Page 39 of Knotting Autumn

“No,” he said, grinning. “I’m not the best werewolf to ask. I avoid the pack as much as possible.”

A beat of silence passed.

“That sounds lonely.”

“If you’re needy, I guess. But I’m good. I’ve got Thorne, and now you and—” He broke off, his gaze skating to the sliding door.

“Sawyer’s a pretty good friend,” I said with a wry grin.

“Does he fuck all his friends?” Cole said darkly.

Pressing the sleeve of his hoodie to my mouth, I hid my awkward smile. “Um, no, that’s a pretty recent development in our relationship. But he is really loyal and kind.”

Cole turned his head away from the door and looked out into the darkness. “Good to know he’s not a total dick.”

A light, warm feeling was working its way through my limbs. It felt like the sleepy, happy feeling when you first wake up after sleeping in, when you aren't quite sure the world is real yet.

“He was such a fucking nerd in high school. He’s gorgeous, obviously, so he was still popular, but he spent all his time in the computer lab. Which makes sense. I mean, he works in IT now. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of work in a small town like this. He picks up remote jobs sometimes, but they don’t pay as well. Sorry, I’m going to shut up now.”

Cole was watching me again, his face relaxed. It softened the sharp lines of his features, making him look a little more human. “You guys have been friends since then?”

“Yes. What about you and Thorne?”

“We grew up together. Hunter’s always been an asshole, so we avoided his family too. And I’ve got three sisters, so as soon as my visions started, I had to get the fuck out of that house.”

“How old were you?”

Cole paused, shadows carving out under his cheeks as he rested his head back, exposing an expanse of ivory throat.

“Eleven when I shifted for the first time. I had my first vision a few days later. They thought it was a fucking seizure at first, but as soon as the alpha realized I was a seer, they moved me into the main pack house.”

The hand resting on his thigh clenched into a fist and a flush painted his cheeks.

“It was the worst. Thorne was the only reason I survived. He convinced his grandma to let us move into a small cabin away from everyone else, and swore to guard me with his life.”

“He was the alpha’s grandson, so shouldn’t you have guarded him?”

Cole shrugged. “Seers are rare.”

Sitting back, my thoughts swirled through my head, slowly aligning. It was a big deal that Thorne and Cole left. No wonder Hunter was coming after them.

“So if you can see the future, don’t you know if things turn out okay?”

“Not exactly how it works.”

Slowly, the tension in Cole’s shoulders loosened. His breathing deepened, and I wondered if he was falling asleep. Time seemed to slow, and I was so comfortable on the sofa, a nap seemed like a good idea.

You know what seemed like a better idea? Being sandwiched between Sawyer and Thorne. I could picture it clearly, Sawyer hauling me up against him, kissing down my throat. Thorne grinding against my ass, pulling my hair to yank my head back so he could kiss me.

Squirming in my seat, I pressed my thighs together. I was getting so turned on, it was starting to sound like a good idea to go back in there and jump Sawyer. Or both of them.

“I’veseenyou with both of them,” Cole said softly.

Eyes widening, I gaped at him. “What are you talking about?”

He gave a soft, breathy chuckle. “You know exactly what I mean. I can smell you. It’s not hard to guess what you’re thinking about.”

Pressing my palms to my heated face, I stared at Cole. My thoughts felt sluggish and mushy, but I was pretty sure I understood his meaning.