Page 24 of Knot Your Kismet

“No. We’re helping each other out. You’ll see how easy this is. Don’t read too much into it, butterfly. I don’t plan to take your wings.” Jensen offers his elbow out to me, his demeanor suddenly changing.

I raise an eyebrow at his words. “Butterfly, huh? What’s that about? You called me that when you…” I don’t want to say, “Dragged my ass here from Nevada,” because I’m trying to keep my good mood.

“It’s dumb, isn’t it? I just can’t help it.” Jensen offers a smile, his face lighting up.

“But why?” I press, reaching out to touch his cheek. We both know I do it in an attempt to persuade him with my omega nature.

He licks his lips like he’s trying to think of something to say other than the truth. “It came to me a long time ago when we first met. You had this dress—”

My jaw drops, his words sparking a memory. “Not the frilly dress with that big ass bow.”

He chuckles. “That’s the one, but it’s not the only reason now. You’re beautiful and free-spirited, always trying to do your own thing. You’ve come out of your cocoon since we first met…” He swallows, his voice lowering. “It was either that or brat. But I don’t think you want me to call you that in front of everybody.”

I tip my head back and laugh, his admission uplifting my mood along with the bubbling champagne. “Do it and find out what happens.”

“Don’t tempt me. I like when you’re feisty.” Jensen pulls me along, following the small crowd of people heading toward the boarding ramp.

A smile crosses my face, hurting my cheeks. I can’t remember being this giggly. I’ll blame the alcohol for that, even if I know deep down that Jensen is the reason. He’s not as brooding as Nolan or as sensitive to my emotions as Lucas.

Jensen pulls me to a stop right before stepping on the ramp. We are the last ones in line. “I wasn’t joking about you being beautiful. Especially tonight. I just thought you should know that.”

“Jensen—”

“Don’t say anything. I don’t need a response. It’s just a fact I need you to know, Cali. Now, let’s have some fun. I think we both deserve it.”

15

Confessions

Calista

Cool ocean air wraps around me, and I shiver. I rub my arms, trying to push away the goosebumps prickling over my skin. If the glittering night cityscape wasn’t so dazzling, I’d head inside the salon. But I’m enjoying the beauty too much.

“Here, take my jacket,” Jensen says, sliding it off. His white dress shirt fits tightly against his biceps, drawing my attention to how handsome and muscular he is. He’s more refined than his brothers with his freshly shaved face, his skin softer, far from rugged, and I almost reach up and caress his cheek.

He doesn’t give me a chance and drapes his jacket over my shoulders, bringing my mind back to reality and out of my fantasy. I inhale softly, his scent even better wafting from the warm fabric, heated by his skin. The zesty lime with a hint of sea salt awakens something inside me. It’s delectable and gets to my very nature.

“Won’t you be cold?” I ask, tilting my head to sniff the collar. “We can go inside.”

“And risk that smile leaving your face? Absolutely not. I’m not cold, anyway. You’re hot enough to keep me warm.” Jensen chuckles with his words. He leans forward next to me, trying to get me to look at him.

I resist, keeping my stare trained on the shimmering lights on the shore. Like small stars suspended to Earth, the night seems magical and the ocean vast. And Jensen? Damn him. I shouldn’t savor his company as much as I do.

“Jensen… You can’t say stuff like that to me.” I grip the railing, anticipating his reaction. No alpha likes to be told what to do, but this is a bit different. I’m trying to tell him not to express himself.

“Why is that? I’m just trying to compliment you. I know it’s been hard. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same, but I just… I can’t help myself, butterfly. I’m attracted to you. A part of me is even a bit jealous that you slept with Nolan. He’s been nothing but an ass most of the time. I would never be that way toward you, you know.” Jensen hangs his head, a strand of his dark hair falling on his forehead. He stares at the waves created by the yacht as we cruise along the shore. Music drifts through the air, and laughter catches on the wind as a group of people stands on the deck above us. I don’t think they can hear us, but I want to be cautious anyway.

“Please, stop. I don’t want to talk about Nolan. I just want to have a good time. This isn’t the place to discuss private matters.” I turn toward Jensen, finally wanting to meet his gaze, but he refuses to look at me now. I touch his muscular arm. Again, he doesn’t look. “And so you know, I do feel the same. I’m very much attracted to you. You’re my scent match. I just—I can’t do this.”

“Can’t do what exactly? I’m trying to help you, Cali. We’re trying to help you. We’re trying to save our pack. I don’t get it. What is so bad about us that you completely reject the idea of being the Kismet Omega?” He clenches his jaw, and a vein bulges in his neck before quickly disappearing as he forces himself to relax.

“It’s not you or your brothers, Jensen,” I say, waiting for him to look at me. If I can get his amber gaze to catch my eyes, he’ll see the truth of my words. I wish he wouldn’t build a wall between us. I just don’t think he truly understands. I can tell he already thinks I’m a bitch for rejecting the idea of marrying him to save their wealth and power.

Maybe I am.

I wonder what kind of advice my mom would give me. If she would be disappointed or if she would agree with me.

“Then what is it, Cali? Help me understand. Right now, it just feels like you hate us for bringing you here, except you won’t admit to it. You just have one excuse after another. You claim to be waiting for your lawyer to fix this, but you need to realize that it might not be something that can be fixed. We’ve been trying. We have to claim an omega for our inheritance. We don’t exactly want to bond either.” He tightens his jaw, glaring at the water. “Except if it was to you. Even if you would prefer it if we only live as roommates. Our dad gave us high standards, and you’re the only one we could ever want and be happy with. I just wish you felt the same. There has to be something we can do to get past this. What is it? Tell me what we can do, butterfly.” He clutches the railing, his knuckles white with the gesture.