Page 57 of Knot The Only Onee
“Why wouldn’t you just tell us?” Lucas demanded. “We could have helped you. Worked together to help.”
“You didn’t have to shoulder all this on your own, Noah.” James stared me down, his dark eyes flashing like molten obsidian. I knew he felt betrayed, and it was like I’d stabbed myself in the heart.
I hated how I hurt them, and I wanted to do whatever it took to make it right.
“At first, I thought I could handle it on my own. I’m the alpha, after all. It’s my job to take care of us.” I ran my hands through my hair and squatted, trying to stop feeling like the walls were closing in on me. I’d really made a mess of things.
“Will you let us help, Noah?” Bridget’s kind voice pulled me out of my head. “I have some ideas.” She patted Lucas’s hand that was on her waist. “Please?”
Taking a shaky breath, I let it out slowly. If I’d learned anything while trying to save the ranch on my own, it was that I should have been honest with my pack since the beginning. Maybe we wouldn’t be in this mess if I had.
I gave a short nod to Bridget.
“It’s obvious something needs to change. That’s why I thought the website would be good to start with, but if it’s as bad as you say,” she paused as she worried her lower lip with her teeth. “I think we should talk to Alena’s pack. Their company deals in real estate and investments, right? Why don’t we ask them to invest in the ranch and revamp it.” She hurried through her suggestion, not taking a breath until the end.
My teeth clenched together at Bridget’s idea. It was one that I’d thought of before, and one that Elias and the others had discussed with me on more than one occasion.
“Don’t try to bark up that tree, Darlin’.” Lucas snorted. “The guys have asked about it before, and Noah shot them down every single time.”
I narrowed my eyes and resisted the urge to snarl at Lucas.
“But Noah never told us how bad it was,” James added evenly. His eyes still spat fire at me, but he’d calmed his voice. “Knowing what we do now, we need to insist on this, Noah. We can’t lose this ranch.”
I shook my head; not at him agreeing with Bridget, but at the fact we couldn’t lose this ranch. “I’ll never forget being a little boy, no more than five years old, and my grandpa teaching me how to ride.” I absently looked at one of the pictures of him hanging on my office wall. “His daddy was the one that started the ranch. I’m the fourth generation owner. He’d kick my fucking ass if I lost it.”
“Let’s get one thing straight, Noah.” Bridget’s eyebrows rose as she gave me a curious look. “It wouldn’t beyoulosing it. It would be your father. Now, why don’t I sweeten the deal for you.” She shuffled off Lucas’ lap to stand before me as I straightened up.
“What scheme do you have going on, baby girl?” My eyes narrowed as she came to stand before me.
A shy smile played out on her lips as she gazed up at me through her long lashes. “If you say yes to Elias’ business proposal, pending the terms, of course, I’ll let you take me to your bed tonight.”
I sucked in a sharp inhale, James and Lucas doing the same. “What are you saying, Bridget?”
“I’m saying that I’m ready for you guys to make me your omega.” She stood on her tiptoes and lightly brushed her lips over mine. “I want you to take me upstairs and make love to me all night long. Then tomorrow, after Lucas makes us a delicious breakfast, we call Elias, Alena, and the guys and get some terms together.”
I was rendered utterly speechless, and all I could do was stare down at this beautiful omega.
“Because I’d love to make this my home, Noah. To have our babies here. To raise them in the loving and stable environment you and James should have had all along. In a few short weeks, I’ve fallen for all of you, and also for this ranch. We can’t lose it.”
My hands rested on her hips and drew her closer to my chest. “Do you mean it?”
“Which part?” She chuckled. “There was a lot that I said, but I meant every word.”
James and Lucas rose, surrounding Bridget now. “That you love us. Pretty sure that was the part he was talking about.” Lucas bent to whisper in her ear, his lips lingering on the shell to tease her.
“Absolutely.” She cupped my cheeks in her small, delicate hands. “I love you all, and I’m ready to be your omega in all ways.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” James growled, and Bridget squealed as he tossed her over his shoulder and set off toward the bedroom. “Y’all coming?”
With a growl rumbling in my chest, I took off after them, Lucas close on my heels.
CHAPTER26
Bridget
James held me securely with a large palm splayed over my ass. I loved the possessive gesture and the purr that vibrated in his chest.
I'm still not quite sure what possessed me to declare my love for them in the middle of the office. Or what I was thinking when I tried to strike a bargain with Noah to save the ranch.
