Page 20 of Knot The Only Onee

Lucas cleared his throat. “Thank you, darlin’. I appreciate you saying that even if my cornbread did make you choke. I’d much rather give you something else to choke on.”

My eyes widened as heat crept up my cheeks.

James growled and swatted Lucas across the back of the head. “You’ll pay for that crude comment tonight, Pup.”

Lucas murmured a quick apology, but as he looked down at his plate, a self-satisfied grin spread over his lip.

Oh, so this was interesting.

I’d read enough romance novels to assume what kind of punishment he’d receive.

And the thought made my belly quiver with desire. Oh shit snacks, I needed to get that under control because they would smell my arousal.

Noah’s brows furrowed as he discreetly sniffed. His eyes brightened as he looked at me. Raw hunger reflected in his bright blue eyes.

Too late. Much,muchtoo late. He already scented me.

“I’ll help clear the table,” I announced quickly and rose with my plate in my hands. I gathered a few other dishes and carried them into the kitchen with my cheeks on fire.

When I reached the doorway, I put the plates in the sink and placed my hands flat on the counter to catch my breath.

“Bridget?”

I jumped as a hand tentatively touched my shoulder. Whirling around, my palm slapped over my chest as my heart rate ratcheted back up again.

“Sorry!” Noah raised his hands and took a step back.

“Please, just don’t sneak up on me.” I leaned back against the counter while doing the deep breathing exercises I’d learned from therapy.

“Shit, baby girl. I’m so sorry.” Noah rubbed his hand along the back of his neck. His brow pinched together in genuine concern as he regarded me. “I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry for how we behaved at dinner.”

My head cocked to the side as I contemplated his statement. “You guys didn’t do anything wrong.”

“No, that was inappropriate for Lucas to say. I don’t want you to think anyone is pushing you into anything. Lucas is sassy, and his mouth gets away from him sometimes. He shouldn’t be teasing you like that.”

The ferocity of his tone took me back a step. “Noah,” I held up a hand to get him to pause. “While I don’t always get jokes or sarcasm, I won’t be offended by Lucas and his teasing.”

Noah sighed and ran his fingers through his thick hair. “It’s your first full day in the house, and I don’t want to chase you away.”

“Trust me, Noah.” My lips curled up into a wry smile. “I’ve been through much worse than Lucas and his snarkiness. As long as you aren’t whipping me with a belt or a switch and calling me worthless, I’m good.”

My body went rigid, and my eyes closed as I realized what I confessed.

The raw fury that spread over Noah’s face had my back stiffening as I looked around the room, wildly looking for my closest escape route.

“Never,” Noah growled, the sound soothing more than frightening. “We would never harm anyone in that way. I give you my word, swearing it on everything I have in this world, that we will not let any harm come to you.”

CHAPTER10

Noah

Had Bridget really been beaten with a switch and a belt? And who the fuck would ever call her worthless? The thought had my blood on fire as I fought to control my emotions. How anyone could harm an omega was beyond me.

Yet, I’d witnessed it firsthand in my own home growing up. I wasnotgoing to think about my father right now. I was already too keyed up and on edge to go down that dark and dangerous path right now. But if it would help put Bridget at ease, I would make it clear that no harm would befall her at Second Chance Ranch.

Not while me and my pack were alive.

“Bridget,” my voice softened as I took several calming breaths. “I would rather cut off my arm than harm an omega. Hell, anyone innocent for that matter.”