Page 126 of Knotting the Firefighters

I descend the stairs with more confidence than my outfit warrants, preparing myself for whatever reaction awaits. The living room reveals all four Alphas in various states of casual dress, their combined presence creating a tableau that makes me pause mid-step.

They're coordinated.

Somehow, without planning, they're coordinated.

Each one projects a distinctive cowboy aesthetic—different expressions of the same fundamental style that speaks to Montana roots and rural sensibilities.

Aidric wears dark jeans with a button-down shirt tucked in, boots that have clearly seen actual ranch work, leather belt with a substantial buckle. His hair is slightly damp, suggesting a recent shower, and the whole presentation screams authority even in a casual context.

Silas has opted for lighter jeans with a henley shirt, boots similar to Aidric's but slightly less worn, subtle sophistication in the way everything fits perfectly without appearing overly styled. His medical precision extends to clothing choices, apparently, everything deliberate and coordinated.

Bear's ensemble involves jeans that actually fit his massive frame, a flannel shirt worn open over a plain t-shirt, and work boots that make Aidric's look pristine by comparison. The whole effect is rugged, approachable, quintessentially "teddy bear in cowboy clothing."

Calder stands slightly apart, his outfit similar to the others but with subtle California influence—jeans that are slightly more fitted, a shirt that's more fashion than function, boots that are clearly expensive despite casual styling. He bridges the gap between their Montana sensibilities and his LA origins.

They look like a pack…oddly enough.

Unified without being identical.

Coordinated without appearing to have tried.

Meanwhile, I'm wearing clothes from three different people that don't remotely fit, topped with a random baseball cap like I'm attempting an incognito celebrity disguise.

Fantastic.

Four pairs of eyes track my descent, expressions ranging from amused to intrigued to something approaching possessive satisfaction.

"Well," I announce with false brightness, executing a small spin that makes Bear's shirt billow around me. "This is what happens when someone—not naming names but definitely Bear—offers to transport all my clothes before I've secured a replacement outfit for a town excursion."

Bear's grin is absolutely unrepentant, clearly enjoying my predicament.

"You don't have any other clothes?" Aidric's question carries confusion, like the concept of an insufficient wardrobe is foreign to him.

I sigh, preparing to explain my admittedly unusual clothing situation.

"I have clothes," I clarify, gesturing vaguely toward wherever my belongings currently reside. "Extensive wardrobe, actually, carefully curated over years. But it's all vintage…dresses, skirts, blouses, accessories, the complete aesthetic package."

My armor.

My identity.

The visual representation of who I've chosen to become.

"I packed everything yesterday because I wasn't planning to wear vintage pieces at the firehouse. They're irreplaceable. Most are thrifted, some are legitimate antiques, and all require careful handling. Can't exactly wear a delicate 1950s dress while responding to emergencies or doing equipment maintenance. Let alone laundry with at least 15 other men is a no for such delicacies."

The logic seems obvious to me, but their expressions suggest they're processing implications I hadn't considered.

"So normally you just—" Silas makes a vague gesture encompassing my current outfit. "—dress like this? Borrowed men's clothing and casual athletic wear?"

"Usually I have my own athletic wear that actually fits," I defend, pouting slightly at his characterization. "Sports bras, yoga pants, running shorts—functional clothing designed for female proportions. This—" I gesture at my current ensemble. "—is improvisation born of poor planning."

Aidric frowns, the expression carrying something beyond simple confusion.

"You don't have any regular feminine clothes? Jeans that fit, basic shirts, casual outfits that aren't vintage or athletic?"

Regular feminine clothes.

Why would I have those?