Page 83 of Trick Knot Treat

“We’re friends,” I try to explain, but none of the guys are even looking at me. “This is my best friend,” I say desperately. “He’s not….” Well, he kind of is. “But we’re just…” except we are. “Friends, we are just friends. Harvest is gross.”

Harvest throws his head back and laughs. “Tell me how you really feel, shrimp.”

“Hello, handsome.”

Harvest gets an expression of pure panic and stiffens so fast I worry he’ll hurt himself.

I turn my head to find the most incredibly hot and dangerous alpha I have ever seen gliding towards us. He is looking at Harvest like he wants to eat him. I feel like I should get out of the way.

“We meet again,” the alpha purrs.

Harvest gets that freaky smile on his face and tilts his chin up in challenge. I’ve seen this enough to know to get out of his damn way. He’s like an explosion waiting to go off.

“Um, excuse me! You are supposed to be doing your date now.”

The short and angry old woman glowers at Clint like it’s his fault until she sees the other alpha.

“GIAN! You’ve come for a visit?”

“My little brother is meeting his matches, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Gian,” Harvest whispers his name, savoring it. I think only the alpha and I notice.

“Oh, you are so sweet. Come with me, we’ve got a great spot so you can watch it.”

I frantically try to recall the woman’s name, but I can’t remember her. Not when my heart is thudding so hard and adrenaline has my brain feeling fizzy.

“Can I bring my new friend?” Gian smiles, all adorable and dangerous teeth.

She looks at Harvest and pales a bit, but nods. “Uh, sure. This way.” She turns to us. “Go and take your place.”

“What are we doing?” I whisper to them.

“Oh, are you joining us, sweetheart?” Clint asks with a bite.

I put my hands on my hips. With a glower, I glare back at the bitter alpha. “I don’t have to-oh!” I cling to Zaire as he tosses me up on his shoulder and turns back to the date.

“There better be food.”

Jace snorts a laugh. “How do you never gain any weight? You eat more than anyone else I know.”

“I’m a growing boy. I need fuel.”

“You are a garbage disposal.”

Clint elbows Jace, and the two of them walk on ahead. Only Felix stays back, silently brooding.

When I’m set down, he frowns. “I came to see you three times. You didn’t answer.”

“I was working.” I pause, thinking hard. “The back door is always open; just come in if I don’t answer. I trust you.”

Felix’s expression softens. “Working?”

“I was painting, I didn’t realise, I was…” I clamp my lips together, frustrated that I don’t have a better excuse for ghosting them.

“You are adorable,” Felix whispers for my ears only. “Next time, I will consider the locked door a suggestion and bring you food.”

My knees get weak, but he catches me, helping me stay upright.