Page 105 of Knotting the Firefighters

Pack bonds mean shared emotions.

Poor Aidric is experiencing secondhand lust for Omega he's trying to maintain a “professional” distance from.

That's actually hilarious.

I yawn deliberately, knowing it'll irritate him but unable to resist.

"Nice summary. Yes, essentially what you said is exactly what's happening." I pause for effect. "So what's the actual problem again?"

Aidric growls with pure frustration—the sound lacking any real threat but communicating his emotional state clearly.

Calder speaks before Aidric can formulate a response, his tone shifting from confrontational to contemplative.

"I didn't think her taking my knot was going to happen. Definitely didn't anticipate her marking me."

The admission carries weight, vulnerability peeking through usual confidence.

"I had every intention of leaving. Returning to LA for the captain position I've been chasing for years. But with that single move—" He gestures to the neck where Wendolyn's bite mark is clearly visible even through his shirt collar. "—it suddenly didn't make sense anymore."

Wait.

Leaving?

Why would he?—

"Why were you returning to LA?" The question emerges sharper than intended, confusion overriding diplomacy. "You're basically madly in love with Wendolyn like a lovesick puppy. Why would you abandon her?"

Calder's eye roll is automatic, a defensive mechanism activating, but his expression carries genuine conflict.

"Got offered a new position at the LA Fire Department," he admits, pouting slightly like the confession costs him. "Captain rank, my own station, everything I've worked toward professionally. Would have had to leave in two weeks."

Two weeks.

He was planning to leave in two weeks.

Abandoning Omega he clearly adores for career advancement.

I glance toward Aidric and Silas, noting their equally surprised expressions. Apparently, this information is news to everyone.

Silas speaks first, medical mind immediately identifying patterns:

"That's rather convenient timing, don't you think? Right when Wendolyn joins our pack, when she's most vulnerable,when removal of her primary support system would maximize her isolation?"

Calder nods emphatically, relief evident that someone else recognizes the suspicious circumstances.

"Saw it was fishy too. The timing felt orchestrated rather than coincidental, like someone wanted me specifically out of Sweetwater Falls right when Wendy needed support most."

He trails off, gaze dropping to where Wendolyn sleeps peacefully in my lap, expression transforming into something tender that makes my chest feel tight.

"But—" I encourage when silence stretches too long.

Calder's eyes remain fixed on Wendolyn, studying her sleeping face with intensity that suggests he's memorizing details.

"I wanted her to be happy," he says quietly, each word carrying weight. "To get a genuine chance with a pack that could actually love her the way she deserves."

His jaw clenches, a visible effort required to continue:

"Her previous pack…Gregory and those fuckers…they didn't love her. Didn't take her on dates, didn't try to make her laugh, didn't treat her like a person, rather than an acquisition. It felt like a business transaction at best, a strategic arrangement at worst."