Page 106 of Knot a Bad Idea

Alphas!

Eucalyptus, pepper, and the essence of the ocean swirl around me, and I have the frightening urge to cry.

I missed themso much.

But I keep it together and say hello to the guests I recognize from the galas, ignoring the instinct to run around the island just to find the pack.

“April?”

Hunter’s voice, low and smooth, stops me in my tracks.

Our eyes meet, and I forget to breathe.

He’s dressed in light grey pants and a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his inked forearms. His dark hair is styled messily, and his gold eyes shine with vulnerability as he gazes at me, his mouth slightly parted.

Like he can’t believe I’m real.

“Hunter,” I breathe.

He swallows, his throat bobbing. For once, he looks unsure, and there’s no sign of playfulness in his eyes, only caution. “Are we still pretending, baby?” he asks softly.

I know what he’s asking.

Are we still putting on a show for everyone?

I shake my head slowly.

“I don’t want to pretend anymore,” I admit, my voice shaky.

I hate how vulnerable I sound.

We’ve moved away from the guests and end up on a wooden walkway that extends out into the ocean, the waves lapping around us.

“Thank fuck,” he whispers, “because neither do I.”

His scent swirls around me, and I take a step closer to him.

“Hunter—”

“I’m sorry, baby,” he murmurs, cradling my face in his hands. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

“I know,” I whisper.

“No, baby,” his voice is rough. “I’ll never stop being sorry. Ever. It won’t ever be enough. I’m sorry I signed the contract. I’m sorry I didn’t just tell you that you were the right choice for us the moment I met you."

“You couldn’t have known,” I say. “I wasn’t in the right headspace for a relationship. Hunter, I still don’t know if I am. What if this—” I motion to myself with my hands, “—is all I can give you?”

He chuckles and presses his forehead to mine. “Silly girl,” he murmurs. “That’s all I fucking need. That’s allweneed.”

Then he kisses me.

It’s chaste and sweet, just a simple brushing of lips, but my body ignites. I clutch at him desperately, like I haven’t seen him in years.

“I should have told you a long time ago,” he breathes against my lips. “And I’m not waiting to say it anymore.”

My eyes widen.

“I love you, April Waters. I have since the moment you walked into my packhouse.”