Page 128 of Knot Her Beta

I stare at the page, reach out, and draw it closer. I trace the raised county seal with my thumb.

Finally, I’m free.

My head lifts. “Can you register me with the Wright Pack now?”

I waited two weeks. I don’t want to wait a second more than I have to.

“Of course.” He turns to Dominic. “Do you have the paperwork?”

Dominic pulls it out of his portfolio and passes it over.

Fifteen minutes later, we leave the conference room together. Leif’s shoulder brushes mine, and Jared weaves our fingers together. Grady’s cane taps across the linoleum behind us, while Dominic and Reese walk ahead, already discussing next steps.

I don’t look back at the conference room door. Everything that happened can stay behind us, and whatever comes next walks with me through the lobby, out into the April morning, toward the dock where the water taxi waits.

Beyond it is the island, filled with a pack full of people who measure what they can give instead of what they’re owed.

Jared’s hand squeezes mine, and I hold on tight.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Grady

When we arrive at the docks, the Misty Pines water taxi is there waiting for us.

Kyle stands at the helm, one hand on the wheel, the other lifted in a casual wave. The boat bobs against the dock, cushioned by rubber bumpers.

Kyle’s voice carries over the water. “Everything settled, then?”

Emily pulls the registration paper from her jacket pocket and holds it up with a grin.

Kyle whistles low. “About damn time.”

“Now you’re the odd man out.” Jared vaults over the side of the boat. “Better hurry up and join to reap all these benefits.”

Kyle punches him in the shoulder hard enough to rock Jared back a step, his grin widening.

“Get behind the wheel,” Kyle orders. “You’re steering this trip.”

He gasps and clutches his chest. “On my wedding day?”

“Unless you made a stop at the county judge, too, it ain’t no one’s wedding day.” Kyle whips off his scally hat and swats his cousin. “And you better not get hitched without inviting me!”

Jared salutes him and slides into the pilot’s seat, hands already moving over the controls with the easy confidence of someone who has been doing so since he was tall enough to reach the throttle.

Leif steps aboard after him, settling into the second-row undercover seating with his satchel between his feet. Emily follows, then turns back to hold her hands out to me.

I pass her my cane, then grip her shoulders and let her lift me on board. A few months ago, I would have insisted on doing it myself, but not anymore, not when it comes with a nuzzle and purr from my Alpha.

I find the spot beside Leif, propping my bad leg straight, and the cane goes between my knees.

“We’re waiting on two more.” Kyle peers down the dock, scanning the parking lot behind us. “Should be here any minute.”

Dominic pauses mid-step. “Two more who?”

“Didn’t say.” Kyle checks his watch. “Just that they had a three o’clock arrival and needed transport to the island.”

“Resort guests?” Leif frowns.