Page 78 of Trick Knot Treat

“Excellent decision. Hey, Mack, can I have a beer for the road?”

Mack sighs in exasperation. “If you get out, yes.”

“Leaving right now!”

The air is cold, and I realise it must be late. Clint carries me to his car and then spends five minutes convincing me to let go before he straps me in. Zaire gets behind the wheel and drives while I cuddle up to Spectre.

“Clint?”

“Yeah?”

“I want this to be real. Forever.”

“Okay, I promise you, I will make it happen.”

“Really?”

“Really. Three alphas, two omegas, a home on the hill, and a white dog the size of a bear. It will be the most happiest of ever afters.”

“That sounds perfect,” I say in a soft sigh.

Zaire glances back at me. “Don’t drool on the dog; it takes forever to wash him.”

I get the giggles and end up choking when Spectre decides to put his tongue in my mouth.

“Ugh! You are gross, Spectre.”

Zaire slams to a stop. “Did you see that?”

“See what?”

“Something ran across the road.”

“There’s nothing there.”

“There was.”

Clint reaches across and pats his thigh, it’s a very familiar and comfortable movement. I watch in fascination.

Zaire starts driving again, but the world is fading in and out, and I turn my face into the warmth of the dog beside me and fall into the sleep that is calling.

Chapter 19

Khione

Iwait until almost eleven at night before I make the call. I’ve been waiting impatiently for hours, going back and forth. The excuses come thick and fast, but the truth is I have to make this call. I’m still not even sure what I’m going to say, but for the first time ever, I know I’m keeping secrets from my dad.

I don’t want to do that, but we had an arrangement.

“Hey, my flower. How is the sunshine and the wonderful small town vibes treating you? Ready to come home?”

“Great! I’ve got a couple of those rocks painted. And lots more. Now, Dad, don’t start. I’ll be finished in just under a month. I look forward to coming home, but not yet. This place is stunning. I want to really enjoy every moment of this town.”

“Oh, we can’t wait to see you. Gummy has missed you.”

I laugh. “He’s just looking for someone to taste-test all his experiments and help him cook.”

“No, he misses you. We all do.” The sincerity in my father’s voice brings tears to my eyes. I hate this, I hate it so much.