Page 75 of Trick Knot Treat

“He doesn’t say that!” I whisper, aghast. “I’m going to have to call him. That is not okay!”

“He absolutely does.”

I snort a laugh. “How is he?”

“Dad’s great. He’s got a new beta friend, and they are dancing it up on some island paradise. He’ll be back for New Year’s.”

Gian tilts his head up to the sky. I know he loves it here. I also know he avoids it as if he’ll contract the plague because of our mother. She hates Gian because she can’t control him. I don’t think anyone can control him. Gian is a glacier. He can ruin anything in his path, but nothing can slow him.

“I miss him.”

“He misses you, too. You should bond that alpha and come live with us.”

“I can’t leave Sunshine Cove.”

“Why?”

I hesitate, feeling this deep well of nerves because if I say it out loud, then I will make it true, and if I make it true, then I will want it.

“There is another alpha, Zaire.”

“Oh, ho! Tell me more. You slut.”

“He was a firefighter.”

“Oh, Dad is going to kiss you.”

“And two omegas?” I flinch.

Gian is silent.

I peek at him. “Are you okay?”

“You have two omegas?” he whispers reverently.

“Yes. A female named Khione. She is new to town and all smiles and glowing golden skin. She’s strong and opinionated but delicate. Like chain mail.”

“And the other?”

“Felix Sol,” I murmur.

Gian falls off the rock.

“Are you all right?” I shout, jumping down to help him up. He stands up, towering over me by four inches.

“Felix Sol is your scent-matched omega?” Gian says with glee written all over his face. “Do not fuck with me, Brother. The truth, now, tell me.”

“Yes.”

“Does Mum know?”

“Not yet, she thinks we’re all matched for this Halloween, and it will be over at the end of it.”

Gian dusts himself off, but he’s got a smear of dirt that has marred the perfection of his pristine black shirt.

“I ruined your shirt.”

Gian looks down at the mark and rubs it. “Ruined it? Don’t be ridiculous. Haven’t you heard of washing powder? Plus, I hate this shirt. It’s too tight. Look at my pecks, I look like I’m about to bust out of this freaking shirt. I have moobs.”