Page 56 of Trick Knot Treat

The only relationship we’ve been allowed to have.

“What are you thinking about?”

“I’m thinking that love hurts.”

“It does.”

“I don’t want to give up yet.”

“So, don’t. Fight for him. Make him see. You have a weapon, well, two in your hands now. You have the omegas. Use them.”

I scowl, the very idea is repugnant. “And what?”

Holly laughs. “Do you need me to walk you through the birds and the bees?”

I splutter, choking on a laugh. “No, I do not.”

“Well, then, go and fuck his brains out until he can’t think of anyone else but you four.”

“Fuck him into submission,” I murmur. “That’s a great idea.”

“Wait, I don’t think I used those words-”

“I mean, it can’t be any worse than kidnapping, can it?”

“WHAT?”

“Oh, thanks, Holly, you are the best.”

“Now, wait a minute, Clint-”

“And if it fails, then I'll follow the plan and come live with you. You can dry up my tears and feed me chocolate chip ice cream and get me drunk, but I’ll have the memory of how good his cock feels.”

“What do you mean, kidnap? Clint, did you kidnap a fucking police officer?”

“Love you, Holls, but I've got to go. Enjoy your muff friend.”

I chuckle as she shouts at me but hang up and walk out onto the driveway, listening to creatures of the night calling and scurrying around. I’ve heard that city folk come out expecting the country to be peaceful but find the sounds of the bush drive them crazy. It’s loud, the insects, the movement, the birds and bats hunting, snakes and rodents on the move. Night is just another landscape.

A flash of white has me turning. Spectre pads over to me and leans against my leg. It’s the first time the dog has made any move to try and be friends with me.

“What do you think, Spectre? Shall we teach that idiot a lesson? Make him really realise what he stands to lose if he walks away from me again? I don’t think I can take much more of it. So, let’s do a Khione and kidnap him.”

Spectre woofs.

“So glad we’re on the same page.”

“The dog does not agree with committing crimes,” Zaire says, sliding out of the dark like a phantom.

“Sure, he does. He just did.”

“You have it really good up here. This place is beautiful.”

“I know. It took me a long time to get it just right. I’ve been thinking about knocking out a wall just so I have something else to work out, give me a reason to stay.”

“You don’t need a reason to stay in Sunshine Cove. Just stay.”

“Not if it’s going to be like this. I can’t live like this. It’s like being smothered and tortured. Every moment is dull until they appear.” I clench my hands into fists, lost in memories.