Page 22 of Knot Their Starlet

Andromeda

I’m surprised Gina is actually leaving us alone. She must seriously want this to happen.

Normally, she’s far more charming to people she hasn’t met before. I guess today’s an off day for her. I’m sure that’s more because of her disrupted plans than the fact I’m in a hospital bed right now.

Damn. That’s a little sad.

Before I have a chance to wallow in my sadness any longer, Elijah stalks towards my bedside, his expression dark. I didn’t have a chance to really get a good look at him last night because of the blood dripping into my eyes and the head injury.

But now? Oh boy, can I see him.

His jawline is wide and sharp enough to cut through diamond. Almost like he clenches it often. His dark hair is cropped short to his scalp, connecting to a short beard. He’s undeniably handsome. I’m surprised he doesn’t have some sort of job on the other end of the camera.

If only he weren’t an asshole.

“What the fuck is this bullshit?” He snarls, his blood orange scent practically exploding out from him.

I can’t help it. I cower.

Like a pussy.

My knuckles are white against the thin hospital blanket as my gaze bounces wildly around the room, looking for an out. Looking for rescue from the danger this alpha represents.

My own chamomile scent, bitter with my terror, leaks from me despite my best attempt not to show weakness.

“What the hell’re you doing, man?” The beta—Leo—sighs, hauling Elijah back by his shoulder.

I flash Leo a quick, relieved smile.

He’s surprisingly fit. Like a swimmer or something. His jet-black hair is shaggy over his forehead, and the easy smile he flashes me in return has my pulse picking up. It’s the kind of smile that completely transforms his face, his eyes shifting into sparkling crescents.

Elijah is big enough that he has to be letting Leo haul him backwards. Regardless of how well-built the beta may be, if Elijah really wanted to attack me, there’s nothing any of us in here could do.

Just like there wasn’t anything I could do other than run from Ezra.

Elijah’s expression shifts, his gaze sharpening on my reaction. His eyes narrow on me like he’s finding me lacking.

“Sorry,” he grunts.

“It’s fine...” I say, struggling to swallow past the lump in my throat. “You just want to protect your... client.”

His jaw ticks at my use of the word client.

Man, is this guy hard to please.

Does he want me to call out what I walked in on last night or not?

“No, it’s not,” Beck says, drawing my attention to him. “Eli would never hurt you, but no one should talk to you like that.”

“I’m used to it,” I shrug.

I’m sure they think whoever slammed my head into the counter is the one I’m referencing. I don’t think anyone expects Gina to be as... harsh as she is with me.

Or if they have, they certainly haven’t said anything to me.

For all intents and purposes, she presents herself as the perfect mother to the world. Today was just an off day for her. I think her being threatened by Beck’s designation had something to do with it.

The tension in the room grows so thick that if I thought I could leave this bed without collapsing to the floor from dizziness, I’d run straight into it like a wall. All of them look to the side of my head where stitches are peeking out from my hair.