Page 84 of Knot All is Crystal
“Me and Crystal,” I whisper. “She’s been my muse, the girl of my dreams, for four years. I told her I know her, and she knows me. But when she’s not here in front of me, it feels like…”
“Like what you feel for her can’t possibly be real,” he finishes. “I get that. But you know it’s real, don’t you? I know science says that Betas can’t scent match and can’t bond into packs, but I refuse to believe that there isn’t something that pulls a Beta toward a pack. Just as much as Crystal is ours, so are you, Gage. I feel it here.” My breath catches in my throat when he places his hand over his heart.
How can such a small thing make me feel so special?
I have daddy issues, unfortunately. I never knew him. And my mom was a junkie. My brother went off to college and barely came back.
All I had for a while was Emmanuel until my mom died, and I ended up in foster care. Then I lost him, too.
The idea of having a family, a place to belong, is all I have ever wanted.
“It’s not a coincidence that the one consistent figure in my childhood is a part of this pack,” I say quietly. “It can’t be.”
“I don’t think so either.” He slaps me on the shoulder and shakes me gently. “So perk up, buttercup. No getting rid of me now.”
I don’t think I’d want to.
The front door opens, and Burger comes zooming in through the open patio door, barking madly.
“What the FUCK?” Crystal yells.
“Welcome home, Omega!” Maverick calls out melodically. “How was work?”
She stumbles into the kitchen, Burger hot on her heels, jaw slack with confusion. Her makeup is smudged, and she looks dead on her feet as she slumps against the counter.
“I… what?” Her mouth gapes open as she looks between the two of us. “It is three in the morning, and you’re in my house? With yourdog?”
“Of course, we’re here, Crystal. You’re our Omega. Who else is going to make sure you eat after a long day at work?” Maverick flips the sandwich in the pan.
“I…what?” she says again.
“I think you broke her, Mav.” I wrap my hands around her waist and pull her towards my chest as Burger tangles between our feet. “Sorry if this makes you uncomfortable. Maverick texted me, and it seemed like a good idea to surprise you here at the time.”
“How did you get in?” Her voice sounds a little stronger as the Alpha slides a grilled cheese sandwich in front of her.
“Stole your spare key,” he says casually. “My Alpha instincts were going wild, knowing where you were and knowing I couldn’t take care of you. And with Puck?” He shakes his head, shaggy brown hair falling in his eyes. “I don’t care if he finally told you the truth. I don’t trust him.”
“Me neither, honestly,” I add. “And knowing that Kieran wants togive youaway?” Bile rises in my throat, and I squeeze her waist a little tighter. “I’m always going to worry that you won’t come home.”
She takes small bites of the sandwich, looking between us with an odd expression. Eventually, she pushes the plate away and bends to rub Burger’s head. “Where’s Emmanuel?”
“He had a migraine,” Mav replies. “But he said he’s coming over tomorrow.”
She makes an agreeing noise and shakily stands. “The chief of police had his bachelor party tonight. Apparently, Kieran is a big donor.”
“Well, that’s fucking depressing,” the DJ says, resting on his elbows on the counter. “I know my dad is clean, obviously, but if the chief isn’t? I guess Puck was right about not going to the police.”
I close the patio door and toss Burger’s stuffed pizza slice onto the bed I set up in the corner of the living room for him.
Wow, I made myself at home real quick, huh?
“Let’s get you in bed. You work in the morning, right?” I gently tug Crystal down the hall.
“Yeah, at eight,” she grumbles.
“Oh, you’ll get a solid four hours of sleep!” Maverick teases as he sandwiches Crystal between us. “At least it’s Friday?”
* * *
