4

KNIGHT

Kailin’s voice came through the link. I shut her off, but I knew her. She was stubborn and persistent.

A moment later, a loud bang knocked on my door. She had a key to my house, and so did her twin.

“Knight, I know you’re in there. Get the hell out. I need to talk to you.”

I shook my head and wrapped the towel around my waist. I put boxers on before I went to the door.

“What the hell, Knight?” Her face flushed with anger, eyes narrowing at me.

“Be careful, Kailin.” It was a simple warning, but she received the message instantly.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at me. “Of course. You’re using the alpha tone on me.”

“Why are you here? I’ve wasted enough time today.” I went to my walk-in closet and picked up a new shirt and a pair of jeans.

“Why did you suddenly leave? I wanted to introduce you to my best friend?”

“It can wait. I have important matters at hand.”

“Of course. You don’t have time for me but for your business and whores.”

Growling, I went to her. “Watch your tone, Kailin.”

“I know everyone is depending on you. You’re a good alpha, but you need to slow down. Running a business and a pack is not a sprint. You need to pace yourself. Why are you so grumpy anyway?” She followed me out of my room towards my kitchen. “What’s going on?”

“The twins.”

“It’s not new. What did they do this time?”

“Travis and the bikers beat them. Tell Mac to send some wine to Cadogan. I don’t want troubles with them.” I grabbed a bottle of water.

“Noted.” Kailin took some loaves of bread and cold cuts to make me a sandwich. “Make sure to be at the pack house at dinner?”

“I’ll try.” My answer got a glare from her.

“What’s wrong with you? It’s a common courtesy to show up and welcome a guest, Knight, as an alpha, the boss, and the owner of these vineyards. Of all people, you know that. I want you to meet Nirvana.”

“Nirvana.” Her name rolled on my tongue.

“Yeah. My classmate. I shared an apartment with her, remember?”

I shook my head. I didn’t pay much attention to the people around her because I knew McKaye kept an eye on his sister.

“You’re such a jerk. She lives in New York. Her grandpa owns a restaurant, and she plans on helping him once she gets back, so I only have a week with her. And before you ask, she just broke up with her boyfriend.”

A boyfriend. My wolf, being an ass he was, he growled.

“Why does it matter?”

“She just called you a hot biker dude.” She smiled before placing a sandwich on the plate and gave it to me. She made one for herself, too.

My heartbeat spiked— a sign that I should stay away from her as far as possible.

“I don’t give a shit. I will be there and say hi because I’m doing it for you.” I took a bite of the sandwich. Her gaze was still burning into me.

“Well, I do. I want you to be nice. She’s human, so don’t show up grumpy.”

“I know the drill. You don’t have to remind me.”

“Oh, I have to. Because sometimes, you forget you’re human, too, and know decorum. Sometimes you act like an alien, Knight Orion.”

“Just eat and leave. I have work to do.”

“Jeez. Just work, work, work.” She began eating her sandwich. “I’m sure Mac has already informed everyone that we have a human guest. They can’t just shift around and walk naked.”

“Yeah. I don’t wanna repeat what happened to Carter.” Carter Wade was the deputy sheriff in town who witnessed one of my pack members shift. It was difficult for him, but he kept our secrets secret, and I was grateful.

“Anyway, I informed Vana beforehand that you don’t do relationships.”

I met her in the eye and glared. “What do you hope to achieve, Kailin?”

“She may have a crush on you, but she’s off limits. You can’t swing your dick on my best friend. Do you understand me?” She poked her finger at my chest.

“I don’t like your friend. She’s not my type. And you don’t have to tell me. I won’t sleep with my sister’s best friend.” Lie and lie and more lies.

“Good.” She grinned and wrapped her arms around me. “That’s why you’re my favorite cousin.”

“Lucky me.” I scoffed. “You only have one cousin, brat.”

“See you then.” She looked at my face as if inspecting me. “Maybe you should shave or trim.”

“No.”

“Up to you, biker boy.”

“Get out of my house and stroll around with your pretty little human best friend. You have the entire vineyards at your disposal.”

“I got to go and see my beautiful best friend.” She finally walked away, swaying to piss me off. “I think I should set her up with Kaleb.”

Fuck.