When I woke up and ventured into the kitchen this morning, I was shocked to see a completely different-looking Knox. His hair was no longer a dark shade of brown, but a bright blond like all the other royal arctics. Even his body has changed; he’s more muscular than he was twenty-five years ago.
He doesn’t have to keep who he is hidden anymore. I can’t be angry at him for keeping it from me for the two years we were together. It was my fault for not being smart enough to ask questions; I was naïve, and I paid the price for it. I’m not that same woman anymore. When I think back to how I was, it appalls me. I could’ve spared myself so much pain and heartache if I didn’t trust so easily. Assuming everyone is good was my downfall; I try to see the best in people. For the longest time, I believed no one was born evil, but my perspective changed after I mated Jaret. He was evil incarnate.
My phone beeps again for the hundredth time this morning. Instead of me being the mother hen, Tyla’s taken the job from me. When she found out that Knox Channon was the same Knox from our past, she’s given me her support, but she’s also made it her duty to check on me every hour of every day. I needed someone to be on my side, to believe that Knox could really want a fresh start. However, she disagrees with him staying with me. Hell, I know it’s a recipe for disaster, especially when you have two unmated males who want you.
“Looks like the milk’s going to evaporate away if you keep boiling it,” Knox teases.
Gasping, I didn’t realize he was right beside me. I quickly move the pot of milk to another burner and turn off the gas. “Sorry about that. I got carried away with my thoughts.”
I look out the kitchen window, and the snow starts to come down harder. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Knox stare at me, but I don’t want to look at him. “What were you thinking about?” he asks.
“Just life,” I say, pouring the hot milk into two mugs and adding the chocolate. Once the chocolate has melted in both of our cups, I add whipped cream to the top and carefully pass one over to Knox.
It’s been two days since I saw Zayne last, and I can only imagine how furious he is to see Knox and me together. He’s probably out there in the woods right now, watching us. I’d be angry if he were with another woman. All I hope is that he trusts me.
“Want to go outside and watch it snow?”
I peer up at him, and he smiles. “Sure. Lead the way.”
We walk out onto the porch and sit down on the wooden swing. “When do you have to go back to work?” Knox asks, taking a sip of his hot chocolate.
I blow the steam away from my cup. “Right after New Year’s, but if it keeps snowing like this, I might have more time off.”
His grin widens, and he taps his mug to mine. “Here’s to more snow.”
I shrug. “Honestly, it works either way. Each student was sent home with their own computer right before the break to be prepared if we have to miss school. I can put all of their lessons online. That way, they won’t get behind.”
Knox chuckles. “It’s crazy how much things have changed in the last two hundred years. When I was young, my mother did my schooling and then I went to work. It didn’t matter how old I was or if there was ten feet of snow on the ground. I had responsibilities.”
I laugh. “Kids today will never know what that’s like. Granted, I didn’t have a lot of responsibilities as a child, but I did have to walk to school in bad weather.” We rock a little more, and I clear my throat. “So, have you figured out where you’re going to live?” The question has been on my mind the past two days, but I didn’t want him to think I was pushing him out. Having him under the same roof is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
“Kicking me out already?” he teases.
“No,” I say, hoping he can hear the sincerity in my tone. “I just figured you’d want your own place.”
I meet his gaze, and he smirks. “Don’t worry. I’ll be out of here in six days. The cabin I plan to rent will be available then.”
It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest. “Nice. Where is it?”
He finishes off his hot chocolate. “It’s about fifteen minutes from here. So you can come to visit.”
Instead of replying, I just smile and focus on my drink. “Tell me some things about yourself. What have you been up to the past twenty-five years?” I look over at his muscular arms and chest. “You’ve changed a bit.”
Knox bursts out laughing. “Glad you noticed. Besides helping Kara with Channon Vineyards, I opened up a boxing gym in Virginia and started training fighters.”
Eyes wide, I meet his gaze. “Wow, that’s awesome. How is that going for you?”
His grin widens. “Pretty amazing, actually. Two of my fighters signed with agents and are now fighting professionally.”
“How are you going to stay in Wyoming when you have all of that on the East coast?” I ask, genuinely curious.
He shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “I’ll go back now and again to check up on things, but I hired someone to take over. Kara did the same with the vineyards, but she’ll have to go back more frequently. We spent a lot of time and money on that business.”
“I bet,” I say, knowing what all it takes to have a vineyard. Chase and I talk about it a lot when he comes into town. “I have a friend who has a vineyard in California.”
Knox nods. “You’re talking about Chase Maheegan, right?”
“How did you know?” I ask.
He snorts. “He’s our number one rival. We compete against him every year in wine tastings all across the country.”
I can’t help but smile. “I’m not going to lie; Chase makes the best wine I’ve ever tasted. I honestly don’t think anyone can beat him.”
Knox stares over at me, his gaze narrowed. “You’re not involved with him, are you?”
“No,” I laugh, thinking back to some of the conversations Chase and I have had. He’s flirted with me at times, but it was just for fun. “Chase is just a friend. I’ll be thrilled when he finds his mate.”
“What about you? When do you think you’ll find your true mate?”
My eyes move past him to the forest. I don’t know if Zayne is out there or not. Several of the wolves in my pack have been taking turns keeping an eye on us. I’m sure Knox knows he’s being watched, but he hasn’t said anything about it.
“I’m not sure,” I lie. “More wolves are finding their true mates every day.”
Knox sets his cup down on the porch and takes my hand. “When I left you to find my sister, I planned to come right back to you. I wish you knew how much I regret leaving. I’ll never forget going back to your house and seeing it abandoned. You left without a trace.”
I scoff. “Not exactly. The Sierras found us.” However, that was with the help of Laila and her magic, but I can’t tell him that. Laila is Zayne’s daughter, and I don’t plan on getting her involved in their rivalry. With a heavy sigh, I look out toward the forest. “It all worked out in the end. I’m safe.”
The energy of a royal wolf draws close, and I stiffen. It’s not Zayne, nor is it any of the others in my pack. This is all female, and she’s pissed. Knox lets my hand go and walks over to the porch stairs with his eyes fixed on the trees. A smile spreads across his face, and he laughs. “My sister’s here. You finally get to meet her.”
A few seconds later, she appears with a scowl on her face, storming toward the cabin, wearing a sexy red dress and carrying a pair of red high heels. For the most part, I like everyone I meet, but I have a feeling she’s not going to be one of them. She’s beautiful like all the other royal arctic females I know with their bright blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Knox watches her and does his best to hold in his laughter.
“I take it things didn’t go as planned?” he calls out.
Kara scoffs and glares at him. Her feet are dirty from trekking through the snow and mud. “Not exactly.”
Knox nods toward me. “Before you tell us all about it, I want you to meet Amelie Graye.”
Kara turns my way, and her scowl turns into a smile. She tosses her heels onto the porch and holds out her arms as she approaches me. “I’ve heard so much about you.” She hugs me hard and steps back, her piercing gaze studying me curiously. “I didn’t realize you were going to be so beautiful.”
Why? Because I’m not a royal? The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I keep them to myself. “Thanks,” I say instead.
She glances down at her feet. “I’m sorry to show up like this. My car is at a bed and breakfast in town. I was pissed when I left Zayne’s, so I took off through the woods.” Her eyes meet mine, and it takes all the strength I have not to let my anger show. What the hell was she doing at Zayne’s?
“I’ll take you to get your car,” Knox offers.
Kara sighs and turns to him. “Thanks. I needed to run off some steam. But, unfortunately, it didn’t help.”
Knox comes back over to stand next to me. “What happened?” he asks her.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she looks at us both and scowls again. “I think Zayne has a mate.”
My body tenses, but I take in a calming breath. Knox glances down at me with furrowed brows. “Does he?”
I shrug. “Not that I’m aware of. I would’ve heard if he did.” Then I focus on Kara. “What makes you think he does?”
Her eyes blaze. “There’s no way in hell he’d be able to turn me down the way he did if he didn’t. He’s never said no to me before.” She blows out a slow breath. “No worries though. I’m going to keep on trying. I think staying in Wyoming is the perfect thing for me right now.”
All I can do is smile, but I want to tell her to stay away from him. I don’t know what game she’s playing, but it’s not going to work.
“If he does have a mate,” I say, staring right at her, “what exactly are you going to do?”
With a mischievous grin, she shifts her gaze over to Knox, and they exchange a look; I don’t like it. When she turns that smirk to me, I can see the devilish gleam in her eyes. “I’ll buy her a fruit basket.”
Knox doesn’t comment, which makes me question his motives as well. Kara huffs and focuses on her mud-covered feet. “Amelie, do you mind if I take a shower and borrow a change of clothes until I get mine from the B&B? I’m filthy.”
“Sure,” I say, ready for her to get away from me. I’d like to take back my agreement on her staying at my house, but it’s too late. Then again, with her under the same roof, I can hopefully listen to what her plans are with Zayne.
Kara disappears inside, and Knox comes around to stand in front of me. “Do you want to go for a run? It might be the only quiet time we get with Kara around.”
Forcing a smile, I shake my head. “You go ahead. I might go for a run later. I’ll be here when you get back.”
His gaze lands on my lips, and then he meets my eyes. “Okay. I’ll be back soon.”