Page 69 of Knotting the Firefighters

One more jab.

Can't resist.

"Running away when conversations get uncomfortable?" I call after him sweetly. "Very commanding. Truly inspirational leadership."

His shoulders go rigid, hands clenching into fists, but he continues toward the door without dignifying my provocation with a response.

Victory.

Petty, childish victory, but I'll take it.

Silas rises smoothly, already moving to intercept before Aidric can storm off completely.

"I'll go calm him down," he announces with resigned amusement. "And help with planning at the station so your integration goes somewhat smoothly instead of devolving into a complete disaster."

He pauses at the doorway, glancing back with a knowing look.

"Try not to traumatize him further if I’m not around. We still need him functional for actual fire captain duties."

"No promises," I reply cheerfully, earning another head shake before he follows Aidric's furious departure.

Bear stands as well, stretching with movements that emphasize his impressive size.

"Shift switch happens in about an hour," he explains, already heading toward the door. "I'm actually on a night on-call schedule, so I need to grab a power nap before things get interesting."

He pauses, turning back with that warm smile that makes my chest feel lighter.

"Already put my number in your phone, by the way. Call if you need anything. Entertainment, escape assistance, someone to complain about the other Alphas."

I blink with theatrical innocence.

"How did you know my passcode?"

His grin turns mischievous.

"Saw it when you showed your phone earlier. When a certain Alpha was spam texting you with increasingly frantic messages."

Perceptive indeed.

"Ah." I can't help returning his smile. "Observant. I appreciate a man who pays attention to detail, but it's giving stalker vibes."

Bear chuckles, completely unbothered by the accusation.

"Maybe. But I'm a huggable stalker who will make sure your mini-vacation is absolutely grand."

"If you say so." I inject skepticism into my tone. "Don't get my expectations too elevated, or I'll be disappointed when reality fails to deliver."

"With me? Never." His confidence is absolute, charming in its certainty. "With the other two? No promises whatsoever."

We share genuine laughter—the kind that feels restorative, that temporarily alleviates the stress and complications surrounding this entire situation.

Bear moves closer, expression shifting to something more serious.

"Can I give you a hug? Properly this time, without emergency circumstances interfering?"

The request is sweet, considerate, asking permission instead of assuming entitlement.

"Sure, why not?"