Page 14 of Knot The Only Onee

I really hoped Bridget would like my surprise and wouldn’t freak out on us.

Alena kept Bridget distracted for a few minutes so I could finish my mission. I was proud of myself for the bit of decorating I’d done to her nest, and how much she enjoyed it.

Seeing the smile and awe on her face when she first laid her eyes on it made every penny I’d spent worth it. This second time would be even better. I’d make sure James and Noah were there to see it, too.

I plucked my bright green hat off my head and placed it on the hook by the front door.

Before Noah’s Mama died, she had strict rules of no hats on in the house–or so I’d been told about a thousand times. Noah honored his Mama by keeping the rule in his home.

I scrambled up the stairs and got to work.

I carefully folded and arranged the clothes, leaving the tags on just in case she didn’t like anything. I made sure to keep the penguin items front and center. The pajama pants, the giant stuffie, I’d even found a messenger bag with penguins all over it that I knew she’d love.

For the final touch, I spread out the soft blanket covered in dancing penguins.

Grinning from ear to ear, I surveyed everything as my excitement built. I wanted desperately to show this woman, this perfect omega, that she was everything that a person could ever want. She was beautiful and kind. Strong and fierce. Yet, vulnerable.

Along with Noah and James, I wanted to be the one to help protect her from anything that wished to harm her.

With a final nod of approval, I sprinted down the stairs and peeked into the living room. Simon, Alena, Noah, and Bridget sat on the various couches and chairs, the TV on softly in the background as they conversed casually.

“Hey, where’s James?” I asked Noah.

His eyes darkened, and he shook his head. “Out in the stables.”

“But it’s dark out.” Alena’s brow furrowed as she leaned forward to look out the window that faced the stables.

“Plus, it’s probably freezing out there.” Bridget huddled further beneath the blanket draped over her lap. Which I was pretty sure Noah probably placed there. It was his favorite blanket, which he kept on the back of his chair.

“James feels more at ease with the horses.” Noah sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “We have to just let him be for now. He has a flashlight and his phone. Plus, the floodlights are motion-activated. He’ll be okay, darlin’. He does this often.”

I let out a quiet sigh. James had his demons. Being around people wasn’t his favorite thing. He preferred the company of animals or being alone with his piano.

“Bridget, could you come with me for a moment?” I smiled and held my hand out for her.

She stared at it for a moment before she slowly reached her arm out and placed her palm over mine.

I helped her from her seat, then rearranged the blanket so it lay across her shoulders. “Don’t want you to get cold.” I smiled as I tugged the edges closer together for her.

“Thanks.” Her smile was sweet. Making her face light up and get a little bit closer to how she was before we left for the store.

Earlier, I’d almost triggered her heat. I needed to talk to Noah and James about that after Bridget went to sleep.

Noah already knew something was off, judging by the looks he’d been giving me since we returned.

I led Bridget upstairs, careful not to crowd her or make her feel uncomfortable in any way. Our hands remained clasped, and I ran my thumb over her knuckles as I couldn’t resist touching her soft skin.

“You deserve all the things, beautiful girl,” I whispered, opening the door and letting her see what I’d arranged on her bed.

“Lucas,” she gasped softly. She tilted her head up at me, tears shimmering in her bright blue eyes.

“I don’t want you to ever go without.” I untangled my fingers from hers and placed them on the small of her back instead. I pushed her into the room, urging her to go and explore.

I stood in the doorway, watching with rapt fascination as she took tentative steps into the room. Noah came behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Good work, cub.” He bent close to my ear, and I inhaled his intoxicating alpha fragrance of fresh pine.

An arm wrapped around my waist as he leaned his chin to rest on my shoulder. I placed my hand over his and twined our fingers. I savored his embrace, leaning back on him for strength.

I had a feeling Bridget was already fully aware of our relationship. But we’d have to see how it played into our dynamic.