“There’s something different about you,” he says, his voice softer now, almost too casual. He leans in slightly, his nostrils flaring as he inhales deeply.
I freeze. Can he smell them on me?
Landon straightens, his eyes widening as understanding dawns. “Holy shit. You presented.”
I shrug, unable to meet his gaze. A little relief spreads through me at the fact he was only smelling my stronger perfume. “Yeah, uh, Chad—he, uh, went into heat, and it triggered me.”
His brow furrows slightly, his expression unreadable. “Huh.”
My stomach churns. Thathuhisn’t the kind of dismissive response I’d expect from him. His gaze flicks down to my neckline for a split second before darting back up, and for a moment, I’m convinced he knows.
“We’re scent matches,” I blurt out, trying to keep my tone light.
“Scent matches,” he repeats, his voice neutral.
Oh, God, he knows.
I nod, forcing a smile. “It’s not that big of a deal. Happens to lots of people.”
He tilts his head, studying me in that way only a twin can, like he’s reading every thought I’m trying to bury. But instead of pressing further, he smiles faintly. “You always were the romantic one.”
Relief floods through me, though a small part of me wonders if he’s letting this go too easily.
He rakes a hand through his hair, a sly grin forming. “I always knew you’d settle down before me.”
A laugh escapes me, though it’s tinged with nerves. “That might be because you’re very free with your affections.”
“Maybe.” He shrugs, his grin widening. “How am I supposed to know if I’ve met the one?”
“Or many,” I tease, testing the waters.
“Yeah, maybe.” He nods, but his tone carries something I can’t quite place.
Then his expression softens, and he steps closer. “But seriously, Lake… are you happy?” His teasing edge disappears, replaced by a flicker of concern.
I smile, this time genuinely. “Yeah, I am. Happier than I thought I could be.”
He holds my gaze a beat too long, then nods. “Good.”
I glance at the time, needing to shift the focus. “Look, I really have to get to the diner. Lucy’s probably ready to kill me for disappearing for days.”
“Alright,” he says, but his voice carries a subtle weight like he’s letting me off the hook. “But you owe me details later. Over a drink?”
“Deal,” I say, already backing away, eager to escape the lingering tension. “Catch you later, Landon.”
“Don’t get kidnapped again!” he calls after me, his grin playful but his eyes sharper than before.
“I’ll do my best!” I shout back, turning and hurrying toward the diner.
As I walk, I can’t shake the feeling that he knows more than he’s letting on. Landon’s always been good at picking up on things I’d rather keep hidden, and his sudden change of subject was… off. Still, he didn’t press. Maybe he’s waiting for me to tell him on my own. I sigh, shaking my head. He’ll understand when I explain. I know he will.
CHAPTER 49
Chad
The country clubis alight with the news of what happened to me. It seems news travels fast in small circles. And the police have big mouths. As Dean and I make our way through the club, I ignore the stares and words whispered between people.
They're judging me. I can feel it in the way their eyes cut over and linger, like they're inventing stories about how I must've been the one in the wrong with Jenny. But for once, I don’t give a damn. Their whispers and raised brows don’t have teeth, not when I’ve got the perfect pack backing me up. Nothing can touch me now.
