "I want you to be happy. To not throw away this chance at a pack."

"Why?" I snap, throwing my hands up. "Because I'm already almost thirty and can't seem to make anyone like me enough to stick around?"

"Hey." Cady frowns at me. "You know that's not what I mean. You don't get another true scent match, Hannah. And you know that I'll tell you giving myself a chance to be happy with mine was the best thing I ever did."

Guilt pangs in my stomach. She's right. I shouldn't be biting her head off when she's just trying to help me. "I'm sorry. I'm just…scared."

"What are you scared of?" She asks gently, taking my hands.

"I just…I don't want them to only want me because of the scent match, you know? Enzo and Noah seem to genuinely like me andwant me, but Charlie's already proved what he's capable of, and Austin…" I shake my head.

"Are you ever going to tell me what happened that night?" She asks, a knowing smirk on her lips.

My hands detangle from hers to cover my face. "Oh my god. Never. I can't."

"Babe, I'm sure it's notthatbad—"

I'm saved from the conversation by my phone going off.

Enzo

Preciosa, I am so sorry for not being up front about Charlie being another true scent match. We were only told his side of the story, and we were hoping to bring it up once you had some time with all of us.

We now realize how it seems that we lied to you. We weren't trying to. Titus is here now, gathering our scents for you, and he is the one who made us realize how badly we fucked up.

Biting my lip, I read Enzo's message a second time. Titus must have not said anything about the scent sickness, but…Charlie's side of the story? What side could that be?

"What does it say?" Cady asks, and I hand her the phone. Her eyes scan the message, and when she hands it back to me, she has this thoughtful look on her face. "His side of the story, huh?"

Ah, I see. It's not a thoughtful look at all. It's an "I told you so" look.

"He probably…made something up." I mutter, even though I know there are some things about what happened that don't make sense. Like why was he so intent on finding me after I left? Why didn't he date anyone else? Cat should have at least been onhis arm at some point. I know I'll need to talk to him eventually, I'm just…not ready. It hurts too much.

Ignoring Cady's look, I type out my response to Enzo.

Me

Glad to hear he didn't kill you guys. Cady had to talk him down.

Enzo

You have a way of making the people surrounding you want to protect you.

I almost snort at that, because Cady's pack is only protective because she's my friend.

Enzo

I can have him hit each of us if that would make you feel better? We'll have Archie take a video for proof

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