Page 22 of Knot the Stray

A bright, genuine laugh bursts out of Jessie. The sound echoes off the vintage wallpaper, warming the entire room. She drops her professional shield, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

Nolan adjusts his dark frames. “Animals are easy, Jessie. Try dealing with fifteen-year-olds. My sophomore class decided the science lab was the perfect place to build a potato cannon.”

Jessie shifts her attention to Nolan. “Pneumatic or combustion?”

Nolan points his fork at her, a pleased smirk on his face. “Combustion. They smuggled in PVC pipes and a can of aerosol hairspray. I walked in right as they primed the ignition chamber.”

“That requires a serious spark.” Jessie taps her fingernail again against the laminate. “Did they launch it?”

“I confiscated the hairspray before they blew a hole through the drywall.” Nolan sighs, a fond smile breaking through his exasperation. “Teenagers possess zero self-preservation instincts.”

Watching her interact with my pack fills my chest with pride. She matches Nolan’s intellect without missing a single beat. She throws Edward’s sarcastic jokes right back at him. She fits into our dynamic with effortless grace. Seeing her hold her own against three Alphas confirms she belongs here.

Breakfast winds down. The warm food and the easy banter work wonders on her nerves. The guarded, cornered animal we chased out into the parking lot vanishes. The confident, brilliant woman who runs the town clinic takes her place.

Finishing my plate, a glance across the table locks my focus on the incredible woman sitting across from me. Reflecting on the sheer terror I experienced this morning sends a shiver down my spine.

Watching the reverse lights on that camper van flash red made my blood run cold. Letting her disappear onto the highway isn’t an option. Internalizing a fierce, unbreakable resolve, I make a silent promise. Using every single second to make her fall in love with this town and this pack remains my only goal.

Nolan wipes his mouth with a paper napkin and pushes his empty plate aside. He adjusts his dark frames, turning his full focus to Jessie. The casual banter fades, replaced by a sincere, focused intention.

“Jessie.” Nolan keeps his voice smooth and confident. “Since we struck a formal courtship agreement, I want to kick things off the right way.”

Jessie tilts her head, her curiosity piqued. “What do you have in mind?”

“I want to take you on a proper date this weekend.” Nolan folds his hands on the table. “Just you and me. I know a secluded spot out on the prairie, just outside the town limits. It sits miles away from the highway and has zero light pollution. We have a major meteor shower peaking on Saturday night. I want to take you stargazing.”

Jessie stares at him, surprised by the thoughtful proposal.

“I’ll bring the telescope, a thermos of hot cider, and a ton of thick blankets.” Nolan offers a charming, nerdy smile. “We can freeze our asses off and watch space rocks burn up in the atmosphere. Zero pressure. Just a quiet night away from the clinic.”

The pitch hits every right note. Nolan blends his scientific nature with a romantic, private setting, offering her a date that appeals to her intellect. He skips the crowded bar or a noisy restaurant route. He offers her the exact kind of quiet environment she prefers.

A soft, genuine flush creeps up Jessie’s neck. The guarded professional vanishes, leaving a beautiful, intrigued woman in her place. She looks at Nolan, a bright spark of excitement shining in her dark eyes.

“A meteor shower.” Jessie bites her bottom lip, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Yeah, Nolan. I’d like that.”

Under the Stars

Jessie

Standing in the open doorway of the apartment. Jake steps over the threshold first. Reaching out, I grab his forearm and rise onto my toes to press a kiss against his rough cheek. His stubble scratches my lips. He lets out a low rumble of approval, his dark eyes tracking my face with a fierce, possessive focus that makes my pulse jump.

Edward goes next. Wrapping his giant hand around my fingers, he offers a gentle, grounding squeeze. Stepping close, I press my lips to his scruffy jaw. A soft breath escapes him. His thumb brushes my knuckles; the rich scent of clove and vetiver wrap around me before he steps back.

Nolan brings up the rear with a warm, easy smile. Grabbing the edge of his button-down shirt, I pull him down an inch to plant a parting kiss on his cheek. He ducks his head, a bright flush creeping up his neck. He adjusts his dark frames, shooting me a soft look as he trails behind the other two.

The wooden door clicks shut. The deadbolt slides into place.

The silence inside the small studio apartment hits my ears with the force of a tidal wave. For hours, this space held the chaotic energy of three towering Alphas and a raging, instinctual heat. Now, standing alone in the middle of the checkered linoleum kitchen, the contrast is jarring. Staring at the empty wooden chairs tucked around the table brings a rush of adrenaline. The faint remnants of their combined scent, rich fig layered with vetiver, clove, and steeped black tea, hang thick in the air. The aroma sinks into my pores, a constant reminder of the boundaries I crossed.

My stomach does a chaotic series of flips. A ragged breath tears out of my throat. Adrenaline and fear war for control of my nervous system, making my hands shake. My brain screams at me to grab my keys and run, but my body aches for the heat of the men who just walked down the stairs. Pivoting away from the empty kitchen, focusing on my top priority becomes a necessity to keep from losing my mind.

“Winston,” I call out, keeping my voice to a soothing hum.

Walking into the living area, I drop to my knees beside the faded floral sofa. Peering into the dark shadows underneath the cushions reveals Winston. The tuxedo cat huddles in the farthest corner, his green eyes glowing with deep suspicion. He ignores chaotic farm dogs and aggressive barn cats without a single flinch, but he harbors a deep distrust for unfamiliar adult humans. Three strange men invading his territory and turning the living room into an instinct-driven sex den sent him straight into hiding.

Grabbing a plastic container of his favorite crunchy treats from the coffee table, I give it a firm shake. The rattling sound cuts through the quiet room.