Page 146 of Knot So Social

“Yes. We’ve been texting back and forth since my accident. As far as I can tell it’s not against the company rules?”

If it is, well I guess I won’t be employed here anymore.

Logan shakes his head. “Not against the rules, so long as the omega instigates it.” His gaze sharpens. “Our staff aren’t permitted to stalk and harass them, of course.”

“No, absolutely not.” I hold up my hands. “Everything’s been consensual.”

The manager slumps, lips moving in a silent curse. “And now you’re not sure about working here anymore?”

“Well . . . her trauma’s pretty deep. The application hinted at it, but it runs deeper than we knew. I don’t want to do anything that goes against her interests.”

Logan stares at me, tapping his fingertips together in front of his chin. Probably calculating the wasted investment—if I don’t continue working here.

My skin crawls as a clock on the wall ticks away long moments.

“Well, at least I know it’s not because of the injury,” he murmurs finally.

“Yeah, that’s definitely not the problem. Um, can I think things over and let you know tomorrow?”

He checks his watch. “Sure, one night should be fine. And while I can’t make the choice for you, I really hope you decide to stay with us as a service officer. You’ve got the calming vibe omegas always looking for.”

I nod reluctantly.

Logan stands and brings me my crutches. “Let me know what you come up with. I wish I had more options to offer you.”

“Thanks.”

A chill erupts in my chest. Two weeks ago, the idea of helping omegas through their heats excited me. Now all I feel is a choking dread.

When I get out of the Heat Wave office, the darkening sky boils with an incoming storm. Icy air blasts across my face as the storm chases the cold front into the city, falling rain and flashing lightning already obscuring the outer suburbs.

I’ve always loved summer storms, but today it feels like an ominous portent. A job I’m no longer certain about, a leg barely working, and a twin brother who’s resisting his fated mate.

I growl under my breath as I yank my door open. “Since when were you the pensive type, Jeremy?” I ask myself. Things always work out in the end. If they’re meant to be.

But if things with Willow aren’t meant to be? That’s what scares me the most.

I jam the key in the ignition and turn. Nothing.

I stare at the steering wheel for a moment, my brain scrambling. I turn the key again. The mechanical beast doesn’t even cough. That’s more than a dead battery. Most likely the starter motor’s gone.

Lightning flashes, looking like it’s right behind the Heat Wave building. Thunder booms a moment later.

Why today of all days?

Huffing, I grab my crutches and drag myself out of the driver’s seat to pop the hood. The first spits of rain patter on my shoulders as I lean in, checking the leads are all in place. Oil and coolant are good, although the oil needs topping up.

I should’ve known the new-to-me car would need a bit of TLC, but there hasn’t been time.

More thunder rumbles, echoing my annoyance, and the rain comes harder. Slamming the hood closed, I shuffle back to the cab. I’ve got no roadside assistance insurance, and not enough dollars in my account to pay for a tow truck.

I phone Joel but he doesn’t answer. Water droplets splat on the windscreen and a moment later the view disintegrates into a gray curtain as the rain hammers down in thick sheets. I grab my hat with a sigh and lean my seat back. May as well try to grab some shuteye until I hear back from Joel.

I just hope Alessendro’s taking good care of Willow. A storm like this would be the perfect opportunity to snuggle.

Chapter forty-six

Alessandro