Page 69 of Knot To Be
“Pablo left. Did you feel him go?”
“Yes,” he grumbles. “Independence is apparently catching today. I suppose I’ll have to get used to it.”
Hiding a smile, I shrug helplessly. I suppose we all will.
* * *
PABLO
My hands are shaking as I thank the driver and step out of the taxi in front of a large house. My stepbrothers are my safe place, even though Dario and Ciro have always held me at arm’s length. At least, that’s how it’s felt to me until recently.
Now, I’m trying to build some type of bridge between Verona, Rosalia, and I, but first I need to make it to the front door. All I know is that they’re staying at Pack Mayor’s house, and I know the address because it has been discussed in my presence several times.
Unfortunately, the only pack member’s name that I know is Lyle. He’s some sort of lawyer, and apparently he threatened to dissolve Nico’s marriage to Rosalia. I wonder if they know Nico and she haven’t slept together yet. Can’t marriages be undone due to this?
Ah. Yes. The word I’m looking for is annulment. I looked it up on my phone, and I found out it’s difficult to prove, since it’s one person’s word against the other’s. Nico doesn't know the meaning of “playing fair”. I adore him, and always will, but he is the person who would throw sand in someone’s eyes to win a fight.
“Can I help you?”
Mierda.Why am I so fucking awkward? Glancing up at the front door, I find that I must have been standing on the sidewalk for longer than I thought. The taxi is long gone, and there’s nothing else I can do but move forward.
I struggle not to tug on my clothing because while he’s dressed in a casual polo and pants, I threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I really didn’t think this through.
This is a really fucking nice neighborhood, and I look like a damn bum.
“Hopefully,” I say, walking toward the blonde hair that’s going to white. “Are you Lyle?”
“I am not,” he says with a twist of his lips. “Who are you?”
“I’m Pablo Domino. I’d like to speak to Rosalia and my alpha if they’re willing.”
“Do they know you’re here?” he asks, still not identifying himself.
“They do,” I reply, shrugging. “I’m allowed to go where I please. The Dominos don’t keep their omegas captive, no matter the misunderstandings currently happening.”
“Of course not,” he muses. “You must be from Pack Domino to speak like this, but I wasn’t aware any of their family was in town.”
“I’m their stepbrother. I don’t leave the house very often,” I explain.
At the alpha’s slightly widening eyes, I sigh. I’m fucking this up.
“I am not the best with weapons. They want me to stay safe and my relationship with them makes me a mark. I hope I’m not making a mistake by saying this to you.”
“Of course not. I’m Easton. Lyle is currently at the courthouse at trial. Pack Domino doesn’t have the best track record with their omegas, which is why I asked. Unfortunately, Rosalia is feeling a bit under the weather. I don’t think she’s going to be able to see you today. I’m sorry you came out this way. Do you need a ride home?”
“No, thank you,” I murmur, my mind already turning with what that could mean. I’m not an idiot. Nico has been sick allday. “I’ll order a car and wait on the corner. Thank you. I’m sorry I put you out.”
Turning quickly, I hurry to the sidewalk, ignoring him when he calls out my name. He wasn’t rude, but it’s clear I’m not getting inside. I told him I would walk to the corner to wait, but that’s not true. Instead, I walk down the fence, wait until he goes back inside, and then jump it. I walk straight down the little alley while avoiding windows, and then jump that fence into the garden.
I’m breathing a little harder by the time I’m in the back yard, but it’s fine. My heart is pounding from the possibility of getting caught, and I find myself looking around anxiously to be sure no one comes out and sees me.
I need to see Rosalia for myself, because I’m now getting a really bad feeling. Is it possible to get bond sickness without ever scenting your match?
The metaphysical parts of destined pairs are fickle. It can’t be studied the way the biology of it can be.
I use the cover of the bushes and the flowers of the garden to hide behind as I move until I’m standing outside the guest house I heard Ciro talk about while I was falling asleep last night, and raise my hand to knock. I am probably working on borrowed time at this point.
Verona opens the door, appearing stressed, and her eyes widen when she sees me.
