Page 64 of Knot Without My Permission
“You deserved it,” I say simply.
“I’m going to be working on your nest while you’re gone,” Wilder says, changing the subject. Ransom rolls his eyes while Wilder simply shrugs unapologetically. “Everything will be arriving soon. I called the plumber to come over today to get an estimate on the bathroom, and I have all of your inspiration photos that you gave me last night to work from. It’ll take a few weeks to do, so Ransom and I are going to plan out another project.”
“And what is that?” I ask, finishing my smoothie. I need to pee and finish getting ready to leave, but I hope they tell me something.
“A back porch that’s expanded,” Ransom grunts. “Right now, the back steps are kind of ugly. We want to tear those out, create a balcony for the second story, so that we’ll have a porch there. Then, on the first level, we can create a cozy area that we can heat and hang out in. I’m thinking a hot tub might be nice so that we can enjoy the snowy nights. I’m the muscle on this, Wilder drew it all out.”
“No wonder you didn’t want to tell me,” I breathe. “That sounds incredible.”
“Don’t even think about the money it’ll take for this,” Storm warns. “If we couldn’t afford it, we wouldn’t do it. However, weknew when we bought this place that we’d want to renovate it so it’ll perfectly suit our needs. Next spring, we’ll plant a garden to create some privacy and keep the area cool in the warmer months. Every inch of this home should be usable.”
“Are you sure you’ve never been a homeowner before?” I ask in awe. “I think this is amazing. I also was not going to ask about the money. I know you have that part on lock down.”
“I’m aware of how much the remodeling will cost, which is why I’m going to make a little more with some day trading,” Storm says. “I’ve got this covered, Marie. Enjoy your ride and date with Lore.”
“Is this a date?” I ask, eyes widening.
“Since none of us date, we’re taking it one step at a time,” he says.
“You’re all impossible,” Ransom mutters. “How did I end up in a pack that’s so clueless while pulling off these huge romantic gestures.”
“Renovations are romantic?” Wilder asks, pretending to be dense. His gray eyes are wide as he bats his eyelashes, his smile one that I’ve very sorely missed.
His humor and sparkle are coming back the longer Lore is around. If anyone is the backbone and heart of this pack, it’s Lore.
“Ugh, you’re impossible,” Ransom says, taking my glass to wash it.
“Well, I’m glad you’re staying busy. Please fuck it out instead of killing each other,” I say innocently, sliding out of my chair.
The glass slips from Ransom’s hand and breaks in the sink, while Storm snickers.
“You’re trouble, Marie,” he says.
Grinning, I head back upstairs and tie my hair up in a low bun so the wind won’t wreck it. By the time I come backdownstairs, Lore has a bag slung over his shoulder and he’s waiting for me.
“Are we staying overnight?” I ask, seeing my new boots by the door. They’re simple, black boots that don’t have any bulky leather. I like that they’re non-slip, and will still protect my feet.
Finding socks next to the shoes, I pull them on while Lore explains that we’ll be staying a couple of nights at least to ensure I have a good handle on riding. Then, we’ll head back to Minneapolis.
Nodding along, I wiggle my toes in my boots, noting that they’ll need to be broken in. I’m not planning on walking much, so I hope it won’t be an issue.
“Your bun makes me want to take it out so I can feel how soft your hair is before I fist it,” Lore murmurs, his lips curling up as he pushes my chin up to gaze at him.
God, this man is sexy. They all are, but it’s easier to pretend they’re normal alphas when I’m talking to them about home renovations and the plans we’re making. But when I’m staring into Lore’s blue eyes with his neck gaiter pulled up over his mouth. Fuck me, it’s like a masked man is touching me, one my body knows well and isn’t at all scared of.
“You make me want to chase you, Princess,” he growls. “One day, I will. Let’s get on the road before I decide to never leave. Guys! Come say goodbye if you need to. I’m kidnapping her.”
“There was a time when I’d be concerned you really would,” I say under my breath as my alphas come out to say goodbye.
“I’ll throw you over my shoulder if you’re a really good girl,” Lore suggests, his eyes darkening at the thought.
“Down boy,” I mutter, walking into Ransom’s arms for a hug. He was the first one out here, despite the broken glass.
“They fuck around too much,” he says, burying his face in my neck.
“It’s the bubble butt,” Wilder says. “It’s really hard not to stare at it. Did you squat to get it to look like that?”
“Marie. Please don’t leave me with them.”
