Page 61 of Knot So Sweet
I plate automatically, muscle memory taking over.
Garrick's been wound tight all day. Not because he wants Violet gone, but because he wants her to stay so badly it scares him. He's terrified of being like her ex. Of taking away her choice.
So instead of being honest about his feelings, he tried to give her freedom. Even if it killed him.
Classic Garrick. Noble and stupid all at once.
"Is the order up for table six?"
I slide another plate across the pass, but my focus is shot.
Having Violet around seemed like a good idea. She brought business, brought life. Made us all feel more.
And now we're all circling her, wanting her, trying to figure out how to keep her without trapping her.
We promised no omegas. No complications. No risk.
But it's too late for that. We're already in it.
And I don't know if that's the best thing that ever happened to us or the beginning of the end.
But at least she's staying. For now. Her choice.
That has to be enough.
15
LIAM
The phone at Mairi Veterinary Services has been ringing nonstop for three days straight, ever since Violet's article about her went viral. Violet has been working solid on her articles, which is fine because she wasn’t really cut out to be a receptionist at the clinic, and Mairi’s done this type of work so many times before all over town. From the car showroom to the doctor’s surgery.
I pace between the sterilization room and reception, catching snippets of Mary fielding yet another call. Her auburn ponytail bobs as she jots notes, the strain of the day creeping into her posture.
She’s small but solid, the kind of receptionist who can sweet-talk a skittish collie one second and shut down an irate horse breeder the next. Right now, she looks two calls away from throwing the phone into the parking lot.
"Mairi Veterinary Services, this is Mary. How can I help you?"
Mary's eyebrows shoot up, and she grips the phone tighter. "I'm sorry, did you say a photo shoot?"
I abandon my sterilizing and move closer, my protective instincts prickling.
"Ma'am," Mary says, "this is a working veterinary clinic, not a photo studio. We provide medical care for animals, not Instagram content."
She rolls her eyes at whatever response she's getting, then pinches the bridge of her nose. Her scent shifts slightly, professional patience starting to fray.
"If your dog needs medical attention, we're happy to help. But we don't stage photo shoots with animals." Mary pauses, drumming her fingers on the desk. "I'm quite sure. Thank you for calling."
She hangs up and immediately grabs the notepad she's started keeping, making another tally mark. I can see several marks already on today's page.
"Let me guess," I say, leaning against the reception counter. "Someone wants to turn their pet into a social media star?"
"Goldendoodle named Precious. Thirty thousand followers, apparently." Mary pushes back from her desk and stretches her neck. "They wanted 'authentic mountain vet photos' for their Instagram."
"Well, that settles it." I straighten and gesture broadly around the clinic. "We clearly need to pivot into the influencer pet business."
The phone rings again before she can respond. Mary's shoulders slump briefly before she steels herself and reaches for the receiver.
"Mairi Veterinary Services, this is Mary."
