Page 53 of Forget me Knot
“Apology accepted,” I say lightly, though Jack and I share a look that says we both know there’s more to come.
We finally arrive at their house – a sprawling farmhouse that is divine and surrounded by land. It’s both charming and slightly intimidating, like stepping into someone’s family history.
The moment we step inside, Max is already storming down the hallway towards us, furious.
“Welcome back,” he growls at Jack and Sam. “Got an explanation for this rut bullshit?”
Both alphas have the decency to look sheepish. “It’s complicated,” Jack begins.
Max snorts. “Clearly.”
He turns on his heel and marches back the way he came, not even acknowledging me. That does not bode well.
Jack gives my hand a quick squeeze before he and Sam follow Max, leaving me in the entrance hall, feeling like the sixth guy in an orgy. “Well, great,” I mutter and slink off in the opposite direction to find somewhere to, at the very least, sit down.
I end up in the kitchen, which is surprisingly comforting, with its sprawling wooden countertops and mismatched mugs hanging from hooks. I sit down at the large farmhouse table, pulling out one of my paperbacks to pass the time, but my mind isn’t in it. My thoughts keep drifting back to Jack, Sam, and Max. I get up to make some tea and decide on a pot in case the pack meeting is cut short, and everyone needs a cuppa to calm down.
I finish pouring the hot water into the teapot, trying to stay calm and keep myself occupied.
As I settle back at the farmhouse table with my steaming mug of tea, I look around. The kitchen is warm and inviting, with its rustic charm and homey touches, but the tension from the meeting happening elsewhere in the house seems to seep through the walls.
I pick up my paperback, determined to distract myself, but the words swim on the page. My mind keeps drifting to Jack, Sam, and Max, wondering what’s being said in that meeting. Are they explaining everything? How is Max reacting? My ears feel like they should be burning.
Sighing, I set the book aside and get up to explore the kitchen. It’s a beautiful space, clearly designed for a pack that enjoys cooking and eating together. The large farmhouse sink overlooks the sprawling back garden, and I find myself drawn to the window.
The view is breathtaking. Rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with sheep and the occasional ancient oak tree. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea, glancing up every now and again to remind yourself of where you are. My errant mind wanders to what a gorgeous place this would be to raise kids and live out life in the safety and comfort of the pack.
I shake my head, trying to dislodge the wistful thoughts. This isn’t my home and probably never will be.
Turning away from the window, I return to the table, my tea now slightly cooler but still comforting. I pick up the paperback, flipping through its pages absentmindedly, hoping that the meeting is going better than I expect it is.
Chapter 26
Max
Leading these cocks to the formal living room, I slam the door behind me. I’m going to tear them both a new one before this day is out.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Jack and Sam are both staring at me as if I’ve lost my mind, and maybe I have.
“What. The bloody fuck. Happened?” I growl.
Jack steps forward, his voice calm but firm. “Look, it wasn’t an accident. I’ve been in love with Lily for as long as I can remember, and Sam has realised what I’ve known all along but didn’t want to admit to myself.”
Sam steps in, adding his own plea for mercy. “We’re sorry, Max. We know we messed up by not telling you, but it happened so quickly. One minute I was talking to her, and the next I was fucking her. Then Jack found us, and it snowballed. We know we fucked up.”
“Sorry doesn’t cut it,” I snap. “Do you have any idea what this means for the pack? For me?”
Jack runs a hand through his hair again, clearly frustrated. “We should’ve come to you, but this is it, Max. She is our mate, whether you like it or not.”
The words hang in the air, heavy and final. Jack’s declaration feels like a punch to my gut. I stagger back a step, my mind reeling. Our mate?
Jack’s eyes bore into mine, and I can see the determination there. It’s infuriating, but also admirable. I knew it in my soul, but my head is having a hard time catching up.
“Look,” Sam pipes up. “This will get your mum off our cases. Lily is our mate. Two out of the three of us agree. You need to go out there and get to know her. She is sweet and gorgeous, and kind. She is everything we need.”
But am I everything she needs?
“We haven’t exactly got off on the right foot,” I snarl. “She probably thinks I’m a total prick.”
