Page 36 of Knotting the Cowboys

Maybe that's enough for now. I don't need all the answers today.

I just need to sit at this table that holds so much history, surrounded by men who've proven themselves in fire and smoke, holding a baby who seems to think I belong here.

For once, I can let that be enough.

Temporary Safe Haven

~WILLA~

"Ishould probably stay in the bunkhouse," I say, the words tumbling out before I've fully thought them through, and watch four Alpha faces shift into identical expressions of disapproval. The kitchen suddenly feels smaller, their combined presence pressing against my awareness like a physical weight.

"Absolutely not," Cole says, flat and final. "The bunkhouse isn't set up for?—"

"For an Omega?" I interrupt, chin lifting despite the flutter in my stomach. "I'm tougher than I look."

"For anyone living alone," River corrects gently. "The heating's inconsistent, the plumbing needs work, and it's too isolated from the main property."

"She needs proper locks," Mavi adds, and something in his tone makes my neck prickle. "Security in the main house is integrated. The bunkhouse is vulnerable."

They're talking around me now, a four-way conversation about my safety that makes my teeth grind. But underneath the irritation, something else stirs as I watch them with Luna. Austin bounces her absently while he talks, River reaches overto wipe drool from her chin without breaking his sentence, Cole adjusts her bib with practiced ease, and Mavi—even Mavi softens when she babbles at him.

Which one of them, I wonder, had the Omega who gave birth to her?

The thought hits like cold water, unexpected and unwelcome.

I study Luna's features, trying to match them to the men's faces. She has Austin's coloring, pale and golden, but River's calm temperament. Those unusual eyes could come from anywhere, and her dark wisps of hair might grow out to match Cole's or even Mavi's.

Who was she? This Omega who carried Luna, who gave these four Alphas a child to raise? Did she love them? Did they love her?

The jealousy that twists in my gut is as surprising as it is inappropriate. I have no claim here, no right to feel territorial about men I met hours ago.

But I do. God help me, I do.

"—main house has everything you need," Austin is saying when I force my attention back. "Full kitchen, updated bathrooms, comfortable bed?—"

"Where will you all go?" I ask, needing to derail my own thoughts. "Four men and a baby can't exactly squeeze into the bunkhouse either."

"We'll manage," Cole says. "It's got four bedrooms, and we've bunked in tighter spaces during fire season. Your safety and comfort come first."

"That's ridiculous." The words come out sharper than intended. "I'm not displacing an entire family from their home."

"It's your home," River reminds me. "We're just employees, remember?"

Except they're not, and we all know it.

Employees don't look at their boss like she hangs the moon.

Employees don't make her body respond with every breath, every movement, every careful kindness.

Employees don't make her wonder what their hands would feel like?—

My silence must make them realize I’m not budging with this one because Cole decides to speak.

"Fine," Cole says, cutting through my spiraling thoughts. "But there are ground rules. We maintain the early morning schedule for ranch work. You'll hear us starting around five-thirty. The main house alarm system stays active—Mavi will show you the codes. And—" He pauses, jaw working. "We'll need to establish protocols for your Heat phases."

Heat.

The word hangs in the air like a loaded gun.

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