Page 22
Chapter
Twenty-One
D ANNY
I’d been keeping one ear on my conversation with George and the other on Knox’s with Garrick. As soon as I heard Garrick offer Knox a job, I could no longer focus on George. My heart lifted and I jumped to my feet and ran over to them.
“Knox would be perfect for that,” I exclaimed. I beamed at my brother, and then at my mate. “You have to say yes. It’s just right for you.”
Knox’s eyebrows drew together and a groove formed between them. He didn’t look nearly as thrilled as I’d have expected. I scanned his face, taking in his obvious reluctance.
I didn’t understand. He’d been trying to get a job and failing. Surely this offer should be good news—especially since it played so well to his strengths and experience.
Knox met my gaze. His deep, dark eyes burned into mine, as if looking right down into the very core of who I was. I shivered.
His lips curved slightly. “I’ll take the job.”
“Great.” Garrick clapped him on the shoulder. “You can start tomorrow. Come in later today to fill out the paperwork.”
“Will do.” Knox hesitated, then added, “Let me know if you need more muscle protecting the Children’s Home, the Omega House, or anyone else who’s vulnerable in the community.”
Garrick nodded. “I will, but I think we’ve got it covered at the moment.” He winked at me, then turned away. “I better get back to the office.”
He left. I glanced over at George, knowing I should rejoin him, but I couldn’t help feeling that Knox needed me. I took his hand and drew him down the hall and into the bathroom.
“Why don’t you seem pleased about the job?” I asked, nibbling on my lower lip.
“I am.” His tone didn’t go far in making me buy his story.
I huffed. “Then why the long face?”
He opened his mouth, and judging from his expression, it seemed like he was about to shut me down, but then he thought better of it.
“What is it?” I asked softly. “You can tell me anything.”
He paced to the other end of the room and back, dragging his palm down his face. “It’s just that, sure, Garrick offered me a job, but I know neither he nor anyone else actually wants me here. They’re tolerating me because I’m useful and because you’re pushing them to, but that doesn’t change the reality.”
My heart dropped and my face fell. Guilt squirmed in the pit of my gut.
My mate believed himself to be unwanted, and I hadn’t helped. My rejection had only turned him into more of an outcast.
“No. No, no, no.” Tears welled in my eyes. “That’s not how it is. No one wants you to leave. No one dislikes you. I’m really sorry that things have been hard for you, but I’m really glad that you’ve stuck around and weathered it for me.” My chest tightened and emotion clogged my throat, making it difficult to speak.
Knox grunted, and his dark gaze followed me. Now it was my turn to pace, as I wondered how I’d let things get this bad.
“No one wants you gone,” I promised. “I hate that my fear has done this to you, but once people see us getting closer, they’ll warm up to you. It will all be okay.”
“Maybe.” He didn’t look like he believed it.
I supposed I’d just have to prove it to him. Hopefully, the job would help too. Seeing him contribute to the community could only be a good thing for the rest of the clan.
“What can I do?” I felt useless. But wasn’t that always the problem? I was weak. Milo would know what to say to make him feel better. Any of my brothers would have a practical solution. I just… dithered.
“Nothing.” His expression closed off. “Like you said, it will be fine.”
“But…”
Knox forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “So.” He slid his hands into his pockets and relaxed his stance. “It’s only a week until Christmas now. What would you be doing to celebrate?”
I chewed on the corner of my thumbnail, unsure whether to persist or let him change the subject. In the end, I was too cowardly to push. “My family will spend the day together. We always use the holidays to bond and reconnect before the New Year.”
“Oh.”
He didn’t say whether he had plans, and I didn’t ask. Did he have anyone out there who cared for him? I had no idea. Would he be alone for the holidays?
The possibility made me unaccountably sad. Perhaps I should invite him to our Christmas festivities. But surely that would be an indication that I was ready to acknowledge him as my mate, and I wasn’t yet.
I could hardly abandon him at such a time though, could I?
Table of Contents
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