Chapter 20
Knox
I wake up to voices downstairs.
For a second I don't move—just lie there with Toby warm and solid against my chest, his hair tickling my chin, his breathing slow and even. My lion is purring, content in a way he hasn't been in weeks. Our mate. In our bed. Where he belongs.
Then I hear the voice again, and I recognize it.
Robin.
Toby stirs against me. "Robin's here. Downstairs."
"So?" I pull him closer, not ready to let go of this. Not ready to share him with the world yet.
"So he might be starting a fight with your pack." He's already scrambling out of bed, grabbing my shirt from the floor—my shirt, and something possessive curls in my chest at seeing him in it—and yanking on his jeans.
I sit up, scrubbing a hand over my face. "Your friend slapped me once. I think my pack can handle him."
"That's what I'm worried about."
He's out the door before I can argue. I grab my jeans and follow, not bothering with a shirt.
By the time I get downstairs, Toby's already at the bar, facing Robin. My pack is scattered around—Jason behind the counter, Ezra in a booth, the others pretending not to watch while absolutely watching.
Robin spots me and his smirk sharpens. He's got a duffel bag in his hands, and he's looking at Toby like he's cataloging every detail. Making sure he's okay.
I can respect that. Even if I don't like him.
"Hi honey," Robin says to Toby, sweet as poison. "Have a good night?"
Toby's face goes red. "Shut up."
"That good, huh? You've got bedhead. And is that his shirt? It's enormous on you."
"Robin."
"I'm just saying. It's a look."
I lean against the stair railing, watching. Toby's embarrassed but he's smiling, and Robin's teasing but his eyes are soft. They've known each other a long time. This is how they work.
"I brought you some clothes," Robin announces, loud enough for the whole bar to hear. "So that you never have to use that drawer again."
Ezra snorts. I deserve that.
Toby takes the bag, unzips it. His expression shifts as he looks through it—clothes, toiletries, everything he needs. Robin packed this hoping we'd make up. Believing in Toby even when Toby wasn't sure.
I can respect that too.
Toby drops the bag and pulls Robin into a hug. "You're the best."
"I know."
They hold on for a moment, and Robin murmurs something I can't hear. Then, very deliberately, he turns his head and presses a kiss to Toby's temple.
My lion surges forward.
A growl rumbles out of my chest before I can stop it. My hands clench at my sides. Mine. That's mine. Don't touch—
Robin's eyes flick to me over Toby's shoulder. His smirk turns razor-sharp, and he holds the kiss for another pointed second.
The little shit is doing this on purpose.
He finally lets Toby go, and Toby turns to look at me. I know what he sees—me at the bottom of the stairs, shirtless, arms crossed, eyes probably flickering gold. Looking like a possessive asshole.
I breathe.
Robin is testing me. Seeing if I'll snap, if I'll try to keep Toby away from the people he loves. Seeing if I'm going to be a problem.
I won't be. Toby chose me, but Robin was there first. Robin held him together when I broke him apart. Robin showed up with a duffel bag full of hope.
I meet Robin's eyes. Give him a small nod. Acknowledgment. Respect.
Robin's eyebrows lift, just slightly. Surprised. Then his smirk softens into something closer to approval. Not fully there yet—I haven't earned that—but the beginning of it. A door cracked open.
"Okay," Toby says brightly, grabbing the duffel bag. "I'm gonna go shower and get dressed."
"Yes, good plan." Robin wrinkles his nose. "You smell a little like a giant cat right now."
My irritation shifts into something smugger. Damn right he smells like me.
Toby rolls his eyes at both of us. "You two are going to be a nightmare, aren't you?"
"Absolutely," Robin says cheerfully.
I just smirk.
"I think I'll just hang out here until you're done," Robin announces, moving toward the booths.
"Really? You want to stay?"
Robin pauses, looking between Toby and me. "You two made up, right? For real this time?"
Toby nods.
"Then I guess this is our home away from home." Robin drops onto the bench across from Ezra like he owns the place. "What are we watching?"
Ezra looks at me, helpless. I shrug. You're on your own.
"Sports Center?" Ezra offers.
"Acceptable. But we're switching to cooking shows after this." Robin plucks the remote out of Ezra's hand. "I need to see if they're doing anything interesting with autumn squash."
I watch Robin settle in, already taking over, and something in my chest loosens. He's not just tolerating this. He's making space for himself here. For Toby.
Our worlds are colliding. Somehow, they're fitting together.
My hand finds Toby's back. "Come on. Before he takes over my entire bar."
"Too late," Toby murmurs, but he's smiling.
We climb the stairs together. When I close the apartment door behind us, I crowd him against it, my hands finding his waist.
I don't kiss him right away. Just look at him—sleep-mussed and wearing my shirt and here, still here.
"You're here," I say quietly.
"I'm here."
"When I woke up and you were still there..." I swallow. "I thought I was dreaming. Thought I'd open my eyes and you'd be gone."
"I'm not going anywhere." He turns his head, presses a kiss to my palm. "You're stuck with me now, remember?"
"Good." I lean in, rest my forehead against his. "I love you."
The words feel different in daylight. Last night they were heat and desperation. Now they're quiet. Certain.
"I love you too." He slides his arms around my neck. "Even though you looked all pissy at my best friend."
"He kissed you."
"On the temple. The way he has a thousand times before."
"I'm working on it."
"Work harder." But he's smiling when he kisses me.
It starts soft, then deepens. My fingers slide under the hem of my shirt—his shirt now—finding bare skin.
"I really should shower," he manages between kisses.
"Or." I nip at his jaw. "You could stay in bed for a little while longer."
"Robin's downstairs."
"Robin's annoying Ezra. He'll be entertained for hours."
He laughs, pushing at my chest. "Counter offer. What if we get ready in the shower... together?"
My grin spreads slow. "Yeah. I like that plan."
I take his hand and lead him toward the bathroom.
At the doorway, he pauses, looking back at the apartment. At the morning light spilling through the windows. At this space that's starting to feel like ours.
"Knox?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you. For not giving up on me."
I squeeze his hand. "Never."
The water's already running when I kick the door shut behind us. I pull him close, my hands sliding under his shirt, and let myself have this.
My mate. My home. My future.
Everything I almost lost. Everything I'm never letting go.
The End
Book 2 coming soon! This is a 5 book series and I can't wait for you to meet all the guys.