Page 3 of Tying the Knot
“Yeah, I know, but I’ve explained myself more than once. I won’t settle. End of story. When we find her, I’ll let you know.”
He huffs and backs down. I know he wants to fight me on it. He is itching to throw a punch, but he won’t. It’s not in his nature. He’s the calm one—the beta. Nik and Kal, on the other hand, well, it’d be a different story if they were confronting me right now. Alphas through and through, we’ve already come to blows about this several times, but as prime alpha of the St. Clair pack, I have the means to hold off until I’m ready. I will know the one when I come across her. I need tofeelsomething, and so far, I haven’t felt jack shit.
I sigh and pick my paper up again as Dylan leaves me alone, not happy but keeping his trap shut.
I’m waiting for the IPP Commander to contact me with the details for tonight. I was bluffing to Dylan. We aren’t on call. We are on a mission. I was trying to soften the blow for him. I protect him more than I should in all aspects, even though I know he can handle himself and tricky situations.
As if on cue, my phone buzzes and I pick it up. “Yeah?”
“Castello’s. 7 PM. They’re making a drop, be there and end this.”
“On it.”
We hang up. No more needs to be said.
I pick up my mug of tea and take a sip before going back to reading my paper. I cannot wait to get that scum off the streets. It’ll make my night. My month. Maybe even my year. We’ve been after these guys for ages, but they’ve been one step ahead. Not anymore. Tonight, we’ve got them.
ChapterThree
Morgan
I have hadone of the laziest days I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve had a swim in the small indoor pool, followed by a sauna and then a hot bubble bath. I’ve watched TV, read my book and stuffed my face with healthy snacks.
It’s been boring as all fuck.
I was hoping one of the alphas would find some time to spend with me, but they’ve been outallday, only returning about an hour ago to get ready to take me out.
I grimace at myself in the mirror.
I’m not one for formal dresses. I prefer casual wear any day of the week, but I’ve made an effort to dress up and look pretty for my men. My long blonde hair is coiled up on top of my head in a tight bun. My face is made up in natural but pretty shades. I’m wearing a tight white dress that accentuates my curves and costs more than I feel comfortable with. My nude-coloured shoes are high and strappy with a thin heel, which concerns me just in case I get a dose of the clumsy and end up breaking my ankle again.
“Hi,” Adam says, pushing the half-open door wider. “Wow, you look amazing.”
“Thanks.”
“Sit.”
I give him a curious look but perch my rear on the end of the bed. To my surprise, he drops to his knees in front of me and looks up at me with those dark eyes. He runs his hands down my calf, lifting my foot before he clasps a pretty silver bracelet around my ankle.
“It’s gorgeous,” I murmur.
“Not as gorgeous as you.” He stands up and takes my hand, helping me rise. “Are you ready?” He glances at his watch almost anxiously.
I nod and let him lead me out of my room and down the stairs, where the other alphas are waiting for me with catcalls and whistles.
I blush but accept the compliments, hoping that whatever present they have for my birthday isn’t going to be extravagant and inappropriate if they’ve waited to hand it to me at the restaurant. I know this bracelet isn’t my gift. This is just from Adam, or he wouldn’t have given it to me in private.
My stomach clenches into a tight knot as Adam leads me to the car outside and helps me into the back seat with Pierce and Alfie on either side of me, with Adam driving and Rich in the passenger seat.
I feel nervous. Something feels off with them. They’re acting edgy, and Adam keeps looking at his watch every two minutes. It’s freaking me out, but I keep my mouth shut, not wanting to ruin this night by complaining.
The drive into the city doesn’t take long, which is good because I’m ravenous, having lived only on snacks all day. I haven’t eaten properly since last night, which is not helping the churning in my stomach. Adam finds a parking space to pull into, and Pierce helps me out, clutching my hand tightly after he gives it a soft kiss. His eyes are wary, and his smile is almost apologetic. I want to ask what the hell is going on, but again, I keep my mouth shut, so I don’t start a fight or cause any ructions.
Adam takes my other hand and leads me the short way down the gritted pavement to Castello’s. I shiver. I feel like I'm being watched as I walk down the street. It's a very weird feeling, like someone is following us or something. I look over my shoulder, but I can't see anyone. The urge to run is clawing at me, but then Rich opens the door of the restaurant, and the feeling goes away when we enter. The interior of the restaurant is very elegant, with white tablecloths and candles flickering on the tables. The enormous floor-to-ceiling windows open up in the summer to accommodate outdoor seating, but they’re closed tonight as it’s freezing. I shiver as I didn’t bring my coat, but I soon warm up as we are seated at a cosy table for five.
Adam checks his watch again, and I purse my lips.
“Waiting for something?” I ask and then cringe when his eyes bore into mine.
