Page 78 of Knot The Only Onee

CHAPTER36

Bridget

Itook a few extra minutes in the bathroom to ensure my appearance was pristine.

Not that I needed to do so, but it made me feel more confident.

As if the clothing and makeup were a shield I could hide behind.

It was irrational. I had nothing to hide. My pack circle knew my past, and so did Simon. I’m sure Alena knew most of it as well.

The rest of her men were not judgmental in the slightest.

But, still, the outfit made me feel better.

With my head held high, I defeated the stairs. The orgasmic aroma of Lucas’ cooking filled my nostrils as I strode through the kitchen to the living room.

Alena sprang to her feet, elbowing Xavier in the ribs in the process. He grunted, bending over as Alena ran toward me and threw her arms around my neck. "I missed you."

I squeezed her back. "I missed you too, but I think you should apologize to poor Xavier. You elbowed him pretty good."

Her eyes widened as she dropped her arms and whirled to face her frightening mate. However, he was pretty far from frightening right now, with a grimace etched into his features as he took in labored breaths.

"Man, Princess," he wheezed. "Maybe we should try throwing elbows instead of punches when we're sparring. Damn, that hurts."

"Shit, Xav, I'm sorry," Alena wailed from behind her hand. She came back over to him and gently sat back on his thigh. With her hands framing his face, tears filled her eyes. "Are you okay? What can I do?"

Xavier shook his head, his color beginning to return to normal. "Just give me a few to catch my breath." He let out another harsh exhale. "Hey, Bridget. Good to see you again."

I bit my bottom lip, trying to keep myself from laughing at him, but it was difficult.

Even Alena, through her distress, had a hand clamped over her mouth to stifle her laughter.

I backed up several steps, moving to sit halfway on top of Lucas in the oversized lounge chair. It should have been big enough for both of us, but Lucas wouldn't move his butt. He liked getting his way. And his way was when I had my legs dangling over him, and he could wrap his arms around me.

Truthfully, I didn't mind one bit.

I was still getting used to all the possessive and open displays of affection. But I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world.

"I see," Xavier grunted as he shook his head. The faintest hint of a smile played out over the corner of his lips. "Laughing at my pain. Whatever will I do with myself as my love laughs at the pain she inflicted."

My brows rose. Since when did Xavier get so dramatic?

"Cut the shit." Alena slapped his chest playfully. "Or I'll sit on Julian's lap instead."

Xavier bent low, next to her ear. "Maybe Julian should come up here on my lap, too, and maybe then I'll feel all better again."

Lucas snorted, breaking his silence. "Really, Xavier?" His bright eyes flashed with fire and mirth as he pinned Xavier with his gaze. "I'm the dramatic one, and in my house, I'm the only one who can have that title. So maybe tone it down a bit?"

Chuckling, I knew Lucas was absolutely serious. He was proud of his dramatic flare.

"Is Noah talking with Simon and Elias?" I tilted my head to look at Lucas, who nodded.

"And I'm guessing James is still out in the stables?"

Another nod from Lucas.

Alena perked up at the sound of stables. "When can we go for a ride?" She bounced up and down on Xavier's thigh.