Knot A Trace: Part One, page 17
“Realistically, I need you to get out of my house,” I snarl. “And if you really think she’s dead, leave me alone.”
Landon flinches. “Sweetheart, you need to listen—”
“I don’t have to do anything!” I yell. “You are not my Alphas!”
I’m dangerously close to breaking down and having a repeat of Valentine’s Day last year.
And I will not do it in front of them, the two allies I thought I had.
They think April’s dead. I can’t be around them anymore.
Part of me knows I’m not thinking straight. My inner Omega is heartbroken, betrayed by the two Alphas who gave me hope.
But all they did was help me through my Heat.
We’re not mated, and we’re certainly not even a partial pack.
I was messy, stupid, and emotional.
And it’s ending now.
“Like hell you’re not,” River snarls, and he hurries toward me. But I hold my hand out to stop him.
“If you respect me at all,” I say. “If you care about me, you will get out. Now.”
Their scents are thick and smokey, as if they’re going up in flames.
Landon is solemn while River is agitated.
I can’t be near them anymore.
“Out,” I say again. “Get out and leave me alone.”
I head to my bedroom, slam and lock the door behind me, and bury my face in a pillow.
Then I let out a muffled scream, letting tears wash over me again.
They think she’s dead.
When I finally hear the front door shut and the sound of cars driving away, I allow myself to stop being silent.
I let despair take over me, my body wracked with sobs until my throat hurts.
Time passes. It could be a few minutes or a few hours, but finally, I stop crying. My body is exhausted, and I curl up in a ball and sniffle.
I meant what I said. If Landon and River truly believe she’s…gone…there’s no point in them hanging around.
No matter if my heart thinks otherwise.
It wouldn’t have worked with them, anyway. They’re too busy. Their work is their life, and they made it very clear that they’re making an exception for me.
They would grow bored. Or I would want too much, just like last time.
I grab my phone and see unread text messages from both of them. I ignore them, unwilling to read whatever they sent.
But when I hear my front door open, I can’t help but feel a tiny bit hopeful.
I didn’t lock it after they left, so maybe they’re coming back to talk.
Talk about what, though?
They still don’t think April is coming back.
Still, I sit up and make my way to the bedroom door, unlocking it.
I make my way to the front room, but they’re not there.
My door is left wide open, the chilly night air blowing in from outside.
What the hell?
“River?” I call out hesitantly. “Landon?”
No response.
A chill runs down my spine.
Their scents are muted, and slowly fading from the wind.
They’re not here.
That’s fine. The door is only a few steps away.
I’m probably overreacting. I’m sure the wind blew it open.
But as I hurry to the front door to shut it, something covers my mouth, while an arm wraps around me and shoves me backwards.
I stumble into a broad chest and gasp in surprise as a chemical smell fills my nose.
I don’t have time to struggle. I can barely form a coherent thought as I slip out of consciousness, darkness invading my senses.
I start to fall, but I don’t register hitting the ground.
They were right, I think.
I surrender to the void.
END OF PART 1
TO BE CONTINUED…
Skylar’s story concludes in Knot A Trace: Part 2.
Coming in 2024!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Liliana Carlisle is a romance author that loves angst, drama, and passion. Her characters are always flawed, but almost always redeemable.
She resides in Northern California with her husband, stepchildren, and two emotional cats. She started her writing “career” in seventh grade writing Backstreet Boys fan fiction in her notebooks. When she’s not writing she can be found studying classical voice, playing video games, or gulping cold brew coffee.
ALSO BY LILIANA CARLISLE
The Collectors Series
Hunted: The Alpha Collectors Book 1
Forbidden: The Alpha Collectors Book 2
Owned: The Alpha Collectors Book 3
Forbidden Alphas Series
Possession
Obsession
M/F Standalone
Alpha Inmate
Alpha Villain
Intrusion
The Dark Alpha Duet
Trapped With The Alpha
Captured By the Alpha
Why Choose
The Bounty
Knot Inn Love
Liliana Carlisle, Knot A Trace: Part One
