Page 71 of Trick Knot Treat

She huffs. “We’re going to go.” She grabs my shoulder but pauses, her eyes arrested. “Wood smoke and coffee?” Khione stares at me, her eyes blazing. She mouths two words as if they are a talisman, as if it’s the greatest joy and deepest heartbreak.

Scent match.

“Oh, but lunch hasn’t been served yet,” Franco calls, trying to get us to wait.

“We’ve lost our appetites,” Khione says and grabs a handful of my shirt, dragging me after her. I follow because, of course, I do.

What surprises me more is finding Jace and Clint behind us. Danger howls and fights Sofia, finally escaping and racing after Spectre.

Khione purses her lips, watching the two play.

Felix has dragged Asher into the house, and I can just make out his voice, overly loud and angry. He finally comes out and glares around the table once before gliding towards us like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

His rage brings electricity crackling through the air and storm clouds, but I find myself leaning into it and him. Pulling him into our orbit, touching him without invitation.

Felix doesn’t just allow it; it seems to relax him.

He looks at me, and I think I see a spark of something wild in his eyes before he slams the door, hiding it again.

We’re all hiding who we are. All being someone different.

“Ah, the Sol family and all the drama. You wait until we do dinner at our house. It is something else. Seriously, you Sol’s look like amateur hour.”

“Clint,” Jace grumbles.

“What, baby boo?” Clint flutters his lashes.

Jace growls and grabs him around the neck, dragging him ahead of us. I pause, glancing back as Elijah finally grabs hold of Danger and waves us off.

“Spectre, let’s go.”

The massive dog bounds after us. Khione is enraged. She isn’t speaking. Her cheeks are red, and she’s marching along as if none of us are here.

“I don’t know what’s the matter with you four,” she mutters and huffs. For a moment, I think with great alarm that she might cry, but she just takes a calming breath and meets my eyes with absolute conviction. “I need to be alone.”

Wait…what?

“Um, Key, I don’t think-”

“Don’t think. I’m telling you I need to be alone for the rest of the day. I want to go and sit and think for a few minutes without trying not to step into this emotional minefield you all keep throwing me into.”

“Asher didn’t-”

Khione whirls on Felix. “Your twin is treating your alpha like he’s gum you stepped in, and instead of correcting her, you are letting her do it.” She closes her eyes, clearly regretting her words. “I need the day.”

“I think that’s a terrible idea,” Clint snaps.

“Noted. Your complaints will be filed and processed when I get back,” Khione snaps back.

Jace chuckles. “All right, since we can’t change your mind, have a good day. And be safe.”

I stand there, helplessly watching as she leaves. This is wrong, this is all wrong.

“I’m going to go back and…” Felix stops explaining, presses his lips together, and walks away.

Jace looks at his watch. “I might head into the office and get my paperwork done.”

“You were on leave for the day,” Clint snarls. “Why did you just give in to her?”