Page 79 of Knot Broken

“I meant to tell you,” he said. “It’s why I came by today. The bills? I could’ve just dropped them off so someone could pass them onto Grey, but…”

“But?” I prompted.

“In my defence, everyone made the mate bond seem like this cosmic event. I thought I’d just know instantly. When we met… And afterwards…” His hands fell to his sides. “Nadia, I didn’t even know myself until last night.”

“Knew what?”

There was a throaty growl to my voice now.

“That you… and I… Fuck.” His hands raked his hair back from his face and when he met my gaze, his eyes were pure silver. “You’re right, I wouldn’t hang around to watch a friend sleep. I’d make sure she was OK, safe, getting the medical assistance she needed, but once it was clear she was going to sleep it off, I’d have left her to it. My mate⁠—”

“No.” I shook my head. “No.”

“I can’t explain why Grey did what he did, because short of being dragged out of that room by the scruff of my neck, there was no way I was leaving your side. Nadia⁠—”

“No.”

“You’re my fated mate.”

That restless feeling was irresistible now. My feet, her paws, they moved as one, pacing across the floor.

“I don’t deserve your consideration. Here am I criticising Grey, when I did…” I paused at the sound of his voice cracking. “I did the exact same thing. You’re right, this isn’t like the books or movies, because every single one of us has let you down, right when you needed us the most.”

I turned slowly, my eyes feeling unusually keen as I looked him over.

“Don’t accept the bond. Don’t take me as your mate, but…” He took one step closer, then stopped when I bared my teeth. “Just let me look after you. If anyone can get you through your first shift, its me. Give me that and I’ll… get the fuck out of your hair and leave you to your life.”

I should’ve said yes. It was there, right on the end of my tongue, ready to be said, but the sound of a door opening stopped me. Footsteps approached and then the bathroom door was pulled open, filled quickly by the sight of Tex and Grey. The former shot me a sheepish smile that quickly faded and Grey looked ashen pale, but that wasn’t my focus. The fact I had no way out was.

“Hey, you’re awake.” Tex tried for cheerful and failed hopelessly. “Riley said you’d be hungry so I went down to the cafeteria and bought up a bunch of things.”

“What I need…” Where was this strength coming from? I didn’t get a chance to question it as I pushed past the lot of them. Grabbing my phone and a hoodie, I shoved the device in my pocket, then headed for the door. “Is some space.”

“Omega—”

“Nadia—”

“My mate⁠—”

For just a second, I closed my eyes, hearing all these labels but not yet willing to wear any of them.

“You were allowed to bail when things got too much for you,” I said in a crisp voice. “Well, I’m doing the same.”

Upon leaving the suite, I realised I then had to decide where to go. Marching up to the elevator, I walked inside as soon as it opened. Staring at the buttons, I punched the top floor, hoping it opened out on some rooftop or something. Instead, I was greeted by a very nice looking lobby, some offices, and then saw the fire door on the side. Opening it, climbing the steps, I emerged out onto the roof. Wind tugged at my hair, the stink of fuel, smoke, the city brought with it as I fished out my phone. Helena would be at work right now, but maybe…? I tapped her contact, putting through a call seconds later.

“C’mon…” I muttered. “Pick up. Pick up.”

“Heyy…” I could hear her grin in her voice. “How’s my girl? Having hot monkey sex while also on leave from work?”

“Hel…” I said.

“Shit.” There was a frantic rustle, then her voice dropped several octaves. “Are you OK? Tell me who did what, otherwise I’ll just have to kick all of their arses at once.”

I sank down on a concrete slab and found myself smiling despite the fact my eyes ached, then filled her in on what was happening.

Chapter 37

Grey