Page 61 of Knot All is Crystal
“Why did you pretend?” I rush to say. “I know you know we’re scent matches.”
She shushes me and looks around in fear. Quietly, she slides her phone across the table. “Give me your number.”
It’s a strange request, but I comply and return the phone to her. She immediately turns her attention to it, her fingers flying across the screen.
My phone buzzes in my pocket.
Unknown
It’s not safe, Maverick. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to lie to you, but you can’t go back to Prism. It’s not a safe place, and I can’t let you get hurt. I’m sorry, but I can’t be your Omega.
My heart clenches in my chest, and I look up to her pleading, desperate eyes. I can see so many emotions flashing across her face, and she chews on her lip.
“I-”
“Phone.” She interrupts me before I can say anything.
As I type out my response, I’m actually kind of grateful that I can re-read and rewrite things to make sure they sound good before I send them.
I know you’re the Queen. You told me as much. I know what that means. Why can’t I decide if you’re worth the risk? Why do you get to make that decision for both of us?
Her brow crinkles as she stares at the phone. Her nose wrinkles when she starts to type, and she chews on her lip.
It’s so fucking cute.
I can’t live with that on my conscience. I can barely keep myself safe. I can’t be responsible for your safety, too.
You’re so handsome and seem like a lot of fun, but you deserve better than I can give you.
Anyone who is close to me is at risk. Especially Alphas.
Is this because of Kieran Cobb?
She drops her phone, and I see real, honest fear in her eyes. Her mouth gapes a little. I think she’s about to say something out loud before her fingers nearly blur as they fly across her screen.
I don’t know who you’re working for or what you know but I can’t do this.
My family comes first, and being with you means they are no longer safe.
I don’t know what you know about Kieran, and I don’t really care. You’ll never get me to talk.
I’m going to leave now. Please don’t follow me.
She pushes her chair back and stalks out the door.
Ask my parents and any teacher I’ve ever had - I’m not good at following directions.
I pull several bills from my wallet and put them on the table, darting after the flighty Omega. It only takes me a moment to catch up to her at a crosswalk.
“Please,” I beg. Even I can hear the desperation in my voice. “Don’t do this to me again. Please.”
“What part of unsafe do you not understand?” She whirls around and pokes me in the chest after ripping her arm out of my hand.
I didn’t realize I grabbed her.
“You could die, Maverick,” she hisses, eyes darting all around. “Don’t you fucking get it? I’m trying to save you!”
“Is it worth being saved if half of my soul is missing?”
