Page 81 of Knot So Lucky

The kitten—currently curled up at the foot of my bed where it's been napping peacefully—chooses that moment to contribute a loudmeowto the conversation.

Like it's offended by the characterization of events.

"I do apologize for all the trouble this has caused," Elias says, and the sincerity in his voice makes it clear he's not just being polite.

Then, before I can formulate a response, he leans in and kisses me.

The touch is soft—so much softer than Cale's desperate claiming—but no less affirmative. His lips are warm and gentle against mine, moving with careful intention that speaks to restraint rather than lack of passion.

It's a promise. A beginning. A preview of something that could be extraordinary if we let it develop.

When he pulls back, his mouth hovers close enough that I can feel his breath against my lips.

"I'll see you soon," he whispers, the words clearly meant for "him"—for Rory, my public persona.

But his eyes tell me he sees Aurora underneath.

I can't form words. Can't do anything except nod submissively while my pupils probably dilate to cartoonish proportions.

My Omega instincts are practically purring with satisfaction, and I'm pretty sure my expression is embarrassingly transparent about exactly how affected I am by this Alpha.

Elias smiles—warm and knowing—before straightening and addressing the kitten.

"Time to go. No more causing trouble."

Meow,the kitten replies, sounding entirely too pleased with itself.

It leaps from the bed to Elias's waiting arm with the kind of athletic grace that seems impossible for something so small. He scoops the tiny creature against his chest, cradling it like precious cargo.

"We'll be in touch," he says, giving me one last lingering look before heading toward the door.

The room feels emptier when he leaves, despite the fact that Cale and I are still here.

Before I can process the departure, Cale's hand is tilting my chin up.

Then he's kissing me again—long and hard and possessive in ways that make the monitors beep their alarm.

His mouth claims mine with bruising intensity, tongue demanding entry that I grant immediately.

The kiss tastes different from Elias's gentle exploration.

This is familiar territory, well-mapped and thoroughly conquered.

Aggressive, desperate, and carrying months of complicated history.

When Cale finally breaks away, we're both gasping for air.

"What was that for?" I ask when I can form words again.

"I wanted to be the last taste in your mouth," Cale says bluntly, no shame or apology in his tone. "Not that fucker."

Despite everything—the injuries, the exhaustion, the complicated emotions swirling through me—I can't help but smirk.

"Jealousy suits you."

"Whatever." He rolls his eyes, but there's affection beneath the gruffness. "Eat. You need protein and calories."

He reaches for the takeout containers Elias left, opening them to reveal an impressive spread of food. Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables. Rice pilaf with herbs. Some kind of soup that smells like heaven. Fresh bread that's still warm.