Page 67 of Knot Only For One Night

“Do we get a turn, Dollface?”

My smile instantly drops, but Neven is quick to instruct us, “Ignore.”

“Give me a bite,” I murmur to Soren, who glares at his food. His eyes raise to meet mine. His glare softening to a look of confusion. I glance down at his plate and his eyes follow mine.

“Do you like chicken?” he asks and I nod. He cuts a piece of his chicken tender and brings it up to my lips with his fork. I take it, sliding my lips over the fork as I do.

“Thank you, Accomplice,” I say. Soren finally smiles. Cutting another piece and holding it up for me. I let him feed me, even though I like burgers more and I’m getting full. But his face and his scent lightens with each bite, and for that, it’s worth the stomachache I may have later.

Lunch goes on until all of our plates are cleared. We’re mostly back to how we were, but with dumb and dumber behind us, we’re all slightly tense.

“Ice cream?” I say, though I really don’t need it.

Asher starts to stand. “Let’s⁠—”

“Not yet,” Reed mutters. “We don’t leave our territory because they are making us uncomfortable.”

“Yes, Prez,” Neven agrees and I nod my head. As much as I want to skedaddle out of here, Reed is right. I shouldn’t let anyone scare me off.

Plus none of us is alone. We have each other. A Pack. I snake my hand over to Soren, who is still a bit lost to us.

“I really don’t feel like studying anymore,” I say, groaning as I lean my head on Reed’s shoulder.

“When’s your test?” Neven asks.

“Tomorrow,” I sigh and Neven chuckles.

“What time?”

“Color theory is… in the morning,” I sigh, realizing this will be my last chance to study. “May I can wing it⁠—”

“I’ll help you,” Asher says, whipping out my textbook.

“We can help you study something else,” one of Soren brothers hollers from their booth. I roll my eyes.

“Alright. I’ve had enough.” Reed guides me out of the booth.

“It’s okay. Ignore⁠—”

“No, Princess. Absolutely not. Not when it comes to disrespecting you.”

“Neven—” I try, but Neven is getting up too and I’m looking at each of my mates’ faces, shocked.

What happened to playing it cool literally two minutes ago?

Reed and Soren step around me, and I sit back down in Soren’s chair as they storm over to the cackling hyenas. Neven stays with me. Grabbing my hand and placing it on top of the table.

"Aren’t you supposed to stop them?”

“I don’t want to.”

“Aren’t you lead?”

“Lead, not boss.”

“They don’t have to fight.”

Not for me. They don’t have to fight for me. I’d… I⁠—