Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Luna
“Ihave the court papers from your sister’s case, but it’s going to take time to get a transcript from the trial,” I tell Knight.
“We already knew the outcome of the case, but I’ll still look over the judgement to make sure it’s all in order.
I have to file a Notice of Appearance to have myself listed as your sister’s attorney, then from there I’ll contact the county court to find out if there was a court reporter present.
If there was, then I’ll need to request the transcript from them.
If it was digitally recorded, I’ll be able to get that directly from the court. ”
“Why do you even need that?” he asks.
“It’ll tell me what evidence was submitted in order for the judge to declare her unfit.
I need to know what we’re fighting against.” I sigh, leaning back in my chair.
“The legal system doesn’t move quickly, so you need to be prepared for what might be a long, drawn-out court battle.
I don’t know how hard Fabian will fight us on this.
Honestly? I’m surprised he went to any effort to keep her.
Unless something has drastically changed since I left home, he hates omegas. ”
Knight nods, “I understand. I know Dad will continue to try to figure out how to take care of it on his end, but I just don’t know what else to try.”
His dad isn’t going to be able to find a way to infiltrate the Vallejo compound. I don’t even think I can provide anything helpful as Fabian has probably already made changes.
Plus, I’m not sure how I’d feel about providing that type of information. I could give two fucks about Fabian, and what they’ll do to him. But my younger brothers are likely still living there. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt that they’ve not become horrible men like our half-brother.
“There isn’t much else you can do. At this point, you’re going to have to let me and Prescott do what we do best.”
He makes a face. “I don’t like feeling useless.”
“You’re not useless.” Prescott’s smile is soft. “The information you’ve provided about Stacia is going to help us—especially since we’re coming into this after the fact.”
He nods. “Yeah. Okay. I guess that makes me feel a little better.”
Good. Maybe that means we can send him on his way and get him out of our hair.
I swear, he’s spent most of his time in the office today flirting with both Prescott and me.
“Now that we’re done with that, can we finally talk about how we’re scent matches.”
I should’ve known he wouldn’t let it go that easily.
“Do we have to?” I ask with a groan, pulling a laugh from the other omega.
“I feel like it’s kind of important.”
I make a face, and Prescott jumps to his feet. “Do you need another latte?”
I shake my head, waving for him to sit back down. “No. I think I’ve hit my caffeine limit for the day.”
“If you’re not ready to talk about it, then maybe Prescott is.” Knight turns his gaze on the beta, who freezes in his seat before his eyes seek out mine.
“You’re really not going to let this go, are you?”
He snorts. “Absolutely not. Why would I let it go? Why would you want me to?”
“Because some of us don’t want scent matches, Knight.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Until Prescott—which, by the way, only happened last night—I haven’t dated since I was a teenager. I haven’t wanted to.”
He nods slowly. “Will you tell me why?”
I like that he makes it a question. I’m not sure I have a choice but to share it with him—especially since there’s a chance his alphas are also my scent matches.
“I will, but first I need to ask you a question.” He gestures for me to ask, and I take a deep breath. “Are Ven and Mack your scent matches?”
He nods. “They are.”
“Then the chances of them not being mine and Prescott’s are low, but if they are, I don’t want to know.
” I hold up my hand when he opens his mouth to speak.
“Let me get through this story before you say anything. This isn’t going to be easy for me—especially since I just went through it with Pres last night. ”
I suck in a deep breath before telling him the story of my childhood, my first love, losing my parents, then Christian. I tell him about Gideon and how Widows Peak came to be.
I tell him everything.
I swipe at my cheeks to clear away the remaining tears as I finally meet his gaze.
“Dating or mating with anyone feels like a betrayal to the alpha I chose for myself. We weren’t scent matches, but I loved him with all my heart.
Accepting the idea of being with Prescott is easier because he’s a beta.
He can’t take Christian’s place—not that he would want to.
Even with you, it’s easier because you’re an omega.
“Once again, you can’t take his place, but your alphas?
They might not want to take his place, but it would feel as if they were.
I can’t do that. I can’t replace him. I don’t want to forget him or what he meant to me.
What he still means to me. I’ve never dealt with his murder and just how much it fucked me up.
I just…I can’t. Not now, and maybe not ever. ”
“I’m sorry, Luna.” Knight leans forward to take my hand, pausing before touching me and looking to me for permission.
As soon as I nod, he takes my hand in his and squeezes it.
“If you’d told us this was why you didn’t want to take the case, we would’ve left town immediately.
Knowing we’re scent matches makes that a little harder now, but I’d understand if you don’t want to take the case. ”
I laugh, but there’s no humor in the sound.
“It’s too late now, Knight, but I appreciate it.
I might not want a scent match, but I have one, and there’s no way I’m going to leave your sister in his control any longer than I have to.
I was already pretty sure I was going to take the case, because the idea of him having an omega in his clutches?
I don’t like it. Not at all. Now, I definitely can’t. ”
“I’d like to get to know you and Prescott—both together and separately.
My alphas will be around—they won’t leave me, and I don’t want them to.
I’m hoping, at the very least, you’ll give me a chance.
If they’re your scent matches—and we’ll continue on the assumption that they aren’t—then they’ll be there when or if you’re ever ready.
Or if they’re not your matches, then maybe you’ll get to know them and find you like them.
Either way, none of us will pressure you into anything. I promise you that.”
I nod, my eyes finding Prescott. He’s watching Knight with interest, and I know my beta wants to get to know his scent match.
Should I feel threatened by this? Because I don’t.
I know the heart can love more than one person.
Plus, having scented Knight, not only do I want to get to know him, but I want to drag the two of them into my bed together.
That’ll have to wait, though, because while my body is definitely on board with that idea, my head isn’t.
“I can’t speak for Prescott, as he’s his own person, but I’m willing to take this slowly.” I bite my lip as a smile lights up Knight’s face. “But your alphas have to remain on blockers indefinitely.”
“That’s not a problem. Sure, it’ll suck to not be able to smell them all the time, but my heat isn’t for a while. That’s the only time it’ll become a problem.”
“Hopefully by then, we’ll have worked something out.”
Knight’s still grinning as he turns to Prescott. “And you?”
“Oh, we’re definitely going to spend some time getting to know one another. But I need to be clear about something. Luna may not be my scent match, but I love her. If you ever ask me to choose, I won’t leave her.”
“I would never ask that of you. Hell, I don’t want to leave her. Believe it or not, I’m very good at sharing—just ask my alphas.”
Heat courses through me as images of Knight pinned between Mack and Ven flash in my mind.
Damn. Is it hot in here?
I fidget in my seat, clearing my throat.
“There are some other conditions to whatever this is between us,” I continue. “Neither of us can ever pressure Prescott in a way that makes him feel like he has to choose. I can’t lose him, Knight. I can’t lose anyone else I care for. I’ve been through it too many times already.”
He nods. “Of course. Prescott, if I ever make you feel like that, please tell me. Any relationship requires good communication between partners, but when there are more than two in the relationship? Communication becomes ten times more important.”
Prescott’s smile is shy—something I’m not used to seeing from him, but I can admit it’s adorable.
Who am I kidding?
I’m realizing I think everything about Prescott is adorable—and sexy.
“When we’re meeting about the case, we’ll only do that here, and we’ll all use descenters.
It allows us to keep business and personal life separate.
” I glance at Prescott. “Actually, I think I’m going to institute a new rule for the office—we use descenter when we’re working.
I think it’ll be easier to keep things from becoming muddled. ”
Prescott makes a face but nods. “Yeah, that makes sense.”
“Knight, there will be times I’ll be willing to let Ven and Mack do things with us.
It’s not fair to them if you’re off gallivanting with Prescott and me, and they’re stuck on their own.
They’re your alphas, and we need to get used to them being around.
But I never want you to assume they’re welcome—I’d appreciate it if you always asked. ”
“I can agree to all of that. Is there anything else?” He glances between me and Prescott.
I shake my head. “Nothing I can think of. Is there anything you want to add?”
“Not right now, but if something comes up, I’d like it if we could talk about it as soon as possible afterward. I don’t like to let anger or hurt stew. I know it’s not always possible to discuss something immediately, but if we can make it a point to get to it when we can, I’d appreciate it.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
Prescott snorts. “I feel like we’re having a business discussion instead of talking about the fact that we’re scent matches.”
I flip him off. “You’re welcome to talk however you’re comfortable, Pres, but this is all new to me. I just want to make sure everyone is clear on expectations.”
His face immediately softens. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, I thought of something.” Knight’s grin turns wicked. “How soon can I look forward to a heat with you?”
My face flames at the hungry look in his eyes, and I bite my lip.
“Not for another month or two.” Prescott’s the one who answers. “I’d have to look at the calendar, but we have time.”
“Darn.” Knight winks. “Is it too soon to talk about mate marks?”
My eyes widen as I stare at him, trying to figure out if he’s serious or not.
“Sorry, I’m just fucking with you, Luna.” He squeezes my hand again, surprising me.
I hadn’t realized he was still holding it.
“You know what I need?” I ask, freeing my hand so I can reach for my phone.
“A good dicking?”
An exasperated sigh leaves my lips as I shake my head at Knight. “No. I need a damn girls’ night. Get out of my office—both of you. Pres, we’re done for the day, so feel free to head out. I’m just going to get with the girls to see if they’re free.”
“Are you sure? I can hang out if you need me to.”
“I’m sure. Why don’t you walk Knight back to the B&B?” I wrinkle my nose. “Unless your alphas are still waiting outside.”
“Fuck, I hope not. They were supposed to go back to the room, but with them, who knows.” Knight chuckles as he stands. “But even if they’re still here, I’d be happy for an escort, Prescott. When can I see you again, Luna?”
Shit.
How did I go from not having a life to having to schedule time to see men?
“Why don’t the three of us have dinner tomorrow night?” Prescott suggests. “I’ll pick up something and we can eat at my place. Or yours, if you’d rather, Luna?”
I consider that for a moment. “Since I’ve never been to your place, let’s eat there.”
“Perfect.” Prescott moves around the desk and turns my chair. He leans down to kiss me, barely a brush of his lips against mine, and I can’t help chasing his lips. He chuckles as he straightens us. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Right. In the morning.”
Knight smirks, reaching down to adjust his cock, and I roll my eyes.
Not two of them.
What have I gotten myself into?
“Bye, Luna.” Knight blows me a kiss, slipping his arm through Prescott’s when he joins him and leading him out of the office.
“Bye,” I murmur, shaking my head as I turn my attention back to my phone.
LUNA
911 girls!
I need a girls’ night.
Not only do I have shit to tell you but I need a damn drink.
SILVA
I guess we’re closing the club for the night.
It’s going to take me a bit to get shit moved around.
Give me an hour?
LUNA
Sold.
LEXI
I can’t partake in the drinking, but I’ll bring snacks.
LARK
We were delayed, so I’m still in town.
ARIES
Are we meeting at your place Luna?
LUNA
Sounds good to me.
I’m still at the office, but I’ll head home in about fifteen minutes.
I should have some snacks and booze.
brIAR
Excited to see you all!
I’m both excited about getting together with the girls and dreading it because I need to tell them what the hell’s going on. I’m sure they all have their suspicions about my life from before, but this is different. Now they’ll know.