Page 167 of Trick Knot Treat

“They will always be your children. He will be mine, and she will be with them. They do not belong together, and you well know it,” I say scathingly.

He sniffles. “It would have been so perfect.”

“They would have been so miserable.”

He looks up sharply. “No, they would have been-”

“They are like brother and sister; there is no spark, there is no flare. Give the alpha back to me.”

He lowers his eyes and then finally dips his chin. “It’s not like I have a choice, is it?”

“Rest assured that you have made the decision that will lead to happy children.”

He snarls. “How do you know that?”

“Because I plan to give him a home, a family, and kids, ones that look like us, and he will want you to be involved, so I will give him you, too. Prepare yourself, Grandpa. You will have to practice that doting, ridiculous smile and remember how to play with children.”

“Gian, you are a terrifying person.”

I just smile widely. “I am a lawyer.”

With that, I nod my head and leave, heading back to Sunshine Cove to await my alpha.

The pack is united, he is free.

I stand up where I can see the beach, looking down on it all like it’s my kingdom to survey.

He will come to me.

I have to admit, I’m getting a bit impatient. It has been three days, I know he’s here, but my patience is wearing thin.

A seagull and a magpie run down to the beach, shrieking at each other. This place is weird, but it’s growing on me.

Harvest appears by my shoulder. I pretend I haven’t noticed him. He goes to say something and then turns and walks away.

Fine.

I wait, then I whirl away, walk straight up to the nearest beta, a female with mousy brown hair, and I lean in and pretend to kiss her.

“There’s two hundred in it for you if you pretend to let me kiss you.”

She stills. “Seriously?”

“Five hundred.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls herself closer.

“Do not let him hit me.”

I laugh softly. “Oh, he won’t hit you.”

We’re ripped apart, and Harvest hits my jaw hard.

“Don’t touch anyone else.”

“Oh? Why is that?” I ask and climb to my feet.

“Because you are mine.”