Page 93 of Knot the Last Chapter

“We’ve been calling for days. Mom called in rescue boats, Lila, but they had to wait for the storm to pass. Do you have any idea how worried—”

“I’m safe.”

He breathes like he’s trying to decide whether to yell or cry. “Where are you?”

“I’m still on Carver Island,” I say gently. “The storm hit hard, and I couldn’t get back.”

A pause. “You’re alone?”

“No.” I hesitate. Then, carefully, “I’ve been with… Tyler. And Rhys. And Corwyn.”

“The Carver brothers?” he asks, incredulous.

“Mhm.”

“Are they—did they—did they treat you well?” His voice is clipped, tense.

I swallow the heat that rises in my cheeks, the blush that has nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with the memory of Rhys’ knot and Tyler’s mouth and Corwyn’s lips on my neck.

“Yes,” I say firmly. “Very well.”

A long pause.

“Can I talk to Mom?” I ask.

He exhales loudly. “I’m already grabbing the boat. I’ll be there first thing tomorrow. Stay put, Lila.”

“Jake, wait—”

But he’s already gone.

The line clicks, and for a second I hear nothing but the wind outside again. Then the line reconnects.

“Lila?” my mother’s voice comes through soft, sleep-rough. It’s almost midnight, and I hadn’t noticed amidst all the chatting. “Sweetheart?”

My chest aches. “Hi, Mama.”

“Oh, thank the gods. Where have you been?”

“On Carver Island,” I murmur. “Riding out the storm.”

“With the Carver boys?” Her voice tightens.

“They’ve been kind,” I say carefully. “I’ve been safe. Warm. Fed. They’ve taken care of me.”

There’s a pause. A long one.

My mother was never one to push, but I can feel the way her silence leans forward, trying to hear more than I’m saying.

“Something’s different in your voice,” she says softly. “What is it?”

“I’m just tired.”

“That’s not it.”

I stare down into my tea. “I’ll tell you everything tomorrow. I just—needed to hear your voice tonight.”

She hums, a gentle sound. “Of course, baby. I’m glad you’re safe. I’m glad you’re warm. Just remember who you are, okay?”