Page 38 of Trick Knot Treat

We have literally had three whole conversations. This alpha is an idiot.

I smile and play with the sleeves of my jumper that have almost covered my fingertips. Zaire didn’t object when I stole his clothes. He just ordered more in colours that I preferred.

He’s an observant and smart alpha.

“Uh, so, your name?”

I’m tempted to give her one of the twenty her mother has given me, but instead, I just mentally sigh with annoyance and smile in a way that has people forgetting me.

“Khione. I’ll be leaving town soon, I’m just excited to see this event.”

“Oh, who are you excited to see matched?”

I turn back to the groups. Lorelei has almost finished her spiel. The matches are looking excited, all except my four.

Lorelei pauses, glaring at my group. “No commentary?”

“Did you want one? Clearly, there’s not going to be any food. I’m sulking in advance,” Clint says and picks lint off his shirt.

Lorelei’s jaw tics. “Didn’t you eat before you came?”

“I considered it, but free food is better than my food, and there was a thought, clearly far too generous, that you might feed me.”

“Clint McGowen, you are a pain in my-”

“Uh-uh, don’t say something you will regret.”

“I’d have no regrets! Behave yourself.”

“I do try. I really do. But luckily, you’ve given me into the very capable hands of your most golden child and our very distinguished Officer Jace. How am I to misbehave now? In fact, I’m positively tied up.”

Lorelei’s cheeks have twin red spots, and her lip is twitching.

“Hmm, I should go save Clint,” Sofia says. “It was lovely to meet you, Khione.”

Go save my Clint? The urge to growl is almost more than I can resist.

They rush off. I ignore the rest of what’s happening, moving instead to the café, which is open for people who want to buy food while they watch the event play out on a big screen.

“Khione!”

Yolanda smiles and pulls out a plate with a slice of cake on it. It’s orange and brown in alternate layers with a chocolate spider on it.

“Oh, this is some clever work, Yola, I love it.”

“I knew you’d appreciate it. Are you here to watch the date?”

“Of course. I have Spectre, though.”

“Oh, Spectre is always welcome, you know that. Just find a seat, and I’ll bring you a drink.”

I take the cake and lead Spectre to a table out of the way and against the wall.

“The Trick Knot Treat dates are starting now. First up, we have Clint, Jace, Zaire, and Felix. Zaire is a newcomer to Sunshine Cove and is a dark horse, having been unsuccessfully paired up with Felix’s twin sister for Smitten and Light. Perhaps Trick is his chance at redemption?”

“He doesn’t need redeeming!” I snarl and stab my fork into the cake.

Yolanda puts a mug down beside me and adds a water-filled bowl and a pup-cake for Spectre. I murmur my thanks, but my eyes are fixed on the screen.