Page 44 of Knot So Damaged

Judging by the scent behind me, I know that there is no way that I can allow myself to slip right now. It may be the worst thing that I could do.

“I…I…I’m going home,” I manage to stutter out, fooling absolutely nobody.

Cal scoffs and shakes his head. “Not a chance, sweetheart. My mother, rest her soul, would be mortified if I let you walk home alone at this time of the night.”

“I agree with Cal, Valley. Get in his car and he will drive you home.”

The deep timbre of Olis’ voice sends a shiver running down my spine.

I begin shaking my head but a growl from behind me stops me immediately.

“Stop arguing with us, Valentina. You will get your ass in the car and say thank you like a good fucking girl.”

I am already nodding my head even before Vic has finished his sentence.

“And, you will message me the moment that you are tucked in bed with your front door locked.”

Again, I nod but Victor just shakes his head.

“No,dolce ciliegra, I need your words.”

I swallow thickly before replying, “Yes, Alpha.”

Vic’s eyes heat and I know that if Olis’ hand wasn’t on his shoulder, he would have done something that I’m not even remotely close to being ready for.

Judging by the look in his eyes, I know that I need to choose my stance with them and quickly. There is a promise in his eyes that makes anticipation swirl in my stomach. Vic wants more. They want more.

And I need to decide what I want.

Before it's too late.

Cal allows me to process my feelings on the drive home from work. I know that he has questions. Ones that I don’t even know how I would be able to answer.

Ones that fucking terrify me.

But, if I was to be stuck in a car with anyone right now, I’m glad it's him.

Since he entered my home this morning—or yesterday morning seeing the stupid time on the clock—he has given me this sense of safety I haven't felt before. It’s strange and uncomfortable after years of pushing people away.

It makes me wish that I could have met this Alpha first. Maybe I wouldn’t have put them all into such a secure box. Maybe their advances would have been well received.

But that is not what I was destined for.

Cal finds a park outside of my apartment building. He pins me with a look as he exits the car. I wait as he opens my door and takes my bag from me.

I don’t even bother protesting it.

If the guy really wants to be a gentleman, I will let him. I have no energy to fight him on it.

Neither of us says anything as we walk in the door. Mrs. Perry gives us a quick hello and goodbye before she also leaves. She does side eye Cal though, murmuring quiet words to the Alpha before making her exit.

As Cal is saying goodbye to the older lady, I take a moment to go check in on Amity.

Opening her door as quietly as I can, I make sure to keep my footsteps light as I walk over to her bed and sit down on the edge.

Tears spring to my eyes as I look down at her precious face.The chubby cheeks that have refused to disappear. The way her mouth is open as she lightly snores.

The peaceful innocence on her face.