Page 196 of Knot So Social

“Well, I suppose I’m going to need a knot now,” I mutter, falling into their outstretched hands.

As I surrender to their touch, I can’t help smiling. Heat blazes inside me while another wildfire burns my life to the ground in the digital world. Well, I should expect it by now. I’m the lightning-touched omega, after all. And if nothing’s left by the time we leave this nest, does it really matter?

I built myself up from nothing a few times already, so what’s once more? The difference is, this time, I won’t be alone.

And that’s the truth.

Chapter sixty-two

Epilogue – Joel

(Six months later)

I stand on the porch with my arms crossed, watching the front gate slide open to admit the truck. The logo painted on the enclosed trailer now has dual silhouettes to represent the gardening business’s two staff members. Now that Jeremy works with Alessandro, they offer more landscaping services, transforming backyards into mini paradises. And of course, I do any of the outdoor electricals, when needed.

That’s not why I’m standing on the porch waiting.

Alessandro slides out of the driver’s side and waves to me before heading to the side entrance where he can remove his mud-covered boots.

Jeremy opens his arms wide and whistles at me. “Missed us that much, huh?”

“Whatever.” I flash him the middle finger and our bond hums with good humor in both directions. I click my fingers to summon him closer. “Come ‘ere.”

He rolls his eyes. “I’m not Jock, you know.”

Speak of the devil, the dog rushes out the door I left ajar and bounds down the steps. Mr Shares lopes after him at a much more regal pace.

“Hello, boys! I’m home, I’m home!” Jeremy cries, greeting them with equal enthusiasm. “And yes, I smell like horses.” He grins up at me, and the happiness in his heart echoes in mine.

We took a long, windy road to where we are now, but these last few months have brought us closer together than ever.

“Oh.” Jeremy clicks his fingers. “The old Warkow house around the corner finally has a sold sticker on the sign.”

I snort. “Good riddance.”

Jeremy and I trade a knowing look. Turns out, people move away with just the slightest encouragement. Graffitiing their sins on the big brick walls helps as well. What they don't know is that their karma's going to follow them. Alessandro might be good hearted enough to leave what happened in the past, but I'm not finished with my grudge. At least now he won't have to drive down their street knowing those bastards still live there.

But that's only one of my secret plots.

“Hurry up,” I huff without raising my voice, beckoning him closer. Don’t want Willow to overhear.

He pushes the dogs away and they race off to piss all over the yard. Jeremy shoves his hands in his pockets and peels his boots off before the stairs.

“What’s up?” He plops his ass down on the top step and stretches out his sock-covered feet. “Willow okay?”

“Yeah, she’s getting ready for our date.”

“What’s up then?”

I pass over my tablet. “Look. That’s another set of charges.”

Jeremy drapes himself on my shoulder to look at the profile photos.

“Oh. For the bastards who abandoned her?” He straightens with interest. “The lawyer got back to you?”

“Yep. The good news is, this one’s already in prison.” I tap the profile of a man with a wedge-shaped jaw and shadowed eyes. “That’s the eldest.”

“The pack alpha scumbag?” Jeremy screws up his nose.