Page 40 of Knot a Bad Idea

I shake my head, unable to understand Donovan’s contradictions.

But I realize as my driver pulls up that it doesn’t matter anymore.

I’m not good for the pack.

I packmy things as quickly as I can and ignore the texts from Liam and Hunter asking where I am.

I want to get out of here without seeing them because I know the moment I witness the hurt on Liam’s face, I’ll break down.

He and Hunter would fight for me, and it would make things worse in the end.

I peel off my dress and kick off my shoes in my bedroom—but it’s not really my bedroom, is it?

I can’t believe how stupid I was. I knew going in that this would be messy, but I still did it.

I still allowed myself to be happy and to enjoy board games, painting in their studio, and baking cookies with them.

I ignore Skylar’s calls. I can’t handle talking to her right now.

I need the quiet of a ridiculously long car ride to prepare for her, Devyn, and my mother.

Taking one last look around the bedroom, suitcase in hand, I pause at what lies on my—the—vanity.

It’s the glass rose that Liam gave me when we met. The gesture that meant so much, because actual flowers die, but his gift was permanent.

I stare at it; my fingers itching to grab it and take it with me.

But my phone dings, announcing my ride is here.

I turn and leave the gift on the vanity.

8

LIAM

Something is wrong.

Something is very, very wrong, because April doesn’t answer our texts.

“Where the fuck is she?” Hunter mutters, pacing around the hotel lobby. “I’m going to lose my shit.”

It’s been two hours since we last saw her. Two hours since she smiled, carefree for once, and danced with Hunter and me.

Two hours since I seriously considered pulling her into a banquet room and feasting on her on one of the tables.

Maybe Hunter is a bad influence on me.

It’s not a big deal that she’s not answering texts—it’s that Donovan is missing, too. If their relationship wasn’t…complicated, I would assume he’s somewhere taking care of her. But I can’t shake the feeling that something bad happened.

I’m pissed at Donovan already, and if he did anything to upset her…

My chest tightens, and I try not to panic.

“We’ll find her,” Hunter says, catching my expression. “She’s around here somewhere.”

But that doesn’t rid my uneasiness.

I’ve been able to scent her all night—delicious vanilla with the slightest hint of cinnamon.