Chapter Twenty-Two
Linc
“What are you doing here?”
The accusation in Knox’s words hurt. I knew my presence was a surprise to him, but I thought he’d be more excited to see me. “I…I wanted to see you again.”
“Wait.” Mr. Anderson’s brows furrowed as he glanced between me and Knox. “You two already know each other?”
“Yes.” I glanced at the floor with my hands behind my back. I may have lied to Knox’s parents about not knowing their son after my sister called them to arrange the dinner meeting of her single alpha brother with their single omega son. “We met on the train when he went to Saramto.”
“Oh!” Knox’s dad brought out a basket of fresh-baked buns and placed them on the already-set table. “That’s the one that broke down. I’m sure you had plenty of time to get to know each other. Why didn’t either one of you tell us?”
I twirled my thumbs, trying to think of something to say without telling them everything that happened between us, and how intimately we already knew each other.
“I didn’t have his contact information,” Knox lied as his cheeks reddened. “I didn’t think I would ever see him again.”
“Well, he’s here.” Knox’s dad nudged him closer to me. “And you need to be kind to our guest. He’s an unmated alpha, and you can’t stay single for the rest of your life.”
My heart broke for Knox, from his dad’s words to seeing the anguish on his face. “I’m only here if Knox wants me to be. I can leave if he’d rather not have me around. I just thought—”
“Sit.” Mr. Anderson gestured to the chair at the far end of the table. “While I don’t want my son settling for just anyone, I believe you are a good candidate for a mate for him. Your parents are well-known and liked in this town, and you have a good paying job that you would be able to support Knox and any future children you may have together. I don’t like that you live so far away, but it’s something I’d be willing to sacrifice to ensure my son has a good mate. Knox always complains that there are no decent alphas around here, but I think you are the exception. I think my son needs to give you a chance. Especially since you came calling for him.”
While I appreciated the man’s words of support, I didn’t want Knox to feel forced into anything. He stared down at the floor while getting lectured by his father, and when he glanced up at me, I mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears. “Why me?”
My mind reeled with all the whys, but none of the reasons could be said in front of his parents. “I never stopped thinking about you.”
He took a stifled breath before he nodded and took a seat at the side of the table.
After a blessing to the Earth for the food, Mr. Anderson served a full bowl of vegetable and bean-filled chili to each of us. The buns were passed around, and Knox’s parents set out to query me on my work and my intentions with their son.
I couldn’t lie. I wanted Knox to know that I was fully committed if he wanted to be with me. I didn’t care if he was pregnant or not, but I refused to let him raise a child without support. “I felt a connection with your son from the moment I met him. If he is willing, only if he is willing, I would like to be his mate. As soon as possible.”
Knox gasped as he glanced up at me, a tear trailing down his cheek.
His dad clapped his hands across the table from him. “Oh, I’m so happy. My son is finally going to be mated.”
Knox pushed away from the table and ran out of the room. I was offended for a moment, and then I remembered what my sister had told me about the early stages of pregnancy.
I stood at the same time as Knox’s dad.
“I’m sorry for the rudeness of my son. Sometimes he forgets his place.”
I waved my hand in front of me. “It’s okay. I’m not offended. But, I would like to go talk to him, if I could.”
Mr. Anderson gestured in the direction his son had run.
I found Knox in the main floor bathroom, the door slightly ajar. I knocked. “Can I come in?”
Kneeling in front of the toilet, he glanced up at me. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” I made my way inside the small space and glanced around for a cloth. When I found one, I wet it then kneeled in front of him to wipe his neck and face. “Are you okay? Is there anything I can get you?”
He shook his head. “I’m just not feeling well. Could be a stomach bug.”
“You sure?” I brushed some strands of hair from his forehead. “There’s no other reason?”
He sighed. “Your sister told you, didn’t she?”
I nodded.
Closing the toilet lid, Knox rose and sat on it. “I haven’t taken the test yet. I don’t know for sure. But I don’t want you to feel obligated to be with me if I am. I can figure out a way to raise the child on my own.”
“Knox.” With my fingers under his chin, I tipped his head up to look at me. “I am here for you either way. I was serious when I said I can’t stop thinking about you.”
He chewed his bottom lip as he let out a shaky breath. “Give me a minute. I need to clean up.”
With a nod, I left the bathroom and waited outside. I didn’t want to go back to face his parents without him.
When Knox came out, I held my arms open for him, and he shuffled into me, leaning against my chest. I held him close, enjoying the big whiff of vanilla and raspberries, a scent I would never get tired of.
“You’re sure?” He nudged his glasses as he glanced up at me, his eyes revealing all his hopes and fears.
I leaned closer and kissed the top of his head. “Absolutely. It hurt when you told me to leave you at the train station. I’ve wanted to call you ever since, but I didn’t know what to say. When my sister told me about the pregnancy test, I knew I had to come see you no matter how we left things. I couldn’t let you think you were on your own.”
“But that doesn’t mean we need to be mated.” He pulled away and stared at the floor. “I really don’t want you to feel obligated. I know you have all your fans and your career.”
“Oh, Knox.” I held him close again. “If only you could hear my lion right now. He’s insisting that you’re my fated mate, and that I can’t let you go again.”
He glanced up at me, his eyes wide. “Fated? You really think so?”
I nodded. “Do you not feel it?”
He shrugged. “I feel something. I don’t know what it is exactly, because usually I just feel repulsed by all the alphas around here.”
I chuckled. “I guess I understand that. So, will you give me a chance?”
He smiled for the first time since he’d arrived at his parents. “Yes. But can you take me home? I’m still not feeling great, and I really should take that test. So we know for sure.”
“I can do that.” I held out my hand, hoping he would take it before we walked back into the dining room. “Though I still want to mark you no matter what the test says.”
Grasping my hand, he nudged my side. “You do, do you? How soon?”
I grinned. “Tonight, if you’re up for it.”
We held hands as we walked into the dining room, and I heard Knox’s dad squeal.
“I’m going to take your son home. He’s not feeling well, and I think he needs some rest.”
“Oh no.” Knox’s dad came rushing to his side and placed a hand on his forehead. “Are you okay? If you want to go upstairs to your old room, I’ll take care of you.”
Mr. Anderson stood and gently pulled his mate back. “Let him be. I think Linc can take care of him. It will be good for the both of them.” He winked at me then nodded.
I don’t know how much he knew or had heard, but he seemed to understand more than his mate.
After stepping out into the cool air, I reached for Knox’s hand and walked him to his apartment, anxious to be alone with him again.