Page 104 of Knot the Last Chapter

And just like that, we turn, hand in hand, toward whatever’s next.

Together.

Chapter sixty-one

Lila

I’m not nervous. Okay, maybe I’m a little nervous.

Which is ridiculous. I’ve faced storms and heat and mysteries hidden behind old walls. I’ve survived Tyler’s teasing, Rhys’ smoldering glances, and Corwyn’s devastating ability to read my mind before I can form a full thought. But now, standing on the porch of my childhood home, surrounded by three very large, very alpha-shaped shadows… I feel like a teenager again, bringing home her first crush.

Except this time it’s three men. And they’re not just crushes.

They’re mine.

Rhys stands to my left, holding a pie he insisted on baking. Tyler's at my right, shifting from foot to foot, pretending he’s not nervous. Corwyn stands just behind me, arms crossed, composed as ever—but his scent betrays the tension. He’s just as uncertain about this as I am.

“You okay?” Tyler murmurs beside me, leaning down slightly.

“I’m fine,” I lie. I told Mom I wanted her to meet a special someone. I didn’t tell her it wasthreespecial someones.Mom had one alpha, that was it. Packs were…packs weren’t necessarily that common.

Rhys glances over. “We could come back another time, if this is too much.”

“No,” I say, and squeeze Rhys’ arm. “We’re doing this.”

I knock on the door.

It opens almost instantly, and there she is—my mom. Silver hair pulled back in a loose twist, warm brown eyes bright and curious. She looks at the three men behind me, then back to me.

“Well,” she says after a beat. “Either you’ve taken up with a security detail or I need to make a much bigger pot of tea.”

Tyler makes a noise that might be a strangled laugh. Rhys lifts the pie.

“I brought pie,” he says, charming and bashful at once.

“Did you now?” My mother steps aside. “In that case, you’re all very welcome.”

I exhale in relief as the three of them shuffle in. Shoes off. Shoulders tense. We all gather in the living room. My mom bustles off to make tea, because of course she does. And I realize, as I watch them try not to take up too much space on the couch, that this is the most awkward I’ve ever seen them.

Corwyn’s sitting ramrod straight.

Rhys has his hands folded neatly on his knees, like he’s a polite guest at a formal dinner.

Tyler’s rubbing the back of his neck like he’d rather be anywhere else but here—which is hilarious, considering how often he’s faced challenges with absolute confidence.

“She’s going to love you,” I whisper, settling beside him.

He shoots me a skeptical look. “She’s already measuring us for shovels and a talk out back.”

That earns a small laugh from Corwyn. “We’re in her den, Tyler. It’s her territory. Best behave.”

“She raised me,” I add. “Proof that she’s got lots of patience.”

They all laugh at that—nervously, but genuinely.

When my mom returns with tea, she sets the tray down and looks them over like she’s appraising a house she’s not sure she wants to buy.

“So,” she says, “which one of you is the responsible one?”